REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 7, 2008
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, April 7, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley called the meeting to order and Father Dan Jurek of St. Mary Catholic Church 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 journals for the March 17, 2008 Regular City Council Meeting and the March 31, 2008 City Council Workshop Meeting were presented to Council for any additions, deletions or corrections. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to approve the Journals for the March 17, 2008 Regular City Council Meeting and the March 31, 2008 City Council Workshop Meeting as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for April 2008 in the amount of $540,166.47 were presented for Council’s consideration. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for April 2008 in the amount of $ 540,166.47 as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Manager Ron Neibert stated that bids were received for Ammunition for the Police Department. One bid was received. The bid was turned over to Police Chief Chris Mendenall to open. He will report in just a few minutes.
City Manager Ron Neibert reported that the City had taken sealed bids for lots the City has acquired by liens. Through this process the City received 55 bids for properties. The total bids received were $ 62,137.15. Mr. Neibert recommended
the acceptance of the bids received to sell the 55 properties. The City will continue to try to sell any properties that were not bid on. Motion by Council Member David Wood to approve the bids received for the 55 properties bid on in the amount of $ 62,137.15. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Manager asked Police Chief Mendenall if he had the results of the Ammunition Bid received. Chief Mendenall stated that he did. The bid received was as follows: Ammunition Bid from Rend Lake Sporting Goods $ 14,223.65. Chief Mendenall stated that this is a little higher than budgeted but he could transfer some funds to cover it. Chief Mendenall stated that he did not know why there was not more than one bid received. Chief Mendenall recommended the acceptance of the one bid received. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to accept the Bid received for Ammunition for the Police Department from Rend Lake Sporting Goods in the amount of $ 14,223.65. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that she wanted to move around part of the agenda at this time. Mayor Chesley stated that there is a fine group of young men that she wished to honor tonight, the Zadok Casey Junior High School Basketball Team. Mayor Chesley called the two coaches, Scott Williams and Kent Stevens and presented them a proclamation honoring the team’s great season. Mayor Chesley then called up four of the players on the team and presented them with certificates of recognition. Pictures were taken and Mayor Chesley then presented the two coaches with certificates and certificates for all of the other team members. Mayor Chesley stated that honoring students like these made everyone proud.
City Manager Ron Neibert introduced Mr. Randy Tucker Supervisor of EMC Sewer Treatment Plant to present his Annual Report. Mr. Tucker stated that he wanted to give a very brief story about Privatization of the Treatment Plant. Mr. Tucker stated that in February 1986 the EPA had put the City on Restricted Status. This meant that there could be no new building or growth in the City. The City and EMC talked and it took 1 year and $6 million dollars to build the new plant. This was presented to the City in August of 1986 and the project would get the City off Restricted Status and solve several problems. Three months into the project with EMC the City was taken off Restricted Status. The joining of the City of Mt. Vernon and EMC has been a very good and long relationship for both parties. Mr. Tucker stated that the relationship between EMC and the City has been better than either ever anticipated. Mr. Tucker stated that the plant continues to operate better than the standards set by the IEPA. There has not
been a permit violation in 20 years with EMC. All USEPA and IEPA inspections have been passed highly, sampling requirements have been met and the facility has been nominated four times for the best-operated treatment facility. Mr. Tucker stated that the City employees that run the jet-vac truck have done an excellent job keeping lines cleaned out and clear. The Grease Trap Ordinance has also help tremendously. Mr. Tucker thanked all City employees and departments that they work closely with. Mr. Tucker stated that during the privatization project EMC guaranteed quality operation, maintenance and effluent quality for 20 years. Mr. Tucker spoke of the repair and maintenance costs for this last year. The Mt. Vernon plant has maintained a great safety plan for their employees, 100% IEPA Safety Program. EMC was presented the distinguished Burke Safety Award in 2007 in Peoria. There is only one award presented in the State of Illinois per year. It also recognizes the hard work and good training of the EMC employees. Training is continued at the plant all the time. There are 8 Certified Operators working at the plant. Mr. Tucker stated that we have come a long way with the Privatization Project between the City of Mt. Vernon and EMC. Council Member David Wood stated that recently he had the honor of visiting the plant and taking a tour and it was very interesting to see the plant and it’s operations. Mr. Wood stated that he is amazed at how the preventative maintenance that is done by the plant operators for the plant and the lift stations. Mayor Chesley stated that she was on the Council when this came up with the Restricted Status and it has been shown as a fantastic partnership.
City Manager Ron Neibert presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Reallocation of Funds for the 2007/2008 Budget. Mr. Neibert stated that there were two requests and the overall net effect on the Working Fund Balance is $0.They are to cover increases in expenditures that are funded by a grant and a reimbursement from the high school for the construction of the soccer field. Motion by Council Member David Wood to approve the Reallocation of Funds as presented. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
City Manager Ron Neibert presented a Request for Temporary Closure of 14th Street in front of the Appellate Courthouse and Main Street in front of Hughey’s Funeral Home west of their driveway for the Purpose of Downtown After 5 Historical Landmark Tour on May 15, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to10:00 p.m. and Permission to Temporary Closure of 14th Street in front of the Appellate Courthouse and Main Street in front of Hughey Funeral Home west of their driveway for the Purpose of the Dedication and Ribbon Cutting of the Lincoln Sculpture on the Appellate Courthouse Lawn on September 18, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Approve the Temporary Closure of the Streets as Requested on the Two Dates named. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Regarding the Adoption of Current Edition of the Electrical Code and Various International Building Codes and Fire Codes. Mr.
Neibert stated that this is just simply updating the Codes we are using and getting in line with what we are using. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt 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 Shirilyn Holt to Adopt Ordinance #2008-10, an Ordinance Regarding the Adoption of the Current Edition of the Electrical Code and Various International Building Codes and Fire Codes. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard Presented the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Occupancy Housing and Building Code. City Manager Ron Neibert explained that this Ordinance would not affect anyone that owns their house and lives in themselves. It is just for rental properties. It will cause an inspection to be made on rental homes before they can be occupied. The inspection will make sure that everything is up to code and following the specific items laid out by Council. This will assure that the homes are livable and in good repair for the renter. There is a fee for the inspection, which the owner will pay. The fee will be $50.00, if an item is found to be non-compliant a return visit inspection will be $15.00. Mayor Chesley stated that she would like to hold First Reading Only on this request. Mayor Chesley stated that she realizes that there are a lot of people in attendance tonight that have questions or concerns on this Ordinance so she is wanting to have a Workshop Meeting before the next City Council Meeting so citizens can discuss their concerns and questions with Council before the Ordinance is voted on. Council Member David Wood stated that contrary to what one of the newspapers reported, this Ordinance will not effect homeowners or owner occupied residences. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that the Ordinance has an effective date of July 1, 2008. Council Member Mike Walker asked if a renter calls in a complaint would that trigger a $50.00 inspection fee. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that yes it would. Council Member Walker asked that that part be taken out because a renter could just call in several complaints daily and cause the owner a lot of costs and concerns. First Reading Only was held and Council will set a Workshop Meeting for public input on this item.
Corporation Council Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Property Located at 12525 Lakewood Drive. The petitioning parties are Toby and Laura Russell. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this request passed the Planning and Zoning Commission with no objectors. The Russell’s are wanting to hook onto water and sewer to build. Council Member Mike Walker asked where the lines were and how far they were going to have to run the lines. City Engineer John Porter showed Council where the lines were located and where they would be tapped. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Approve Ordinance # 2008-11, an
Ordinance Annexing Property Located at 12525 Lakewood Drive for Toby and Laura Russell. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing Execution of Addendum to Lake Jaycee Lease with King City Saddle Club. City Manager Ron Neibert stated this is an addendum for leasing additional property near their current lease at Jaycee Lake. Parks Director George Bryant spoke regarding the request stating that there has been a lot of unauthorized traffic on this piece of property recently so the Park Department is going to put additional signage out no trespassing, etc. First Reading Was Held.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for First Reading an Ordinance Authorizing the Ceding of Private Activity Bonding Authority. City Manager Ron Neibert explained that each year the City gets approximately $1.3 million dollars in Private Activity Bonding Authority. That means that we get a private activity that wants to finance the activity with this type of bonds. The funds have to be dedicated by April 30 of the money reverts back to the State of Illinois. We have chosen to Cede the Bonds to SIEDA. The City has exclusive use until September 1. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Adopt Ordinance # 2008-12, an Ordinance Authorizing the Ceding of Private Activity Bonding Authority. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council a Resolution Approving a Purchase Contract with Jefferson County. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is property located at 1308 Casey Avenue and the City has a lien against the property. It will take $646.00 to purchase the property. This would be in lieu of a demolition cost. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Approve the Purchasing Contract with Jefferson County for the purchase of property located at 1308 Casey Avenue in the amount of $646.00. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Reclassifying Certain Public Utilities and Sanitation Accounts for Accounting Purposes. City Manager Ron Neibert explained that this is an annual procedure the City does. It takes any uncollectible water and sewer accounts and writes them into a bad debt account. The purpose is to get them off the books for the end of the year accounting. This does not mean that we will stop trying to
collect the money. If someone on the list comes in and signs up for service their names show up on a list and they will be denied service until the past bills are paid. Plus the City keeps searching for the persons on the list to collect. Motion
by Council Member Mary Burgan to Reclassifying Certain Public Utilities and Sanitation Accounts for Accounting Purposes. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving a Tentative Annual Budget and Setting the Public Budget Hearing for April 30, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Approve the Resolution Approving a Tentative Annual Budget and Setting the Public Budget Hearing for April 30, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall, 1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Second by Council Member David Wood. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
MAYOR
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley spoke regarding the Proclamation for National Telecommunicators Week. Mayor Chesley read the proclamation and presented it to Police Chief Chris Mendenall to take to the telecommunicators.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that now that Council is working on the Comprehensive Plan and trying to go forward with plans, it is time to take a good look at our Boards and Commissions and get them cleaned up and up to date.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that at this time she would like to submit names for the advice and consent of Council for reappointments to certain Boards and Commissions. Mayor Chesley stated that she would like to reappoint Rick Marlow and Linda Short to the Historic Preservation Commission. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Approve Mayor Chesleys Reappointment of Rick Marlow and Linda Short to the Historic Preservation Commission. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley presented for the advice and consent for Reappointments to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board. Mayor Chesley stated that she would like to reappoint Bill Short, Glenda Eubanks, Myrtle DeLoach and Elizabeth Hinman to the Board. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Approve Mayor Chesley’s Reappointment of Bill Short, Glenda Eubanks, Myrtle DeLoach and Elizabeth Hinman to the Conventions and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board. Second by Council Member David Wood. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley presented the following names for Council’s advice and consent for Appointment to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board: Hank Villani, Jamey Van Zandt and Angela Schrum. Motion by Council
Member Mike Walker to Approve the Appointments made by Mayor Mary Jane Chesley to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley presented for Council’s Advice and Consent the reappointment of Ms. Wilma Harpole to the City Housing Authority Commission. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Approve Mayor Chesley’s Reappointment of Wilma Harpole to the City Housing Authority Commission. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley presented the name of Bill Beck for Council’s Advice and Consent for Reappointment to the Fire and Police Commission. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Approve Mayor Chesley’s Reappointment of Bill Beck to the Fire and Police Commission. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley presented for Council’s Advice and Consent the Appointment of Jason Newell to the Park Board. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Approve Mayor Chesley’s Appointment of Jason Newell to the Park Board. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
CITY COUNCIL
VISITORS/CITIZEN REQUESTS, ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.