City Council Workshop Meeting
Recessed from May 11, 2009
May 26, 2009
The Mt. Vernon City Council met for a Recessed Workshop Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. This meeting was recessed from a previous Workshop Meeting of May 11, 2009.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley called the meeting to order. Roll call showed present: Council Member Mary Burgan, Council Member Dennis McEnaney, Council Member Todd Piper Council Member David Wood and Mayor Mary Jane Chesley.
Mayor Chesley stated that since this is a Workshop Meeting, discussion only can be held.
City Manager Ron Neibert presented a memo handout from Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni and Krafthefer, P.C. of Chicago. The handout was regarding the duties of the City Manager, Mayor and City Council. Mr. Neibert stated that the City of Mt. Vernon is a City Manager form of Government. Mr. Neibert stated that 79 municipalities in Illinois operate under this form of government. Mr. Neibert explained some of the differences in this form of government and others. Mr. Neibert went on to explain how the City Manager gets hired and could be fired. Mr. Neibert spoke of the many jobs of the City Manager, however, he cannot dismiss Police or Fire Chiefs or Assistant Police and Fire Chiefs because Mt. Vernon has an active Fire and Police Commission. The Fire and Police Commission also do the hiring and firing and approval of the officers and patrolmen. They also handle any discipline for the Fire and Police Departments. Mr. Neibert gave other jobs of the City Manager such as attending Council meetings, recommending legislation and other duties prescribed by the Council.
City Manager Neibert went on to discuss the Mayor’s duties. He stated that in the Managerial form of government the Mayor retains certain limited executive functions. The Mayor is recognized as the official head of the City. In the City Managerial form of government, the Mayor does not have any veto power. The
Mayor has the power to appoint all members of Boards and Commissions with Council’s advice and consent.
Mr. Neibert explained the duties of the Council Members. Mr. Neibert stated that the power of the Council is entirely legislative. Mr. Neibert spoke regarding different cases that clarify the duties of the Mayor, Council and Manager. Mr. Neibert stated that the Municipal Code stresses the distinction between policy and administration in a manager form of government.
Council discussed certain parts of Mr. Neibert’s presentation. Council discussed Roberts Rules of Order. Council Member David Wood spoke of some misunderstanding between he and the Mayor regarding the Liquor Advisory Board. He stated that he now understands that if the Mayor, as Liquor Commissioner does not want to use the Liquor Board, she is not required to. Discussion was held regarding the making of motions and seconds. Council Member Dennis McEnaney asked about a topic that was discussed at the last workshop meeting, e-mails and answers. Council discussed this item and reiterated what the City Attorney David Leggans had said about them. How Council could legally communicate. Council Member David Wood asked how the Agenda is set. City Manager Neibert stated that the departments meet in a staff meeting and discuss if something needs to be on the agenda, then some items are filed, some are sent over by the City Attorney and he sets some. All items are then given to Jane to prepare and it is discussed if they should be Ordinances or Resolutions or just votes.
Ryan Kanallakan of DMI spoke regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Kanallakan gave each Council Member a copy of the 3rd draft of the Comprehensive Plan to look over and discuss. Mayor Chesley stated that this is still a working document. Mr. Eric White of DMI stated that the committees have sent information and they are compiling it all together. The surveys were discussed. Mr. White stated that the surveys are what are called “ feel good info”. Mayor Chesley stated that the two new Council Members need to be put on a committee. Council Member Todd Piper asked to be put on the Quality of Life Committee, that left Council Member McEnaney to be on the Land Use Committee.
Mr. Kanallakan presented a map showing the future land use for the overpass area and another one for the corporate limits for the future. The maps were passed to Council and looked at by each one. City Manager Ron Neibert explained the 1-½ mile area for zoning. Council Member McEnaney asked about specific objectives and goals on the Comprehensive Plan. Council Member Mary Burgan spoke regarding goals, if they are priority or not. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that the Comprehensive Plan is a legal document. Mayor Mary Jane Chesley asked Council to notify her, Mr. Neibert or DMI if they have any suggestions or changes in mind for the plan. Council Member David Wood
asked what the schedule was to get the Comprehensive Plan finalized. Mayor Chesley stated that she and Dr. Nick Osborn have a meeting with DMI on
June 3, 2009 to discuss the plan. Mayor Chesley stated that the City has to have a Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan at lease 15 days before the plan is voted on. The Planning and Zoning Commission need to review the plan also. Hopefully the document can be back before Council by the end of July.
Discussion was held regarding finishing this recessed City Council Workshop Meeting on June 1, 2009 following the Regular City Council Meeting. Council concurred. The meeting will be held at City Hall, 1100 Main Street.
Motion by Council Member David Wood to recess this Workshop Meeting and reconvene on June 1, 2009 following the Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Dennis McEnaney. Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney, Piper, Wood and Chesley.