ASSUMPTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
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, and Melody Stuart. Also present were Mayor Roger Cox, Attorney Jordan Klein, Police Chief Brian Wade, Treasurer Debbie Damery and City Clerk Janet Waller.
Present in the audience is Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates, Water Supt Jack Duncan, Water Employee Dana Owens, Rick Bradshaw, Bob Bantner, Deanna Bantner, Jody Mink, Joe Mink, Felicia King, Earl Simmons, John Broux from the Golden Prairie News, Deb Stoddard, Cole Johnson and Joe Cochran.
Alderman Smith was absent.
Council Member Page seconded by Council Member Reed, made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 2, 2020 Council Meeting. Motion carried with Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and Smith absent.
Council Member Coughlin, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to approve payment of bills as they appear on Warrant Sheets. Alderman Reed and Coughlin voting aye and Alderman Stuart, Page and Burgess voting present. Alderman Smith was absent.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Debbie Damery had nothing to report.
Mayor’s Comments:
Splinters and Sawdust is the new business that will be located in the Wadds Restaurant building. Jim Smith and Gayla Green are the owners and will open in 2021.
Mayor Cox discussed that the Bond School is zoned residential and the new owners will be able to live there.
A meeting will be held with the Drainage District in the near future.
Mayor Cox introduced Attorney Jordan Klein who is a partner at Erickson Davis. He has been at the firm for 6 years. He will be attending the council meetings and assisting with the city business.
City Attorney:
Under New Business:
4 sealed bids were received for 315 N St Johns Street. The bids were from Hutchens Bulldozing bid $8,510.00, Coleman Excavating bid $6,400, Holthaus/Beyers bid $18,560.00 and Josh Burgener $9,850.00. The lowest bid was Coleman Excavating. Mayor Cox would like to approve the lowest bid. The council discussed about using someone local and the bid was very low for the job. An audience member questioned about throwing out the lowest and the highest bid. There was discussion of prevailing wages. Attorney Klein questioned if the bids met the specification sheet. Mayor Cox would like a motion for Clancy Coleman. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve the lowest bid of Clancy Coleman for demolition of 315 N St Johns Street. Alderman Coughlin voting aye and Alderman Page, Burgess, Reed and Stuart voting nay. Alderman Smith was absent. The motion was not approved. Mayor Cox informed the council they were spending tax payers dollars. The council wanted the money spent with a local business and was reminded of the past when he voted to have someone local do the work and threw out the lowest bid. The council would like to have a Special Meeting to discuss further before approving a bid.
The council discussed Waste Management taking over Advanced Disposal. The council discussed if they would like another carrier for garbage service and it was decided to continue with Advanced Disposal. There was discussion about changing the totes back to the alley but due to the weight of the trucks it could cause some issues.
The Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing is $148,079.14 and Engineering is $14,141.91 for a total disbursement of $162,221.05. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the Sanitary Sewer Disbursement, Phase I for Petersburg Plumbing is $148,079.14 and Engineering is $14,141.91 for a total disbursement of $162,221.05. Alderman Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin, Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Smith was absent.
Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates noted there is a waterline that is currently a 2 inch line will need to be changed.
Mark updated the council on the Sanitary Sewer Phase 1. Petersburg Plumbing is working on the narrow alleys next to the combined sewers with hoping to finish in the early spring. Consolidated is planning a scheduled outage but have not notified the customers involved and that is Consolidated’s responsibility to notify their customers.
Mark updated the council on the Water Project Phase 1. 80% of the water meters have been changed. There were trees removed and new hydrants put in. The sidewalks will be replaced. The new water meters will send a digital reading and will not be read manually. There will also be an app so everyone can look up their usage.
The Phase 2 Water Project for the new water plant has received feedback from the IEPA. There could be possible forgiveness and also discussion of applying for other grants to help cover the costs. The estimated cost is 1.5 million for a new plant or 1.1 million to rehab the old water plant.
Sanitary Sewer Phase 2 update indicated that Phase 2 will move forward after Phase 1 is complete. A meeting with Ameren will be held about moving gas lines.
Mayor Cox has been in contact with Moran and Associates about new businesses and TIF. There is $106,359.00 in the TIF account.
It was noted there was a complaint of broken sidewalks and what will be done. There was discussion about sidewalks and 50/50 payment on the sidewalks and complaint of the new sidewalk on Poplar street. There is an ordinance in the ordinance book about the 50/50 sidewalks. It was noted that possibly more sidewalks could be done if the 50/50 was done that was in place in the ordinance book. A lengthy discussion about the council isn’t given the opportunity to vote on items being purchased and the discussion of budgets. It was noted in the past everything was sent to council to approve. An audience member noted that the council needs to approve everything. It was noted there was over $12,000 of sidewalks done. Section 7-2-1 in the ordinance book noted that the city council must approve the sidewalks.
There was a lengthy discussion about the council not approving items and no transparency between the council and the employees. An audience member noted that the employees and the council need to work together and the council needs to know what the employees are spending. It was also noted that there are ordinances in place and if you follow the ordinances there is no debate and everyone is held accountable.
Mayor Cox noted they are going into executive session and the Golden Prairie News reminded the Mayor they are to note the reason for the executive session. The reason is the land and anticipated litigation.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Reed, made the motion to go out of Council Meeting into Executive Session for land and litigation at 8:13 pm. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Coughlin, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and Alderman Smith was absent.
Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made the motion to go back into the Council Meeting at 8:51 pm. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, page, Stuart, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Smith was absent.
No action taken.
The concrete at the park was done but there are footprints in the concrete. The bathrooms are close to completion.
Public Comments:
There was a question regarding TIF and possibly a matching fund set up for businesses. It was noted the TIF money needs to be put back into the community.
Garbage dumpsters was discussed and an issue regarding Advanced Disposal.
The council meeting adjourned at 8:59 pm.
___________________
Janet Waller City Clerk
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made the motion to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2021. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Smith, Reed, Page, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
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, and Melody Stuart. Also present were Mayor Roger Cox, Attorney Jordan Klein, Police Chief Brian Wade, Treasurer Debbie Damery and City Clerk Janet Waller.
Present in the audience is Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates, Water Supt Jack Duncan, Water Employee Dana Owens, Rick Bradshaw, Bob Bantner, Deanna Bantner, Jody Mink, Joe Mink, Felicia King, Earl Simmons, John Broux from the Golden Prairie News, Deb Stoddard, Cole Johnson and Joe Cochran.
Alderman Smith was absent.
Council Member Page seconded by Council Member Reed, made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 2, 2020 Council Meeting. Motion carried with Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and Smith absent.
Council Member Coughlin, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to approve payment of bills as they appear on Warrant Sheets. Alderman Reed and Coughlin voting aye and Alderman Stuart, Page and Burgess voting present. Alderman Smith was absent.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Debbie Damery had nothing to report.
Mayor’s Comments:
Splinters and Sawdust is the new business that will be located in the Wadds Restaurant building. Jim Smith and Gayla Green are the owners and will open in 2021.
Mayor Cox discussed that the Bond School is zoned residential and the new owners will be able to live there.
A meeting will be held with the Drainage District in the near future.
Mayor Cox introduced Attorney Jordan Klein who is a partner at Erickson Davis. He has been at the firm for 6 years. He will be attending the council meetings and assisting with the city business.
City Attorney:
Under New Business:
4 sealed bids were received for 315 N St Johns Street. The bids were from Hutchens Bulldozing bid $8,510.00, Coleman Excavating bid $6,400, Holthaus/Beyers bid $18,560.00 and Josh Burgener $9,850.00. The lowest bid was Coleman Excavating. Mayor Cox would like to approve the lowest bid. The council discussed about using someone local and the bid was very low for the job. An audience member questioned about throwing out the lowest and the highest bid. There was discussion of prevailing wages. Attorney Klein questioned if the bids met the specification sheet. Mayor Cox would like a motion for Clancy Coleman. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve the lowest bid of Clancy Coleman for demolition of 315 N St Johns Street. Alderman Coughlin voting aye and Alderman Page, Burgess, Reed and Stuart voting nay. Alderman Smith was absent. The motion was not approved. Mayor Cox informed the council they were spending tax payers dollars. The council wanted the money spent with a local business and was reminded of the past when he voted to have someone local do the work and threw out the lowest bid. The council would like to have a Special Meeting to discuss further before approving a bid.
The council discussed Waste Management taking over Advanced Disposal. The council discussed if they would like another carrier for garbage service and it was decided to continue with Advanced Disposal. There was discussion about changing the totes back to the alley but due to the weight of the trucks it could cause some issues.
The Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing is $148,079.14 and Engineering is $14,141.91 for a total disbursement of $162,221.05. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the Sanitary Sewer Disbursement, Phase I for Petersburg Plumbing is $148,079.14 and Engineering is $14,141.91 for a total disbursement of $162,221.05. Alderman Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin, Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Smith was absent.
Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates noted there is a waterline that is currently a 2 inch line will need to be changed.
Mark updated the council on the Sanitary Sewer Phase 1. Petersburg Plumbing is working on the narrow alleys next to the combined sewers with hoping to finish in the early spring. Consolidated is planning a scheduled outage but have not notified the customers involved and that is Consolidated’s responsibility to notify their customers.
Mark updated the council on the Water Project Phase 1. 80% of the water meters have been changed. There were trees removed and new hydrants put in. The sidewalks will be replaced. The new water meters will send a digital reading and will not be read manually. There will also be an app so everyone can look up their usage.
The Phase 2 Water Project for the new water plant has received feedback from the IEPA. There could be possible forgiveness and also discussion of applying for other grants to help cover the costs. The estimated cost is 1.5 million for a new plant or 1.1 million to rehab the old water plant.
Sanitary Sewer Phase 2 update indicated that Phase 2 will move forward after Phase 1 is complete. A meeting with Ameren will be held about moving gas lines.
Mayor Cox has been in contact with Moran and Associates about new businesses and TIF. There is $106,359.00 in the TIF account.
It was noted there was a complaint of broken sidewalks and what will be done. There was discussion about sidewalks and 50/50 payment on the sidewalks and complaint of the new sidewalk on Poplar street. There is an ordinance in the ordinance book about the 50/50 sidewalks. It was noted that possibly more sidewalks could be done if the 50/50 was done that was in place in the ordinance book. A lengthy discussion about the council isn’t given the opportunity to vote on items being purchased and the discussion of budgets. It was noted in the past everything was sent to council to approve. An audience member noted that the council needs to approve everything. It was noted there was over $12,000 of sidewalks done. Section 7-2-1 in the ordinance book noted that the city council must approve the sidewalks.
There was a lengthy discussion about the council not approving items and no transparency between the council and the employees. An audience member noted that the employees and the council need to work together and the council needs to know what the employees are spending. It was also noted that there are ordinances in place and if you follow the ordinances there is no debate and everyone is held accountable.
Mayor Cox noted they are going into executive session and the Golden Prairie News reminded the Mayor they are to note the reason for the executive session. The reason is the land and anticipated litigation.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Reed, made the motion to go out of Council Meeting into Executive Session for land and litigation at 8:13 pm. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Coughlin, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and Alderman Smith was absent.
Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made the motion to go back into the Council Meeting at 8:51 pm. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, page, Stuart, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Smith was absent.
No action taken.
The concrete at the park was done but there are footprints in the concrete. The bathrooms are close to completion.
Public Comments:
There was a question regarding TIF and possibly a matching fund set up for businesses. It was noted the TIF money needs to be put back into the community.
Garbage dumpsters was discussed and an issue regarding Advanced Disposal.
The council meeting adjourned at 8:59 pm.
___________________
Janet Waller City Clerk
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made the motion to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2021. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Smith, Reed, Page, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.