Regular City Council Meeting
May 4, 2009
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, May 4, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley called the Regular Meeting to order and Reverend Waylon Middendorf of Prince of Peace Lutheran 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 April 15, 2009 City Council Budget Workshop Meeting and the April 20, 2009 Regular City Council Meeting were presented to Council for any corrections, additions or deletions. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to approve the journals for the April 15, 2009 City Council Budget Workshop Meeting and the April 20, 2009 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 May 2009 in the amount of $610,416.51 were presented for Council’s consideration. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for May 2009 in the amount of $ 610,416.51 as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that at this time, the two retiring members of Council could speak regarding their service to the City.
Council Member Shirilyn Holt addressed Council and the public. Mrs. Holt stated that she has really enjoyed serving on the Council. She stated that it hasn’t always been easy and some of the decisions have been hard to make. She
thanked former Mayor David Keen for her appointment. Mrs. Holt stated that it has not been about her, and none of her decisions have been personal. They were all about the City of Mt. Vernon and what would be best for the City. Mrs. Holt thanked everyone for the chance to serve the City.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley and City Manager Ron Neibert presented Mrs. Holt with a rocking chair commending her service to the City.
Council Member Mike Walker addressed the Council and the Public stating that former Mayor Milt Sees appointed him to fill his seat when he was appointed Mayor. Mr. Walker stated that it has been enjoyable to work on the Council and with the Council. He also stated that he has enjoyed working for the Citizens of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Walker stated that he has had some tough decisions to make and the experience has been quite a journey. Mr. Walker wished all his luck to the Mayor and the new Council. He stated that he has always been fond of the old Register News saying “ Square Deal for All, Special Favors for None”. He has tried to work on that principal while on Council. He stated that today he is retiring from the City Council and he also graduated from College, all on the same day.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that Mr. Walker told her he is too young to rock, so he wished to take the funds that it would cost for the rocking chair and make donations to his charities. Mr. Walker presented a check for the Mt. Vernon Fire Department for their MDA fundraiser, a check to the Mt. Vernon Police Department for their “Shop with a Cop” Program and a check for the Jefferson County Red Cross. Mr. Walker also presented a check for the “ Furry Friends” no kill animal shelter.
Council Member Mary Burgan stated that she had really enjoyed serving with both Mr. Walker and Mrs. Holt. She stated that she feels that she has made two new friends and she admired both of them for their service and decision making while on Council. She stated that she admires their integrity and common sense. Mrs. Burgan stated that she looks forward to serving with the two new Council Members.
Council Member David Wood stated that he has also enjoyed serving with Mrs. Holt and Mr. Walker. They were both great stewards for the City and contributed a lot where the City is going. Mr. Wood stated that he is also looking forward to working with Dennis, Todd and Mayor Chesley to keep the City growing.
Mayor Mary Jane Chelsey stated that the new members have some big shoes to fill. Both Mrs. Holt and Mr. Walker have had quite an impact on the City’s future and growth. Mayor Chesley stated that there are hours and hours of thought that go before some of the decisions. Many of the decisions are not easy. Mayor
Chesley sincerely thanked both Mrs. Holt and Mr. Walker for their service and what they have done for the City of Mt. Vernon.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that at this time Corporation Counsel Bill Howard would swear in the newly elected officials. Mr. Howard gave the Official Oath to newly elected Council Member Todd Piper and Dennis McEnaney and Re-elected Mayor Mary Jane Chesley, City Clerk Jackie Sharp and City Treasurer Doris Stover.
The new Council Members took their seats at the Council table to continue the meeting.
CITY MANAGER
City Manager Ron Neibert introduced Mr. Ken Kawabi from Mizaka, Japan. Mr. Kawabi is in town to learn on a Rotary Program. He will stay and learn about our community and our State then report back to his home in Japan.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving an Agreement for Davidson Avenue Road Improvements. Mayor Mary Jane Chesley explained that this is a project funded by $492,000.00 of stimulus money. This roadway will open up approximately 60 acres of property that can be developed. Another stimulus project will be the $1.1 million sewer main under the Interstate near the Interchange. Council Member David Wood stated that there is also some tax money involved in these projects. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Approve the Resolution Approving an Agreement for Davidson Avenue Road Improvements. Second by Council Member Todd Piper. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney, Piper, Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving an Equipment Recovery Grant Application for the Police Department. Police Chief Chris Mendenall stated that this is funding for three new squad cars fully loaded with lights and computers and all. This is a no match grant. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Approve the Resolution Approving an Equipment Recovery Grant Application for the Police Department. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney, Piper Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving an Application for Assistance to a Firefighter Grant. Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Sargent addressed Council saying that this grant would be for a Fire Truck. The amount would be $450,000.00 with a 5% match. This would cost the City $ 22,500.00. Another part of this grant would be for $29,000.00 with a 5% match or $1,450.00. Mr. Sargent stated that the City could receive $479,000.00 with a cost of only $ 23,950.00 to the City. This is an approve or unapproved grant. Meaning you either get a yes or no answer. The funds would be used for a new pumper. The old one is a 1982 aerial truck that was converted to a pumper years ago with an open cab, which is not NFTA compliable any longer. The grants are awarded by a peer review board and we would know in late 09 or early 10 if we receive it. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that we need to order the vehicle soon either way because it could be several months to build the vehicle. Council Member Piper asked if the specs are ready to bid. Mr. Sargent stated that they are to a point and the payment for the vehicle would not be due until the delivery. Mr. Sargent stated that it would take a while to figure out what items are needed on the truck. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Approve the Resolution Approving the Application for an Assistance to a Firefighter Grant. Second by Council Member Todd Piper. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney, Piper, Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s approval a Resolution Approving a Mutual Aid Agreement. Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Sargent stated that this is an agreement with Franklin County and DuQuoin for mutual aid in cases of emergencies. This has to do with ESDA. Mr. Sargent introduced Mr. David Searby, Deputy Director of the DuQuoin ESDA. Mr. Ryan Brickingham from Franklin County could not attend tonight. Mr. Sargent stated that this is an outreach to other Cities and Counties and deals with HAZMAT items also. Council Member McEnaney asked if the City has other Mutual Aid Agreements. Mr. Sargent stated that through the State of Illinois IEMA we do, but the State would have to declare it an emergency for that to work. Council Member Todd Piper asked what costs were involved. Mr. Sargent stated that there are potential costs if it is not a State disaster, if it is a State Disaster the State will pay. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that during the big storm we had a couple of years ago, we recovered a quarter of a million dollars for reimbursement of our costs. Mayor Mary Jane Chesley asked Mr. Sargent if this is related to the NIMA testing that the City has been involved with in the last year. Mr. Sargent stated that it is. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Approve the Resolution Approving a Mutual Aid Agreement. Second by Council Member David Wood. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney, Piper, Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing the Appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the FY 09/10 Street Maintenance Program. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that these
are the funds to maintain the streets for the year. The streets were picked during the budget process to match up with the funds available. Council Member Dennis McEnaney asked who picks the streets and the amounts. Mr. Neibert stated that Council picks the streets and the amount is given to us by IDOT for the MFT Funds. Public Works Director Matt Fauss figures the amounts that can be spent and the area that amount will cover and then the Council figures out which streets need the work by the costs. Some of the streets are looked at by Council for physical need also. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Approve the Resolution Authorizing the Appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the 09/10 Street Maintenance Program. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney, Piper, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley read a Proclamation honoring National Police Week. The proclamation was presented to Police Chief Chris Mendenall.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley read a Proclamation honoring Municipal Clerks Week. The proclamation was given to City Clerk Jackie Sharp.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley presented for the advice and consent of Council the Appointment of Teri Clark to the Park Board. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Approve the Mayor’s Appointment of Teri Clark to the Park Board. Second by Council Member David Wood. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney, Piper, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley asked for advice and consent for the re-appointment of Bill Pittman to the Police Pension Board. Motion by Council Member David Wood to Approve the Re-appointment of Bill Pittman to the Police Pension Board. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney, Piper, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley asked for Council’s advice and consent for the Re-appointment of Phyllis Bruce and Angela Schrum to the Mt. Vernon Tourism Advisory Board. Motion by Council Member Todd Piper to Re-appoint Phyllis Bruce and Angela Schrum to the Mt. Vernon Tourism Advisory Board. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney, Piper, Wood and Chesley.
Council Member Todd Piper asked when the Budget Workshop Meeting was scheduled. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that it was set for May 11, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor Chesley stated that this would be like a Budget 101 session for the new Council Members.
Mr. Jim Rippy addressed Council regarding the increase that Rend Lake Conservancy District put on their water. Mr. Rippy stated that they did not raise their rate but 2% so he asked Council to reconsider their 6% increase that they made a few weeks ago. Mr. Rippy stated that if the City keeps the 6% increase and with the raise last year, it would be an 18% increase in two years.
Mrs. Elvira Canzanella stated that the City has the best Fire Department in the State. She spoke of the new HAZMAT mascot, a Mickey Mouse in a Fire Suit.
Mr. John Kowalski of the American Legion Club addressed Council regarding the Memorial Day Service they always have on the Courthouse lawn. It will start at 10 a.m. Mr. Kowalski stated that last weekend they had the Annual Kyle Price Motorcycle Run. He thanked the Mt. Vernon Police Department for all of their help. Mr. Kowalski also spoke regarding some 6,000 sets of unclaimed remains that will be traveling through this area on May 25, 2009 also. They will make a stop at the Circle K station for a short time at 5:30 p.m. The remains are on their way to Arlington National Cemetery for proper burials.
Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney, Piper, Wood and Chesley.