ASSUMPTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, September 2, 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 and Kandy Smith. Also present were Attorney Jack Kiley, Police Chief Brian Wade, Treasurer Debbie Damery and City Clerk Janet Waller.
Present in the audience is Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates, Mike Connolly and Marilyn Ashinhurst.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2020 Council Meeting. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Coughlin, Page, Reed and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes of August 17, 2020. Motion carried with Alderman Smith, Reed, Page, Coughlin and Burgess.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Smith, made a motion to approve payment of bills as they appear on Warrant Sheets. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Page, Reed and Smith voting aye and Alderman Coughlin voting present.
Treasurer’s Report:
CD # Invested at Term_____
General 16432 $140,000.00 FNB Pana 6 month
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to renew General CD 16432, at Treasurer’s discretion at best possible rate. No discussion. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Page, Smith, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Cox handed out information on how he would like the meeting minutes done. The Illinois Municipal League rules were also handed out. The council discussed how detailed the minutes need to be. The rules from the Illinois Municipal League must be followed for the minutes.
Rummage Sales days are September 16, 17 and 18th.
Dumpster Days will be September 25 and September 26, 2020. No tires will be allowed to be discarded.
The Mayor’s golf open is September 12th.
Volunteers are needed for the Assumption Community Pride trash pickup along the highway on the morning of September 12th from 8 am to noon.
Mayor started discussing golf cart fees and was asked to wait until the item is on the agenda.
Mayor Cox is working with Moran & Associates on getting more information regarding TIF.
Mayor Cox is changing all the office locks and doesn’t want anyone in another person’s office but their own.
City Attorney:
Attorney Jack Kiley has a complaint filed on 315 N St John Street. They are still looking for the owners. There was discussion was held about hiring a Private Investigator or not. There is a court date scheduled.
Under New Business:
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to appoint Melody Stuart as Alderman Ward 1. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Burgess, Coughlin, Reed and Smith voting aye and 0 nays. The council congratulated Melody.
Attorney Jack Kiley swore Melody Stuart in as Alderman Ward 1.
A computer is needed for the Police Department. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve a purchase for the new computer from CTI for $1,018.70. Motion carried with Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed, Smith and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
The council discussed hiring 2 part time helpers if needed for the Street Department to help with the leaf vac program and also discussed the length of time needed. Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion for 2 part time helpers with the leaf vac program for the Street Department. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Page, Coughlin, Smith, Burgess and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
The council discussed the golf cart fees for the Veteran’s and possibly changing the ordinance. A golf cart permit is currently $50.00. Council agreed not to charge the Veteran’s for the golf cart permits starting January 2021. Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve to change the golf cart ordinance to no charge for permits for Veteran’s effective January 2021. Motion carried with Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed, Stuart and Smith voting aye and 0 nays. Attorney Kiley will amend the ordinance and return it to council for a vote.
The council would like to contribute a $100.00 a month to the Bromwell Lodge for use of lodge for meetings due to Covid-19. Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve a $100.00 monthly contribution to the Bromwell Lodge for monthly council meetings until social distancing is discontinued. Motion carried with Alderman Smith, Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin and Burgess.
Mayor Cox discussed the website and requirements involved. The council discussed a website and will look into more information. The city will be required to have a website in the future.
Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program resolution will be done at the next council meeting. It is a grant for improvements to do downtown street scaping on Chestnut Street.
There was a discussion of job duties for Alderman, Clerk and Mayor. Mayor Cox would like written complaints from residents for anything to be done. Mayor Cox informed the council that the committee chairman can address an employee but the Mayor has the final word.
Council Member Page moved, seconded by Council Member Reed, to approve the Petersburg Plumbing disbursement for $283,510.44. Motion carried with Council Members Smith, Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
Council Member Reed moved, seconded by Council Member Smith, to approve the total Sewer Disbursement of $314,694.95 and includes the Engineering for $31,184.51,. Motion carried with Council Members Burgess, Coughlin, Stuart, Page, Reed and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
Engineer Mark Bingham gave an overview of the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 1. There is an issue with the State of Illinois not making payments to the City for the Sewer Project due to the new fiscal year. The City owes Petersburg Plumbing $744,875.98 for past disbursements not including the one just passed tonight. It was asked if the City could release payments 11 and 12 to Petersburg Plumbing for a total of $505,930.31. The City should have over approximately $500,000 in the account as this is the reimbursement for design fees from the EPA that will be in the account until the end. The balance in the account shows $377,392.22. This will cover one disbursement of $317,778.69. Council Member Smith moved, seconded by Council Member Burgess to approve the payment of $317,778.69 to Petersburg Plumbing. Motion carried with Council Members Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin, Burgess and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
The Water Systems Improvements Phase 1 for the nitrates are waiting on final paperwork and will move forward.
The Water Systems Improvements Phase 2 for a new water plant submitted a project plan to the EPA and hopefully will be in the works for next year along with 10,000 feet of watermain replacements.
Engineer Mark Bingham is working on getting paperwork turned in for Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 2 next year.
The council discussed about possibly waiting until next year to repair the roads from the Sanitary Sewer Project. The council also discussed about possibly looking at getting some driveways fixed this year that the Sewer Project has damaged. There was also discussion on the road near Illinois Street Park.
The council discussed the drainage district agreement and will move forward continuing working with the drainage district by arranging a meeting with them.
Public Comments:
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to adjourn meeting at 8:21 p.m. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Coughlin, Page, Reed, and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
City Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
______________________
Janet Waller
City Clerk
Wednesday, September 2, 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 and Kandy Smith. Also present were Attorney Jack Kiley, Police Chief Brian Wade, Treasurer Debbie Damery and City Clerk Janet Waller.
Present in the audience is Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates, Mike Connolly and Marilyn Ashinhurst.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2020 Council Meeting. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Coughlin, Page, Reed and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes of August 17, 2020. Motion carried with Alderman Smith, Reed, Page, Coughlin and Burgess.
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Smith, made a motion to approve payment of bills as they appear on Warrant Sheets. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Page, Reed and Smith voting aye and Alderman Coughlin voting present.
Treasurer’s Report:
CD # Invested at Term_____
General 16432 $140,000.00 FNB Pana 6 month
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to renew General CD 16432, at Treasurer’s discretion at best possible rate. No discussion. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Page, Smith, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Cox handed out information on how he would like the meeting minutes done. The Illinois Municipal League rules were also handed out. The council discussed how detailed the minutes need to be. The rules from the Illinois Municipal League must be followed for the minutes.
Rummage Sales days are September 16, 17 and 18th.
Dumpster Days will be September 25 and September 26, 2020. No tires will be allowed to be discarded.
The Mayor’s golf open is September 12th.
Volunteers are needed for the Assumption Community Pride trash pickup along the highway on the morning of September 12th from 8 am to noon.
Mayor started discussing golf cart fees and was asked to wait until the item is on the agenda.
Mayor Cox is working with Moran & Associates on getting more information regarding TIF.
Mayor Cox is changing all the office locks and doesn’t want anyone in another person’s office but their own.
City Attorney:
Attorney Jack Kiley has a complaint filed on 315 N St John Street. They are still looking for the owners. There was discussion was held about hiring a Private Investigator or not. There is a court date scheduled.
Under New Business:
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to appoint Melody Stuart as Alderman Ward 1. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Burgess, Coughlin, Reed and Smith voting aye and 0 nays. The council congratulated Melody.
Attorney Jack Kiley swore Melody Stuart in as Alderman Ward 1.
A computer is needed for the Police Department. Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve a purchase for the new computer from CTI for $1,018.70. Motion carried with Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed, Smith and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
The council discussed hiring 2 part time helpers if needed for the Street Department to help with the leaf vac program and also discussed the length of time needed. Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion for 2 part time helpers with the leaf vac program for the Street Department. Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Page, Coughlin, Smith, Burgess and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.
The council discussed the golf cart fees for the Veteran’s and possibly changing the ordinance. A golf cart permit is currently $50.00. Council agreed not to charge the Veteran’s for the golf cart permits starting January 2021. Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve to change the golf cart ordinance to no charge for permits for Veteran’s effective January 2021. Motion carried with Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed, Stuart and Smith voting aye and 0 nays. Attorney Kiley will amend the ordinance and return it to council for a vote.
The council would like to contribute a $100.00 a month to the Bromwell Lodge for use of lodge for meetings due to Covid-19. Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve a $100.00 monthly contribution to the Bromwell Lodge for monthly council meetings until social distancing is discontinued. Motion carried with Alderman Smith, Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin and Burgess.
Mayor Cox discussed the website and requirements involved. The council discussed a website and will look into more information. The city will be required to have a website in the future.
Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program resolution will be done at the next council meeting. It is a grant for improvements to do downtown street scaping on Chestnut Street.
There was a discussion of job duties for Alderman, Clerk and Mayor. Mayor Cox would like written complaints from residents for anything to be done. Mayor Cox informed the council that the committee chairman can address an employee but the Mayor has the final word.
Council Member Page moved, seconded by Council Member Reed, to approve the Petersburg Plumbing disbursement for $283,510.44. Motion carried with Council Members Smith, Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.
Council Member Reed moved, seconded by Council Member Smith, to approve the total Sewer Disbursement of $314,694.95 and includes the Engineering for $31,184.51,. Motion carried with Council Members Burgess, Coughlin, Stuart, Page, Reed and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
Engineer Mark Bingham gave an overview of the Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 1. There is an issue with the State of Illinois not making payments to the City for the Sewer Project due to the new fiscal year. The City owes Petersburg Plumbing $744,875.98 for past disbursements not including the one just passed tonight. It was asked if the City could release payments 11 and 12 to Petersburg Plumbing for a total of $505,930.31. The City should have over approximately $500,000 in the account as this is the reimbursement for design fees from the EPA that will be in the account until the end. The balance in the account shows $377,392.22. This will cover one disbursement of $317,778.69. Council Member Smith moved, seconded by Council Member Burgess to approve the payment of $317,778.69 to Petersburg Plumbing. Motion carried with Council Members Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin, Burgess and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
The Water Systems Improvements Phase 1 for the nitrates are waiting on final paperwork and will move forward.
The Water Systems Improvements Phase 2 for a new water plant submitted a project plan to the EPA and hopefully will be in the works for next year along with 10,000 feet of watermain replacements.
Engineer Mark Bingham is working on getting paperwork turned in for Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 2 next year.
The council discussed about possibly waiting until next year to repair the roads from the Sanitary Sewer Project. The council also discussed about possibly looking at getting some driveways fixed this year that the Sewer Project has damaged. There was also discussion on the road near Illinois Street Park.
The council discussed the drainage district agreement and will move forward continuing working with the drainage district by arranging a meeting with them.
Public Comments:
Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to adjourn meeting at 8:21 p.m. Motion carried with Alderman Burgess, Coughlin, Page, Reed, and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.
City Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
______________________
Janet Waller
City Clerk