City of Carbondale Local Liquor Control Commission and City Council met February 25

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella

Jun 30, 2020

City of Carbondale Local Liquor Control Commission and City Council met Feb. 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission and the council:

Councilmembers present

Councilmember Lee Fronabarger, Councilmember Tom Grant, Councilmember Adam Loos, Councilmember Jessica Bradshaw, Councilmember Jeff Doherty, and Mayor Pro Tem Carolin Harvey

Councilmembers absent

Mayor John M. Henry

Meeting called to order at 6:09 PM

A meeting of the Local Liquor Control Commission immediately preceded this meeting.

5. Preliminaries to the City Council Meeting Procedural: 5.1 Roll Call

Procedural: 5.2 Citizens' Comments and Questions

Peggy Polovich noted that her property on South Oakland Avenue is experiencing flooding, provided an explanation for the cause of the flooding, and asked that the flooding pipe be corrected as part of the Oakland Avenue reconstruction.

Ginger Rye read from a petition which is being circulated in the Northeast neighborhood pertaining to increased violence and seeking the implementation of safety measures. She announced the next Women For Change meeting on March 12 and encouraged attendance.

Deanna Boozer noted that there is a safety problem and a crime issue in Carbondale which affects all of the city. She requested a response from the City and from other citizens in Carbondale.

Sandy Litecky, representing the League of Women Voters, announced a primary candidate forum on Tuesday and encouraged citizen attendance.

Darnecia Moultrie commented on issues she had at her previous address and stated that she did not expect that the city would give assistance relating to the violence.

Nancy Maxwell of Carbondale United noted she had left messages for the Mayor seeking his attendance at meetings which seek to find solutions to violence. She asked for members of the Council and the City to attend the next meeting on March 10 at the African American Museum.

Procedural: 5.3 Council Comments, General Announcements, and Proclamations

Councilmember Loos inquired about an update on a lease to the Park District.

Councilmember Fronabarger announced the last home game for Men’s Saluki Basketball, noting that they are in 3rd place in the MVC.

Councilmember Bradshaw announced a Mardi Gras music event by WDBX at Route 51 and Brews Brothers, and noted the start of the Big Muddy Film Festival which extends through March 1.

Councilmember Doherty recognized Councilmember Harvey for being her community service award from the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, asked the City Manager to address the rumor regarding the installation of security cameras in neighborhoods, and inquired if staff and Council would have representation at the community meetings

Councilmember Bradshaw shared some of her research findings on the Cure Violence organization and program.

Councilmember Fronabarger inquired if there were any neighborhood watch programs in the northeast.

City Manager Williams encouraged everyone to read The Uninhabitable Earth which was the selected book for a One Book, One City program and introduced Analisa Parker, who is the Assistant City Attorney.

6. Public Hearings and Special Reports

Discussion, Information: 6.1 Presentation by Bernardi Securities to Discuss the Issuance of Series 2020 General Obligation Refunding Bonds

Robert Vail of Bernardi Securities briefly reviewed why it might be beneficial to refinance two bonds due to historically low bond interest rates. He responded to Council questions regarding taxable and tax-exempt bonds, costs for the refinancing versus the savings realized, noted that the term would not be extended, the impact of timing on the rates, Carbondale's credit rating, Bernardi's involvement with the Carbondale Park District bonds, the Park District's bond rating, the rating of the bonds being refinanced, and what risks there are for the City.

7. Consent Agenda of the City Council

Action (Consent): 7.1 Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting of February 11, 2020 Resolution: Approve the City Council meeting minutes from February 11, 2020

Action (Consent): 7.2 Approval of Warrant for the Period Ending: 02/07/2020 for the FY 2020 Warrant 1374 in the Total Amount of $548,389.67

Resolution: Accept the following report of payments made for the period ended: 02/07/2020 totaling $548,389.67 (Exhibit A-02-25-2020)

Action: 7.3 Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Submit an Application to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for Bicycle Path Grant Program Funds

Pulled by L. Fronabarger

Action (Consent): 7.4 Approve the Purchase of Five Replacement Light Poles for South Illinois Avenue in the Amount of $45,433.35

Resolution: Approve the Purchase of Five Replacement Light Poles for South Illinois Avenue in the Amount of $45,433.35

Action: 7.5 Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for Professional Services to Develop the Storm Water Utility Billing Database with Raftelis Financial Services Inc.

Pulled by J Doherty

Action (Consent): 7.6 Approval of Consent Agenda Items

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

There was a question regarding recouping funds from insurance companies for replacement light poles.

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

Motion by Adam Loos, second by Lee Fronabarger.