ASSUMPTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Bromwell Lodge by Mayor Roger Cox who led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call was answered by Aldermen Sue Burgess, Joe Cochran, Derek Page, Selena Reed, and Melody Stuart. Also present were Mayor Roger Cox, Attorney Jordan Klein, Treasurer Debbie Damery, Water employee Dana Owens and City Clerk Janet Waller.
Present in the audience were Mark Bingham from Chastain & Associates, Bob Bantner, Taylor Vidmar from the Golden Prairie News and Kandy Smith.
Absent was Alderman Barb Coughlin.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2021 Council Meeting. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Page, Reed, Burgess and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to approve payment of bills as they appear on Warrant Sheets. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Burgess, Stuart, Cochran and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Treasurer’s Report:
CD # Invested at Term_____
General 5000082 $110,009.04 FNB Pana 6 month
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess made a motion to renew general CD 5000082 for $110,009.04 at Treasurer’s discretion at best possible rate. No discussion. Motion carried with Cochran, Reed, Burgess, Page and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mayor’s Comments:
There are abandoned vehicles in the City and residents will be notified to take care of this issue.
Complaints were received about illegal burning within the city limits. There also has been complaints regarding barking dogs being a nuisance. All complaints will need to be in writing in order for action to be taken.
Congressman Rodney Davis will have a traveling office at City Hall on June 23 from 9 till 10:30. Meg Kettlekamp will be here.
City Attorney:
The attorney will go over things as on the agenda.
Under New Business:
A brief explanation was given by Alderman Page regarding legislation for wind turbines until further details are available.
The council discussed the tentative budget. The council noted the amount of money for mowing and phones and if there are ways to decrease costs. The council agreed that the budget for IMRF and Social Security needs to be increased. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve changes to the tentative budget with changes to IMRF and Social Security. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Burgess, Stuart, Cochran and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mayor Cox discussed the tornado siren and how to possibly pay for a new siren. The Mayor questioned if TIF money could be used or not.
The council discussed hiring summer helpers. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the hiring of 2 summer helpers at minimum wage. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Reed, Stuart, Burgess and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The cost of partitions for the park bathrooms are $2,500.00. Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the purchase of partitions for $2,500.00 for the park bathrooms. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Reed, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The cost to clean out the lagoon is $4,950.00. Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the cleanout of the lagoon for the cost of $4,950.00. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Stuart, Cochran, Page and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council discussed on whether to approve the equipment for required water testing or to order 2 field test kits for the necessary testing. Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve $5,040.44 for the benchmark testing kit for the Water Department. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Reed, Stuart, Burgess and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council discussed the Waterly Software and agreed it would help with the paperwork required by the Water Department. Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the Waterly software at a yearly cost of $1,500.00 for the Water Department. Alderman Stuart, Page, Burgess, Cochran and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mark Bingham presented an amended contract for Chastain and Associates for continued inspections for the Sanitary Sewer Project and flow monitoring. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the amended contract for Chastain and Associates for continued inspection for the Sanitary Sewer Project and flow monitoring. Alderman Burgess, Cochran, Page, Stuart and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mark Bingham explained the CMOM plan. It is required by the EPA. There are annual checks to be done by the Water Department. Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the CMOM plan. Alderman Page, Reed, Stuart, Burgess and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mark Bingham explained the ordinance for the Water Pollution Control Loan Program to allow the City to borrow funds. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve Ordinance 764 to allow the City to borrow funds from the Water Pollution Control Loan Program. Alderman Page, Reed, Stuart, Burgess and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The cost of the Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing was $287,888.47 and engineering fees were $20,471.90 for a total of $308,360.37. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing was $287,888.47 and engineering fees were $20,471.90 for a total of $308,360.37. Alderman Cochran, Page, Reed, Stuart and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Engineer Mark Bingham gave an overview of the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 1. There has been over 5 million dollars spent already. There has been over 12,000 feet of mains have been installed with 4,000 left to install.
Engineer Mark Bingham gave an update on the Water Project. Most of the lead lines have been replaced.
Mark Bingham updated the council on the Water Phase 2 of the water for the new water plant. Assumption is number 1 on the list for across the whole state. The City continues looking for funding for the project that is estimated over 2 million.
An update by Mark Bingham regarding the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 2. We may have to delay the project further if there isn’t any forgiveness due to the costs. It was also discussed that we will need to decide on a rate increase in the near future. The City will need to be able to show that we can pay for the project. The Alderman will discuss more at the June Water Committee meeting.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to go into executive session at 8:35 pm for potential land acquisition. Alderman Reed, Stuart, Page, Cochran, and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to go into regular council meeting at 8:46 pm. Alderman Stuart, Burgess, Cochran, Page and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
No action taken.
Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 pm. Alderman Page, Cochran, Burgess, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Public Comments:
The public questioned if the City had received a donation for water bills. It was noted there was no donation given. The public questioned how the City is going after past due amounts and it was noted that the City may shut off water now with the lifted Covid restrictions. The City may also put a lien on the property.
__________________
Janet Waller City Clerk
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to approve the City Council Minutes of June 2, 2021. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Reed, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Bromwell Lodge by Mayor Roger Cox who led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call was answered by Aldermen Sue Burgess, Joe Cochran, Derek Page, Selena Reed, and Melody Stuart. Also present were Mayor Roger Cox, Attorney Jordan Klein, Treasurer Debbie Damery, Water employee Dana Owens and City Clerk Janet Waller.
Present in the audience were Mark Bingham from Chastain & Associates, Bob Bantner, Taylor Vidmar from the Golden Prairie News and Kandy Smith.
Absent was Alderman Barb Coughlin.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2021 Council Meeting. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Page, Reed, Burgess and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to approve payment of bills as they appear on Warrant Sheets. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Burgess, Stuart, Cochran and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Treasurer’s Report:
CD # Invested at Term_____
General 5000082 $110,009.04 FNB Pana 6 month
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess made a motion to renew general CD 5000082 for $110,009.04 at Treasurer’s discretion at best possible rate. No discussion. Motion carried with Cochran, Reed, Burgess, Page and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mayor’s Comments:
There are abandoned vehicles in the City and residents will be notified to take care of this issue.
Complaints were received about illegal burning within the city limits. There also has been complaints regarding barking dogs being a nuisance. All complaints will need to be in writing in order for action to be taken.
Congressman Rodney Davis will have a traveling office at City Hall on June 23 from 9 till 10:30. Meg Kettlekamp will be here.
City Attorney:
The attorney will go over things as on the agenda.
Under New Business:
A brief explanation was given by Alderman Page regarding legislation for wind turbines until further details are available.
The council discussed the tentative budget. The council noted the amount of money for mowing and phones and if there are ways to decrease costs. The council agreed that the budget for IMRF and Social Security needs to be increased. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve changes to the tentative budget with changes to IMRF and Social Security. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Burgess, Stuart, Cochran and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mayor Cox discussed the tornado siren and how to possibly pay for a new siren. The Mayor questioned if TIF money could be used or not.
The council discussed hiring summer helpers. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the hiring of 2 summer helpers at minimum wage. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Reed, Stuart, Burgess and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The cost of partitions for the park bathrooms are $2,500.00. Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the purchase of partitions for $2,500.00 for the park bathrooms. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Reed, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The cost to clean out the lagoon is $4,950.00. Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the cleanout of the lagoon for the cost of $4,950.00. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Stuart, Cochran, Page and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council discussed on whether to approve the equipment for required water testing or to order 2 field test kits for the necessary testing. Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve $5,040.44 for the benchmark testing kit for the Water Department. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Reed, Stuart, Burgess and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council discussed the Waterly Software and agreed it would help with the paperwork required by the Water Department. Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the Waterly software at a yearly cost of $1,500.00 for the Water Department. Alderman Stuart, Page, Burgess, Cochran and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mark Bingham presented an amended contract for Chastain and Associates for continued inspections for the Sanitary Sewer Project and flow monitoring. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the amended contract for Chastain and Associates for continued inspection for the Sanitary Sewer Project and flow monitoring. Alderman Burgess, Cochran, Page, Stuart and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mark Bingham explained the CMOM plan. It is required by the EPA. There are annual checks to be done by the Water Department. Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the CMOM plan. Alderman Page, Reed, Stuart, Burgess and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mark Bingham explained the ordinance for the Water Pollution Control Loan Program to allow the City to borrow funds. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve Ordinance 764 to allow the City to borrow funds from the Water Pollution Control Loan Program. Alderman Page, Reed, Stuart, Burgess and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The cost of the Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing was $287,888.47 and engineering fees were $20,471.90 for a total of $308,360.37. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing was $287,888.47 and engineering fees were $20,471.90 for a total of $308,360.37. Alderman Cochran, Page, Reed, Stuart and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Engineer Mark Bingham gave an overview of the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 1. There has been over 5 million dollars spent already. There has been over 12,000 feet of mains have been installed with 4,000 left to install.
Engineer Mark Bingham gave an update on the Water Project. Most of the lead lines have been replaced.
Mark Bingham updated the council on the Water Phase 2 of the water for the new water plant. Assumption is number 1 on the list for across the whole state. The City continues looking for funding for the project that is estimated over 2 million.
An update by Mark Bingham regarding the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 2. We may have to delay the project further if there isn’t any forgiveness due to the costs. It was also discussed that we will need to decide on a rate increase in the near future. The City will need to be able to show that we can pay for the project. The Alderman will discuss more at the June Water Committee meeting.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to go into executive session at 8:35 pm for potential land acquisition. Alderman Reed, Stuart, Page, Cochran, and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to go into regular council meeting at 8:46 pm. Alderman Stuart, Burgess, Cochran, Page and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
No action taken.
Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 pm. Alderman Page, Cochran, Burgess, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Public Comments:
The public questioned if the City had received a donation for water bills. It was noted there was no donation given. The public questioned how the City is going after past due amounts and it was noted that the City may shut off water now with the lifted Covid restrictions. The City may also put a lien on the property.
__________________
Janet Waller City Clerk
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to approve the City Council Minutes of June 2, 2021. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Reed, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.