City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois

Regular City Council Meeting

April 19, 2010

 

 

 

The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, April 19, 2010, in the Rolland W. Lewis Building at Veterans Park.

 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley called the Regular Meeting to order and Reverend Bob Meyer of Victory Christian Church gave the invocation.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was given.

 

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

 

The journal for the April 5, 2010 Regular City Council Meeting was presented to Council for any additions, deletions or corrections.  Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to approve the journal for the April 5, 2010 Regular City Council Meeting as presented.  Second by Council Member Mary Burgan.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.

 

The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for April 2010 in the amount of $853,517.89 were presented for Council’s consideration.  Motion by Council Member David Wood to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for April 2010 in the amount of $ 853,517.89 as presented.  Second by Council Member Mary Burgan.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.

 

BIDS AND QUOTES

 

City Manager Ron Neibert stated that bids were sent out for the Demolition of a structure at 300 S. 10th Street. Only one bid was received. The bid received was from Ken Hails in the amount of $12,380.00. Mr. Neibert stated that this bid is well within the estimated amount and recommended the acceptance of the bid.  Council Member Mary Burgan asked why some of the other companies did not bid.  Mr. Neibert stated that he did not know for sure. Council Member Todd Piper asked if the City would then own the property after we demolish. Mr. Neibert stated that we did not really want to own this property because of the underground storage tanks and all of the cost etc. that go along with that issue. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Accept the Bid from Ken Hails in the amount of $ 12,380.00 for demolition at 300 S. 10th Street. Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.

 

CITY MANAGER

 

City Manager Ron Neibert presented Ms. Mary Ellen Bechtel of JCDC to give the Annual Report from JCDC.

 

Ms. Bechtel stated that the JCDC is completing its fourth year of operation. She stated that even through the economic downturn the office has been very busy this last year. They have worked with nine new projects representing about 33 new job creations. Two of the projects are still working towards construction.  They will employ around 400 to 500 jobs.

 

The Board approved the Light Sport Aircraft Industry for a target manufacturing market. They are a committed participant with the airport and are expecting several manufacturers and possible attendance of 3,500 to the annual expo this year.

 

Ms. Bechtel spoke regarding Kohl’s planned opening date of March 2011. She spoke regarding visits from other retail companies and two restaurants. She spoke about the Grewe Development of the strip mall in front of Lowes completion and the loss of stores at Times Square Mall.

 

Ms. Bechtel spoke regarding the retention of current jobs in Mt. Vernon and working with businesses.  She spoke about the Continental Tire rail spur and the $1.2 million dollar grant approved for this.

 

Ms. Bechtel discussed workforce training. She spoke of the Crossroads Hospital, Green Tree, Rent One and the National Guard Armory expansions and the soon to come groundbreaking for St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital.

 

Other projects were creating a business and industry listing. The workforce development and marketing of JCDC was discussed.  The finances of JCDC were discussed.

 

Ms. Bechtel spoke about the changes in the Board Bylaws and changes in the seats and terms.  Ms. Bechtel thanked the City for their support and assistance and service to JCDC.

 

Mayor Chesley stated that she has had the privilege of working with the JCDC and the Board in action.  She spoke of the energy and momentum of the Board

 

even in these economic times.  She stated that there is an impressive mix of people on this Board working together.

 

Council Member Mary Burgan stated that she has served on this Board for four years and it is an impressive Board and she appreciates Ms. Bechtel’s report. A lot has been accomplished for the good of Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County.

 

Council Member Todd Piper stated that a lot of funds and time has been invested on Exit 94 and he appreciates the Boards hard work.

 

Council Member David Wood stated that he thinks permanent Board Members are a great idea. JCDC has had a good impact on the City and County. He stated that he is a partner of the JCDC and he appreciates all of their hard work.

 

CITY ATTORNEY

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Approving a Petition to Discontinue Existing Prohibition Relative to the Sale of Alcoholic Liquor. Council Member David Wood stated that he had spoken with Council Member Dennis McEnaney earlier about this item and he thinks there was a misunderstanding at the last meeting.  Council Member McEnaney thought that this item was to be tabled indefinitely not just for two weeks. At this time Council Member David Wood made a motion to table this Ordinance for an indefinite period until Council can look at the entire area and all of the areas to be annexed. Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 8.2 of the City Ordinances Regarding the Police Department.  City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is an Ordinance requested by Police Chief Mendenall to reduce the manning levels for Captain’s positions. Chief Mendenall stated that since Captain Steve Lamar retired as the DARE position, a patrol officer is working that position. Having a Captain in that position is no longer needed. This is a housekeeping measure to clean up the Ordinance and get rid of that position. There is no reduction in the force. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance.  Second by Council Member David Wood.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.  Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Adopt Ordinance # 2010-15, an Ordinance Amending Section 8.2 of the City Ordinances Regarding the Police Department.  Second by Council Member David Wood.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.

 

 

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Real Estate Located on Wells Bypass Road.  The petitioning parties are Kenneth Leffler, Mildred Harvey and Donald Leffler. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is a parcel of 38 acres and it is in the established west side TIF area. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Suspend the Rules to vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member David Wood.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.  Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Adopt Ordinance # 2010-16, an Ordinance Annexing Property on Wells Bypass Road for petitioners Kenneth Leffler, Mildred Harvey and Donald Leffler.  Second by Council Member David Wood.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley. Absent: McEnaney.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Real Estate at 11649 Wells Bypass Road.  The petitioning party is Marguerite Piper; et al. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is another 53 acres in the area. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance.  Second by Council Member Mary Burgan.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.  Motion by Council Member David Wood to Adopt Ordinance # 2010-17, an Ordinance Annexing Property Located at 11649 Wells Bypass Road for Marguerite Piper, et al.  Second by Council Member Mary Burgan.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Real Estate on East Ambassador Road for Petitioning Parties Michael and Barbara Piper. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is another 98 acres. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance.  Second by Council Member Mary Burgan.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.  Motion by Council Member David Wood to Adopt Ordinance # 2010-18, an Ordinance Annexing Property on East Ambassador Road for Michael and Barbara Piper. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.

 

City Manager Ron Neibert stated that he hopes to have all of the annexations in this area done and the TIF created by the end of May.  This includes any surrounded property that can be taken in because it is surrounded.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving Obligating Tax Increment Financing Funds. City Manager Ron Neibert explained that this is for the Redevelopment Plans for the Downtown Mt. Vernon TIF District. They have noted several severe infrastructure deficiencies within the District. The City’s Comprehensive Plan also noted deficiencies within the area.  The improvements are an eligible project cost. This Resolution allows $57,535.00 to be committed to infrastructure improvements

 

within the Downtown TIF District. The projects must be obligated before the end of the Fiscal Year. Council Member David Wood stated that this will lock in the funds and they can leave some options open for later. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Approve the Resolution Approving Obligating Tax Increment Financing Funds as presented.  Second by Council Member Mary Burgan.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Reclassifying Certain Public Utilities and Sanitation Accounts for Accounting Purposes.  City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is an annual action required to get these amounts off the books.  This does not mean that we will not continue to try to collect the amounts due. The amounts owed are very low compared to years past. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Approve the Resolution Reclassifying Certain Public Utilities and Sanitation Accounts for Accounting Purposes.  Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.

 

City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving Applying for a Grant from the Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services for the Police Department.  Police Chief Chris Mendenall stated that this would be a grant for $445,986.00 to hire three new patrolmen and pay them for three years.  There is no match to this grant, however after the three years the City would have to pay the employees. There is only one grant available so there is a lot of competition. This is a federal grant. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Approve the Resolution Approving Applying for a Grant From the Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services for the Police Department as presented.  Second by Council Member Todd Piper.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.

 

MAYOR

 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley spoke regarding Arbor Day, April 24. She read a proclamation for Arbor Day and presented it to Park Director George Bryant. Mr. Bryant stated that the Park will be hosting the Annual Arbor Day Celebration at the park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mr. Bryant spoke about the sponsors for the events and especially Ameren for donating the trees for the give away. They will be giving away 220 trees on Arbor Day. Mr. Bryant also spoke about the Tree City USA Award. Mt. Vernon has been a Tree City USA for the last 16 years. He presented a Tree City flag to Mayor Chesley and a coffee mug. Mr. Bryant thanked his Tree Board, volunteers, Good Samaritan, Walmart, 4-H clubs and the University of Illinois for all of their help in making the Arbor Day Celebration successful.  Council Member David Wood thanked Mr. Bryant and all of the volunteers for making Arbor Day such a big day for Mt. Vernon. He spoke about all of the 16 years of trees that the City has given away in that time.

 

 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that she would like to submit names for Council’s advice and consent for reappointments to the Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission. Mayor Chesley presented the following names: Dr. Kevin Settle, Dr. Michael Smith, Reverend Ron Lash, Rolland Mays, Robert Whiteside, and Oscar Brown.   Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to approve Mayor Chesley’s reappointments to the Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission as presented.  Second by Council Member David Wood.  Yeas: Burgan, Piper, Wood and Chesley.  Absent: McEnaney.

 

Mayor Chesley spoke regarding the burning period. It will end on April 30, but it will resume again in the fall.

 

Mayor Chesley spoke regarding the City Clean-up. This is where the trash collectors pick up large items on your normal trash day. This is Dump Your Junk week and it begins on April 26 through April 30.

 

Mayor Chesley spoke regarding the May 1 City Clean Up. This is where volunteers form teams and go through Mt. Vernon picking up trash along the streets and alleys. This is a competition for teams to compete for awards. It will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Veterans Park.

 

Mayor Chesley spoke regarding the census. She said that today, April 19 is the last day to mail in the Census forms. Anyone that has not done so needs to get this done. She stated the door to door canvassing would begin on May 1.  People should be sure to check credentials of the workers when they come to the door to check on numbers. They will be carrying I.D’s to identify themselves as Census workers. Mayor Chesley stated that she encourages everyone to be counted.  This is where the numbers come from for any State or Federal money the City receives. Right now the National average for the Census is at 67%, we are at 73%, and the State is at 70%. So we are doing very well. Mayor Chesley asked for all citizens to please cooperate with the workers to be counted.

 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley introduced Michael Wright, a Boy Scout attending tonight’s meeting to receive his Citizenship Badge.    

 

CITY COUNCIL

 

VISITORS/CITIZEN REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE

 

Mr. Greg Teaker stated that he is a resident of Jefferson County in McClellan Township. This is near the area now being annexed.  His concern is the property that is being annexed lately and the TIF and Enterprise Zones. The City is expanding into these areas and he would like more information on what is happening. He would like the City to have some informational meetings in his

 

area to explain these things to the residents there and how it will affect them and their properties. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that the Enterprise Zone does not expand with annexations. He understands that the people are curious in these areas. Mayor Chesley suggested that a possible Town hall type meeting could be held with the City and the County Board both.  She stated that this will be looked into.

 

Ms. Barbara Green commended Mary Ellen Bechtel for her presentation and the work she did on the Summit of Hope Expo that was held. She also thanked Police Chief Mendenall for his participation. It was a good program and one that had been needed for a long time. Ms. Green spoke regarding restrooms at Dawson Park again.  Parks Director George Bryant stated that he has been working trying to get outside financing and donations to help with this project. Ms. Green stated that they want more businesses down in the south area, stores, restaurants and other businesses.  Ms. Green also asked about road and street projects for this year.

 

Mrs. Joann Cox addressed Council regarding the possible closing of the Logan Street Fire station. She stated that her husband had been very ill before he passed and she lives close on 23rd Street, She stated that the men from Station #2 had actually saved his life three times and she is afraid that if the station was further away, they might not have been able to save him. She stated that she hopes they leave the station open at this location.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

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