ASSUMPTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, July 7th, 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, Police Chief Brian Wade, Treasurer Debbie Damery, Street Supt Darin Damery, Water employee Dana Owens and City Clerk Janet Waller.
Present in the audience were Mark Bingham from Chastain & Associates, Adam Mathias from Lively, Mathias and Hooper Inc, Renee Oldham, Taylor Vidmar from the Golden Prairie News, Joe Mink, Jody Mink, Carol Etherton, Marilyn Ashinhurst, Mark Ashinhurst, Bob Bantner, Kandy Smith, Lauren Demascal, Kristine Coy and Shana Sloan.
Water Supt Jack Duncan arrived at 8:40 pm.
Absent was Alderman Barb Coughlin.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2021 Council Meeting. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Reed, 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 approve payment of bills as they appear on Warrant Sheets. Motion carried with Alderman Cochran, Burgess, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Public Comments on Agenda Items:
The public questioned when the Sanitary Sewer project will work begin putting the City as it was before the project. An approximate timeline was discussed.
The public commented on the football field and the opposition for putting a City shed on the football field.
Street Supt Darin Damery noted that we need a new water plant and not a new street shed. He would like to the council to pursue other options for the water plant.
The public questioned the approximate date for the grant for the water plant. The plan is to start construction in Spring 2022. It was noted there is not much time to find a location for the water plant. Mayor Cox noted that the Water Supt and the Street Supt along with him will be the ones negotiating the land for the new water plant.
The public commented on the properties in the City that need to be cleaned up.
Treasurer’s Report:
No report given.
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Cox thanked the family of Neal Jordan for the donation of the flags.
City Attorney:
The attorney continues to work on getting the property on St John Street turned over to the City by the owner.
The attorney will go over items as on the agenda.
Under New Business:
Adam Mathias from Lively, Mathias and Hooper went over the highlights of the audit. Adam reported no concerns. The data compared in from 2019, 2020 and 2021. It was reported that just over 59% of the water was billed or accounted for and our percentage was much lower than other towns. There are various factors that could affect the percentage but he will look at the percentage billed at the next audit. They would like to see the percentage billed higher. A copy of the audit is available for the public to view.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to approve the audit. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Cochran, Burgess, Reed, and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The final budget ordinance was presented. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made the motion to approve the final budget Ordinance 765. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Stuart, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The agreement with the Attorney General for the nitrates was presented to the council. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made the motion to approve the Attorney General agreement regarding the nitrates. Alderman Stuart, Reed, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
An ordinance was presented to the council for the purchase of “Slag Pile” property for $1,000.00. The City did not own the ground for the “Slag Pile” where the burn pile was located. It is around 2 acres on the backside of the “Slag Pile.” Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made the motion to approve Ordinance 766 authorizing the payment of $1,000.00 for the “Slag Pile” property. Motion carried with Alderman Cochran, Page, Reed, Stuart and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The IML Conferences will he held on September 23 thru September 25, 2021. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Reed, made the motion to approve the attendance of the IML conference and fees related to the conference. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Cochran, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council was informed by Mayor Cox regarding the resignation of Joyce Throneburg from the Zoning Board and appreciates her dedication to the many years to the Zoning Board. Joyce was an original member of the Zoning Board. Mayor Cox would like to appoint Ross Workman to the Zoning Board. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Reed, made the motion to approve the appointment of Ross Workman to the Zoning Board. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Cochran, Burgess, Reed, and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council was presented a price for a new John Deere zero turn mower. The council discussed the amount of mowing done by employees. Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to approve not to exceed $12,890.00 for a new John Deere mower. Motion did not carry with Alderman Reed and Page voting aye and Alderman Burgess, Stuart and Cochran voting present. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council discussed the lawn mower and where the mowing is done by the city employees. The council asked if a used mower could be purchased instead. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Reed, made a motion to reconsider the vote for a John Deere mower. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Page, Burgess, Reed and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to approve the purchase of a new John Deer zero turn mower not to exceed $12,890.00. Motion carried
with Alderman Page, Cochran, Burgess, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council was presented the need for a new backhoe due to the age and hours of the existing equipment by Mayor Cox and Street Supt Darin Damery. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made the motion to approve the purchase of a John Deere backhoe not to exceed $86,619.75. Alderman Cochran, Stuart, Page, Reed and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
A new tornado siren was discussed by the council. The council discussed possibly using TIF funds to pay for the siren and buying a siren locally. The council will continue to discuss at a later time.
Mayor Cox tabled the location of the water plant.
Mayor Cox has asked the township to start working on the old football field.
The council has been informed that Petersburg Plumbing has asked for an extension for the Sanitary Sewer Project. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the extension of the Sanitary Sewer Project until November 12, 2021. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Cochran, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The sewer rate increase of January 2021 was not done as agreed with the EPA for the first loan of the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 1. Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates explained the rate increase and the original agreement with the EPA. The City needs to monitor the budget to be able to pay for the sewer project. The council discussed they would like to review the rate increase yearly at budget time. Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve an ordinance to be written for a 5% increase to the sewer rate for 5 years with a yearly review of the increase and to be voted on in August 2021 city council meeting. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Stuart, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Phase 1 was presented for Petersburg Plumbing for $388,749.69, Engineering for $22,699.77 for a total of $411,449.46. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Phase 1 to Petersburg Plumbing for $388,749.69, Engineering $22,699.77 for a total of $411,449.46. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Reed, Page, Stuart and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The Water Disbursement for non-lead for Burdick was $45,986.38, engineering $6,668.98 for a total of $52,655.36. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the payment of the water disbursement for a total of $52,655.36 with Burdick payment of $45,986.38 and engineering $6,668.98. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Page, Cochran, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The Water Disbursement for lead for Burdick was $193,342.47, engineering $2,723.95 for a total of $196,066.42. Council Member Stuart, seconded by Council Member Burgess made a motion to approve the water disbursement for lead for a total of $196,066.42 with Burdick payment of $193,342.47 and engineering $2,723.95. Motion carried with Alderman Cochran, Burgess, Page, Stuart and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
A change order for lead for boring for the Water Project was presented for $50,710.00 for an addition to the project. Council Member Stuart, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the addition of $50,710.00 change order. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Page, Cochran, Stuart and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
A change order for non-lead for the Water Project was also presented for $21,150.92. Council Member Stuart, seconded by Council Member Burgess made the motion to approve the
change order for non-lead for $21,150.92. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Cochran, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
A change order for the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 1 was presented for a deduct of $218,011.88. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the change order for $218,011.88. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Reed, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mark Bingham explained the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 1 will be moving by the concession stand. The project continues to move forward and they will start fixing the roads in the near future.
Mark Bingham gave an update on the Water Project Phase 1. There are some funds left and they are trying to get some items approved.
An update on Water Project Phase 2 for the water plant continues to move forward with the location of the water plant.
An update on Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 2 has an estimated start date of spring 2022. Ameren is working now of moving existing gas lines around St John and College Street.
The council discussed the speeding on Samuel Street and questioned the municipal code. The council also discussed the possibility of a flashing radar sign or placing a sign indicating children in the area.
The council discussed the house on East Illinois Street and if the attorney has been able to move forward with the issue. The vacant house needs to be demolished as the house is dangerous.
A load of dirt with rock and asphalt was dumped at a resident’s house.
The council noted there are several overgrown yards and they need to be addressed.
A tree on the corner of East Illinois and Poplar Street was questioned about if it was on city property as the tree needs to be addressed.
An alderman has received complaints about Advanced Disposal.
A complaint was received about kids messing around the old Bond School. Any complaints should be called to the Christian County Sheriff’s office.
An Alderman received a suggestion to place lights on the Assumption signs located near Route 51.
Public Comments:
A 4 way stop sign at Samuel and Larochelle Street was requested by the public due to the safety of the children in the area. The public is concerned with the number of speeding vehicles on Samuel Street.
The public thanked the City for the fireworks.
The public discussed donations for the work on the football field.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to adjourn the council meeting at 8:58 pm. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Cochran, Burgess, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
__________________
Janet Waller City Clerk
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the City Council Minutes of July 7, 2021. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Page, Cochran, Stuart and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Wednesday, July 7th, 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, Police Chief Brian Wade, Treasurer Debbie Damery, Street Supt Darin Damery, Water employee Dana Owens and City Clerk Janet Waller.
Present in the audience were Mark Bingham from Chastain & Associates, Adam Mathias from Lively, Mathias and Hooper Inc, Renee Oldham, Taylor Vidmar from the Golden Prairie News, Joe Mink, Jody Mink, Carol Etherton, Marilyn Ashinhurst, Mark Ashinhurst, Bob Bantner, Kandy Smith, Lauren Demascal, Kristine Coy and Shana Sloan.
Water Supt Jack Duncan arrived at 8:40 pm.
Absent was Alderman Barb Coughlin.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2021 Council Meeting. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Reed, 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 approve payment of bills as they appear on Warrant Sheets. Motion carried with Alderman Cochran, Burgess, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Public Comments on Agenda Items:
The public questioned when the Sanitary Sewer project will work begin putting the City as it was before the project. An approximate timeline was discussed.
The public commented on the football field and the opposition for putting a City shed on the football field.
Street Supt Darin Damery noted that we need a new water plant and not a new street shed. He would like to the council to pursue other options for the water plant.
The public questioned the approximate date for the grant for the water plant. The plan is to start construction in Spring 2022. It was noted there is not much time to find a location for the water plant. Mayor Cox noted that the Water Supt and the Street Supt along with him will be the ones negotiating the land for the new water plant.
The public commented on the properties in the City that need to be cleaned up.
Treasurer’s Report:
No report given.
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Cox thanked the family of Neal Jordan for the donation of the flags.
City Attorney:
The attorney continues to work on getting the property on St John Street turned over to the City by the owner.
The attorney will go over items as on the agenda.
Under New Business:
Adam Mathias from Lively, Mathias and Hooper went over the highlights of the audit. Adam reported no concerns. The data compared in from 2019, 2020 and 2021. It was reported that just over 59% of the water was billed or accounted for and our percentage was much lower than other towns. There are various factors that could affect the percentage but he will look at the percentage billed at the next audit. They would like to see the percentage billed higher. A copy of the audit is available for the public to view.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to approve the audit. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Cochran, Burgess, Reed, and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The final budget ordinance was presented. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made the motion to approve the final budget Ordinance 765. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Stuart, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The agreement with the Attorney General for the nitrates was presented to the council. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made the motion to approve the Attorney General agreement regarding the nitrates. Alderman Stuart, Reed, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
An ordinance was presented to the council for the purchase of “Slag Pile” property for $1,000.00. The City did not own the ground for the “Slag Pile” where the burn pile was located. It is around 2 acres on the backside of the “Slag Pile.” Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made the motion to approve Ordinance 766 authorizing the payment of $1,000.00 for the “Slag Pile” property. Motion carried with Alderman Cochran, Page, Reed, Stuart and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The IML Conferences will he held on September 23 thru September 25, 2021. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Reed, made the motion to approve the attendance of the IML conference and fees related to the conference. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Cochran, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council was informed by Mayor Cox regarding the resignation of Joyce Throneburg from the Zoning Board and appreciates her dedication to the many years to the Zoning Board. Joyce was an original member of the Zoning Board. Mayor Cox would like to appoint Ross Workman to the Zoning Board. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Reed, made the motion to approve the appointment of Ross Workman to the Zoning Board. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Cochran, Burgess, Reed, and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council was presented a price for a new John Deere zero turn mower. The council discussed the amount of mowing done by employees. Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to approve not to exceed $12,890.00 for a new John Deere mower. Motion did not carry with Alderman Reed and Page voting aye and Alderman Burgess, Stuart and Cochran voting present. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council discussed the lawn mower and where the mowing is done by the city employees. The council asked if a used mower could be purchased instead. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Reed, made a motion to reconsider the vote for a John Deere mower. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Page, Burgess, Reed and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to approve the purchase of a new John Deer zero turn mower not to exceed $12,890.00. Motion carried
with Alderman Page, Cochran, Burgess, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The council was presented the need for a new backhoe due to the age and hours of the existing equipment by Mayor Cox and Street Supt Darin Damery. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made the motion to approve the purchase of a John Deere backhoe not to exceed $86,619.75. Alderman Cochran, Stuart, Page, Reed and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
A new tornado siren was discussed by the council. The council discussed possibly using TIF funds to pay for the siren and buying a siren locally. The council will continue to discuss at a later time.
Mayor Cox tabled the location of the water plant.
Mayor Cox has asked the township to start working on the old football field.
The council has been informed that Petersburg Plumbing has asked for an extension for the Sanitary Sewer Project. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the extension of the Sanitary Sewer Project until November 12, 2021. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Cochran, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The sewer rate increase of January 2021 was not done as agreed with the EPA for the first loan of the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 1. Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates explained the rate increase and the original agreement with the EPA. The City needs to monitor the budget to be able to pay for the sewer project. The council discussed they would like to review the rate increase yearly at budget time. Council Member Cochran, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve an ordinance to be written for a 5% increase to the sewer rate for 5 years with a yearly review of the increase and to be voted on in August 2021 city council meeting. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Stuart, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Phase 1 was presented for Petersburg Plumbing for $388,749.69, Engineering for $22,699.77 for a total of $411,449.46. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Phase 1 to Petersburg Plumbing for $388,749.69, Engineering $22,699.77 for a total of $411,449.46. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Reed, Page, Stuart and Cochran voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The Water Disbursement for non-lead for Burdick was $45,986.38, engineering $6,668.98 for a total of $52,655.36. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the payment of the water disbursement for a total of $52,655.36 with Burdick payment of $45,986.38 and engineering $6,668.98. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Page, Cochran, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
The Water Disbursement for lead for Burdick was $193,342.47, engineering $2,723.95 for a total of $196,066.42. Council Member Stuart, seconded by Council Member Burgess made a motion to approve the water disbursement for lead for a total of $196,066.42 with Burdick payment of $193,342.47 and engineering $2,723.95. Motion carried with Alderman Cochran, Burgess, Page, Stuart and Reed voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
A change order for lead for boring for the Water Project was presented for $50,710.00 for an addition to the project. Council Member Stuart, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the addition of $50,710.00 change order. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Page, Cochran, Stuart and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
A change order for non-lead for the Water Project was also presented for $21,150.92. Council Member Stuart, seconded by Council Member Burgess made the motion to approve the
change order for non-lead for $21,150.92. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Cochran, Page, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
A change order for the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 1 was presented for a deduct of $218,011.88. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the change order for $218,011.88. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Reed, Page, Cochran and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
Mark Bingham explained the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 1 will be moving by the concession stand. The project continues to move forward and they will start fixing the roads in the near future.
Mark Bingham gave an update on the Water Project Phase 1. There are some funds left and they are trying to get some items approved.
An update on Water Project Phase 2 for the water plant continues to move forward with the location of the water plant.
An update on Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 2 has an estimated start date of spring 2022. Ameren is working now of moving existing gas lines around St John and College Street.
The council discussed the speeding on Samuel Street and questioned the municipal code. The council also discussed the possibility of a flashing radar sign or placing a sign indicating children in the area.
The council discussed the house on East Illinois Street and if the attorney has been able to move forward with the issue. The vacant house needs to be demolished as the house is dangerous.
A load of dirt with rock and asphalt was dumped at a resident’s house.
The council noted there are several overgrown yards and they need to be addressed.
A tree on the corner of East Illinois and Poplar Street was questioned about if it was on city property as the tree needs to be addressed.
An alderman has received complaints about Advanced Disposal.
A complaint was received about kids messing around the old Bond School. Any complaints should be called to the Christian County Sheriff’s office.
An Alderman received a suggestion to place lights on the Assumption signs located near Route 51.
Public Comments:
A 4 way stop sign at Samuel and Larochelle Street was requested by the public due to the safety of the children in the area. The public is concerned with the number of speeding vehicles on Samuel Street.
The public thanked the City for the fireworks.
The public discussed donations for the work on the football field.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Cochran, made a motion to adjourn the council meeting at 8:58 pm. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Cochran, Burgess, Reed and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.
__________________
Janet Waller City Clerk
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the City Council Minutes of July 7, 2021. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Page, Cochran, Stuart and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays. Alderman Coughlin was absent.