Carbondale Reporter

City of Carbondale Library Board met Jan. 12

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Meeting called to order at 6:01 PM

1. Preliminaries to the City Council Meeting

Procedural: 1.1 Roll Call

Procedural: 1.2 Citizens' Comments and Questions

Procedural: 1.3 Council Comments, General Announcements, and Proclamations

Councilmember Fronabarger announced that the Small Business administration has started a new round of the Paycheck Protection Program; Mayor Henry noted that this round is for those who did not receive the first round.

Councilmember Grant remarked that while vaccines are now available, it is still necessary to wear masks to protect others.

Councilmember Loos shared his thoughts on the Capitol riot, highlighted specific inflammatory remarks, and Representative Bost's vote not to uphold the electoral vote, as well as his response to the insurrection. He urged Congressman Bost to resign immediately or for Congress to take action to expel him.

Councilmember Harvey announced on Sunday, the Martin Luther King community celebration will be held virtually and broadcast on Facebook Live and Channel 16; on Monday, the NAACP will hold their annual event virtually at 9:00 a.m. She thanked Councilmember Loos for his comments.

Councilmember Bradshaw thanked Councilman Loos for his remarks.

Councilmember Doherty concurred in thanking Councilmember Loos and noted Representative Bost signed onto the lawsuit in response to the election results.

2. Public Hearings and Special Reports

Discussion, Information: 2.1 Continued Discussion of General Fund Major Sources of Revenue for FY 2021

Finance Director Davis reviewed the returns for sales taxes which support the General Fund. City Council members recommended an increase in the cannabis tax, as well as suggested

keeping our tax lower than surrounding areas until the market is fully established. Connection with Councilmember Bradshaw and Mayor Henry was temporarily lost at this point.

3. Consent Agenda of the City Council

Action (Consent): 3.1 Minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting of December 22, 2020 Resolution: Approve the minutes from the regular City Council meeting of December 22, 2020.

Action (Consent): 3.2 Approval of Wells Fargo Warrant for the Period Ending 11/30/2020 FY 2021 Warrant # WF 11/2020 in the amount of $89,354.10

Resolution: Accept the following report of payments made for the period ended: 11/30/2020 totaling $89,354.10 (Exhibit A-01-12-2021)

Action (Consent): 3.3 Approval of Warrant for the Period Ending: 12/23/2020 for the FY 2021 Warrant 1397 in the Total Amount of $2,811,987.65

Resolution: Accept the following report of payments made for the period ended: 12/23/2020 totaling $2,811,987.65 (Exhibit B-01-12-2021)

Action (Consent): 3.4 Resolution Commending Lieutenant Mark Stearns for Service to the City of Carbondale

Resolution: Approve the Resolution Commending Lieutenant Mark Stearns for Service to the City of Carbondale (Resolution 2021-R-01; Exhibit C-01-12-2021)

Action (Consent): 3.5 Approval of Consent Agenda Items

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

Council thanked Lieutenant Stearns for service to the citizens of Carbondale and remarked on his oath of office which was held at the elementary school.

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

Motion by Tom Grant, second by Jessica Bradshaw.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

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

4. General Business of the City Council

Discussion: 4.1 Discussion of Premier Property Management and Development's Proposal to Purchase a 6,240 sq ft Strip of City-Owned Property at 105 N. Oakland Street (Former Bleyer Field)

Economic Development Director Steve Mitchell and the Developer, Brad Fager, were present to respond to questions. Council inquired about the layout presented, whether the developer would attempt to preserve as many of the large trees as possible, whether the building is now under lease, commented on the location and size of the parking lot versus the larger property strip being purchased, future plans for the larger property strip, and expressed their support for the purchase.

Action: 4.2 Resolution Providing for Quarterly Liquor License Fee Rebate for Compliance with Restore Illinois Plan

Councilmembers indicated their favor to provide some measure of license fee relief for those businesses which have experienced a downturn or full closure due to COVID. Similarly, they also noted an interest in ensuring businesses complied with Restore Illinois plan, as well as Health Department and CDC guidelines. Many of the licensees have submitted their license fees in full, some remain closed for the sake of complying with Executive Orders, while others lacked available funds for fees and other costs.

Concerns were expressed about fairness to those who have already submitted their fees in full versus those who have not; apprehension about allowing Staff to consider each request on a case by case basis; avoiding any favoritism or even the appearance of it; challenges which could arise in collecting fees for those who are not in compliance and have not paid the license fee; and trying to keep businesses viable as much as possible. It was noted that the Local Liquor Control Commission could take action in the event of noncompliance and the goal of achieving compliance with the Health Department and CDC rules. Further, the question of how to advise licensees about their ability to request a full rebate of fees and the purpose of providing a quarterly reimbursement for compliance was discussed.

Michelle Stokes noted that the closure since March, the fluctuating weather, and a lack of funds is why she cannot pay her license fee. She noted the investment that she had made in improving the business and the loan payments she owed. Further, she noted her compliance with COVID requirements and her own health issues which have contributed to her current financial state.

Joshua Liechty asked if the City would consider including any new businesses that will be issued liquor licenses this year into this rebate resolution.

MOTION: Adopt a Resolution that provides for the rebate of liquor license fees to Class A1, A2, B2, E, G, H, J, and K license holders who maintain compliance with the mitigation plans established under Restore Illinois

Motion by Adam Loos, second by Tom Grant.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Adam Loos, Jessica Bradshaw, Jeff Doherty, Lee Fronabarger, Tom Grant, Carolin Harvey, John M Henry (Resolution 2021-R-02; Exhibit D-01-12-2021)

Discussion: 4.3 Discussion of Park Hours for City-Owned Properties

Councilmembers’ opinions varied about appropriate park hours or keeping the parks open and not closed at any time. There were recommendations to establish rules for accepted or prohibited activities, keeping some flexibility built in for events or requests for special permission, and setting quiet hours.

Interim Chief Reno detailed the usual enforcement actions and complaint responses at parks; he noted that there was not a great deal of calls for these locations. Further, he recommended keeping the amplified sound and curfew hours Ordinances in mind. There was a consensus for closing hours at either 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. and a 6:00 a.m., as well as keeping some flexibility built into such hours, similar to the language adopted by Cape Girardeau.

Meghan Cole noted her support for keeping parks open all hours with rules in place.

5. Adjournment of the City Council Meeting

Procedural: 5.1 Adjourn meeting

There being no further business to come before the public body, the meeting was declared adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

http://explorecarbondale.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01122021-1277