City of
Regular City
Council Meeting
August 1,
2011
The
Mayor, Mary
Jane Chesley, called the Regular Meeting to order and Pastor, Travis Perry, of
Bonnie/Ina United Methodist 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, Ron Lash and Council Member, Todd Piper.
The Journals
for the June 27, 2011 City Council Workshop Meeting, the July 11, 2011 City
Council Workshop Meeting and the July 18, 2011 Regular City Council Meeting were
presented to Council for any additions, deletions or corrections. Motion by
Council Member, Wood, to approve the journals. Second by Council Member,
McEnaney. Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Council Members, Lash and
Piper.
The
Consolidated Vouchers for the Accounts Payable were presented for Council’s
consideration. Council Member, Dennis McEnaney, asked for an update on the
projects listed for item #6, Henry, Meisenheimer & Gende in the amount of
$59,644.52 for Engineering on North Davidson Extension (188.32), West Elevated
Tank ($4,531.61), Veterans West & Davidson South Road Extension ($40,187.66),
Continental Tire Truck Route ($3,286.57), Veterans/Wells Bypass Sanitary Sewer
Extension ($9,015.56) and South Davidson & Veterans Sanitary Sewer ($2,434.80).
City Manager, Neibert, stated that they have begun the actual design work in
buildings for South Davidson and Veterans Sanitary Sewer, the Continental Tire
Truck Route is under construction, there is a small delay in that project; one
of the bridge beams didn’t meet the tolerance test so they will have to hold off
for about a week on the bridge construction until a new beam is put into place.
The Wells by Pass Sanitary Sewer Project is about ten days away from starting.
Council
Member, McEnaney, asked for an update on #11; Monkebar Builders in the amount of
$2,850.00 for playground equipment supervision. City Manager, Neibert, explained
that payment was for the Tot Lot Playground installed at the
Council
Member, McEnaney, asked for an update on #18; White and Borgognoni in the amount
of $8,021.33 for the Engineering on the Downtown Streetscape Project. City
Manager, Neibert, stated this was for the last phase of the project.
There have been some changes in the program where grant funds will not be
allowed to pay for trash cans and benches as it has in the past. He stated that
he would be reviewing this issue with Downtown Development and proceeding from
there.
Council
Member, Wood, asked about the Special Check to Robin and Liz Hensley in the
amount of $49,500.00 to reimburse for Downtown TIF. City Manager, Neibert,
reported that this payment was for the project completed on
Council
Member, Wood, wanted to stress how beneficial the TIF Program can be, stating
that because of the program there has been a huge difference in the appearance
of downtown.
Motion by
Council Member, McEnaney, to approve the Consolidated Vouchers in the amount of
$584,188.47 for Accounts Payable. Second by Council Member, Wood. Yeas:
McEnaney, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Council Members, Lash and Piper.
BIDS AND
QUOTES
City
Manager, Neibert, stated that the Bid Results for Five MDT Computers were being
removed from the agenda due to issues with bid specifications.
CITY MANAGER
City
Manager, Neibert, presented the Request for Permission to Seek Proposals for a
Brand Assessment and Brand Graphics Kit for the City. Bonnie Jerdon, Director of
the Convention and Tourism Bureau, elaborated on the topic of Brand Assessment.
She stated that there have been a lot of people interested in signing up for the
study. She noted that this study would be good for both Tourism and the rest of
the City.
Mayor,
Chesley, asked for an explanation of the project.
Director, Jerdon, stated that groups
would be formed to discuss and brainstorm about what Mt. Vernon’s true identity
is; what is distinct about the community. She stated that the goal is to improve
the perceptions of visitors, residents, business owners and developers with the
help of research and expertise. The end result, she stated, would be to
determine an agreed upon strategic platform to complement the City’s Strategic
Plan. The City would then be able to implement the use of graphic and marketing
support materials resulting from the study.
Mayor,
Chesley, asked for clarification on participation and feedback from residents in
the community. Director, Jerdon, stated that participation and feedback would be
a result per the use of focus groups.
Mayor
Chesley, asked for clarification on the contact person for the project.
Director, Jerdon, stated that the public could contact her at (618) 242-3151.
Council
Member, McEnaney, asked how long the assessment should take to complete.
Director, Jerdon, stated that she was hoping to see progress by the spring of
next year.
Council
Member, Wood, suggested a timeline be included in the Request for Proposals from
each participant stating what they think a realistic time frame for the
assessment would be. This, he stated, would allow the City the ability to track
how far ahead or behind schedule a group is. Director, Jerdon, stated that a
line could be added to the Request for Proposal.
Council
Member, McEnaney, asked what the results of the study would conclude.
Director,
Jerdon, stated that the study would note the strong points for
Council
Member, McEnaney, asked what the study would include as far as the identity
(i.e. Logo, symbol). Director, Jerdon, stated that a logo and symbol would be
part of the finished product, but it would include more of a strategic direction
for the City.
City
Manager, Neibert, explained that it was described to him as the theme by which
we tell the world who we are and how good we are.
Council
Member, Wood, added that the theme is used by the City to bring Tourism to the
area and for marketing. When we reach out to industries and different groups,
the logos, colors and phraseology should be applicable. A certain marketing
packet would be the result, he stated.
Mayor,
Chesley, asked if the young people within the community would be involved in the
study. Director, Jerdon, stated that the project is based on open invitation and
anyone is allowed to participate. She stated that high school students would be
able to participate and offer feedback.
Motion by
Council Member, Wood, to approve the Request for Permission to Seek Proposals
for a Brand Assessment and Brand Graphics Kit for the City. Second by Council
Member, McEnaney. Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Council Members,
Lash and Piper.
City
Manager, Neibert, presented a Request for Permission to Seek Bids for Outdoor
Lighting for the
Mayor,
Chesley, stated that it was good to see this item on the agenda, since the
Municipal West Building is a showcase building within the City. Director,
Jerdon, stated that she also considers it to be a branding tool because of its
location.
Council
Member, McEnaney, asked about the positioning of the lighting. Director, Jerdon,
stated that the tubing would be placed around the edge of the atrium inside the
building and would loop around.
Council
Member, Wood, stated that it would be important to include information on the
warranty/replacement costs. He asked if the City would be responsible for these
and stated the need for clarity on maintaining the lighting. Director, Jerdon,
noted that she had asked for a one-year warranty on tubing and labor within the
Proposal.
Council
Member, McEnaney, asked about the expected life of the product. Director,
Jerdon, stated that she had spoken with a gentleman from Clinton Electric who
said there would be occasional maintenance. Director, Jerdon, stated that she
could look into the issue further.
City
Manager, Neibert, suggested placing within the Proposal a one to three-year
maintenance and replacement agreement as part of the specifications.
Motion by
Council Member, Wood, to approve the Request for Permission to Seek Bids for
Outdoor Lighting for the Municipal West Building. Second by Council Member,
McEnaney. Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Council Members, Lash and
Piper.
CITY
ATTORNEY
City
Attorney, Bill Howard, presented for Council’s consideration a First Reading on
Ordinance Authorizing Sale of Municipal Personal Property. City Attorney, Bill
Howard, stated that unfortunately there could only be a First Read because four
votes are required.
City
Manager, Neibert, stated that the machine had been declared surplus; no other
department was in need of it and the City would try and sell it. He mentioned
that it had been replaced with an updated copier.
City
Attorney, Bill Howard, presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution
Requesting IDOT Approval for Temporary Closure of Portions of Main Street and
Broadway from
MAYOR
Mayor,
Chesley, read a Proclamation regarding the National Association of Town Watch
sponsoring their 28th Annual National Night Out. This, she read, is a
unique, nationwide crime, drug and violence prevention program being held on
August 2, 2011.
Police
Chief, Chris Mendenhall, stated that the event would be held from 5:30pm-8:30pm
and would include a canine demonstration, face painting, games and a free
cookout at the Rolland W. Lewis Community Building. He asked the community to
come out, bring the kids and have a good time.
Mayor,
Chesley, asked with Council’s permission for revision of the list of
Re-appointments for the Planning and Zoning Commission to read Charles Jones,
David Domingez, Robert Feltmeier, Gary Crouse, Jeff May and Wendall Yaeger to
the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Council
Member, McEnaney, shared that he had the opportunity to serve on the Zoning
Commission before and felt that all of the members were very well suited for the
position.
Mayor,
Chesley, stated that she had the opportunity to visit with the Members of the
Planning and Zoning Commission, giving them a background on what the City is
doing and where it is going. She stated that she appreciates them and noted that
they will be one of the more active committees within the City.
Council
Member, Wood, commented that he feels the Committee, after meeting, should feel
free to call any one of them to ask about their concerns, taking an active role
regarding issues within the community.
Motion by
Council Member, Wood, to approve the revision and the Re-appointment of Charles
Jones, David Domingez, Robert Feltmeier, Gary Crouse, Jeff May and Wendall
Yaeger to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Second by Council Member, McEnaney.
Yeas: McEnaney, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Council Members, Lash and Piper.
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor,
Chesley, stated that the Tot Lot at Veterans Park is very impressive. The Born
Learning Trail was started two months ago. The Band Shell was cleaned by and
Eagle Scout and repainted and there are two more benches by the walking trail.
Mayor, Chesley, stated that there is a lot of activity and participation going
on. People, she stated, want to be a part of the continuing growth and quality
in the park area. She extends a personal thank you to all of those who helped to
improve the Park.
Council
Member, Wood, expressed his thanks to Mayor, Chesley, Council, the City Manager,
Mary Ellen Bechtel and Mary Jo Pemberton for all the hard work that went into
the Retreat on Friday regarding the discussion of Land Acquisition and
Personnel; just the kind of teamwork and leadership that was needed.
Mayor,
Chesley, noted that teamwork was what made Council strong.
Council
Member, McEnaney, stated that he was very pleased with how the Retreat turned
out and all the time and organization the City Manager had put into it.
VISITORS/CITIZEN REQUESTS/ ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for
adjournment by Council Member, Wood. Second by Council Member, McEnaney. Yeas:
McEnaney, Wood and Chesley. Absent: Council Members, Lash and Piper.