Carbondale Reporter

City of Marion City Council met Oct. 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Marion held in the Council Chambers at 6:30 P.M. The City Clerk was instructed to call the roll and the response was as follows:

PHYSICALLY PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Absher

CONSENT AGENDA 

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

Police Chief David Fitts introduced retired Illinois State Police Trooper Phil Jeralds as the newest School Safety Officer. Phil will be working two days per week.

CITY ENGINEER 

City Engineer Brian Ziegler addressed the council stating there are two big water projects. One is painting the existing water tank and the other is adding an additional water tank. He explained the addition of the new water tank has been postponed for now due to the cost but constructing new watermains and improving the system will still be completed. He explained the two ordinances in the packet are to approve the City borrowing money from the IEPA and executing loan documents for these projects. The new tank project will cost approximately $1.1 million which is lower than originally expected due to the elimination of the new water tank. The tank painting project will cost approximately $670,000 which is higher than originally expected. The City will need to borrow $620,000 for this project because $50,000 was already paid from TIF funds.

Commissioner Stoecklin made a motion to approve Ordinance 3569 authorizing the City to borrow funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program for the repainting and repairing of the ted water storage tank located at the old water treatment plant. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

Commissioner Stoecklin made a motion to approve Ordinance 3570 authorizing the City to borrow funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program to improve the System by constructing new 6" watermains, replacing existing high service pumps, pump building, generator and necessary appurtenances. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

HUB RECREATION CENTER 

Hub Recreation Center Aquatics Coordinator Jared King addressed the council regarding major filter issues with the pools and spa. Jared had prepared a Filter Repair/Replace Proposal for the Council Review which was presented with the council packets. This proposal presented background information on the filter issues, potential courses of action and recommendations for fixing the issues. After lengthy discussion, Mayor Absher asked the Commissioners for verbal commitment to get the parts to fix the problem while they are still available.

TREASURER'S OFFICE 

Treasurer Steve Hale addressed the council regarding Ordinance 3573 which authorizes the City to enter into a loan agreement to finance equipment for the Hub Recreation Center. The bid to purchase the equipment was approved at the September 23, 2019 council meeting. He explained the company selling the equipment offered to finance it through a lease agreement, but the City received a better bid for a loan from First Southern Bank. Treasurer Hale recommended the City enter into a loan agreement with First Southern Bank. He stated their interest rate was half of what the equipment leasing company had offered and this would save the City $4,000 over the three-year term of the loan.

Commissioner Webb made a motion to approve Ordinance 3573 authorizing the City to enter into a loan agreement with First Southern Bank in an amount not to exceed $77,000 for a term of three years at an interest rate of 3.24% per annum in order to buy exercise equipment for the Hub Recreation Center. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

Mayor Absher explained the reason behind the City's recommendation to purchase the parking lot at the northeast corner of Union and Market Streets was due to the constriction of traffic. Based on this, the City's recommendation is to close parking on the east side of North and South Market Streets. Most businesses on the east side have access to other alternate parking in the rear or on the side of their businesses. The businesses most affected on the east side of the street are Razor's Edge barber shop, Mariner Finance and Shivelbine's Music. No alternatives were found for parking on the west side of the street if parking were to be eliminated there. The concern over eliminating spaces on the east side of the street is that businesses will lose foot traffic. Mayor Absher stated the City considered many alternatives before recommending eliminating parking on the east side of the street and purchasing the parking lot from First Southern Bank. The lot has 16 spaces that will replace the spaces being eliminated on the east side of the street. Eight of those spaces will be designated for the Razor's Edge barber shop and Mariner Finance, Mayor Absher explained this is the lowest cost option for the City to be able to widen North Market Street. Commissioner Barwick explained he is in favor of purchasing the parking lot but said he has a problem eliminating spaces near Adams Shoe Store. Mayor Absher stated only two spaces near Adams will be eliminated. Mayor Absher also stated that TIF funds will be used to purchase the parking lot if they are available.

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the purchase of the parking lot at the northeast corner of Union and Market Streets from First Southern Bank for $33,000. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

MAYOR'S OFFICE

The City requested bids for general liability/workers' compensation insurance. Mayor's Chief of Staff Cody Moake presented three separate bids and one renewal to the council to open. The bids received were from Assured Partners, Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association, ICRMT, and Traveler's (renewal). Cody also mentioned an extension of time to bid was granted to one company late Friday, Mayor Absher explained no action will be taken tonight as these bids must be reviewed to make sure they meet the bid specifications.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS 

Commissioner Webb reminded the council and audience the electronics recycling event will be held Saturday, October 19th from 9:00 a.m, to noon, Residents should check the City's website, app, Facebook page or the Marion Star for a list of items that will be accepted.

Commissioner Stoecklin reported the Water Department is not calling residents to ask for personal information. This is a scam and should be reported to authorities. He also mentioned October 24th is the last day for residents to claim water deposits before they are turned over to the State. He told the council and the audience he has been working on the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Several local restaurants are participating in a round up to the nearest dollar program starting Tuesday which will help fund the event. A list of participating restaurants is posted on the City's website. The dinner will be held at the Pavilion on Thanksgiving evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m., is free and open to the public.

Commissioner Barwick read the Police and Fire reports.

Commissioner Patton had nothing to report.

Mayor Absher announced there would be an executive session this evening. He stated there would be no action taken after executive session.

Police Chief David Fitts announced the 4th Annual Marion Police Department Spooktacular will be held Saturday, October 26th at Rent One Park. He said there would be free food that had been donated by several local restaurants.

Mayor Absher announced Trick or Treating would be October 31st from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., weather permitting.

7:24 P.M. Commissioner Stoecklin made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss litigation, property and personnel. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

8:45 P.M. Commissioner Patton made a motion to adjourn the Executive session and resume the Regular Meeting. Commissioner Webb Seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:46 P.M.

https://cityofmarionil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Council-Minutes-1014201920191029_10310940.pdf