City of Mt. Sterling Council met May 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
Mayor Charles “Skip” Lee called a meeting of the Sterling City Council to order at 6:30 pm on Monday, May 15, 2017. Roll call. Present: Aldermen Bob Conklin, Retha Elston, Joe Martin, John Stauter, Christine Wilen, and Jim Wise. Absent: None.
Also present were City Attorney Tim Zollinger, City Manager Scott Shumard, Finance Director Cindy Von Holten, Superintendent of Building and Zoning Amanda Schmidt, Head Librarian Jennifer Slaney, Superintendent of Public Works Brad Schrader, Fire Chief Gary Cook, Police Chief Tim Morgan, and City Clerk Marie Rombouts.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Tom Brackemeyer asked about funding for sidewalks on the north side of LeFevre between Fourth and Sixth Avenues. The sidewalk is heavily used around CGH Medical Center, Sterling High School, and Challand Middle School.
Alderman Elston made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
A) Minutes from May 1, 2017
B) Bills and Payroll totaling $1,242,904.11
C) Partial Pay Request #1 for 2016-2017 Street Program to Civil Constructors in the amount of $91,482.75
D) Petition from City of God Church to hold a bucket brigade on June 3, 2017 to raise funds for their annual Restart Concert The motion was seconded by Alderman Conklin. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Police Officer Anthony Adamson could not attend because he was not feeling well and will be at a future meeting.
Alderman Stauter made a motion to approve the Proclamation declaring June 3, 2017 as American Cancer Society Relay For Life Day in Whiteside County; seconded by Alderman Elston. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Alderman Elston made a motion to approve the Proclamation declaring May 21 – 27, 2017 as National Public Works Week; seconded by Alderman Conklin. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried. Mayor Lee read the proclamation into the record.
Alderman Elston made a motion to pass the Proclamation for Nursing Home Week in Whiteside County, May 14 - 20, 2017; seconded by Alderman Wilen. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Judy Randall with the Whiteside County Health Department stated that she has prepared a grant on the risk of vaping and e-cigarettes. The National Honor Society from Rock Falls High School has helped with a survey of 229 businesses. Cody Cantu, member of the National Honor Society, explained the risks of vaping and e-cigarettes and how they link to serious lung diseases. They are asking the City to study the information and consider an ordinance banning vaping and e-cigarettes in public places. They presented to Rock Falls last night and will present the information to the Whiteside County Board tomorrow night.
Alderman Martin asked if other municipalities have passed this type of ordinance. Judy Randall stated that she would look for that information.
Alderman Wilen made a motion to authorize the Mayor to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Whiteside County and the City of Rock Falls to create a Consolidated Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP); seconded by Alderman Conklin. Manager Shumard stated this was a long-time coming. There is a firm division of costs which are more equitable. Alderman Stauter asked how these numbers match with our budget. Manager Shumard stated they are still vague because it is unknown how many dispatchers will be hired. The target date to start is June 26. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Aldermen Elston made a motion to authorize the Mayor to enter into a Lease Agreement with Whiteside County for use of the Sterling Coliseum as the Public Safety Answering Point facility; seconded by Alderman Martin. Alderman Stauter asked when the blank dollar amounts would be filled in. Manager Shumard stated when things get running. The County will be providing insurance. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Alderman Martin made a motion to approve Resolution #R2017-5-11 Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Property; seconded by Alderman Elston. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Alderman Martin made a motion to award the bid to Gaumer Lawn Service Inc. for the nuisance mowing and some City-owned properties; seconded by Alderman Elston. Superintendent Schmidt explained that the City has been using Gaumer for about six years when we first started the NSP2 grant. Bids were secured and Gaumer was the general low bid. Alderman Martin expressed concern for lawns over 12” because bids jump quite a bit. Schmidt explained that aside from the first mowing, most lawns are taken care of before they reach that point. Alderman Martin suggested that a back-up contractor be arranged the next time it is bid in case of weather conditions. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Bob Vail with Bernardi Securities presented information for possible bonds to begin storm water projects. He suggested to stay ahead of the curve and secure bonds as soon as possible. Sterling bonds would be bank qualified which reduces the cost and leaves more money for projects.
Alderman Elston made a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign a bond underwriting engagement letter with Bernardi Securities; seconded by Alderman Conklin.
Alderman Wise asked when the City is committed to selling the bonds. Vail explained that would be July 20 and that’s when the rates are locked in, also. Alderman Martin asked for clarification on the payback rate. Shumard explained the first three years would be $1 million and subsequent years would be $620,000 enabling smaller projects to be completed or another bond issue at that time. Alderman Wise asked if there were other outstanding bonds. Manager Shumard stated there are no other bonds committing sales tax revenue for street projects.
Voting on bond underwriting engagement letter: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Alderman Elston made a motion to approve the MICA Insurance Renewal for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 in the amount of $679,799.00; seconded by Alderman Conklin. Director Von Holten stated that this premium is a decrease from last year, but the deductible has been raised from $1000 to $5000. Premiums are based on the last four years of claims. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Alderman Martin made a motion to adopt Ordinance #2017-5-13 Approving the Special Use, Planned Development District, and Residential Subdivision for Parcels #11-16-151-002 and 11-16-151-003, commonly known as the 600 block of West 23rd Street; seconded by Alderman Stauter. Superintendent Schmidt stated this has been a long process. Residents have been heard and the City staff concerns have been addressed. Owner’s Attorney, Emily Thomas, wants to see the Ordinances approved and cottages turned over to residents. Dan Hawkins, Attorney for many of the Sterling Cottages’ residents, stated that it has been a five-year process and is ready to see the end. Alderman Elston asked what the resolution was for the driveway. Attorney Zollinger assured that the lot line was straightened out and the Nursing Home will be responsible for maintaining the driveway. Alderman Martin asked if the homeowners are aware of their responsibilities. Hawkins stated that not all residents are aware but no one is required to take the deed to the property. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Alderman Conklin made a motion to adopt Ordinance #2017-5-14 Reclassifying Property owned by WC-Sterling LLC (designated parts of parcel #11-16-151- 002 and 11-16-151-003, commonly known as the 600 block of West 23rd Street) to MR-6/PDD and MR-10/PDD; seconded by Alderman Martin. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Clerk Rombouts announced that there are no available liquor licenses for Liquor Stores, Restaurants, Taverns, or Bowling Alleys.
Superintendent Schrader reported over 600 televisions were recycled over the weekend at the Green & Clean event. Schrader stated that Public Works employees had two long days of collecting recyclables and garbage. This was the best turnout yet. Manager Shumard stated these costs will come from the Solid Waste Fund.
Manager Shumard stated that he met with Cardno at the river front. Turf maintenance will be required until the native plantings take hold. Graffiti has been found and the fence has been vandalized. Although not in the plan, a path will be established and lighting added. Hopefully, security cameras will not be necessary.
Alderman Martin thanked Public Works crews for their work at Avenues F and G and West 15th and 16th Streets. It took three weeks to resolve. The concrete alley has been removed and replaced with gravel.
Manager Shumard explained the normal process for paved alleys outside the Central Business District is to offer residents the opportunity to repave or City crews will bring it back to gravel. Later this year, the garbage contract will go out for bid.
Alderman Conklin believes banning vaping or e-cigarettes is a good idea and encouraged business to enforce this and post signs.
Alderman Wise was impressed with the dedication of the employees during his tour of the City. He would also like to see the City advertise the efforts they are undertaking with stormwater improvements.
Mayor Lee thanked all departments for their efforts. Lee especially thanked Manager Shumard for his diligence on the PSAP agreement to see that Sterling would not overpay. Shumard worked hard for the City to protect their interests.
Alderman Martin made a motion to move to “closed session” at 8:00 pm to discuss collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives under subsection (2) of 5 ILCS 120/2(c); seconded by Alderman Elston. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried. Manager Shumard announced there would be no business after the closed session.
Alderman Elston made a motion to reconvene the open meeting at 8:17 pm; seconded by Alderman Conklin. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm.
http://www.sterling-il.gov/docs/meetings/minutes/cc051517.pdf
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