Regular City Council Meeting
March 17, 2008
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley called the Regular Meeting to order. City Council Member Shirilyn Holt gave the invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Roll call showed present: Council Member Mary Burgan, Council Member Shirilyn Holt, Council Member Mike Walker, Council Member David Wood and Mayor Mary Jane Chesley.
The journal for the City Council Public Hearing on March 3, 2008 and the Regular City Council Meeting of March 3, 2008 were presented to Council for any additions, deletions or corrections. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to approve the journals for the March 3, 2008 Public Hearing and Regular City Council Meeting as presented. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for March 2008 in the amount of $ 769,521.92 were presented for Council’s consideration. Council Member David Wood asked about the charges paid for CWI and the residential, yard waste and trucking fees in the amount of $26,010.00 He stated that we have to be running a few thousand dollars short monthly on these charges from what we take in. Motion by Council Member David Wood to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for March 2008 in the amount of $ 769,521.92 as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Manager Ron Neibert stated that bids were due for the Police Department Ammunition. City Clerk Jackie Sharp stated that there were no bids received. Council agreed to rebid the ammunition for the Police Department.
City Manager Ron Neibert stated that bids were taken for Residential Waste, Yard Waste and Trash Service. The bids were opened on March 12, 2008 Mr. Neibert stated that there were five bids received. The bids were as follows:
Midwest Waste $ 604,632.00
Continental Waste $ 612,420.00
Brisk Waste $ 797,000.00
Veolia Waste $ 760,392.00
Independent Waste $ 919,692.00
City Manager Ron Neibert recommended the acceptance of the low bidder Midwest Waste in the amount of $ 604,632.00. Council Member David Wood and Council Member Mary Burgan asked if the bid from Midwest Waste included them furnishing the residents trash receptacles. Council Member Burgan stated that the ones we have now from Continental Waste are 95-gallon cans and everyone likes them, will they furnish the same size cans? Mr. Ken Miller of Midwest Waste stated that the bid was including furnishing the 95-gallon cans, one to each resident. Discussion was held regarding possibly being able to obtain two cans at a cost for the second one. Council Member Wood stated that he would like to be sure of the terms of pick-up and the holiday schedules. Mr. Miller stated that the holiday schedule is always one day later on holidays. Council Member Mike Walker asked if it included the March through December yard waste pick-up. Mr. Miller stated that it did include that. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that it also included two Clean-up Weeks per year, not just the one. Council Member Wood asked how long this contract would run. Mr. Neibert stated that it is a three-year contract. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to accept the City Manager’s recommendation and award the Trash Service Contract to Midwest Waste, the low bidder. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Manager Ron Neibert stated that he wanted to skip ahead a little on the agenda and present for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Apply for a Firefighter Grant through the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Sargent spoke regarding this Grant. Mr. Sargent stated that it is a $91,000.00 Grant and will be used for 12 SCBA Gear, Hose and 10 Bunker Gear. There is a 5% match for this grant, which would be $4,550.00. The Grant Application has to be in by April 4, 2008. The City received part of the Grant in 2002, but have not received any since. Mr. Sargent stated that the funds could also be used for teaching programs regarding the Fire Department. Mr. Sargent stated that he had been asked last year to be one of the peer reviewers in Emmitsburg, Maryland and have been invited to attend again this year in May. Mr. Sargent stated that he made a lot of contacts there and learned a lot about
the grants. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Grant Permission to Apply for Assistance for a Firefighters Grant through the Department of Homeland
Security as presented by Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Sargent. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Manager Ron Neibert presented for Council’s consideration a Request to Waive Bid Procedures for the Purchase of Hazmat Supplies. Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Sargent presented the request to Council saying that they had asked for informal proposals and received three. Mr. Sargent stated that for background, the City firefighters went to help in the DuQuoin train derailment and had sent in for reimbursement for the Hazmat Suits that were ruined. They finally received their money but the price was from the State Contractor, Grainer Company. They were given $ 875.00 per suit. The prices for the suits went up because of the price for petroleum and the suits being made of petroleum products, the price of the suits went up from Grainger. The Grainger Company has the State Contract for the supplies needed and their price for the Hazmat Suits is $1,239.30 per suit. Another company, LSS Company, came in at $ 950.95 per suit. That is quite a difference in price. The total amount if we were to purchase the needed items from LSS would be $5,414.64. From Grainger the cost would be $ 6,755.89. Mr. Sargent asked Council to consider allowing the Fire Department to purchase the Hazmat items needed from LSS Company for the lower quote. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Waive the Bid Procedures for the Purchase of Hazmat Supplies needed for the Fire Department as presented. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Manager Ron Neibert welcomed Mr. Jim Leuty of Krehbiel and Associates to present the Audit Report for April 30, 2007. Mr. Leuty stated that he had met with Finance Director Merle Hollmann and City Manager Ron Neibert to discuss the report in depth. Mr. Leuty passed out copies of the Audit Presentation notes. His presentation followed the notes and referred to pages in the actual Financial Report. Discussion was held regarding a clean audit. Mr. Leuty stated that not all of the Capital Assets are “spendable”. Mr. Leuty stated that the Public Utilities Fund has assets but they are all tied up in the systems as fixed assets. Discussion was held regarding the revenues and expenses. The GASB 34 reporting was discussed and how it converts to in-house reporting. Mr. Leuty presented pie charts showing the Sales Tax income and Property Tax income. Financial Statements were discussed. Mr. Leuty stated that the sanitation fund is not financially self-sufficient. Public Utilities Fund is being supported financially by General Corporate. The GOB Bonds in the Sewer Fund are paid off. Now that the Bonds are paid, they can improve the Fund. Mr. Leuty discussed the Fire and Police Pension Funds stating that the Fire Fund did not grow as significantly this year as the Police Fund. Returns were lower and expenses are higher. This was also true in last year’s audit. Mr. Leuty stated that the IMRF Fund is virtually fully funded and has been for the last 7 years. A summary of the Auditor’s Opinions
are included in the report. Mr. Leuty thanked the Finance Department and the other departments for all of their help in preparing for this audit report.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley asked if Council had any questions or concerns regarding the audit. Council Member Mike Walker asked about the Police and Fire Pension Funds and what actions could be taken by the City to alleviate these problems. Mr. Leuty stated that by statute there is not much if any action the City can take other than encouraging the board to watch and work on the investments. The department of Insurance regulates the amounts. Mr. Walker asked if the Police and Fire Pension Funds are both controlled by the same people. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that no they are not, nor the same as the IMRF Funds. Council Member David Wood spoke regarding the deficit in the Sanitation Department. He asked why we pay out more for trash pick-up and water, sewer bills, yet we do not charge back enough to cover the expenses. He feels that we should be passing the total amounts on to the residents. Mr. Wood stated that he sees that the City is subsidizing about $500,000.00 more in the two funds more than we take in. He asked if someone could explain why. Mr. Wood stated that he thinks that it is because previous Council’s haven’t had the courage to raise the rates. He stated that this is a pretty serious thing and the money could be spent on infrastructure or other places. The new contract passed tonight will be an increase of $1.00 per customer or around $ 72,000.00 per year. We also recently got a raise from Rend Lake for water rates that need to be considered. Mr. Wood stated that we really don’t have many debts since the GOB Bonds were paid off, hardly any debts for a City this size.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that the City and Council need to get serious and take long hard looks at a lot of this Audit. This is a wake-up call for the City and we are getting ready to go into a very big growing period, so we cannot ignore the facts. Council needs to look into and assess our debts in General Corporate Funds.
City Manager Ron Neibert presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Reallocation of Funds for the 2007/2008 Budget. Mr. Neibert stated that as we get to the end of the Budget Year we will have several of these adjustments to move funds around at each Council Meeting. Finance Director Merle Hollmann spoke regarding the adjustments. Mr. Hollmann stated that there are 9 budget adjustments on this request. Numbers 42 to 50. The overall effect of these adjustments on the Working Fund Balances are: General Corporate Fund $33,554.00 Decrease, Tourism $ 1,732.00 Decrease, Special Services Area #1 $ 379.00 decrease, and Public Utilities Fund $ 7,535.00 Increase. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Approve the Request for Reallocation of Funds for the 2007/2008 Budget as Presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Approving the Mt. Vernon Tax Increment Financing Mt. Vernon Downtown Redevelopment Plan and Redevelopment Project. Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that this is a very important issue for the City of Mt. Vernon. She stated that there have been several meetings and for the last six months the meetings have explained the project and it’s importance to the downtown area. This is the end of the trail so to speak. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that he is requesting the Suspension of Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Abstain: Burgan. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Adopt Ordinance # 2008-5, an Ordinance Approving the Mt. Vernon Tax Increment Financing for the Mt. Vernon Downtown Redevelopment Plan and Redevelopment Project. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Abstain: Burgan.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of a Related Ordinance Designating the Mt. Vernon Downtown Tax Increment Financing Project Area. This Ordinance is accepting the map for the Project. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member David Wood. Yeas: Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Sustain: Burgan. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Adopt Ordinance # 2008-6, an Ordinance Designating the Mt. Vernon Downtown Tax Increment Financing Project Area. Yeas: Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Abstain: Burgan.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s Consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Adopting Tax Increment Financing. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Abstain: Burgan. Motion by Council Member David Wood to adopt Ordinance # 2008-7, an Ordinance Adopting Tax Increment Financing. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Abstain: Burgan.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 2203 Brownsville Road from Class I-1 to Class R-2. The petitioner is Janice Jefferson. Mr. Jefferson was present to explain his request. Somehow this piece of property was zoned I-1 years ago and was never changed. The house Mr. Jefferson lives in is small and he wants to build on and remodel the house, but could not get a permit to do so because of the zoning. He had also asked for a variance to build on. The Planning and Zoning Board granted the variance provided the City grants the re-
zoning request. There were no objectors present at the Planning and Zoning Board meeting. There were no objectors present at this meeting tonight. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member David Wood. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Adopt Ordinance # 2008-8, an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 2203 Brownsville Road from Class I-1 to R-2 for Petitioner Janice Jefferson. Second by Council Member David Wood. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance to Rezone Property Located at 2900 Broadway from Class R-2 to B-2. The petitioning party is MQM Land Trust. Mr. Richard Fleck was present to represent MQM Land Trust. Mr. Fleck stated that this property would be used for the Marion Eye Center Surgery Center and Medical Offices. Mr. Fleck was asked if the building would actually front Broadway or doesn’t it front the side street, 29th Street. There are 2 homes that will be taken down to make room for the business. Mr. Fleck stated that the Broadway address is the one that was given to him from the Engineering-Inspection offices. He would like to use the Broadway address because everyone knows where Broadway is and will be able to find them although they may face 29th Street. Their business is currently located at 3111 Broadway. Council Member David Wood asked what would become of the 3111 Broadway property. Mr. Fleck stated that he doesn’t know but it may be sold. Mr. Fleck passed out a drawing showing the plans. The property in question is for parking and to make the water run off work. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas; Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Adopt Ordinance #2008-9, an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 2900 Broadway From Class R-2 to B-2 for MQM Land Trust. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 201 N. 16th Street from Class R-2 to Class B-1. The petitioning party is Doris Jean Stewart. A First Reading of an Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use for Second Floor Residential Unit for the Property Located at 201 N. 16th Street for Petitioning Party Doris Jean Stewart was also presented. Ms. Stewart proposes to open a teahouse in her home and live on the second floor. Ms. Stewart stated that she has had a walk through inspection with the City and has been told what would be required to do this. Ms. Stewart questioned why she would have to put in a grease trap, as she will not be frying anything. She stated that she would be baking cookies, cakes, pies and things to go with her teas. City Engineer John Porter explained that this is a City Ordinance for any food service. Mr. Porter also mentioned the firewall ceiling that would have to be installed for her to live in the
upstairs. Ms. Stewart handed out a drawing and possible parking spaces for the business. Ms. Stewart stated that she had asked for B-1 Zoning, but the Planning and Zoning Commission thoughts that would be a spot zoning. She stated that a B-2 would be fine with her if it could be modified as a Conditional Use for her to live upstairs. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that B-2 does not allow a Conditional Use to live upstairs. Ms. Stewart stated that she is happy to do all of the issues brought up during the walk through inspection but she did not agree with having to do the grease trap. First Reading was held on both Ordinances.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving an Agreement with the Laborers International Union of North America, the Southern & Central Illinois District Council, and Laborer’s Local 1197 and the Teamsters Automotive, Petroleum and Allied Trades Local #50. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that these are the first 2 of the six Unions that the City has to work with. They are 4-year contracts; with 3% pay increases, but no major changes in the last contract. Council Member David Wood asked Mr. Neibert to describe the tone and atmosphere of the meetings held. Mr. Neibert stated that they were conducted very professionally and pleasant. There was a good exchange of ideas and a lot of ground was made with the meetings. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Approve the Resolution Approving the Agreement with the Laborers International Union of North America, The Southern and Central Illinois District Council and the Laborers Local #1197 and the Teamsters Automotive, Petroleum and Allied Trades, Local #50 as presented. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving the Agreement with Local #702 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this contract is the same as the other one. A four-year contract and the same 3% increases per year. This contract was negotiated in one session as the other one had been negotiated before. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Approve the Resolution Approving the Agreement with the Local #702 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as presented. Second by Council Member David Wood. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing the Appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the FY 08/09 Street Maintenance Program. City Engineer John Porter explained that this is the appropriation that the City makes annually to maintain the City streets. This does not limit us to a certain amount if we decide to supplement the funds through the budget. The number is based on the past years experience with the increase for the raise in materials will be. This is just normal oil and chip of streets, asphalt and patch. We need this Resolution in place to start the bid on
the materials. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Approve the Resolution Authorizing the Appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the FY 08/09 Street Maintenance Program as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Requesting IDOT Approval for Temporary Closure of IL15 Westbound from Marlow Road (FAS 789) to the Junction of IL 15 & Old Route 15 at the East Edge of Mt Vernon for the Purpose of the “ Salute to Freedom” Fireworks Display on July 4, 2008. This is an annual event and an annual request. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Approve the Resolution for the Closing of Certain Streets named for the Annual Salute to Freedom Fireworks Display on July 4, 2008 as presented. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Requesting Authorization from IDOT for Temporary Closure of Certain Streets on December 6, 2008 for the Annual Christmas Parade. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Approve the Resolution to Close Certain Streets for the Annual Christmas Parade on December 6, 2008 as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley reported that there would be a City Council Workshop Meeting held on Monday, March 31, 3008 at 4 p.m. at City Hall. The purpose of this Workshop Meeting is for discussion of the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Mt. Vernon.
City Council Member Shirilyn Holt stated that she wanted to congratulate the Mt. Vernon Rams Basketball Team for their wins in the sectional, also she wanted to congratulate the operetta and the girls basketball teams for their achievements.
Council Member David Wood stated that he wanted to go back and again thank the Unions and all of the teams that worked on the Contracts to get them settled so quickly. He feels that it is a good sign that all of this has come together.
Doug Bochek of the Mt. Vernon Fire Department spoke regarding the movie “Into the Fire” that will be shown on April 5, 2008 at the Granada Theater. The doors
will open at 5 p.m. and the show will start at 6 p.m. It is free of charge and will have free refreshments. Mr. Bochek stated that it is called a documentary, but it is more real life than any other fire movies that have been shown. The fire department feels this will show more about what the firefighters really do on the job.
Mr. John Kowalski of the American Legion 141 requested some street closings for May 26, 2008 for Memorial Day. This will be for services at the Jefferson County Courthouse from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Mr. Kowalski stated that he hopes everyone attends and honors our soldiers who have served and those who are about to deploy from this area. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this would be taken care of.
Motion by Council Member David Wood to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.