Carbondale Reporter

City of Carbondale Local Liquor Control Commission and City Council met June 9.

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

Meeting and Public Hearing on Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant Applications

Councilmembers present

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

Meeting called to order at 6:22 PM

Procedural: 5.2 Citizens' Comments and Questions

The City Clerk read citizen comments from Nick Smaligo relating to the murder of George Floyd, systemic racism, the national discussion regarding policing in the country, defunding the police and utilization of those funds for social, ecological, and economic needs.

The City Clerk read citizen comments from Isaac Smith of the Southern Illinoisan asking for the City Council’s thoughts regarding shifting funds from police to social programs.

Procedural: 5.3 Council Comments, General Announcements, and Proclamations

Councilmember Fronabarger congratulated Roni LeForge for the virtual Memorial Day Service video, shared details about the history of Woodlawn Cemetery, and thanked Carbondale Main Street's assistance in securing seating for restaurants.

Councilmember Bradshaw, in reference to the death of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter, stated this moment needs to be acknowledged in Carbondale or else it may be forgotten, remarked on the good work from the police department, and that the Council should watch what actions other cities are taking in order to effect changes for the better.

Councilmember Loos renewed his request to find another platform for remote meetings, noted that Carbondale police officers did not riot when others had, the validity of points being raised in the national dialogue, as well as locally, and suggested considering how they applied to the City. Further, he commented on the roles of the police expanding and about a report on the effectiveness of certain reforms which was issued following the shooting of Michael Brown shooting.

Councilmember Harvey expressed her thanks to the protest organizers and participants during the peaceful protest on Friday, June 5, encouraged utilizing all resources, including the pen, social media, and votes to end acceptable discriminatory behavior, and named many other victims who died in police custody.

Councilmember Doherty reflected on his experience in hiring officers, using good recruitment, training, policies, and holding officers accountable. He endorsed looking at better ways to address accomplish necessary social services during this time.

Councilmember Grant responded to the request previously received from Carbondale Spring, indicating that more information is needed. He commented on his feelings regarding George Floyd, the observations around the country, and the need for change.

Mayor Henry remarked on the City’s professional police department and the training they receive, commented on the communications received from the public, and the need for additional options beyond taking individuals to jail.

Councilmember Fronabarger concurred with the Councilmembers' prior comments and encouraged protesters to march to the polls.

6. Public Hearings and Special Reports

Public Hearing: 6.1 Public Hearing to Hear Testimony in Favor of or in Opposition to the Use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds in Support of Local Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Emergency

Mayor Henry declared the Public Hearing open at 6:51 p.m. Mayor Henry read the background regarding the grant program.

Emailed remarks from Kris Schachel were read into the record: “On behalf of Little River, I wish to thank City staff and City Council for their assistance in applying for this grant. We are a very small company, very proud of the unique work we do, and want to stay afloat during this pandemic. It is a welcome relief to have help! If anyone is unfamiliar, we manufacture stream table models and tabletop flumes for STEM education and other uses. Most of our clients (universities, K-12 schools, museums, conservation districts) have been shuttered due to COVID-19, which has resulted in a dramatic drop of sales revenue. We have kept all our employees during this time, largely working from home on non-production matters such as instructional video development and improving other internal processes. I will be home tuning in to tonight's remote access meeting, and am available via cell phone if any questions about our application come up. If there is any information about how the first round of grants is proceeding, for example, timeframe in which Illinois is processing awards, that would be good to know. Appreciatively, Kris Schachel”

Eric Novack inquired if Cristaudo's had applied. Economic Development Director Steven Mitchell stated they had applied during the first round of applications.

There being no further comments or questions, Mayor Henry declared the Public Hearing closed at 7:01 p.m.

7. Consent Agenda of the City Council

Action (Consent): 7.1 Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting of May 12, 2020 Resolution: Approve the minutes from the City Council meeting of May 12, 2020

Action (Consent): 7.2 Approval of Wells Fargo Warrant for the Period Ending 04/30/2020 FY 2020 Warrant # WF 04/2020 in the amount of $106,456.89

Resolution: Accept the following report of payments made for the period ended: 04/30/2020 totaling $106,456.89 (Exhibit A-06-09-2020)

Action (Consent): 7.3 Approval of Warrant for the Period Ending: 05/15/2020 for the FY 2020 & FY 2021 Combined Warrant 1381 in the Total Amount of $688,714.14 Resolution: Accept the following report of payments made for the period ended: 05/15/2020 totaling $688,714.14 (Exhibit B-06-09-2020)

Action (Consent): 7.4 Approval of Warrant for the Period Ending: 05/29/2020 for the FY 2020 & FY 2021 Combined Warrant 1382 in the Total Amount of $1,362,366.20 Resolution: Accept the following report of payments made for the period ended: 05/29/2020 totaling $1,362,366.20 (Exhibit C-06-09-2020)

Action (Consent): 7.5 Approve the Purchase of a Multi-Compartment Recycling Drop Off Trailer in the Amount of $18,667.00 from Pro-Tainer Company

Resolution: Approve the Purchase of a Multi-Compartment Recycling Drop-Off Trailer in the Amount of $18,667.00 from Pro-Tainer Company

Action (Consent): 7.6 Award of Purchase of an All-Wheel Drive Sloped Terrain Mowing Tractor for Cedar Lake to Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners of Waterloo, Illinois in the Amount of $25,250.00

Resolution: Award the Purchase of an All-Wheel Drive Sloped Terrain Mowing Tractor for Cedar Lake to Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners of Waterloo, IL in the Amount of $25,250.00 and Declare the 2003 Deweze Slope Mower as Surplus Property to be Traded In

Action (Consent): 7.7 A Resolution Dedicating $180,000 in State Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds to Cover the City's Portion of the McLafferty Rd & Chautauqua Rd Intersections Improvements Project

Resolution: Approve a Resolution Dedicating $180,000 in State Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds to Cover the City's Portion of the McLafferty Rd & Chautauqua Rd Intersections Improvements Project (Resolution 2020-R-47; Exhibit D-06-09-2020)

Action (Consent): 7.8 Approval of Consent Agenda Items

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

The Council requested additional details regarding the all-wheel-drive mowing tractor identified in 7.6.

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

Motion by Jeff Doherty, second by Lee Fronabarger. Final Resolution: Motion Carries

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

8. General Business of the City Council

Action: 8.1 An Ordinance Extending the Civil Emergency Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

City Council members indicated that they did not feel that the civil emergency Ordinance, as written, needed to be extended; suggested any additional actions could be addressed by the Council as a whole through special and regular meetings, or by adopting an Ordinance to establish another civil emergency; inquired about the effect to the currently implemented executive orders, seeking to modify hours of operation for businesses utilizing outdoor seating; expressed concerns about extending hours and how that might affect social distancing; inquired about the actions permitted in various phases of the Restore Illinois Plan and which State agencies had authority; and remarked on the Mayor’s appropriate use of the emergency powers.

City Attorney Snyder noted that the original orders would stay in place until the end of the calendar year and made recommendations on how to amend the proposed Ordinance in order to effect the change of operating hours and ending the civil emergency. Councilmembers discussed for how long the authority should be extended, what recourse is available to operators who do not comply, or amending the currently issued Orders.

The City Clerk read remarks supporting the extension of the closing hour from Meghan Cole, Director of Carbondale Main Street, Dan Terry, Michelle Stokes, co-owner of The Cellar, Alfred Sanders, and Craig Smith, employee of The Cellar.

MOTION: Adopt the Mayor’s Executive Orders as Ordinances of the City of Carbondale to expire on December 31, 2020, subject to Executive Orders 2020-03 and 2020-05 being amended to allow Class L Temporary Extended Premises licenses, Sidewalk Cafés, and beer gardens to remain open until 1:59 a.m., adopting the Restore Illinois plan, and deleting Section 3 in its entirety.

Motion by Jeff Doherty, second by Adam Loos.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Lee Fronabarger, Tom Grant, Carolin Harvey, Adam Loos, Jessica Bradshaw, Jeff Doherty, John M Henry (Ordinance 2020-18; Exhibit E-06-09-2020)

Action: 8.2 Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of the 2020 G.O. Refunding Bonds to Refinance the Series 2010A Taxable General Obligation Bonds and Series 2011 General Obligation Refunding Bonds

Robert Vail from Bernardi Securities was available to respond to Council and audience.

Council asked about the term of the refunding bonds and Mr. Vail stated there would be no extension of the term, the bond would keep the same dates and maturity, just at a lower interest rate; further, Council asked for what these bonds were originally issued. Finance Director Davis stated that 2010A and 2010B funded the building of the police station, and the 2011bonds refunded the 2004 bonds and the construction of the fire station.

MOTION: Adopt the Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds Series 2020 in the amount up to $6,850,000 for the refunding of the 2010A Taxable General Obligation Bonds and 2011 General Obligation Bonds.

Motion by Adam Loos, second by Lee Fronabarger.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Lee Fronabarger, Tom Grant, Carolin Harvey, Adam Loos, Jessica Bradshaw, Jeff Doherty, John M Henry (Ordinance 2020-19; Exhibit F-06-09-2020)

Action: 8.3 Council Resolution of Support for Community Block Development Program Grant Applications

Council inquired as to when we might expect announcements of grants which were awarded and if there would be a third round of applicants. Economic Development Director Steve Mitchell responded to the inquiries. There were no citizen questions or comments relating to this item.

MOTION: Approve Council Resolutions of Support for Community Block Development Program Grant Applications for Brian Cowdrill d/b/a AAA Auto Sales, Jens Joe LLC, Potentia Analytics Inc, Southern Illinois Foot and Ankle Clinic LTD, Steve Gough dba Little River Research & Design, Richard Thalman dba Thalman Chiropractic, The Waterbed Shoppe Inc. dba The Furniture King, TP & MP LLC, and W.P.S Inc d/b/a The Cellar

Motion by Tom Grant, second by Carolin Harvey.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Lee Fronabarger, Tom Grant, Carolin Harvey, Adam Loos, Jessica Bradshaw, Jeff Doherty, John M Henry (Resolutions 2020-R-38 through 2020-R-46; Exhibits G- through O-06-09-2020)

Discussion: 8.4 City Council Discussion Regarding Status of Leases and Future Operation of Turley Park and Tatum Heights Park

City Manager Williams noted that the maintenance of these parks will be outsourced for the current fiscal year.

Council comments and questions included that there should be a reduction in the Park District’s tax levy; defining “capital improvements” prior to leasing Kids Corner; suggestions for allotting half of the package liquor tax to parks; placing a Parks Division under Development Services; creating a Parks Department which answers directly to the City Manager; thoughts about what may occur if the other leased parks also have to be taken over by the City; seeking a release from the remaining parks; continuing child care services at Kids Corner; protecting the City’s assets; revenues and costs possibilities for the various parks; inquiries about how the City Manager’s plan for managing the parks; remarks on the proposed budget for the parks, as presented; creating a non-profit Park supporting organization; earmarking part of cannabis sales tax for parks; placing a Parks Division under Public Works; seeking additional recommendations from Staff; repair of the gazebo at Turley Park; the importance of programming for the two parks; continuing the discussion in more depth at the Council Retreat; and having additional discussion regarding Kids Corner at the next meeting and at the July Retreat.

9. Adjournment of the City Council Meeting Procedural: 9.1 Adjourn meeting

There being no further business to come before the public body, the meeting was declared adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

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