City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois

Regular City Council Meeting

March 21, 2011

 

 

 

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

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was given.

 

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

 

The journals for the March 7, 2011 Regular City Council Meeting and the March 14, 2011 Special City Council Meeting and the March 14, 2011 Special City Council Meeting were presented for any addition, corrections or deletions.

 

City Clerk Jackie Sharp stated that she had changed page 3 of the March 7, 2011 Regular City Council Meeting minutes on paragraph 2.  She stated that she had left out the Ordinance number for Annette Hayes’ Conditional Use for a Day Care. She added it before the minutes were put into the journals.  It was Ordinance # 2011-10.  Motion by Council Member David Wood to approve the journals for the March 7, 2011 Regular City Council Meeting with the change by the City Clerk, and the journal for the March 14, 2011 Special City Council Meeting as presented.  Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper.

 

The Consolidated Vouchers for the Accounts Payable for March 2011 in the amount of $ 931,796.80 were presented for Council’s consideration.  Council Member Dennis McEnaney questioned item # 8 $9,598.42 for C.E. Brehm Library for Distribution of Personal property tax.  City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is normal. The taxes all came to the city and they distributed them to the Library.  It has been done this way for years and no one ever bothered to change it.  Council Member McEnaney questioned item # 15, Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende in the amount of $ 43,476.11. City Manager Neibert stated that these were payments for work on the Engineering on the Continental Tire Truck Route, the West Elevated Tank and the Veterans / Davidson Extension.   He stated that the tank will be bid later this summer.

 

BIDS AND QUOTES

 

CITY MANAGER

 

City Manager Ron Neibert introduced Ms. Mary Ellen Bechtel from the Jefferson County Development Corporation to give her annual report for 2010/2011.

 

Ms. Bechtel stated that the JCDC is completing their fifth year of operation. She stated that they celebrated the grand opening of the Altofer facility in Dix.  This was a $2.3 million project and they have hired seven employees.  She stated that the Power Holdings LLC, the $2 billion dollar project with the potential of 1,000 construction jobs and 600 full time permanent jobs, has experienced a difficult blow when the Governor vetoed an important piece of legislation that would have enabled the project to move forward.

 

Ms. Bechtel stated that they have coordinated meetings, site visits, hiring services, provided maps, aerial photos demographic information. Provided incentives and financing information contact lists and follow ups.  The JCDC received five leads from the State of Illinois and responded to three of them. She stated that Buffalo Wild Wings built a new facility and opened in December 2010 followed by Dunham Sporting Goods, 24 Hour Fitness and the eagerly awaited Kohl’s Store. Also South Central Transit has established a Centralia, Ashley, Woodlawn, Mt. Vernon route so rider ship is increasing. The JCDC Has always understood the tremendous value of our existing companies and continue to offer them support. They help with job retention and expansion programs.

 

Ms. Bechtel stated that the Good Samaritan Hospital project is about 20% complete and Crossroads Hospital is right behind them to begin their extensive renovation in the next few weeks. The JCDC has a Workforce Development Committee that is promoting a World Class Workforce program. At this time they are working with 16 companies in Jefferson County.  Ms. Bechtel showed a DVD regarding the World Class Workforce Project.

 

Ms. Bechtel spoke regarding marketing and promoting the area. She spoke of the financing of the JCDC. Ms. Bechtel spoke regarding prioritized goals for the 2011/2012 year. She thanked the City of Mt. Vernon for their financial support and their help on the Boards and Committees.

 

Council Member David Wood stated that it is amazing what has been accomplished in five years. The City thanks JCDC for the collaboration of efforts between everyone working together.  Together we can accomplish.  Mayor Mary Jane Chesley said “Team Mt. Vernon”.

 

CITY ATTORNEY

Mr. Howard stated that the next three (3) Ordinances all have to do with the same project.  Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the Second Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 1717 Jefferson from Class R-M2 to Class R-3.  The Petitioning Party is Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity. The next item is a First Reading of an Ordinance Creating the Conditional Use “Residential Facility for Homeless Persons” within Article 21 of the Revised Code of Ordinances. The next item presented by Corporation Counsel Bill Howard was a First Reading of an Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use for a Residential Facility for the Homeless Persons for Property Located at 1717 Jefferson for the Petitioning Party Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity and Lifeboat Alliance. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this action is the result of sending this request back to the Planning and Zoning Commission after the last Council Meeting. The request was sent back so the Planning and Zoning could come up with a Conditional Use to cover this project.  Attorney for the Lifeboat Alliance, Bob Shaw addressed Council. He agreed with everything that the City Manager had said about the requests. He stated that the documents are a result of the good faith between the Lifeboat people, the Habitat for Humanity people and the City.  This will result in a good, world class facility here in Mt. Vernon. Mr. Shaw stated that the votes at the Planning and Zoning Meeting were unanimous and he asked Council to Suspend the Rules to vote on items 9-B and 9-C. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Adopt Ordinance # 2011-11, AN Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 1717 Jefferson from Class R-M2 to Class R-3 for petitioning party Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper.

 

Motion by Council Member David Wood to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance.  Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper.  Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Adopt Ordinance # 2011-12, an Ordinance Creating a Conditional Use “ Residential Facility for Homeless Persons” within Article 21 of the Revised Code of Ordinances.  Second by Council Member David Wood.  Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper.

 

Motion by Council Member David Wood to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance.  Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper.  Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Adopt Ordinance # 2011-13, an Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use for a Residential Facility for Homeless Persons for Property Located at 1717 Jefferson for the Petitioning Parties Habitat for Humanity / Lifeboat Alliance. Second by Council Member David Wood.  Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper.

 

A large round of applause was given. Reverend Rob Dyer stated that he was here to address rising needs in the community. He stated that sign up sheets had been put at the back of the room for anyone willing to help work on this project. He stated that this will be Habitat’s main project for this year. He stated that these are wonderful people to work with.

 

Council Member David Wood stated that it is difficult to change Ordinances that have been on the books for years. He stated that this project has been done the right way all along and he is pleased to see the outcome and to be a part of the venture.

 

Council Member Dennis McEnaney stated that there was no stronger level of support than this and he believes this will be a first class shelter.

 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that she is happy to see the full house in attendance tonight. She stated that she has lived in Mt. Vernon her entire life and there is no problem with having people step forward to find a solution to any problem. This is Mt. Vernon Teamwork.

 

Council Member Piper sent his congratulations to Habitat and Lifeboat Alliance.

 

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented a First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Annexation of Property. The petitioner is The Fred J, Grahlerr Trust.  The property is located near Continental Tire and Route 142. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is one of four (4) annexations for the Industrial Park Conservation Area # 2. He stated that there will be 3 voluntary Annexations and one surrounded area annexation. The TIF for this area should be done by April 29. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper.  Motion by Council Member David Wood to Adopt Ordinance # 2011-14, an Ordinance Annexing Property to the City of Mt. Vernon for Petitioning Party Fred J. Grahlerr. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper. 

 

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Ceding of Private Activity Bonding Authority.  City Manager Ron Neibert explained that this is an annual item and if we don’t cede the Bonds to SIEDA they will be returned to the State and we will have no control over where they are used.  There are 10 counties in the SIEDA that the funds could be used. We have given the bonding to SIEDA for the last few years, rather than to lose it. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper.  Motion by Council Member David Wood to Adopt Ordinance # 2011-15, an Ordinance Authorizing the Ceding of Private Activity Bonding Authority. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney.  Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper.

 

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Revising Conditional Use for the B-1 Zoning.  City Manager Neibert explained that this is to allow for housing above the main floor of buildings downtown for smaller apartments than now allowed.  Cyndy Mitchell of DMDC spoke in favor of this change.  She stated that there are buildings that could allow for this change and allow people to live downtown. Council Member David Wood stated that he would like to study this Ordinance more and bring it back to the table when the other two Council Members are present. First Reading was held.

 

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving the Declination of Right of First Refusal.  City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is on a piece of property west of the City that the City made a Right of Refusal with the owners when they sell the property.  The City is declining the Right of First Refusal and the property can be sold. Peoples Bank are the owners of the property and it can now be sold to Farm Credit Services of Illinois. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to approve the Resolution Approving Declination of Right of First Refusal as presented.  Second by Council Member David Wood.  Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper.

 

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution of Intent to Participate in the Great Central US Shakeout.  Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Sargent addressed Council regarding this item.  Mr. Sargent stated that this is an earthquake preparedness practice.  We sit on two major earthquake faults here in Mt. Vernon, the Wabash Valley Fault and the New Madrid Fault.  This exercise will be through FEMA, EMS and NIMS. Mr. Sargent stated that this is the 200th anniversary of the big earthquake that caused the Mississippi river to run backwards and create the Reelfoot Lake. He stated that on February 28, 2011 there was a 4.7 earthquake on the New Madrid Fault 3 miles north of New Madrid Missouri. Mr. Sargent urged everyone to participate in this drill on April 28 at 10:15 a.m.

 

MAYOR

 

CITY COUNCIL

  

VISITORS/ CITIZEN REQUESTS/ ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting.  Second by Council Member David Wood.  Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: Burgan and Piper.