CITY OF MT. VERNON, ILLINOIS

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MARCH 1, 2010

 

 

 

 

The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, March 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rolland W. Lewis Community Building at Veterans Park.

 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley called the Regular Meeting to order.  Reverend Randy Sims of Christian Fellowship Church gave the invocation.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was given.

 

Roll call showed present: Council Member Dennis McEnaney, Council Member Todd Piper and Mayor Mary Jane Chesley. Absent: Council Member Mary Burgan and Council Member David Wood.

 

The journals for the February 16, 2010 City Council Public Hearing and February 16, 2010 Regular City Council Meeting were presented to Council for any additions, corrections or deletions.  Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to approve the journals for the February 16, 2010 Public Hearing and the February 16, 2010 Regular City Council Meeting as presented.  Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley. Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for March 2010 in the amount of $ 463,084.59 were presented for Council’s consideration.  Mayor Mary Jane Chesley asked if Council had any questions or comments regarding the payables. Council Member Piper asked about item # 8, a payment to Jefferson County Development for $50,000.00. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is the third payment for our $150,000.00 fee we pay them annually. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for March 2010 in the amount of $ 463,084.59 as presented. Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

 

 

BIDS AND QUOTES

 

City Manager Ron Neibert stated that bids were received for the following Capital Items: Brake Lathe, Transmission Jack and a Truck Lift. These items are for the Equipment Maintenance Department. Mr. Neibert stated that there were 5 bids received for the Transmission Jack. The low bid that met all specs was from Automotive Technology, Inc. of Fenton, Mo. in the amount of $3,099.00. This item was estimated at $5,000.00, so it came in under budget.

 

City Manager Ron Neibert stated that the next item was a Portable Truck Lift. There were 5 bids received for this item also.  The low bidder on this item was Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. of St. Joseph, Mo. in the amount of $20,455.00. The estimate for this item was $26,044.00 so again this item is coming in under budget.

 

The last item bid was a Brake Lathe. The low bidder on this item was NAPA Auto Parts of Mt. Vernon in the amount of $9,270.00. The estimate for this item was $11,622.00 so this item is under budget also.

 

City Manager Ron Neibert recommended along with Equipment Maintenance Superintendent Mike Shannon to accept the low bids on each item. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to accept the low bids for the Transmission Jack, Truck Lift and Brake Lathe as presented. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

City Manager Ron Neibert stated that 5 bids were received for the demolition of structures at 1001 Welkins, 2111 Cherry, 312 S. 5th Street, 825 South 18th Street and 814 Williams Street. The total bids were as follows:

 

Rollie Excavation -     $ 11,200.00

Ken Hails             -     $ 11,350.00

Oak Hill Cont.      -     $ 17,829.00

RCRA                  -     $ 18,565.00

Premier Demo     -     $ 29,450.00

 

City Manager Ron Neibert and City Engineer John Porter both recommend the acceptance of the low bid from Rollie Excavation in the amount of $ 11,200.00. Mr. Neibert stated that this is the second round of demolitions this year and we are still working on the Stewart Exhaust property for later. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to accept the low bid from Rollie Excavation in the amount of $ 11,200.00 for the demolition of the five properties named. Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

 

 

CITY MANAGER

 

City Manager Ron Neibert presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Reallocation of Funds for the 2009/2010 Budget.  Mr. Neibert stated that these adjustments are to cover increases in expenditures that are being funded by a donation, a court restitution and anti-crime fines. The overall effect on the Working Fund Balance is a 0 decrease. Council Member Dennis McEnaney stated they he wanted to thank the Kiwanis Club for their donation of $2,898.00 to the Park for repair of the shelter. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to approve the Reallocation of Funds for the 2009/2010 Budget as presented.  Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

City Manager Ron Neibert presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Seek Bids Regarding an HVAC System for the Rolland W. Lewis Community Building.  Parks Director George Bryant explained that this system would be for the offices only. There are currently systems that take care of the large parts of the building, but not one for just the offices. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Approve the Request for Permission to Seek Bids for a HVAC System for the Rolland W. Lewis Community Building at Veterans Park as presented.  Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

 

CITY ATTORNEY

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Real Estate at 11650 North Wells Bypass. The petitioning party is Mt. Vernon Raceways, Inc. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this annexation will help to develop the Interchange area. To develop the infrastructure and roadways and the development of a TIF District. This Ordinance will bring properties into the City.  This annexation is approximately 20 acres. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance.  Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper, and Chesley.  Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Adopt Ordinance # 2010-06, an Ordinance Annexing Real Estate at 11650 North Wells Bypass for petitioning party Mt. Vernon Raceways, Inc. Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Real Estate at 121165 North Wells Bypass.  The petitioning party is Frosty Hills, LLC. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this property contains right-of-way for a roadway and will take in 117 plus acres. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.  Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Adopt Ordinance # 2010-07, an Ordinance Annexing Real Estate to the City of Mt. Vernon located at 121165 North Wells Bypass for petitioning party Frosty Hills, LLC. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Real Estate in the 300 block (projected) of South Davidson Avenue. The petitioning parties are Shiloh Acres, LLC, Leon Barnard, Marilyn K. Merritt as Trustee and Joyce Hawthorne.  City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is a 220-acre parcel. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance.  Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.  Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Adopt Ordinance           #2010-08, an Ordinance Annexing Real Estate in the 300 block (proposed) of South Davidson Avenue for petitioning parties Shiloh Acres, LLC, Leon Barnard, Marilyn K. Merritt as Trustee and Joyce Hawthorne. Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Real Estate at North Sparrow Lane for petitioning party A. Ben Mitchell. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance.  Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.  Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Adopt Ordinance # 2010-09, an Ordinance Annexing Real Estate to the City of Mt. Vernon for petitioning party A. Ben Mitchell. This is another 50+ acres. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

Council Member Todd Piper asked about the time frame for any other annexations we may have coming in and the TIF.  City Manager Ron Neibert stated that he would hope that the annexations would be done soon; he stated that he would like to have all of the annexations done by the end of April and hoping to have the TIF done at the end of May.

 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that these annexations make her very happy. Once again we said that we were going to do something and we are doing it. This is the progress that the City needs for our future. Council concurred.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende, Inc.

regarding the North Davidson Avenue Extension.  City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is the 2nd Phase of Engineering and it should bid out next week. 

 

Mr. Neibert stated that Henegen and Associates of Centralia have done the design work on this project. Council Member Dennis McEnaney asked the cost of this project. City Manager Neibert stated that this cost would be $70,000.00 out of stimulus money. He stated that 95% of this project will be from stimulus funds.

Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Adopt the Resolution Approving an Agreement with Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende, Inc. regarding the North Davidson Avenue Extension. Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing the Giving of Notice of Dangerous and Dilapidated Structures for Properties Located at 231 Opdyke Avenue, 223 Opdyke Avenue and 116 N. 13th Street. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that these are three more properties that are in bad repair and need to be cleaned up. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Adopt the Resolution Authorizing the Giving of Notice of Dangerous and Dilapidated Structures for Properties Located at 231 Opdyke Avenue, 223 Opdyke Avenue and 116 N. 13th Street as presented.  Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing a Substitute of Collateral Regarding High Range Designs, LLC Revolving Loan.  City Manager Ron Neibert stated that High Range received a Revolving Loan several months ago from the City. They would like to reassign their equipment for collateral. The Revolving Loan Committee has reviewed and approved this action.  High Range will begin work soon and will have 8 full time employees to begin with and hopefully will grow up to 30 employees. Their target date to start is 6 to 8 weeks. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Approve the Resolution Authorizing Substitute of Collateral for High Range Designs, LLC as requested.  Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent, Burgan and Wood. 

 

MAYOR

 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley asked Council’s Advice and Consent for four appointments to the Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission. The names submitted were Brandon Bullard, Ron Neibert, James Brown and Chris Mendenall.  These are all re-appointments for three-year terms that will end on May 15, 2012. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Approve the Re-appointments of Brandon Bullard, Ron Neibert James Brown and Chris Mendenall to the Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission as presented. Second by Council Member Dennis Mcenaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that there are still a few vacancies on some of the Boards and Commissions that she is working to fill.  She stated that we need full Boards for all of the work ahead of the City.

 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley reported that there would be a City Council Workshop Meeting held Monday, March 8, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall.  The purpose of the meeting is for reports from Dr. Kevin Settle on School District 80, report from Dr. Mike Smith on School District 201, the 3rd Quarter Budget Review and the Littering Ordinance review. 

 

Mayor Chesley stated that the Park Guide came out today and she asked George Bryant, Parks Director to come forward and talk about the paper.  Mr. Bryant stated that it was full of activities for the spring and summer. Arbor Day, Summer Camp, Tennis, Baseball, Softball and many other activities are covered in the paper. It tells how to register and it explains the many activities.

 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley spoke regarding the 2010 Census.  The forms are in the mail now for the 10 question simple forms.  She asked that people please take time to fill them out and send them back.  The City receives funding from the Census count and we like to know just how many residents we have. Also the schools receive funding for our children from the Census count.

 

CITY COUNCIL

 

Council Member Dennis McEnaney thanked the Mayor for all of her work on the annexations done tonight.  He stated that her meeting last Thursday for a Legislative Seminar with the County was very informative and helpful. Mayor Chesley stated that this was the 2nd meeting that they have had and hope to continue with more of them along with County Board Chairman Ted Buck.

 

VISITORS/CITIZEN REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE

 

Ms. Barbara Green addressed Council regarding her request last meeting for a bathroom and other items at Dawson Park. She also asked about the loud music Ordinance sign she spoke about last meeting. Ms. Green asked what the stimulus money was and where it comes from. She wanted to know if it could be used to build a bathroom at Dawson Park. She stated that some attention is needed south of Tenth Street.  It needs money spent on it and things for the African American children. Ms. Green spoke about the bumps in the roads and the holes.  Mayor Chesley stated that most of the roads had been repaired last week after the snow.  City Manager Ron Neibert stated that the stimulus money has to be spent on IDOT road projects only. Ms. Green asked about the Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission and what its duties were.  City Manager Ron Neibert explained the Commission to her and told her that if she wanted to be involved to contact Rolland Mays.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to go into Executive session to discuss litigation. Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Council returned to open session at 8:30 p.m. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting.  Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Piper and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Wood.