Carbondale Reporter

City of Carbondale City Council met April 23.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Council Members present

Councilwoman Jessica Bradshaw, Councilman Jeff Doherty, Councilman Tom Grant, Councilwoman Carolin Harvey, Councilman Navreet Kang, Councilman Adam Loos, and Mayor John M Henry

Meeting called to order at 6:01 PM

1. Preliminaries to the City Council Meeting Procedural: 1.1 Roll Call

Procedural: 1.2 Council Comments, General Announcements, and Proclamations

Mayor Henry read a Resolution honoring Mary Nell Chew who is financing the entire Honor Flight which flies veterans out to Washington D.C.

Mayor Henry proclaimed the week of May 5 - 11, 2019 as Municipal Clerks Week and encouraged citizens to recognize the accomplishments of the office.

Mayor Henry proclaimed Friday, April 26, 2019 as Arbor Day in the City of Carbondale and encouraged citizens to observe this day by appreciating and planting trees in the City.

Mayor Henry proclaimed May 19 - 25, 2019 as Public Works Week in the City of Carbondale and encouraged citizens to support the "Fill a Public Works Truck Food Drive" and to publically salute the service of the Public Works department.

Councilman Kang noted the passing of former Mayor Butler and commended his service to the region. Mr. Kang commented on 3 earthquakes in rapid succession and encouraged keeping

Councilwoman Harvey expressed congratulations to upcoming SIU graduates.

Councilwoman Bradshaw announced the Great Cardboard Board Regatta, the Civil Service yard sale at the SIU Arena, and the locally grown concert at Lenus Turley Park.

Councilman Loos renewed his request to move Council Comments to follow Citizens' Comments.

Procedural: 1.3 Citizens' Comments and Questions

Jesus Alberto Ponce de Leon renewed his request for a business plan for Carbondale growth development.

Scott Martin, president of the Carbondale Interfaith Council, read a statement about the warming center instituted during the winter and expressed gratitude for those involved with the endeavor.

Mr. Martin extended an invitation to an appreciation event on Wednesday at the Civic Center.

Robin Reed asked if the Mayor planned to make a public statement about an incident at his home before the election and if so, when it would take place.

Garret Ellingsworth restated a quote from the Mayor regarding his support for the police department.

An unidentified individual made a remark regarding his perception of the police department’s treatment of the Mayor and about his leadership.

2. Public Hearings and Special Reports

Reports: 2.1 North Wall Street Traffic Calming Plan

Note from Clerk: The discussion of this item extended over one hour. For full video of this item, please visit the City’s website or inquire at the City Clerk’s Office.

A Special Report was presented regarding traffic calming measures which could be utilized on North Wall Street. Staff gave a presentation which depicted current markings on the street, reviewed the results of speed studies on North Wall Street and North Robert A Stalls Avenue, the various traffic calming measures which are recommended, and responded to Council and citizen inquiries.

Council members inquired when the measures would be implemented, about the classification for Wall Street, the application of IDOT's recommendations for collector streets, requested details regarding the placement of street humps on Springer Street, whether there have been directed patrols on this street, whether following IDOT and federal highway standards was mandatory or recommended, what the objection is to speed humps, what the outcome of implementing the recommendations on traffic speed would be, the cost for the speed study, the reason for the recommended width, questions about the crossing on Grand Avenue and the splitter on Lincoln Drive on SIU property, considering splitters in the future, motor vehicle speed data impacting pedestrians who are struck, if there has been any outreach to the neighborhood, whether stop signs had been considered, the effectiveness of stop signs on Tower Road, consideration of lowering the speed limit, recommended that staff meet with residents to talk about this plan, the enforceability of speed limits lower than 30 mph, maximum and minimum speeds, whether there had been an overlay of traffic accidents, asking about where the students are crossing, suggesting the planting of trees as a calming and beautification measure, installation of flashing beacons elsewhere in the City, informing the neighborhood about the park zone speed limit, checking to see if there are any restrictions for future federal grants, placing a boulevard at some time in the future, commenting about Reed Station Road and McKinney improvements as a response to pedestrian deaths, focusing on additional funds for these improvements before deaths occur, and comments regarding the speed limit statute.

Valerie Muhammad shared her experiences with speeding traffic on Wall Street, her sense of the ineffectiveness of stop signs, inquired when the speed study was performed, disputed comparisons of different streets, and noted very few bike riders on Wall Street.

Lee Hughes thanked the staff for their efforts, noted that the plan may not be a solution but it is a start, and recommended a post-speed study after these measures are implemented. Further, he suggested that bike lanes may draw a different demographic to the street.

Margaret Nesbitt asked what makes Wall Street unique, why it needs more attention than Marion Street, and inquired if the citizens understand what is being done and why.

Henry Muhammed commented on the death of the child hit in the collision, disagreed with the findings of the speed study, suggested speaking with the residents, recommended other barrier options, and also suggested having police officers control speed with radar.

Don Monty noted that historically, the road classification determines the width and expressed concern that the bicycle striping will not change the perception of the wide street.

Anne Gaylord remarked that Attucks Park sees heavy usage in the summer and suggested implementing the changes prior to the start of school.

Jesus Ponce de Leon suggested extending some of these ideas near the Turley Park and Walgreens crossing.

Lee Fronabarger asked if these improvements would impact any reimbursement grants for the modifications.

3. Consent Agenda of the City Council

Action (Consent): 3.1 Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting of April 9, 2019

Resolution: Approve the minutes from the City Council meeting of April 9, 2019

Action (Consent): 3.2 Approval of Warrant for the Period Ending: 04/05/2019 for the FY 2019 Warrant 1352 in the Total Amount of $407,306.45

Resolution: Accept the following report of payments made for the period ended: 04/05/2019 totaling $407,306.45 (Exhibit A-04-23-2019)

Action (Consent): 3.3 Reappointment to Boards and Commissions

Resolution: Council is requested to concur with the Mayor's recommended reappointment to Boards and Commissions

Action (Consent): 3.4 Resolution Declaring Fair Days for the 2019 Sunset Concerts Held at Lenus Turley Park

Resolution: Approve a Resolution declaring Fair Days for the 2019 Sunset Concerts held at Lenus Turley Park on June 20 and July 18 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. (Resolution 2019-R-23; Exhibit B-04-23-2019)

Action (Consent): 3.5 Resolution Declaring Fair Days for Sunset Concerts at the Washington Street Concert Venue on June 27 and July 11, 2019

Resolution: Adopt a Resolution Declaring Fair Days for Sunset Concerts at the Washington Street Concert Venue on June 27 and July 11, 2019, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. (Resolution 2019-R-24; Exhibit C-04-23-2019)

Action (Consent): 3.6 Resolution to Declare Fair Days at the Town Square Pavilion for a Series of Events Produced by Carbondale Main Street Known as Fourth Friday Fairs for 2019

Resolution: Adopt a Resolution declaring Fair Days for Fourth Friday Fairs between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 20, and October 25, 2019, or their alternate rain dates and authorizing attendees to bring and consume their own alcohol in nonglass containers (Resolution 2019-R-25; Exhibit D-04-23-2019)

Action (Consent): 3.7 Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Engagement Letter with Kerber, Eck, & Braeckel for the City's FY 2019 Audit

Resolution: Adopt the Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Engagement Letters with Kerber, Eck, & Braeckel for FY 2019 audit services (Resolution 2019-R-26; Exhibit E-04-23-2019)

Action (Consent): 3.8 Resolutions Proclaiming the Results of the 2019 Consolidated General Election and the Advisory Question Considered by Carbondale Voters

Resolution: Adopt a Resolution Proclaiming the Results of the 2019 Consolidated General Election and a Resolution Proclaiming the Results of an Advisory Question regarding the City of Carbondale and the Carbondale Park District (Resolutions 2019-R-27 and -28; Exhibits F- & G- 04-23-2019)

Action: 3.9 Ordinance Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to Increase the Fire Department's FY2019 Overtime Budget in the Amount of $169,900

Approve an Ordinance Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to Increase the Fire Department's FY2019 Overtime Budget in the Amount of $169,900

Pulled by Elius Reed

Action (Consent): 3.10 A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter Into a Voluntary Tax Collection Agreement with Airbnb to Collect Taxes on Vacation Rental Units

Resolution: Approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a voluntary tax collection agreement with Airbnb to collect taxes on vacation rental units (Resolution 2019-R- 29; Exhibit I-04-23-2019)

Action (Consent): 3.11 Approve Contract with The Standard Insurance Company to Provide Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance for City of Carbondale Employees

Resolution: Approve a contract with The Standard Insurance Company to provide dental, vision, and life insurance for City of Carbondale employees.

Action (Consent): 3.12 Approval of Consent Agenda Items

Resolution: Approve all Consent Agenda items not pulled for separate consideration

MOTION: Approve all Consent Agenda items not pulled for separate consideration

Motion by Adam Loos, second by Tom Grant.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Jessica Bradshaw, Jeff Doherty, Tom Grant, Carolin Harvey, Navreet Kang, Adam Loos, John M Henry

Action: 3.9 Ordinance Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to Increase the Fire Department's FY2019 Overtime Budget in the Amount of $169,900

This item was pulled by Elius Reed in order to ensure it was read aloud.

MOTION: Approve an Ordinance Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to Increase the Fire Department's FY2019 Overtime Budget in the Amount of $169,900

Motion by Adam Loos, second by Carolin Harvey.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Jessica Bradshaw, Jeff Doherty, Tom Grant, Carolin Harvey, Navreet Kang, Adam Loos, John M Henry (Ordinance 2019-06; Exhibit H-04-23-2019)

4. General Business of the City Council

Action: 4.1 Ordinance Adopting the Operating Budget for the City of Carbondale and the Carbondale Public Library for FY 2020, a Resolution Approving the Five-Year Community Investment Program for Fiscal Years 2020 through 2024, and an Ordinance Adopting a Pay Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees for FY 2020

Council expressed their thanks to the staff, renewed a suggestion to hold budget meetings earlier, and noted that at one time there was a general budget discussion held in December.

MOTION:

1. Approve an Ordinance for the City of Carbondale and Carbondale Public Library Annual Operating Budget in the amount of $58,097,229 for the Fiscal Year 2020, which includes the period from May 1, 2019, through April 30, 2020.

2. Approve a Resolution approving the Five-Year Community Investment Program for Fiscal Years 2020 through 2024 in the amount of $36,458,639.

3. Approve an Ordinance adopting the pay plan for non-bargaining unit employees with a pay increase for FY 2020, which includes the period from May 1, 2019, and ends April 30, 2020.

Motion by Jeff Doherty, second by Carolin Harvey.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Jessica Bradshaw, Jeff Doherty, Tom Grant, Carolin Harvey, Navreet Kang, Adam Loos, John M Henry (Ordinances 2019-07 and -08; Resolution 2019-R-30; Exhibits J-K- & L-04-23- 2019)

Action: 4.2 Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with Southern Illinois University to Reconcile Water Billing Errors

There were questions regarding whether refunds for overbilling would be credited to residents, if a communication plan was in place for the metering of newly constructed water lines, and whether the annual payment figure exceeded the annual billing totals for SIU.

MOTION: Approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an intergovernmental agreement with Southern Illinois University to reconcile water billing errors.

Motion by Navreet Kang, second by Carolin Harvey.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Jessica Bradshaw, Jeff Doherty, Tom Grant, Carolin Harvey, Navreet Kang, Adam Loos, John M Henry (Resolution 2019-R-31; Exhibit M-04-23-2019)

Discussion: 4.3 City Council Discussion Regarding Downtown Parking

Council members suggested differing time periods for this trial period, including 6 months to a year; expressed concerns about the lot near Friendship Plaza; asked about what would be used to gauge the success of the endeavor; suggested having a sunset clause in the Resolution to require Council action for a continuation of free parking; inquired about the impact on the Amtrak lot; inquired about the monitoring of the lots; noted that this would result in having to walk further for parking; and suggested creating an employee parking pass.

Don Monty noted issues that the financing of repairs of public parking would have to be considered at some point in the future, suggested considering the budget process in determining an appropriate length of time to test the free parking, and recommended that all of the specifics be clearly spelled out for the public.

5. Executive Session

Action: 5.1 Vote to Enter into Executive Session for the Purpose of Discussing the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body or Legal Counsel for the Public Body

MOTION: Enter into an Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body as permitted under the Illinois Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)

Motion by Jeff Doherty, second by Carolin Harvey.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Jessica Bradshaw, Jeff Doherty, Tom Grant, Carolin Harvey, Navreet Kang, Adam Loos, John M Henry

Open Session recessed at 8:19 p.m.

Action: 5.2 Return to Open Session

MOTION: Return to Open Session

Motion by Carolin Harvey, second by Jessica Bradshaw.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Jessica Bradshaw, Jeff Doherty, Tom Grant, Carolin Harvey, Navreet Kang, Adam Loos, John M Henry Open Session resumed at 8:53 p.m.

6. Adjournment of the City Council Meeting Procedural: 

6.1 Adjourn meeting

Council expressed their gratitude for Councilman Kang’s work on the Council.

There being no further business to come before the public body, the meeting was declared adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

https://www.explorecarbondale.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04232019-846