Carbondale Reporter

City of Marion City Council met March 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Minutes of a Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Marion held in the Council Chambers at 3:00 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 pass the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

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

POLICE DEPARTMENT 

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the recommendation of the Merit Board and the Police Chief to hire Dustin Lawrence and Clay Brinkley to the position of Patrolman at $24.98 per hour, plus benefits with Dustin Lawrence to start April 6, 2020 and Clay Brinkley to start April 7, 2020. 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 approve Ordinance 3606 and the purchase of two new patrol vehicles and equipment not to exceed $70,000 financed through First Southern Bank at 2.9% for 3 years.

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

MAYOR'S OFFICE 

Mayor Absher explained the Community Program Director position is a grant writer position. This person will help design and implement TIF programs for the Residential TIF when funds are available. This person will be able to earn up to $20,000 in potential bonuses for $1 million in grant funds generated. The salary and benefits for this position are included in the budget. Mayor Absher made a motion to approve his recommendation to hire Allison Hasler as

Community Program Director effective May 1, 2020 at $50,000 plus $5,000 for every $250,000 generated in grant revenue capped at $20,000; plus, benefits. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion

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

Mayor Absher stated it took an incredible amount of thought and several candidate interviews to qualified candidates. Mayor Absher created six scenarios that he asked each candidate to work through. He explained that while a particular skill set and certain knowledge is required for the position, his focus shifted from candidate qualifications on paper to demeanor in person. He was thrilled with candidate Tim Stotlar and his interest in and commitment to the job and his understanding of the mission. He announced it would take Tim approximately two weeks to exit his service at the Fire Department. His salary and benefits are included in next year's budget. Commissioner Webb made a motion to approve the recommendation of Mayor Absher to hire

Tim Stotlar as Code Enforcement Director at $62,500 per year, plus benefits with May 1st as the latest start date, to include an earlier start date if necessary. Commissioner Barwick seconded the motion.

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

Commissioner Webb made a motion to approve the selection of John H. Crawford & Associates, P.C. proposal to provide 2019 Housing Rehab Grant – Projected Delivery and Rehab Administrative Services. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion,

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

WATER DEPARTMENT Mayor Absher stated the retirement of Water Superintendent Scott Connell was a surprise and is a loss to the City. Commissioner Patton added Scott has lots of institutional knowledge the City needs to capture before his retirement. Commissioner Patton made a motion to accept Water Superintendent Scott Connell's letter of retirement effective June 30, 2020. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

With Scott Connell's retirement, Mayor Absher stated the concept of having one leader of the Water and Sewer Departments came up. He explained this would create efficiencies for future planning. He expressed his confidence in Brent Cain. Mayor Absher made a motion to approve the creation of the Public Works Superintendent and to promote Brent Cain to that position effective July 1, 2020 at a salary of $100,576. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

Mayor Absher explained Cliff Hogue, Jr. is currently the Lead Man in the Water Department.

The Water Field Supervisor position would put him in charge of the field work in the Water Department. Mayor Absher made a motion to approve the creation of Water Field Supervisor and promote Cliff Hogue, Jr. to that position effective July 1, 2020 at a salary of $64,792, an exempt position. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

Economic Development Director Glenn Clarida explained the developer of the Sinclair Drive area south of Route 13 needs to extend the 8-inch water line from the north side of Route 13 under Route 13 to the south side. This line will then tie into the line that runs west to Skyline Drive. In order to do the directional bore under Route 13, a resolution must be adopted to get permission from IDOT. Commissioner Stoecklin made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-12 to construct, occupy and maintain an 8" water main under Illinois Route 13 under the jurisdiction and control of Illinois Department of Transportation for the Sinclair Drive project. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

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

CODE ENFORCEMENT 

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve a double-wide on a block foundation to be placed in an R-2 General Family Residential Zone at 704 E. Jefferson Street, PIN# 07-18-380 004, Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

TIF Mayor's Chief of Staff Cody Moake addressed the Council. He explained the property in this Resolution 2020-11 is not currently located in the TIF and the City is working on an amendment to the TIF. This resolution gives the developers what they need to borrow money to purchase the property. They will annex the property into the City. The project is for the construction of single-family homes. The property is located on the west side of Skyline Drive south of the concrete plant. Commissioner Webb made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-11, an inducement resolution with P&R Rentals, LLC for a project in the proposed 2nd Amendment to the North Commercial TIF. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

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

Cody Moake explained Ordinance 3607 is to exclude several parcels from the new Residential TIF. These are parcels that are not located in City limits. These parcels were found by the County Clerk's office and cannot be included in the TIF. Economic Development Director Glenn Clarida stated these parcels are surrounded by parcels in City limits and can be annexed into the City. Cody explained the TIF would have to be amended again for them to be included once they are annexed since the TIF has already been adopted, Commissioner Patton made a motion to approve Ordinance 3607, the 1st Amendment to the Residential TIF, removing parcels from the TIF that are not in City limits. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Mayor Absher explained the municipal code allows a mayor to declare an emergency if necessary. Ordinance 3605 updates the City's state of emergency ordinance and lists the powers of the mayor in case of an emergency. The ordinance contemplates declaring an emergency for 30 days or until adjournment of the next meeting. The ordinance grants the mayor extra abilities to make decisions and spend money. Any two Commissioners can call a meeting of the Council to remove the mayor's emergency powers. Commissioner Patton made a motion to approve Ordinance 3605 amending and repealing portions of Ordinances 3032 and 3132 regarding the City's Emergency Management procedures. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion,

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

COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Patton had no report but thanked the public for following the rules during the Governor's Shelter in Place Order.

Commissioner Barwick reported Firefighter Ben Wilson applied for and received a grant for $4,691.00 from the Illinois Department of Public Health to purchase six bullet resistant vests and two trauma bags.

Commissioner Stoecklin thanked the citizens for paying their water and sewer bills by using the drop boxes, by calling in or by paying online. He thanked everyone for their patience and understanding.

Commissioner Webb reported the Street Department has continued building and repairing sidewalks. They are also working on keeping the ditches and drains clear of debris.

MISCELLANEOUS 

Mayor Absher reminded the Commissioners it is budget preparation time. He asked the Commissioners whether they preferred to meet all day on a Saturday to discuss the budget as has been past practice or if they preferred to meet with Treasurer Steve Hale individually to discuss their departments. Mayor Absher and all Commissioners expressed their preference to meet individually with Treasurer Hale. Mayor Absher stated Treasurer Hale would provide packets to each Commissioner. He also encouraged them to log in to the budget software and view the many reports that are available.

Mayor Absher stated the owners of Crown Brew approached him with a concept for a fundraiser to raise money for grants for locally owned businesses that have been materially affected by the mandatory closures outlined in the Governor's Executive Order to Shelter in Place due to the

Covid-19 crisis. Several sponsors have already agreed to help raise money. Several local bankers have already agreed to form a selection committee to choose grantees. They have already raised $30,000 toward their goal. Mayor Absher has asked the Commissioners to agree to donate in good faith to support the local businesses. He praised his predecessor Mayors and Councils for leaving he City with reserves to be able to support this fundraiser.

Mayor Absher announced there was no need for an executive session this afternoon.

Commissioner Stoecklin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

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

Meeting Adjourned at 4:00 P.M.

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