Carbondale Reporter

City of Marion City Council met Dec. 27.

Here are 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 5:30 PM. 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.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Absher led the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments this evening.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

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

NEW BUSINESS

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Hire Brandon Wadas as a Patrol Officer

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the recommendation of the merit board, Commissioner Barwick, and Chief Fitts to hire Brandon Wadas as a patrol officer at the probationary 1 pay rate per the collective bargaining agreement with a start date of January 2, 2024. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

Police Chief David Fitts introduced Brandon Wadas to the Council and audience. He told them Brandon has been working for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Marion. Mr. Wadas is originally from Colorado and moved here with his parents who also work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Chief Fitts said his parents have been promoted and have moved away, but he has decided to stay here.

Mayor Absher called for the vote.

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

Mr. Wadas thanked the Council for the opportunity and said he looks forward to serving the community.

Hire Garrett McBride as a Patrol Officer

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the recommendation of the merit board, Commissioner Barwick, and Chief Fitts to hire Garrett McBride as a patrol officer at the probationary 1 pay rate per the collective bargaining agreement with a start date of January 3, 2024. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

Police Chief David Fitts introduced Garrett McBride to the Council and audience. He told them Garrett McBride is from Johnston City and just graduated from SIU with his bachelor's degree in criminal justice and missed the graduation ceremony to attend the police officer testing.

Mayor Absher called for the vote.

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

Mr. McBride thanked the Council for the opportunity and stated he is excited to serve the community.

Recognize Telecommunicator Dylon Richardson as 2023 Dispatcher of the Year

Police Chief David Fitts told the Council the recipient of the 2023 Dispatcher of the Year award has been with the Police Department a few years. He said Dylon Richardson has continued to stay professional and show up for work on time despite dealing with family illness. He explained several patrol officers wrote a letter nominating Richardson for this award. He presented the 2023 Dispatcher of the Year award to Dylon Richardson.

Mr. Richardson thanked the Council.

Recognize Detective Alek Jimenez as 2023 Officer of the Year

Police Chief David Fitts said the Officer of the Year participated in 1,644 calls for service; 1,448 self-initiated calls for service; initiated 572 traffic stops; issued 218 citations; and had 180 written arrest reports. He also initiated some new programs within the department. Chief Fitts presented the 2023 Officer of the Year award to Alex Jimenez.

Officer Jimenez thanked the Council.

Mayor Absher announced he would briefly pause the meeting to let guests leave if they wanted. He thanked them for coming and supporting their loved ones.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPAL PLANNING

Approve Hub TIF Façade Grant Application for Santa Maria Corporation

Mayor Absher announced an application was received from Santa Maria Corporation for a Hub TIF Façade Grant. He explained this is for the KC Hall. He asked Chief of Staff Cody Moake for statistics on this program. Chief of Staff Moake explained $250,00 has been allocated for this program and so far, $40,000 has been granted, upon approval of tonight's application. Four applications have been received so far. He reminded everyone the maximum amount of each grant is $10,000 with up to a fifty percent match.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve a Hub TIF Façade Grant Application for $10,000 to Santa Maria Corporation for a complete exterior renovation. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

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

Adopt Resolution 2023-21 Approving the 4th Amendment to the Marion STAR Bond District Mayor Absher announced there was a public hearing on this amendment today at 4:00 p.m. He explained one of the first steps in the STAR Bonds process was to establish the actual district.

The STAR Bonds legislation allows a minimum and maximum number of acres to be inside the district. It also specifies that if there is a minimal amount of land that is needed to be added or taken away from the district at the request of the Master Developer, the city shall add that land to the STAR Bonds District. The Master Developer has requested to add some land in the area of the mall he feels will be easier to develop at this time. He has requested to exclude a piece of land east of Interstate 57 to make room for the 16.7 acres by the mall. The statute requires the city to have a public hearing before acting upon this.

Mayor Absher made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-21 approving the fourth amendment to the Marion STAR Bond District. Commissioner Barwick seconded the motion.

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

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Ordinance 3934 Repealing Ordinance 3550 and Adopting a New Employee Handbook Mayor Absher told the Council there are proposed revisions to the employee handbook. He explained that City Attorney Wendy Cunningham, HR Director Jessica Force, and accounting staff worked on these revisions. He said that employee leave had to be integrated into the handbook because of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. City Attorney Wendy Cunningham explained the various revisions to the handbook, including provisions for the Paid Leave for all Workers Act; definitions for employee classifications; revised per diem rates for travel; and changes to family bereavement leave per the Family Bereavement Act. She explained employees are now allowed leave time for blood donation. She also explained there is no change to the vacation time policy, however, a policy has been codified for an employee who transfers from one department to another. She said there was no change to the amount of sick leave or how it is accrued, but the city had to ensure that an employee can use up to five days of sick leave to align with the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. She explained a new section has been added addressing paid time off for part-time and seasonal employees. She also mentioned the dress code policy has been updated.

The Commissioners and Mayor Absher asked City Attorney Cunningham questions about various sections of the handbook and recommended some changes to be made. After lengthy discussion, Mayor Absher called for a vote.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve Ordinance 3934 repealing Ordinance 3550 and adopt a new Handbook for city employees with the noted changes discussed in the council meeting and by the City Attorney. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Commissioner Webb

Commissioner Webb reported the Street Department has been replacing storm drains on Willow and Holland Streets. They have placed some riprap and removed some trees on Vicksburg Street at the creek and are getting the snowplows ready for snow. They have also placed riprap behind Etcetera Flowers and Gifts. He also reported everything is good at the Cemetery Department.

Commissioner Stoecklin - Public Property, Civic Center, Pavilion

Commissioner Stoecklin read the Water Department report since the last council meeting. He asked three trivia questions tonight.

Mayor Absher - Public Affairs

Mayor Absher had no report this evening.

Commissioner Barwick - Public Health & Safety

Commissioner Barwick reminded everyone to be aware on New Year's Eve and to have a designated driver. He asked everyone to not drink and drive.

Commissioner Patton - Accounts & Finances

Commissioner Patton reported the Treasurer's office will be using the new time reporting program this week. He asked everyone to please by patient when working with the Treasurer's office during the transition.

MISCELLANEOUS

There were no miscellaneous items to come before Council this evening.

CLOSED/EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Absher stated he did not have a need for executive session this evening and asked if any of the Commissioners had a need for executive session. Hearing no need for executive session Mayor Absher entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.

Commissioner Webb made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Commissioner Barwick seconded the motion.

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

Mayor Absher wished everyone a Happy New Year.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:41 P.M.

https://cityofmarionil.gov/agendas-minutes/