Carbondale Reporter

Carterville City Council met March 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

The meeting was held in the Council Chambers with Mayor Bradley M. Robinson presiding. He called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

Roll Call:

Bradley M. Robinson Mayor Present

Michele A. Edwards City Clerk Present

Khristina Hollister Deputy City Clerk Present

Mark Carney City Treasurer Present

Doug Brinkley Alderman/Ward 3 Present

Phyllis Emery Alderman/Ward 4 Present

Tom Gentry Alderman/Ward 1 Present

John Gooden Alderman/Ward 3 Present

Mike Helfrich Alderman/Ward 2 Present

James Houseworth Alderman/Ward 1 Present

Tom Liebenrood Alderman/Ward 4 Present

Curtis Oetjen Alderman/Ward 2 Present

The Mayor declared a quorum present.

Others present were: Garry Wiggs, Public Works Director; Ron Rains, Fire Chief; Ralph Graul, Building Inspector; Rhett Barke, City Attorney; John and Kimbra Frost, Citizens; Michael Flanningam, Deputy Police Chief; Rod Sievers, Citizen Advisory Committee Member; Marvin Oetjen, Kamper Supply; Jason Dodd, Citizen; Ronda Robinson, Citizen; Janice McConnaughy, HR Specialist; Alex Fine, Donation in Memory of Dr. Herbert Fine; Elaine Melby, Century 21; Sherry Jenkins, Police Secretary; Cindy, Rylee, Gavin and Addy Morgan, Travis Morgan relatives; Allen Latch, Citizen; Ron Rodgers, 1002 Jeffrey Drive; Ryan Prather, Police Department; Kathy Prather; Autumn Prather; Kelly, Brian and Tammy Whitecotton; Doug Dobbins; George Pennock, Building Owner/South Division; Chelsea Black; Michelle Dobbins; Brendon Timmons; Emily Hunsaker; Harry Treece II, Tippy Road; Emily Hunsaker, The Courier; Vicky Waterbury; Jerry Humble, Elders Farm Way; and Mindy Halstead.

Motion 1: Emery moved and Gentry seconded to approve the minutes of the February 14, 2017 as presented (with a change in attendance for Curtis Oetjen as present). A roll call vote was taken and all present voted yea and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Mark Carney, City Treasurer, was not present for the meeting. The Mayor presented the February 2017 Treasurer’s Report for approval.

Motion 2: Helfrich moved and Emery seconded to approve the February 2017 Treasurer’s Report as presented. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea, and the Mayor declared the motion carried

The Mayor moved ahead on the agenda and asked that the Deputy Police Chief present a recognition award to some of our Police Officers. Michael Flanningam addressed the Mayor and City Council as a representative of Chief Heather Reno and presented an award to Officers Travis Morgan and Ryan Prather. On February 8, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. they were dispatched to a residence on Prentice Street where someone was trapped under a vehicle. The vehicle had been jacked up and slipped off the jack. The Officers lifted the vehicle with the help of a Crainville officer to allow the person trapped to breathe until they could get him out and he could breathe on his own. The ambulance arrived and he was transported to the hospital. These officers put their own safety aside to assist a citizen in need and the City appreciates their heroism. Flanningam presented the plaque to Travis Morgan and Ryan Prather and the audience applauded. (Channel 3 News recorded the presentation).

Recognition of Guests:

Alex Fine, representing his brother Russ, addressed the Council about the donation of a gazebo to be constructed in the downtown.

George Pennock asked the Council to accept a donation of the building at 114 S. Division Street to be used as a parking lot. He indicated that John Frost had asked him to make this donation and that the only stipulation to the donation is that the City pay the real estate taxes that are due this year. The Mayor thanked Mr. Pennock for the donation and asked the attorney, Rhett Barke, to work with Mr. Pennock to get a Quit Claim Deed signed and filed for this property.

Ron Rodgers, 1002 Jeffrey Drive, addressed the Council about a drainage problem that he spokes to the Street Committee about last fall. He wanted to turn in a signed letter of approval to the City for this drainage work. The Mayor accepted the letter and explained the waterway problem that is being addressed by our engineer and Garry Wiggs.

Motion 3: Emery moved and Gooden seconded to pay the monthly bills as presented by the City Clerk. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Departments/Committees Parks Department:

Garry Wiggs, Public Works Director, asked the Mayor to discuss the mower trade. The Mayor indicated that Danny Tucker had solicited prices from three vendors (with our trade-ins):

F. B. McAfoos $ 5,000.00 Gasoline $10,600.00 Diesel

Skagg Dealer $11,000.00 Gasoline $15,400.00 Diesel

Coleman Lawn Equip $ 3,010.00 Gasoline $ 7,680.00 Diesel

It was the recommendation of Danny Tucker and the Park Committee to contract with Coleman Lawn Equipment for the Diesel Mowers.

Motion 4: Emery moved and Liebenrood seconded to trade the Parks Department mowers to Coleman Lawn Equipment for Diesel Mowers at a cost of $7,680.00. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Mayor declared the motion carried. [To be paid from the Sanitation Fund].

Garry Wiggs discussed the lighting at the Community Center. Wiggs got a priced from Pulley Electric to replace the lighting in front of the building with LED -- add additional light standards and lights for the flag pole. The price was $4.854.00. Each of the light poles will have two fixtures that will be directional so that they can be adjusted.

Motion 5: Emery moved and Liebenrood seconded to contract Pulley Electric for the LED lighting at Cannon Park Community Center at a cost of $4,854.00. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Mayor introduced the annual proposal from Tri-C Athletics for use of the ball diamonds. They are requesting the use of James Street Park from March 15th through October 21st, 2017 for the spring and summer Baseball/Softball seasons.

Motion 6: Liebenrood moved and Emery seconded to authorize Tri-C Athletics the use of James Street Park from March 15th through October 21st (Restrooms may not be open until April 1, 2017). All voted yea and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Motion 7: Liebenrood moved and Oetjen seconded to approve the alternate date for use of the James Street Park ball diamond for the Johnston Family Softball Fundraiser on March 18, 2017. All voted yea and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Motion 8: Emery moved and Helfrich seconded to authorize a budget of $400.00 for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 8 2017 (co-sponsored by McDonalds). All voted yea and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Motion 9: Houseworth moved and Gentry seconded to authorize the use of the Community Center at a reduced rate for the Gum Drops Glow Bingo event to be held on March 31, 2017. All voted yea and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Janice McConnaughy explained the process regarding the donation from the Fine Family of a Gazebo. The Council members had a picture of the proposed structure and an aerial map of the proposed placement. Dr. Russell Fine and his wife have been working for approximately 18 months to place a structure to memorialize Dr. Herbert Fine. The family is donating the funds for construction of he Gazebo to be placed south of the Veteran’s Memorial. The cost is approximately $16,000.00 and will include four benches and will be vinyl clad/maintenance free. The City would be asked to assist with the building of the foundation. Alex Fine explained that the family is excited about the placement downtown. Phyllis Emery stated that she and Janice McConnaughy had measured the area where this will be constructed and feel that this would be a perfect fit.

Jim Houseworth addressed the audience with an objection to placing this structure close to the Veteran’s Memorial. He indicated he had talked to several veterans about this structure being placed close to the memorial and feel it should be placed elsewhere.

Tom Gentry stated that the placement of a Gazebo in the downtown is good but he feels that the Veteran’s Memorial is hallowed ground and is dedicated to the veterans and if plans are every completed for additional parking behind the Veteran’s Memorial for downtown this structure may be in the way. Gentry felt that it would make more sense to put this on the east side of Division Street near the community sign.

Phyllis Emery indicated that the City does not own enough property to place the Gazebo on the east side and stated that it would not distract from the Memorial. Brinkley stated that there is an antique shop next to the Memorial.

There was a lengthy discussion from the audience and the Mayor suggested that this issue be tabled for further study.

Bud Edwards added that he was involved with the original construction of this Memorial and it was placed on this lot to isolate it from other construction. This Memorial is for focus on the fallen veterans and he does not feel that this Gazebo should be placed near the Memorial.

Motion 10: Emery moved and Brinkley seconded to accept the donation of a Gazebo from the Fine Family and authorize the placement of the donated Gazebo south of the Veteran’s Memorial as suggested. Roll call vote: Brinkley, yea; Emery, yea; Gentry, no; Gooden, yea; Helfrich, yea; Houseworth, no; Liebenrood, yea; Oetjen, no. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Fire Department:

Ron Rains, Fire Chief, asked that the Holmatro Cutter Blades on our extrication equipment be replaced because the last inspection resulted in a recommendation that they be replaced. There are two blades at a cost of $400.00 each.

Motion 11: Helfrich moved and Gooden seconded to approve the replacement of blades on the Holmatro Cutter at a cost of $400.00 each. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Motion 12: Brinkley moved and Gentry seconded to authorize the expenditure of $1,500.00 for two firemen to attend Fire College the first week of June. Registration begins by April 1, 2017 (no one has asked to attend at this point). A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Rains reported that the Fire Department will have their annual ladder testing during March and there is ongoing ambulance training for EMT basic personnel. The Rescue Boat that was purchased by the Volunteers is ready and Rains indicated that the Council is welcome to come and see it.

Chief Rains and Jason Sheraden presented information on screen for the Smart Phone IaR Application that is used for ambulance and fire calls. This application provides a list of available personnel, Knox Box locations, building plans and lists all fire hydrants with detailed information. The cost of this application is $660.00 per year for five years and the Fire Department is asking that the City split this cost.

Motion 13: Brinkley moved and Oetjen seconded to approve the payment of half the cost of the IaR Smart Phone application for the Fire/Ambulance Department at a cost of $330.00 per year for a five-year contract. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Police Department:

Michael Flanningam, Deputy Police Chief, gave the monthly report for the department:

• 1 Officer attended a class on Managing the Property and Evidence Room

• 2 Officers attended an Illinois Criminal Code and Vehicle Code Update class

• 3 Officers attended a DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Test class

• 7 Officers completed mandatory Hazardous Materials training online

• 6 Officers completed mandatory Narcan administration training in-house conducted by Chief Reno. That training is ongoing.

• February Calls: 273 Calls for Service – 67 Calls for Assistance

• State’s Attorney’s office present3ed the department with a check for $1,300.00 to purchase tire deflation devices.

• Next “Chat with the Chief” event will be the evening of Tuesday, March 28th at Irons in the Fire downtown.

Motion 14: Gooden moved and Emery seconded to approve payment to Williamson County Gun Club for renewal of membership at a cost of $500.00. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Street Department:

Garry Wiggs, Public Works Director, explained that Gary Kesler had solicited prices for tires for the backhoe and Neal Tire was the low bid at $890.00 each for rear tires and $442.12 for front tires. The total cost would be $2,222.12.

Motion 15: Houseworth moved and Emery seconded to purchase tires for the Street Department backhoe at a cost of $2,222.12. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Garry Wiggs notified the Council that the school crosswalk on North Division should be completed this week.

Ralph Graul, Building Inspector, explained his monthly report. He also presented a request from Clifford Brady, 214 Scout Cabin Road, to schedule a variance hearing for construct a carport that does not meet setbacks.

Motion 16: Helfrich moved and Oetjen seconded to schedule a Variance Hearing on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 6:45 p.m. for a variance to setbacks for a carport at 214 Scout Cabin Road requested by Clifford Brady. All voted yea and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Mayor introduced the Chamber Report as Harriet Mize, Executive Director, is ill and cold not attend. Each Council member had a copy in their packets.

The Mayor reviewed the Garden Gate Garden Club budget that was submitted for Council approval. The total budget is $463.50 and include funds for the Cannon Park Meditation Garden, Cannon Park Flagpole Garden, Cannon Park Children’s Garden and the Community Pantry Garden.

Motion 17: Emery moved and Gentry seconded to approve the Garden Gate Garden Club budget of $463.50. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Mayor declared the motion carried. [Phyllis Emery asked about moving the flagpole at Cannon Park and the Mayor responded that this has been discussed in committee and will not be moved this year].

Motion 18: Gentry moved and Emery seconded to approve the proposal from Rich Stevenson and Barbara Kerley for $350.00 for plants at the Veteran’s Memorial. They will volunteer their time to plant and maintain these flowers. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Mayor explained a request for a $300.00 budget for the 10th annual Block Party which will be held on May 5, 2017 in the City parking lot. Khrissy Hollister organizes this event.

Motion 19: Emery moved and Gooden seconded to approve a $300.00 budget for the Block Party to be held on May 5 2017. All present voted yea and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Engineering Report:

John Crawford, Crawford and Associates, explained the bid tabulation for the Cannon Park Concession Stand bids. The low bidder is Doug Eubanks from Sesser. However, all of the bids were at least 25% over budgeted amounts and Crawford suggested that we take these bids back to the Parks and Cemetery Committee and re-evaluate before any decisions are made.

The West Grand – Phase II street improvements will be starting sometime in April and his office is still working on the Water and Sewer studies. The West Grand waterline relocation is complete and taps on this line are being completed. Crawford’s Office is completing a low to moderate income survey for waterline improvement grants.

Curt Oetjen gave the Water and Sewer Board report as follows:

• There were 321 delinquent accounts in the amount of $12,100.92

• Water loss: Rend Lake bill showed 11,034,128 gallons purchased, we sold 11,042,960 gallons for a net gain of 8832 gallons (7% loss for 2016)

• Board approved Ground Storage Tank repairs through Pittsburgh Tank and Tower in the amount of $116,542.00 (Elevated Tank bids were tabled)

• Madison Ridge Lift Station - approved pump replacement for 17,500.00

• Kamper Supply Lift Station – approved $5,000.00 for new valves

• Sewerline Lining – Board approved up to $10,000.00 for lining of five manholes

• Leak credits were given in the amount of $273.40

• Downtown Waterline – Board approved payments to Dean Bush Construction and Crawford

• West Grand – Phase II Waterline – Board approved payment to Dean Bush Construction

Motion 20: Oetjen moved and Gentry seconded to move to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Council left the room at 8:14 p.m.

Motion 21: Brinkley moved and Oetjen seconded to return to Regular Session. A roll call vote was taken, and all present voted yea. The Council reconvened at 8:36 p.m.

Motion 22: Liebenrood moved and Helfrich seconded to approve a one-year contract for Janice McConnaughy in the position of Office Manager/H. R. Specialist. All voted yea and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Mayor explained that the property purchase listed on the agenda is being tabled at this time

Motion 23: Liebenrood moved and Emery seconded to pay the cleaning bill to E & K Cleaning Service for 14 cleanings at the Community Center in the amount of $920.00. Roll call vote: Brinkley, yea; Emery, yea; Gentry, yea; Gooden, abstain; Helfrich, yea; Houseworth, yea; Oetjen, yea. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Mayor mentioned the following reminders:

• Downtown Merchants Committee – Monday, April 10, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.

• SIMPO Committee – Monday, April 10, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

• Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Cannon Park at 11:00 a.m.

• City of Carterville Smart Phone App – Available for download Free

Motion 23: Helfrich moved and Oetjen seconded to adjourn. All voted yea and the meeting was dismissed at 8:47 p.m.

https://visitcarterville.com/sites/default/files/City%20Council%20%20Meeting%20March%2014%2C%202017_1.pdf