Regular City Council Meeting
November 17, 2008
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, November 17, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
In the absence of Mayor Mary Jane Chesley, City Clerk Jackie Sharp called the Regular Meeting to order and stated that the first order of business was to appoint a Mayor Pro Tem for the meeting. Ms. Sharp stated that the nominations were now open. Motion by Council Member David Wood to nominate Council Member Mike Walker to be Mayor Pro Tem. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Council all voted yea. Absent: Mayor Chesley.
Mayor Pro Tem Mike Walker called the Regular Meeting to order. Don Bigham of Salem South Baptist Association gave the invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Roll call showed present: Council Member Mary Burgan, Council Member Shirilyn Holt, Council Member David Wood and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Walker. Absent: Mayor Mary Jane Chesley.
The journal for the Regular City Council Meeting of November 3, 2008 was presented to Council for any additions, deletions or corrections. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to approve the journal for the November 3, 2008 Regular City Council Meeting as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker and Wood. Absent: Chesley.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for November in the amount of $ 1,786,549.31 were presented for Council’s consideration. Mayor Pro Tem Walker asked if Council had any questions regarding any of the payables. City Manager Ron Neibert spoke regarding the large payment of $771,848.00 for the payment on the de-watering project at the sewer treatment plant. This was a large payment and there will be two small payments left. Motion by Council Member David Wood to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for November 2008 in the amount of $ 1,786,549.31 as presented. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Brugan, Holt, Walker and Wood. Absent: Chesley.
City Manager Ron Neibert stated that bids had been received for Ammunition for the Police Department. Police Chief Chris Mendenall reported on the four bids received. The bids were as follows:
Moore Guns - Mt. Vernon, IL $ 10,956.72
Moore Guns - Mt. Vernon, IL $ 11,616.72
Ray O’Herron - Danville,IL $ bid did not meet specs.
Shore Galleries - Lincolnwood, IL $ 7,444.91
Chief Mendenall stated that his recommendation was to accept the low bid from Shore Galleries in the amount of $7,444.91. Their bid met all of the specs. Council Member David Wood asked if the City had purchased from Shore Galleries before. Chief Mendenall stated that the Department had purchased guns from them, but not ammunition. He stated that if the ammunition does not meet specs after it is received, they would return it. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to approve the purchase of ammunition for the Police Department from the low bidder, Shore Galleries in the amount of $7,444.91. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker and Wood. Absent: Chesley.
City Manager Ron Neibert requested an Executive Session Regarding the Sale of Real Estate be held following the Regular Meeting. He asked also that Mr. Rex Cusumano and Cyndy Mitchell be included in the meeting.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Tax Levy. Mayor Pro Tem Walker stated that this is a First Reading only of this Ordinance and it will be on the Agenda again on December 1, 2008 at the Regular Council Meeting when the Mayor will be in attendance.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the Consent to Assignment of a Lake Miller Lease. Jeff and Judy Osborn as requesting the assignment of a Miller Lake Lease from Linda Hale. Mr. & Mrs. Osborn were present to answer any questions. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Approve the Consent to the Assignment of a Lake Miller Lake Lease from Linda Hale to Jeff and Judy Osborn. Second by Council Member David Wood. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker and Wood. Absent: Chesley.
CITY COUNCIL
VISITORS/CITIZEN REQUESTS/ ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
Mr. Brian Ouellette of the Department of Veterans Affairs addressed Council regarding welcoming Veterans home from any of the wars. Mr. Ouellette works with addictions that veterans may have and trying to get them help in any of their situations. He spoke regarding alcohol, drug abuse and suicide help, stopping of smoking and any other problems that veterans may have or be dealing with. Mr. Ouellette left handbills with the City Clerk to post and pass out to the public regarding his work. The help is available to any veterans of any conflicts. The local office is located at 4105 N Water Tower Place and the local person is Jeff Lewis. There are always social workers available locally. At Marion the intake clinic is available.
Motion by Council Member David Wood to go into Executive Session Regarding the Sale of Real Estate. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker and Wood. Absent: Chesley.
Following the Executive Session, Council returned to open session. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker and Wood. Absent: Chesley.