ASSUMPTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Roger Cox who led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call was answered by Aldermen Sue Burgess, Barb Coughlin, Derek Page, Selena Reed, Kandy Smith and Melody Stuart. Also present were Attorney Jack Kiley, Police Chief Brian Wade, Officer Peter Zeitler, Treasurer Debbie Damery and City Clerk Janet Waller.
Present in the audience is Dan Ryan from Illinois Chief of Police Association Southern Region, Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates, Stephanie Brown from Chastain and Associates, Richard Rogers, Dan Brown, Marilyn Ashinhurst, Jody Mink, Joe Mink, Sarah Myers, Dana Rogers, Lexie Rogers, Joyce Throneburg, Dan Davis, Diane Davis, John Broux from Golden Prairie News, Mark Ashinhurst, Water Collector Tonya Rhoades, Water Supt Jack Duncan, Megan Zeitler, Tricia Stewart, Tessa Giles, Renee Oldham, Quinton Stewart, John Stewart, Judy Stewart, Larry Waddington and Mike Connolly.
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2020 Council Meeting. Alderman Page, Coughlin, Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Stuart, Smith and Reed voting present.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes of September 14, 2020. Motion carried with Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed, Stuart and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes of September 28, 2020. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Stuart, Page, Smith, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Reed, made a motion to approve payment of bills as they appear on Warrant Sheets. Alderman Burgess, Reed, Smith voting yes and Alderman Page and Stuart voting nay. Alderman Coughlin voting present.
Treasurer’s Report:
No Report Given
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Cox introduced Dan Ryan of Leland Grove. Dan is the Chief of Police of the Association of Police with the Southern Region. Chief Ryan presented Officer Peter Zeitler with the Life Saving Award.
After the award at 7:05 pm there was a short break for a reception for Officer Zeitler.
At 7:15 pm the City Council meeting continued with business.
The Mayor’s golf outing went well.
All checks have been received from the State for the Sanitary Sewer Project after the delay.
Mayor Cox discussed the day to day business is ran by the Mayor and he needs the alderman to stay in their lane and let him do his job. The Mayor doesn’t want alderman adding anything to the agenda without his permission and everything must go thru him. A handout was given out.
The Mayor discussed he approved a lien to be released on a property and the alderman did not want the lien released. The Mayor noted that the Water Collector works for him and the alderman do not have the right to decide. The alderman discussed they had asked for a special meeting twice and the Mayor says he has the right to decide as it is his decision. The discussion continued regarding Alderman and Mayor duties. The Mayor noted he had lifted the lien himself from the property.
The Mayor discussed Wadd’s restaurant bill and informed the Alderman that Larry Waddington would be filing a lawsuit against the City if the water bill wasn’t written off. The Mayor discussed there is no proof that the water was shut off by the last Water Supt. The Mayor would like the bill written to prevent a lawsuit. It was noted that an ordinance needs to be in place that the council decides every water bill that is written off as this is not a dictatorship and the mayor isn’t doing favors for people. Attorney Kiley noted that an agreement should be signed with the Waddington’s noting they will not seek legal action if the bill is negotiated. The agreement will need to be voted on at the next council meeting.
Mayor noted he was asked by another couple to write off the water bill on a rental property. The Mayor feels he should be able to lift the $300.00 water bill on the property. The Mayor noted it looks like he is doing favors but he is trying to better the community. The Mayor would like the water collector to try to get the money from the bank on the repossessed house although the house has sold. It was noted that if the Mayor starts writing off water bills where does it end and we have a large Sewer Project to pay for.
Mayor Cox reminded the council that no benches are allowed on the Veteran’s Memorial.
City Attorney:
The attorney will need to discuss items in executive session.
Under New Business:
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to not charge Veteran’s golf cart stickers starting January 2021 but will need to show proof. Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed, Smith and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
Trick and treating hours were discussed by the council. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve trick and treating hours for Saturday, October 31st from 5 to 8 pm. Alderman Reed, Page, Coughlin, Smith, Burgess and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
The council discussed the Sanitary Sewer Project caused some trees to be removed. A bid was received to replace trees from John Heck for $2,100 and it does come with a warranty. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to approve the bid for $2,100 from John Heck which includes a warranty. Alderman Burgess, Coughlin, Page, Reed, Smith, and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
The Water Department would like to rent a mini excavator from M&H excavating. Council Member Coughlin, seconded by Council Member Smith, made a motion to approve the rental of a mini excavator from M&H Excavating. Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed, Smith and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
There was an emergency repair of Well 10 pump needed. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve not to exceed $10,500 to repair Well 10 pump. Alderman Page, Burgess, Coughlin, Reed, Stuart and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
The council discussed the concrete bid that had been approved could not be fulfilled by the bidder due to an emergency. The council discussed at length and would like to have a Special Meeting to approve a new bid on September 13 at 7 pm after the Police Committee meeting.
There was discussion on the large amount of delinquent water bills. There was discussion there are repeat offenders and the amounts owed are increasing. It was also noted we have the Sewer Project and the EPA is involved. The council agreed on having Attorney Jack Kiley write a letter to send to the delinquent water bill customers. Once customers receive a letter from the Attorney we could take the customers to court and they may be responsible for court costs also.
The council discussed the possibility of downtown apartments. The council would like to keep the downtown respectable and safe. Council also discussed the hotel/motel tax. The council agreed with writing an ordinance allowing downtown apartments if the owner pays hotel/motel taxes.
The council agreed on allowing a city website. Mike Connolly has put together the website and the council thanked Mike for all his hardwork.
Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates informed the council about the grant for the ITEP for sidewalks on Chestnut Street. The council agreed on passing a resolution. Council Member Coughlin, seconded by Council Member Smith, made a motion to approve ITEP Resolution 2020-11. Alderman Burgess, Coughlin, Page, Reed, Smith and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
The Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing is $260,472.03, Chastain Engineering $32, 254.88 for a total disbursement of $292,726.91. Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing is $260,472.03, Chastain Engineering $32, 254.88 for a total disbursement of $292,726.91. Alderman Reed, Page, Coughlin, Smith, Burgess and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates informed the council about a change order for boring lines on Kemmerer Street which will add $53,661.44 to the Sanitary Sewer Project. Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the change order for boring lines on Kemmerer Street for $53,661.44. Alderman Smith, Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
Mark Bingham informed the council the Sanitary Sewer Project continues working on the East side of Rt 51 and are waiting for lines to be relocated before starting in the alleys. There will also be a valve and actuator discussed at the next Water Meeting.
Mark Bingham also went over Water Phase 1 will include lead replacements. The project is currently working on getting all the contracts signed.
Mark Bingham explained Water Phase 2 he is working on a draft plan for a new water plant possibly next summer.
Mark Bingham updated the council on the Sanitary Sewer Phase 2 will be for the west side of the tracks and bidding will start next spring.
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to go into Executive Session at 8:53 pm.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to go back into the council meeting at 9:09 pm. Alderman Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin, Burgess and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
No action taken.
Public Comments:
The audience had some questions regarding delinquent water bills before council went into executive session.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to adjourn at 9:09 pm. Alderman Stuart, Smith, Reed, Page, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
____________________
Janet Waller
City Clerk
Alderman Smith made a motion to approve the City Council minutes of October 7th, seconded by Alderman Coughlin. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Smith, Reed, Page, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Roger Cox who led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call was answered by Aldermen Sue Burgess, Barb Coughlin, Derek Page, Selena Reed, Kandy Smith and Melody Stuart. Also present were Attorney Jack Kiley, Police Chief Brian Wade, Officer Peter Zeitler, Treasurer Debbie Damery and City Clerk Janet Waller.
Present in the audience is Dan Ryan from Illinois Chief of Police Association Southern Region, Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates, Stephanie Brown from Chastain and Associates, Richard Rogers, Dan Brown, Marilyn Ashinhurst, Jody Mink, Joe Mink, Sarah Myers, Dana Rogers, Lexie Rogers, Joyce Throneburg, Dan Davis, Diane Davis, John Broux from Golden Prairie News, Mark Ashinhurst, Water Collector Tonya Rhoades, Water Supt Jack Duncan, Megan Zeitler, Tricia Stewart, Tessa Giles, Renee Oldham, Quinton Stewart, John Stewart, Judy Stewart, Larry Waddington and Mike Connolly.
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2020 Council Meeting. Alderman Page, Coughlin, Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Stuart, Smith and Reed voting present.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes of September 14, 2020. Motion carried with Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed, Stuart and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes of September 28, 2020. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Stuart, Page, Smith, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Reed, made a motion to approve payment of bills as they appear on Warrant Sheets. Alderman Burgess, Reed, Smith voting yes and Alderman Page and Stuart voting nay. Alderman Coughlin voting present.
Treasurer’s Report:
No Report Given
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Cox introduced Dan Ryan of Leland Grove. Dan is the Chief of Police of the Association of Police with the Southern Region. Chief Ryan presented Officer Peter Zeitler with the Life Saving Award.
After the award at 7:05 pm there was a short break for a reception for Officer Zeitler.
At 7:15 pm the City Council meeting continued with business.
The Mayor’s golf outing went well.
All checks have been received from the State for the Sanitary Sewer Project after the delay.
Mayor Cox discussed the day to day business is ran by the Mayor and he needs the alderman to stay in their lane and let him do his job. The Mayor doesn’t want alderman adding anything to the agenda without his permission and everything must go thru him. A handout was given out.
The Mayor discussed he approved a lien to be released on a property and the alderman did not want the lien released. The Mayor noted that the Water Collector works for him and the alderman do not have the right to decide. The alderman discussed they had asked for a special meeting twice and the Mayor says he has the right to decide as it is his decision. The discussion continued regarding Alderman and Mayor duties. The Mayor noted he had lifted the lien himself from the property.
The Mayor discussed Wadd’s restaurant bill and informed the Alderman that Larry Waddington would be filing a lawsuit against the City if the water bill wasn’t written off. The Mayor discussed there is no proof that the water was shut off by the last Water Supt. The Mayor would like the bill written to prevent a lawsuit. It was noted that an ordinance needs to be in place that the council decides every water bill that is written off as this is not a dictatorship and the mayor isn’t doing favors for people. Attorney Kiley noted that an agreement should be signed with the Waddington’s noting they will not seek legal action if the bill is negotiated. The agreement will need to be voted on at the next council meeting.
Mayor noted he was asked by another couple to write off the water bill on a rental property. The Mayor feels he should be able to lift the $300.00 water bill on the property. The Mayor noted it looks like he is doing favors but he is trying to better the community. The Mayor would like the water collector to try to get the money from the bank on the repossessed house although the house has sold. It was noted that if the Mayor starts writing off water bills where does it end and we have a large Sewer Project to pay for.
Mayor Cox reminded the council that no benches are allowed on the Veteran’s Memorial.
City Attorney:
The attorney will need to discuss items in executive session.
Under New Business:
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to not charge Veteran’s golf cart stickers starting January 2021 but will need to show proof. Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed, Smith and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
Trick and treating hours were discussed by the council. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve trick and treating hours for Saturday, October 31st from 5 to 8 pm. Alderman Reed, Page, Coughlin, Smith, Burgess and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
The council discussed the Sanitary Sewer Project caused some trees to be removed. A bid was received to replace trees from John Heck for $2,100 and it does come with a warranty. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to approve the bid for $2,100 from John Heck which includes a warranty. Alderman Burgess, Coughlin, Page, Reed, Smith, and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
The Water Department would like to rent a mini excavator from M&H excavating. Council Member Coughlin, seconded by Council Member Smith, made a motion to approve the rental of a mini excavator from M&H Excavating. Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed, Smith and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
There was an emergency repair of Well 10 pump needed. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve not to exceed $10,500 to repair Well 10 pump. Alderman Page, Burgess, Coughlin, Reed, Stuart and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
The council discussed the concrete bid that had been approved could not be fulfilled by the bidder due to an emergency. The council discussed at length and would like to have a Special Meeting to approve a new bid on September 13 at 7 pm after the Police Committee meeting.
There was discussion on the large amount of delinquent water bills. There was discussion there are repeat offenders and the amounts owed are increasing. It was also noted we have the Sewer Project and the EPA is involved. The council agreed on having Attorney Jack Kiley write a letter to send to the delinquent water bill customers. Once customers receive a letter from the Attorney we could take the customers to court and they may be responsible for court costs also.
The council discussed the possibility of downtown apartments. The council would like to keep the downtown respectable and safe. Council also discussed the hotel/motel tax. The council agreed with writing an ordinance allowing downtown apartments if the owner pays hotel/motel taxes.
The council agreed on allowing a city website. Mike Connolly has put together the website and the council thanked Mike for all his hardwork.
Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates informed the council about the grant for the ITEP for sidewalks on Chestnut Street. The council agreed on passing a resolution. Council Member Coughlin, seconded by Council Member Smith, made a motion to approve ITEP Resolution 2020-11. Alderman Burgess, Coughlin, Page, Reed, Smith and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
The Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing is $260,472.03, Chastain Engineering $32, 254.88 for a total disbursement of $292,726.91. Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing is $260,472.03, Chastain Engineering $32, 254.88 for a total disbursement of $292,726.91. Alderman Reed, Page, Coughlin, Smith, Burgess and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates informed the council about a change order for boring lines on Kemmerer Street which will add $53,661.44 to the Sanitary Sewer Project. Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the change order for boring lines on Kemmerer Street for $53,661.44. Alderman Smith, Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
Mark Bingham informed the council the Sanitary Sewer Project continues working on the East side of Rt 51 and are waiting for lines to be relocated before starting in the alleys. There will also be a valve and actuator discussed at the next Water Meeting.
Mark Bingham also went over Water Phase 1 will include lead replacements. The project is currently working on getting all the contracts signed.
Mark Bingham explained Water Phase 2 he is working on a draft plan for a new water plant possibly next summer.
Mark Bingham updated the council on the Sanitary Sewer Phase 2 will be for the west side of the tracks and bidding will start next spring.
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to go into Executive Session at 8:53 pm.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to go back into the council meeting at 9:09 pm. Alderman Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin, Burgess and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
No action taken.
Public Comments:
The audience had some questions regarding delinquent water bills before council went into executive session.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to adjourn at 9:09 pm. Alderman Stuart, Smith, Reed, Page, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
____________________
Janet Waller
City Clerk
Alderman Smith made a motion to approve the City Council minutes of October 7th, seconded by Alderman Coughlin. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Smith, Reed, Page, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.