Carbondale Reporter

City of Marion City Council met May 28.

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 P.M. Mayor Absher called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. The City Clerk called 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 Barwick 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

BUILDING & CODE SERVICES

Request for Special Use Permit at 307 West Simmons Street, Parcel #06-24-288-001 to Open a Resale Store in an MH-Mobile Home Zone (Smith)

Mayor Absher explained parcel #06-24-288-001 is owned by Paul's Chapel and is zoned MH- Mobile Home Zone District. No one attended the Zoning Board meeting to object to the for the Special Use Permit at 307 West Simmons Street.

Mayor Absher made a motion to affirm the Zoning Board's approval of a Special Use Permit at 307 West Simmons Street, Parcel #06-24-288-001, to open a resale store in an MH-Mobile Home zoned area (Smith). Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

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

Purchase a 2022 Ford Escape SEL from Vogler Ford for $26,995 and trade a 2015 Ford Escape with a Trade-in Value of $4,500

Mayor Absher said the Building & Code Services Department has budgeted to replace one of the Code Officer's Ford Escape with over 100,000 miles. Vogler Ford had two Ford Escapes available, and this one is the cheaper level option. He said the city looked at comparable vehicles at other Ford Dealerships. Mayor Absher called Vogler and negotiated from the original bid and thinks this is an acceptable replacement vehicle.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve the purchase of a 2022 Ford Escape SEL with approximately 19,000 miles from Vogler Ford for $26,995 and trade in a 2015 Ford Escape with a trade-in value allowance of $4,500. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

THE PAVILION

Replacement of Front Doors and Installation of an Automatic Door Opener; Budgeted Items Commissioner Stoecklin told the Council the replacement of the front doors at the Pavilion is long overdue.

Commissioner Stoecklin made a motion to approve the replacement of the front doors and the installation of an automatic door opener, a budgeted item. Mayor Absher seconded the motion. Commissioner Stoecklin added the entire array of doors is being replaced with an automatic opener on one set. Commissioner Patton asked about the location of the electricity for the automatic opener. Mayor Absher called for the vote.

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

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPAL PLANNING

FY25 TIF Grant Applications Received Through May 23, 2024 Mayor Absher told the Council the list of grant applications to be considered for approval are routine improvements in Residential TIF I and II. He said these are the same types of items the Council has been seeing, roof replacement, window replacement, doors, landscaping, tree removal, and exterior paint. The totals listed on the spreadsheet in the packet are running totals as of Thursday.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve FY25 TIF Grant Applications received through May 23, 2024, as documented in the packet. Commissioner Barwick seconded the motion.

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

Bids for Relocation of 16-inch Forcemain for the Wildcat Roundabout Project Mayor Absher said the city is responsible for relocating a 16-inch forcemain for IDOT's Wildcat Roundabout Project. The low bid of $181,532.50 was received from Scott Escue Construction. He explained the city had originally applied for ARPA funds from Williamson County for a sewer extension on South Market that would serve an apartment complex near Cochran Road. Since that project is on hold, the city changed that application with Williamson County to apply for funds for this project. Chief of Staff Cody Moake indicated IDOT will let the project in June. They are currently acquiring right-of-way for the entire project which includes improvements south on IL Route 37 to IL 148.

Commissioner Stoecklin made a motion to approve the low bid from Scott Escue Construction in the amount of $181,532.50 for the relocation of a 16-inch forcemain for the Wildcat Roundabout Project. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

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

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Commissioner Webb - Streets & Public Improvements Commissioner Webb reported the Street Department has been mowing and trimming. They replaced drainage tiles on Highland and Stockton Streets and have been spraying weeds along rights-of-way. They have been making road repairs ahead of the asphalt program and clearing brush off streets after the recent storms. He said he appreciates everyone's help with that. He reported the cemetery looks great and thanked the crews. He announced Williamson County Spring Clean-up Day will be June 8th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and verification of Williamson County residency will be required. The event will be held at the Republic Services Herrin Transfer Station on Bandyville Road.

Commissioner Stoecklin - Public Property, Civic Center, Pavilion

Commissioner Stoecklin read the Water Department report since the last meeting. He also asked two trivia question this evening.

Commissioner Barwick - Public Health & Safety Commissioner Barwick had no report.

Mayor Absher - Public Affairs

Mayor Absher reported during the storms, there was an all call for the Fire Department and there were thirty-one calls for service that night. The Street Department was also called out. Commissioner Stoecklin added that Police Chief Fitts was seen removing a tree that had fallen across the road in the Kokopelli subdivision. Mayor Absher said he does not believe the average citizen/constituent understands how hard everyone works during times of emergency. He said he did not have a full appreciation of this before he became mayor. He said it was very evident this weekend and he is very proud and thankful. Commissioner Barwick added that while most people were taking shelter from the storms, the Fire, Police, and Street Departments were still out there doing their jobs. Mayor Absher added sometimes that includes Water and Sewer, too. He said they run towards the problem and that is to be respected and commended. He said on behalf of the City Council that they appreciate every one of the employees.

Commissioner Patton - Accounts & Finances

Commissioner Patton had no report for the Treasurer's Office. He said the high school still has several teams and individuals participating in state, regional, and sectional tournaments. He said that is something to be proud of.

Commissioner Stoecklin thanked everyone who came out Saturday to place flags at the cemeteries. He reported it took less than one hour for the volunteers to place the flags.

MISCELLANEOUS

Police Chief David Fitts asked if a tree falls in the road during a storm, whose responsibility is it to remove the tree. Mayor Absher said if the tree is on a city street or right-of-way, the Street Department will help with the removal. If the tree is not blocking the street, it may take longer for them to get to it to remove it. Commissioner Webb said if the tree falls from private property onto a city street or right-of-way, it would be the Street Department's responsibility to remove.

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 he 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.

Meeting Adjourned at 5:53 P.M.

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