City of Mt

City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois

Regular City Council Meeting

April 5, 2010

The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, April 5, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rolland W. Lewis Building at Veterans Park.

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley called the meeting to order and Reverend Don Bingham of Salem South Baptist Association gave the invocation.

The Pledge of Allegiance was given.

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

The journals for the March 8, 2010 Special City Council Meeting and, the March 15, 2010 Regular City Council Meeting and the March 15, 2010 Recessed City Council Meeting were presented to Council for any additions, deletions or corrections. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to approve the journals as presented. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

The Consolidated Vouchers for the April Accounts Payable in the amount of $487,965.38 were presented for Council’s consideration. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for the April Accounts Payable in the amount of $ 487,965.38 as presented. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

BIDS AND QUOTES

CITY MANAGER

City Manager Ron Neibert presented for Council’s consideration a Request to Bypass the Formal Bidding Procedures to Purchase Equipment for the Crime Scene Services Section. Police Chief Chris Mendenall stated that this is a single source supplier so there is no need to get bids or quotes. It is a piece of equipment that is budgeted under capital funds. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to approve the Request to Bypass the Bidding Procedures to Purchase Equipment for the Crime Scene Services Section of the P.D. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

CITY ATTORNEY

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the Second Reading of an Ordinance Approving Amendment to Ordinance # 2007-32, the Alcoholic Liquor Ordinance, Regarding Fencing. Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that she has been asked about the fencing for outdoor patio areas at local restaurants. The current Ordinance calls for a solid board fence of at least 8 foot. Mayor Chesley stated that she had received a request from a new restaurant to be able to use a 6-foot wrought iron decorative fence. Mayor Chesley stated that she had gone to another city that this chain owns a restaurant in and looked at the fence there and she stated that it was a very attractive fenced area. This Ordinance change will not affect fencing for temporary fencing for temporary license. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Adopt Ordinance # 2010-11, an Ordinance Approving an Amendment to Ordinance # 2007-32, the Liquor Ordinance, Allowing a Change in Fencing. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Dedicating and Restricting the Expenditure of Revenue. City Manager Ron Neibert explained that this Ordinance is at request of Council. Council passed enacted Food and Beverage Tax, Motor Fuel Tax on diesel, increased water and sewer rates and Increased the rate of the Simplified Municipal Telecommunications Tax. This Ordinance makes all the proceeds from these funds be expended solely for Capital construction projects or for Capital equipment purchases for the City. City Manager Neibert asked Council to Suspend the Rules to vote on this Ordinance. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Adopt Ordinance # 2010-12, an Ordinance Restricting the Expenditure of Revenue. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

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 each year the City would receive $4.6 million dollars in private activity bonding. The City would like to reallocate these funds to the SIEDA to support the projects that will create jobs and expand the City’s tax base. Mr. Neibert stated that if the City does not cede the funds, it goes back to the State. Council Member Dennis McEnaney stated that he believes this to be a great idea. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Adopt Ordinance # 2010-13, an Ordinance Authorizing the Ceding of Private Activity Bonding Authority to SIEDA. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Approving Tax Increment Financing Agreements. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is agreements with the following entities: Mark D. Hassakis and Janet S. Hassakis; Granada Center for the Performing Arts: Vivian Martin; Sansloeuf, LLC; Kim L. Loker & Kim A. Loker; Antioch International Assembly. Mr. Neibert stated that there were 11 applicants and 2 of them dropped out. The funds will be used for repairs to the buildings of each entity. Mr. Neibert stated that the City and the TIF Advisory Board have done great work going through the applications and deciding where the funds would go. The funds were limited to $80,000.00 this time. There will be more reviews after May 1. These funds are on a reimbursement project. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Adopt Ordinance # 2010-14, an Ordinance Approving Tax Increment Finance Agreements. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard 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. Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that the property is in McClellan Township and has recently been annexed into the City Limits. McClellan Township is a dry township so the petition to become wet was necessary. Mr. Rick Heck, owner of the Racetrack on the property is the petitioner. He explained that a lot of racetracks now sell beer, which helps with their income. Mayor Chesley asked Mr. Heck how long he has owned the racetrack. He stated that he has had it since 1999. Mr. Heck stated that he used to allow people to bring in coolers of beer, but his insurance company stopped that. Mr. Heck asked Council to suspend the rules to vote on First Reading. Mayor Chesley stated that the City does not have a “racetrack” license. It would have to be a restaurant license. Mr. Heck stated that they sell food at the races. Council Member Dennis McEnaney stated that we have had several and will have several more annexations in this area and he would like to see the City Council bring the wet/dry issue up all at one time rather than a piece at a time. Mayor Chesley stated that she appreciates Mr. Heck annexing his property but she also would like to see a one-time wet/dry vote and especially when not all of the Council is in attendance tonight to weigh in on this vote. Council Member McEnaney asked to table this issue until the next Council meeting so full Council could vote on it. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to table this issue until the April 19, 2010 Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving the Intent to Reimburse in Connection with the City of Mt. Vernon Capital Improvement Projects. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this Resolution simply states that the City will need to issue up to $6,000,000.00 in Bonds to finance the acquisition, construction, installation of a new water tower, road construction, and repairs, sewer and water facilities and improvements and related facilities. These funds shall be reimbursed from proceeds of such bonds. Meaning the City will pay itself back for funds used. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Approve the Resolution Approving the Intent to Reimburse in Connection with the City of Mt. Vernon Capital Improvement Projects. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley spoke regarding Recovery Zone Bonds. They are a part of the ARRA, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Jefferson County has been allotted $4.4 million dollars in bonding capabilities at a lower interest rate. The City has been discussing this matter with the County Board and the County Board Chairman. Mayor Chesley stated that the City has a comprehensive plan and the City has ‘shovel ready’ projects now that meet the criteria such as the water tower project, the 34^th Street job, the sewer under the Interstate, etc. Chairman Buck and the County Board are looking at projects for the county. He is meeting with the county schools to look at school projects. The City will work with the County on anything we can do for the City and County. We need strength through teamwork with the County to benefit both the City and County. This could help strengthen our economic development. Senate bill 34/74 has potential to take away the Recovery Zone Bonding Allocations from the County. There is a time issue involved. Hopefully the City and County can utilize the entire Bonding for growth and jobs.

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving a Service Agreement with Aramark. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that Aramark is the company that furnishes our rugs and all uniforms for the employees. This is a two-year extension on our current agreement. We have been serviced by Aramark for several years and have been

very satisfied with the services. Aramark has offered a 15% reduction in prices for the first year and only a 5% increase for the other 2 years. Mr. Neibert stated that this is a good agreement. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Approve the Resolution Approving a Service Agreement with Aramark. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving a Park Concession Stand Agreement. This is the annual agreement with Mary Mullinax. She has run the concession there for several years. George Bryant, Parks Director has recommended this agreement. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Adopt the Resolution Approving the Park Concession Stand Agreement as Presented. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Requesting IDOT Approval for Temporary Closure of IL 15 Westbound from Marlow Road (FAS 789) to Junction of IL 15 & Old Rt. 15 at the East edge of Mt. Vernon for the purpose of “Salute to Freedom” Fireworks Display on July 4, 2010. This is an annual request for the street closure. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Approve the Resolution to close the streets for the “Salute to Freedom” as presented. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Requesting Authorization to Close 9^th Street between Harrison and Jordan Streets on Saturday, August 14, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. for the Purpose of the DMDC Cruise Night. City Manager Neibert stated that this is an annual event also and has continued to grow and become quite an event. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Approve the Resolution Authorizing the Closure of Certain Streets for the DMDC Annual Cruise Night on August 14, 2010. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Consent to Assignment of a Lake Miller Lease from Richard and Virginia Page to Ronald Almaroad and Devon Almaroad. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is a general consent to the assignment of the Page lease to the Almaroads. The Lease will expire in May 1, 2105. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Approve the Consent to the Assignment of a Lake Miller Lease from Page’s to Almaroad’s as presented. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

MAYOR

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley presented a Proclamation for National Telecommunicator’s Week, which is the week of April 11 to April 17. Mayor Chesley read the proclamation and presented it to Police Chief Chris Mendenall to give to the telecommunicators. Chief Mendenall stated that we have several very special individuals working as telecommunicators and he is proud of them.

Mayor Chesley stated that Council would be holding a Budget Workshop Meeting on Monday, April 12, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that at this time she has several appointments and reappointments that she would like to present for Council’s advice and consent. The first is for Sarah Sledge to the Tourism Board. She would be replacing Elizabeth Hinman. Her term will expire on April 30, 2011. Motion by Council Member Dennis McEnaney to Approve the Appointment of Sarah Sledge to the Tourism Board to Replace Elizabeth Hinman. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that she would like to do the reappointments all in one motion if possible. Mayor Chesley presented for Council’s advice and consent the reappointments of the following: Bob Brown to the Fire and Police Commission for another 3 year term which would expire on April 30, 2013. Joe Wilks to the City Housing Authority for another five-year term, which would end 4/30/2015. Rick Kirkpatrick to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term of 3 years ending 4/18/2013. Bill Short, Glenda Eubanks, Bernie Dickneite and Debbie Greene to the Tourism Board for three-year terms ending on 4/30/2013. Jason Newell to the Park Board for a term of 2 years ending on 4/30/2012. Stan Fowler to the TIF Board for a two-year term ending on May 1, 2012. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to approve the reappointments of the above named persons to the various Boards ad Commissions as presented. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney and Chesley. Absent: Piper and Wood.

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley spoke regarding the Census. She stated that the progress is running about 60% right now and the workers will soon be going door to door to collect information. You can track the census on the City’s Website Mt. Vernon.com. She encouraged everyone to fill out their papers and send them in; this is how our funding is decided for the future. She stated that if you have not received a form or have any questions on them to contact Bonnie Jerdon at the Tourism Office.

CITY COUNCIL

VISITORS/CITIZEN REQUESTS/ ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE

Elvira Canzanella asked why the flags were flying half-staff. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that the flags at the Fire Departments are because a firefighter in Homewood, Illinois had died in the line of duty.

Ms. Canzanella stated that there are a lot of motorized scooters around town crossing the streets and at night you cannot see them well. She asked if they could be made to put reflectors or lights on them so they can be seen. Police Chief Chris Mendenall stated that he would look into this.

ADJOURNMENT

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