Carbondale Reporter

City of Marion City Council met July 8.

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

Mayor Absher told the Council and audience there is a need to have a short hearing for the Energy Transition Community Grant Program. He opened the hearing and asked Business Development Director Jennifer Olson to explain what the city has been working on for this year's grant request. Jennifer explained the program is through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and it is for communities that have been impacted by a loss of mining or an energy plant. In the city's case, the qualifying event is the staff reduction at the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC) - Lake of Egypt. The guidelines for use of grant funds include capacity building; workforce development, including upskilling and reskilling for high demand/high wage opportunities in our region; providing assistance for the unemployed, underemployed, and/or low-income residents; sustaining facilities; and any other programs that address the impact of closure; or provide an investment that helps grow local or regional operational capacity. She explained the city is making a substantial investment in the expansion and renovation of Boyton Street Community Center. The city learned from DCEO the allocation will be approximately $70,204. Boyton Street Community Center Board Member Darrell Wimberly was instrumental in putting together a proposal for audio/video equipment, a CNC machine, and a 3D printer. This proposal is in line with the original mission of the Center from the 1970's that includes doing workforce training for students. There will be computer lab space for parents and families of the students served by the Center. Jennifer said the grant application must be submitted to DCEO by the end of the month. She is currently gathering comments to send with the application. Any comments need to be submitted to her by Wednesday, July 24th. Darrell Wimberly told the Council and audience thirty computers will be used for GED classes held at the Center. He explained the Center will also be able to rent out space in the audio/visual center. Jennifer said this is the second year for the grant. She expects it will be the end of the year before the grant funds are available for use. She announced a copy of the proposal will be available for view in the City Clerk's office. Mayor Absher explained in the past, the city has spent the money to purchase the items and then received reimbursement for the purchases from the grant funds. He suggested the city do this again upon receipt of a signed grant agreement. He said this is a great program but a slow process. Mayor Absher closed the public hearing.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments this evening.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

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

NEW BUSINESS

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Hire Trever Williams as a Dispatcher at the Probationary 1 Pay Rate

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the recommendation of Commissioner Barwick and Chief Fitts to hire Trever Williams as a dispatcher at the probationary 1 pay rate per the collective bargaining agreement with a start date as July 16, 2024. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

Police Chief David Fitts introduced Trever Williams to the Council. Mr. Williams told the Council he is looking forward to serving the city.

Hire Valerie Naeger as a Dispatcher at the Probationary 1 Pay Rate

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the recommendation of Commissioner Barwick and Chief Fitts to hire Valerie Naeger as a dispatcher at the probationary 1 pay rate per the collective bargaining agreement with a start date of July 17, 2024. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

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

Police Chief David Fitts introduced Valerie Naeger to the Council. Ms. Naeger thanked the Council for the opportunity.

Hire Danielle Petrie as a Dispatcher at the Probationary 1 Pay Rate

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the recommendation of Commissioner Barwick and Chief Fitts to hire Danielle Petrie as a dispatcher at the probationary 1 pay rate per the collective bargaining agreement with a start date of July 23, 2024. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

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

Police Chief David Fitts introduced Danielle Petrie to the Council. Ms. Petrie thanked the Council for the opportunity and said she looks forward to serving the community.

PUBLIC RECOGNITION

Mayor Absher told the audience Ed Davis, and his committee members are here to tell everyone about the Veterans on Parade event.

Veterans on Parade Chair Ed Davis joined the meeting at 5:46 P.M. Ed spoke to the Council about this year's Veterans on Parade. He told the Council and audience this year's parade will be Saturday, September 7th at 10:00 A.M. He commented the city has always supported the parade and he thanked the Council for their continued support. He said the parade will end at Washington School this year and the memorial ceremony will be on Tower Square.

CEMETERY

Bid for Resealing Streets and Parking Areas in Rose Hill Cemetery

Commissioner Webb told the Council the Cemetery Department received one bid for resealing the streets in Rose Hill Cemetery. He opened the bid from Asphalt Maintenance, LLC. Commissioner Webb told the Council the bid of $26,995 was slightly above budget.

Commissioner Webb made a motion to approve the bid of $26,995 from Asphalt Maintenance, LLC for resealing the streets and parking areas in Rose Hill Cemetery. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

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

STREET DEPARTMENT

Fill Lead Man Vacancy with Dillon Peebles Effective July 1, 2024

Commissioner Webb told the Council Dillon Peebles is already an employee and is being promoted to the lead man position.

Commissioner Webb made a motion to approve the recommendation of Commissioner Webb and Superintendent Phillips to fill the lead man vacancy with Dillon Peebles effective July 1, 2024, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement following Zack Odum's resignation. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

Fill Vacant Laborer's Position with Johanna Bramlett

Commissioner Webb made a motion to approve the recommendation of Commissioner Webb and Superintendent Phillips to hire Johanna Bramlett to fill a vacant laborer's position per terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement effective July 8, 2024. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

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

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPAL PLANNING

Ordinance 3966 a Hub TIF Redevelopment Agreement with Randy & Jill Lewis

Mayor Absher told the Council this TIF Redevelopment Agreement is for Randy Lewis' office on West Main Street, and he is making a substantial investment there.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve Ordinance 3966 a Hub TIF redevelopment agreement with Randy and Jill Lewis. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

Resolution 2024-13 a TIF XX Inducement Agreement with DB Group, LLC

Mayor Absher explained an inducement agreement is when a TIF is in the planning stage and has not yet been approved. When people want to make an investment in that area, the city can allow them to benefit from the future TIF by adopting a resolution. This agreement is for 1806 Bittle Place for a proposed bar and grill.

Mayor Absher made a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-13 a TIF XX Inducement Agreement with DB Group, LLC. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

TIF Grant Applications Received Through July 5, 2024

Mayor Absher said the list of Residential TIF I, Residential TIF II, and Hub TIF grant applications is in the packet. He reminded everyone now is the time to apply for grants since there is still money left.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve FY25 TIF Grant Applications received through July 5, 2024. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

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

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Ordinance 3967 Amending Regulations Concerning Canvassers and Solicitors in the City Mayor Absher asked City Attorney Wendy Cunningham to discuss changes in the regulations for solicitors and canvassers. He added the city has had a deluge of solicitors wanting to obtain permits and the current ordinance needs to be amended. City Attorney Cunningham explained there are three changes to the current ordinance. She said fees have increased due to the huge influx of requests for permits and the time involved in processing them. Background checks will now be required through Hire Image. The hours of soliciting have been changed so that solicitors must stop at 5:00 p.m. due to complaints from citizens about interruptions. The permit fees have increased.

Seeing some solicitors present in the audience, Mayor Absher asked for comments from them. A representative from Flex Power, a marketing company for Legacy, addressed the Council and asked them to consider a reduction in the proposed permit fees. He asked them to also consider extending the time solicitors may call on residents to accommodate those residents who work during the day.

Mayor Absher said the city has received a number of phone calls from residents. While he recognizes the companies have the right to go door-to-door, the city has a duty to protect citizens and guard against deception and to not limit anyone in their speech or rights. He supports their sales pitch to residents and respects the salesmanship but will enforce the maximum fine per day and revoke permits when necessary.

Another company representative who is a regional sales manager for Illinois also addressed the Council asking to reduce the cost of permits.

After some discussion among the Council, a consensus was reached that solicitors should be allowed to call on residents until 7:00 p.m. or sunset whichever occurs first and there should be a daily permit fee of $25.00 and a weekly permit fee of $100.00.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve Ordinance 3967 Amending Regulations Concerning Canvassers and Solicitors in the City incorporating the comments and suggestions that were just discussed pertaining to fees and hours. Commissioner Barwick seconded the motion.

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

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Commissioner Patton - Accounts & Finances

Commissioner Patton had no report. He announced the Pinto International Tournament will start on Thursday, July 11th at Mt. Dew Park, and the Marion Park. There will be thirty-two teams including ten international teams. They will be playing from Thursday till Sunday. Starting on July 25th, the Colt League World Series will run through July 30th.

Commissioner Barwick - Public Health & Safety

Commissioner Barwick read the Police Department and Narcotics Unit reports for June. He reported 1,694 dispatched calls; 1,835 911 calls; 4,178 non-emergency calls; and 168 ambulance calls. He reported the Narcotics unit had seventy-nine case initiations.

Commissioner Stoecklin - Public Property, Civic Center, Pavilion

Commissioner Stoecklin read the Water Department report since the last meeting. He thanked everyone for coming out for the 4th of July celebration. He encouraged everyone to support the Civic Center as they have some great shows coming up this month and next month.

Commissioner Webb - Streets & Public Improvements

Commissioner Webb reported the Street Department has been preparing roads for the paving which starts tomorrow. They have been working on sidewalks on Jefferson and Mechanic Streets and storm sewers in Morningside Subdivision. He reported the Cemetery had fourteen burials in June. He announced the IDOT dedication and ribbon cutting for the Westminster Drive bridge will be July 15th at 2:30 P.M.

MISCELLANEOUS

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

CLOSED/EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Absher made a motion to go into executive session under the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss the following matters under the following exemptions: Employment Matters 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); Collective Negotiating Matters 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2); acquisition of Real Property 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5); and Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(11). Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

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

Regular Session temporarily adjourned at 6:38 P.M.

7:19 P.M.

Commissioner Webb made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session and resume the Regular Meeting. Commissioner Barwick seconded the motion.

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

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

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB AND

STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:20 P.M.

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