Rock Island Today

City of Mount Sterling City Council met March 5

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Mayor Charles L. “Skip” Lee called a meeting of the Sterling City Council to order at 6:30 pm on Monday, March 5, 2018. Roll call. Present: Aldermen Retha Elston, Joe Martin, John Stauter, Christine Wilen, and Jim Wise. Absent: Alderman Bob Conklin.

Also present were City Attorney Tim Zollinger, City Manager Scott Shumard, Financial Director Cindy Von Holten, Superintendent of Building and Zoning Amanda Schmidt, 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.

Kris Schmidt, a candidate for Sherriff, introduced himself. Schmidt stated he works on the premise of “we” instead of “I”. His motto is working together moving forward.

Mayor Lee shared a certificate he accepted from the Marine Corps League as a thank you for the City’s support of the Toys for Tots Campaign.

Alderman Elston made a motion to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:

A) Minutes from February 20, 2018

B) Bills and Payroll totaling $675,814.92

C) “Live” Passion of Christ walk in the neighborhood of St. Mary Catholic Church on Friday, March 30, 2018 at 3:00 pm

The motion was seconded by Alderman Martin. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.

Alderman Elston made a motion to approve Mayor Lee’s reappointment of Cindy Von Holten to the Fire Pension Board for a three-year term; seconded by Alderman Martin. Voting: Ayes – Alderman Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.

Superintendent Schmidt reminded everyone that yard waste collection will resume Monday, March 12.

Chief Morgan announced he had attended a meeting regarding school safety. SB 2611 was presented and passed to further secure areas during school emergencies. Sterling maintains a School Resource Officer; Chief Morgan feels this is an important position.

Manager Shumard announced that the City of Sterling mobile app is now live. Thanks to Deb Dillow and Teri Sathoff for launching it.

Main Street Director Janna Groharing announced that “Value Chic” magazine has been advertising the launch of the Sauk Valley Local Explorer. It is for the Sauk Valley area, not just Sterling Main Street.

Alderman Elston asked about Main Street’s spring adventure. Groharing stated it will be a “Cocktail Crawl” on Thursday, April 19. Eight businesses are involved. Tickets are $25 with 250 available.

With no further business, meeting adjourned to a Budget Study Session at 6:51 pm.

Manager Shumard began reviewing the budget for the amended current year and FY 2018/2019. Revenues exceeded expenses and are expected to do the same next year. Property taxes are flat. Sales taxes were predicted to be 3% but only increased 1.29%. Franchise fees did not decrease as much as predicted. Income Tax and State Replacement tax vary; numbers are predicted by Illinois Municipal League (IML).

Chief Morgan reported that court fines are less because the State’s Attorney’s Office has not been processing as many cases. Cafeteria tickets have decreased because we are achieving more compliance.

Interest income indicated a good increase. The Harkness recapture agreement for Avenue G and West Third Street is in place until 2023. Alderman Wise asked for a tally of existing rebate agreements.

Manager Shumard incorporated many of the strategic goals into the budget planning. Shumard announced a program on Community Branding will be presented at 5:30 pm on April 2 before the regular meeting.

Manager Shumard reported money has been budgeted for a possible summer intern. Last year’s intern, Madison, worked on the storm water grants and interviewed providers for the mobile app.

Chief Morgan explained that Police Training Institute (PTI) has changed. A new facility has been built in Decatur but this year there were only two classes offered. New officers went to the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA). This class is for primarily suburban officers that can commute to the facility. Our Travel & Training budget covered meals and lodging which increased our expenses. Some of this will be reimbursed. PTI will be offering three classes and SLEA offers four. It will depend on timing where the officers will train.

Alderman Martin asked about the overtime in the Fire Department. Chief Cook explained if one officer is scheduled off and one calls in sick or is in training, overtime is necessary.

Manager Shumard reported TwinCom dispatch costs are more than expected. TwinCom has not been fully staffed since its inception. Two are in training now and one or two will be leaving soon.

Manager Shumard announced the Public Works sign will be installed soon.

Alderman Wise asked if there are funds designated for the work on Broadway for beautification.

Groharing stated that Firehouse of God will not be watering plants this summer. Main Street pays approximately $8000 annually for plantings and watering.

Projects for the local sales tax option include

• Avenue G bridge

• round-about at Lynn and LeFevre

• partnerships with Illinois American Water for three segments on Dillon and Griswold, dependent on their funding

Other Capital Improvements

• LED overhead lights

• Dump truck

• Entry sign

• Public Works office roof

• Coliseum tuckpointing

Fees for Greg Hummel of Bryan Cave were discussed. These fees were outlined in the Rock River TIF District. Council would like to review these.

Allen Lee with the Band Commission was present to answer any questions on the budget. Allen Lee explained the Commission is striving to institute more controls with the band. This is the 90th anniversary of the Municipal Band and the 30th anniversary of the Pops Concert. There will be extra guest conductors, work on the sound system, and painting at Grandon. Allen Lee thanked Sterling Main Street for the logo they are using. He stated the average audience member is a 73 year old white female. The Band Commission would like to engage families and change these demographics. They will have alumni band members coming in this year.

Abandoned Property Program Grant has demolished houses at

• 614 West Third Street

• 605 East Fourth Street

• 602 Eighth Avenue

Three more potential properties are

• 611 Second Avenue

• 402 Sixth Avenue

• 2304 Spring Street

Budget funds left to review are Sewer, Solid Waste, and Library. These funds will be reviewed on March 19. The budget will be on display by March 23. The budget hearing will be April 2, with passage on April 16.

Alderman Wise wanted to increase the City’s funding to Sterling Main Street to help cover the State Association fee.

With no further business to discuss, meeting adjourned at 8:44 pm.

http://www.sterling-il.gov/docs/meetings/minutes/cc030518.pdf