Regular City Council Meeting
December 1, 2008
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, December 1, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Tammy Meyer.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Roll call showed present: Council Member Mary Burgan, Council Member Shirilyn Holt, Council Member David Wood and Mayor Mary Jane Chesley. Absent: Council Member Mike Walker.
The journal for the November 17, 2008 Regular City Council Meeting was presented for any additions, deletions or corrections. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to approve the journal for the November 17, 2008 Regular City Council Meeting as presented. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Walker.
The Consolidated Vouchers for December Accounts Payable in the amount of $ 404,641.45 were presented for Council’s consideration. Council Member David Wood stated that he was glad to see the payables back down. He stated that the last two or so had been over the million dollar amounts. Motion by Council Member David Wood to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for the December Accounts Payable in the amount of $ 404,641.45 as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Walker.
City Manager Ron Neibert stated that 5 bids had been received for the demolition of buildings located at 800 Main Street. The bids were as follows:
Ken Hails - Texico, IL $ 78,884.00
Rollie Excav. - Woodlawn,IL $113,680.00
S&S Excav. - Waltonville,IL $126,400.00
Big Muddy Excav. - Woodlawn, IL $109,614.00
Mott Excav. - Vienna, IL $ 94,900.00
Mr. Neibert stated that the bids were opened today at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall. DMDC Board has not had a chance to go over the bids and discuss them, so the bids will be held until the December 15, 2008 Council Meeting to be awarded.
City Manager Ron Neibert requested an Executive Session be held following the Regular City Council Meeting to Discuss the Acquisition of Property.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the Second Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Tax Levy. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that the Tax Levy for 2008 payable in 2009. The amount is $2,660,413. Mr. Neibert stated that this amount represents the entire 4.93% increase. Council Member David Wood stated that he would like to explain that about 91% of the total Levy goes to the IMRF, Fire and Police Pension Funds. These funds are governed by the State, meaning that the State tells us how much money we must put into those accounts to cover the Funds. The City has no control over the Funds or the amounts, or how the Funds are invested. Council Member Wood stated that Council Member Mike Walker had let him know that he was not going to be in attendance at tonight’s meeting, but he would vote yes for the Levy if he were here. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Adopt Ordinance # 2008-50, An Ordinance Authorizing the 2008 Tax Levy in the Amount of $ 2,660,413. as Presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Walker.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving a Revised Agreement with White & Borgognoni Regarding the Downtown Streetscape. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is part of the ITEP Grant for the Construction Supervision. City Engineer John Porter will be doing some of the fieldwork on this project also. The cost will not go over the Grant monies. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Adopt the Resolution Approving a Revised Agreement with White & Borgognoni Regarding the Downtown Streetscape. Second by Council Member David Wood. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Walker.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that she would like Council’s advice and consent for the re-appointment of Fire Chief James Brown to the 911 Board. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Approve the Mayor’s Reappointment of Fire Chief James Brown to the 911 Board. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Walker.
Bobby Farris, a City resident spoke regarding the City growing and he asked if Council know of anything new coming in to town. Mayor Chesley stated that she and Council have been working hard to promote the City and it’s growth. Mayor Chesley stated that the new overpass is scheduled to be finished before summer and that is ahead of schedule.
Motion by Council Member David Wood to go into Executive Session Regarding Acquisition of Property. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Walker.
Council returned to Regular Session at 7:50 p.m.
Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Walker.