Carbondale Reporter

City of Carbondale City Council met June 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Retreat was held at the Dayemi Community Center, 218 North Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, Illinois.

Council Members present

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

Meeting called to order at 8:04 AM

1. Roll Call and Introductions

John Washburn facilitated the retreat discussions. City Staff present included City Manager Gary Williams, City Attorney Jamie Snyder, and City Clerk Jennifer Sorrell.

2. Citizens' Comments None

3. Council Comments None

4. Review Progress of Vision 2020

Discussion: 4.1 Review Progress of Vision 2020

John Washburn briefly reviewed the progress on Vision 2020 goals, provided a sense of the accomplishments achieved, and brought the newest Councilmember up to speed. The seven identified goals and specific initiatives were reviewed, Council members and the City Manager commented on the progress for each strategic initiative, and offered ideas for further expansion towards those goals.

Councilmembers offered minor modifications to the Vision statement, provided their personal rankings of the initiatives for the goals, worked towards a consensus on the reprioritization of the goals, and offered additions and deletions to the initiatives.

The City Council heard from D Gorton regarding his experience as an Airbnb operator.

5. Council Discussion on Various Topics to Provide Direction to Staff for the Development of Future Discussion Items and Possible Future Action

Discussion: 5.1 Council Discussion on Gun Violence; Recreational Cannabis; Housing; Park District; Political Advocacy Consultant; and Boards, Commissions, and Committees

Park District -

Council comments included conducting all future meetings between the two bodies publically; entering into an intergovernmental agreement; programming and employee retention; inquiries about the costs/debts; Life Center renovations versus reconstruction; where cost savings might be realized; a full understanding of the Park District's financial situation; trying to identify what the advantages are to the public and the two organizations; and utilization of the daycare.

Jane Adams remarked on the lean staffing, and shared the concerns she has heard that parks and recreation would be the first items cut as part of a city government, the perception that this is viewed as a hostile takeover, and noted the fiscal challenges they face.

Gun Violence -

There was a presentation by Police Chief Grubbs regarding crime statistics in Carbondale and relative to the rest of the State. There was discussion about the perception of the prevalence of gun violence versus the actual prevalence.

Cannabis-

There was discussion about what actions the Council may need to take in the near future, where the businesses may be located, which Ordinances need to be amended or rescinded, taxing limits, how the law change will apply to our work staff, and craft growers.

Issac Smith from the Southern Illinoisan made an inquiry about provisions in the Cannabis law.

Kyle Baker, a guest of Councilman Loos with some experience in the area of the cannabis business, commented on what he expects to see happen with licensing and regulations, and offered his assistance.

Housing -

There was discussion about expansion of vacation rental units, zoning limitations for the same, a landlord and tenant ordinance, residency for property managers, what impact it would have on the hotel/motel businesses, and opinions in support for or in opposition to such expansion and the landlord/tenant ordinance.

Political Advocacy Consultant -

The City has been doing its own advocacy, but cannot do so full-time nor does the City have the number of contacts a professional would. There was discussion about sharing a lobbyist with other organizations, the history of lobbyists in Carbondale, accountability measures, State level versus federal level lobbying success, and gauging the interest in pursuing the idea.

Boards, Commissions, and Committees -

There was a review of issues which frequently occur across Boards, Commissions, and Committees (BCCs), including absenteeism and lack or participation; outdated bylaws; instances of unprofessional behavior, a lack of clear understanding as to what the roles of Staff and appointees are. There was a consensus to pursue a Code of Conduct, to try to provide for consistent appointments and bylaws, to review the need for Boards which may be out of date, identifying who should approve the establishment of subcommittees, and alternatives to cancelling meetings.

6. Impressionistic Summary

Discussion: 6.1 Impressionistic Summary - An Opportunity for the Council to Comment on the Retreat

Councilman Loos noted that forming a vision is difficult, but the refinement is easier. He felt it was a great meeting.

Councilman Grant suggested looking at licensing AUVs in Carbondale, and revisiting the golf cart ordinance. There were concerns expressed about safety by Sandy Litecky.

7. Adjournment of the City Council Meeting 

Procedural: 7.1 Adjourn meeting

There being no further business to come before the public body, the meeting was declared adjourned at 4:07 p.m.

https://www.explorecarbondale.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06192019-894