City of Mount Sterling City Council met February 20.
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 Tuesday, February 20, 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 Matt Keegan, 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.
There were no communications from Visitors.
Alderman Elston made a motion to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A) Minutes from February 5, 2018 and special meeting of January 12, 2018
B) Bills and Payroll totaling $560,560.44
The motion was seconded by Alderman Martin. Alderman Elston noticed a payment for stormwater and sanitary sewer separation. In light of today’s flooding issues, Elston asked how many people have taken advantage of the grant program. Superintendent Schmidt stated that three or four have been completed and maybe three more are in the works. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Alderman Stauter made a motion to pass Ordinance #2018-02-01 Authorizing Entry into Sales Tax Agreement with Kunes Country Ford Lincoln of Sterling Inc.; seconded by Alderman Wise. Manager Shumard confirmed that estimated numbers have been received and Kunes Ford will complete an ST1 form for the City to receive sales tax information. Kunes will receive 50% of all sales above the last three- year average. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Alderman Elston made a motion to pass Ordinance #2018-02-05 Vacating A portion of the Public Right of Way on the West Side of Third Avenue between East Third Street and Brinks Circle in the City of Sterling; seconded by Alderman Martin. Superintendent Schmidt explained this procedure started when we were changing attorneys and conditions needed to be met by the petitioner. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Elston, Martin, Stauter, Wilen, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.
Manager Shumard shared photos of the flooding around town today, as a result of 12” of snow melting in 36 hours with a few inches of rain on top of it. Superintendent Schrader reported many calls today on sewer back-ups. Manager Shumard conveyed that parking tickets were issued during last week’s snow storms. Shumard asked Schrader to convey their salting/plowing process. Schrader stated they try to pre-salt the roadways. After 2” of snow, a Snow Emergency is declared. Snow routes are cleared first which takes 4 to 5 hours. Then there are 2 drivers per zone and crews work 12 hour shifts. When streets are cleared, crews load out snow from the downtown area over night.
Aldermen Wilen and Stauter reported citizens complaining about the electric company solicitors. Chief Morgan stated that citizens should send complaints to the Police.
Alderman Elston stated that she attended the open house at Kunes Country Ford and was impressed with the finished product of the remodeling.
Mayor Lee thanked personnel for their response during the weather emergencies. He also recognized the shooting in the Florida school.
Chief Morgan stated that he found information on how to barricade a door during a school emergency. He spoke with Chief Cook and Sterling Schools Superintendent Tad Everett. Both were in favor of the devices. After approaching Bob Sondgeroth, Regional Superintendent, they were informed these devices were not legal in Illinois. Morgan’s mission is to work with the schools and legislators to allow these devices for the safety of children. Alderman Wise suggested the Council pass a Resolution of Support to further Morgan’s cause.
Mayor Lee reported that Alderman Conklin has been working night shift but will be switched and back to meetings in March.
With no further business to discuss, meeting adjourned to a Study Session at 7:06 pm.
Manager Shumard shared a slide presentation outlining beautification trailer concepts, guidelines from other communities, and equipment to provide. Basics include at least 5 households or volunteers involved, Project Coordinator, 3 days maximum, 2 weeks advance notice, and one City person delivering trailer and tracking inventory. For publicity the trailer is in local parades.
Alderman Wise believes this would build cohesiveness in neighborhoods and promote community pride. Chamber Director Kris Noble asked if there would be an age limit because many youth groups look for projects. Alderman Martin suggested contacting the Illinois Extension Master Gardeners for support.
It was a general consensus to move forward with supplying a trailer with needed tools for community projects.
Manager Shumard presented Initiatives as captured at the Goal Setting meeting last week. Shumard, Council, and staff gave input on what was expected, who would be in charge of the initiative, and how to get it rolling.
❖ More aggressively pursue code enforcement on gateways and throughways (Continue to improve Sterling’s gateways). One instance is removal of temporary banners throughout the City. Superintendent Schmidt reminded Council when this enforcement is pursued the Council needs to back the staff.
❖ Continue to improve how we tell our story through and with guest columns, community groups, etc. The City needs more publicity through the newspaper and social media. Highlight projects and bring attention to projects with signage. Alderman Stauter will check with a local community that received a grant to install message boards throughout the community. Chief Morgan stated the Police Department has one mobile message board. Alderman Wise noted the City needs to promote internally concerning the budget and externally about the quality of life. Alderman Martin suggested coordination with Main Street and the Chamber.
❖ Collaborate with relevant community organizations to promote population growth, quality of life and related issues. Chamber Director Noble explained that she has many committees that meet and each provides a monthly report. She will provide as much as the Council wants.
❖ Initiate planning and evaluation of a museum to celebrate Sterling’s industrial and ethnic history. Heather with GSDC is working on a group of interested people to work with the riverfront. General consensus is that a local citizen board should work on this. Alderman Wise volunteered to head this up.
❖ City continue to be a conduit with industry, vocational center, chamber of commerce, and Sauk Valley Community College to tailor educational training programs to meet industry and city needs. Council can have liaisons to other committees or receive reports from different entities.
❖ Promote block parties and similar neighborhood gatherings to enhance neighborhood cohesiveness. Work beyond National Night Out. The trailer program will help to promote community pride. Neighborhoods are different today. A block party may work in a well-established neighborhood.
❖ Promote citizen involvement in community affairs. Mayor Lee needs names of citizens to ask for participation. Alderman Wise believes people will step up when they hear us tell our story.
❖ Start environmental assessment of Lawrence Brothers site. The City should find out about the grant in May. If grant money is not available, the GSDC funding will start the assessment process.
❖ Continue planning for redevelopment of Stanley/National site. Heather with GSDC is meeting with stockholders in the riverfront. May be time to re-establish contact with Gary Anderson Architects.
❖ Initiate Wallace Street rebuild. Moving the Best Cobb building will clear the way for additional road work on Wallace.
❖ In collaboration with other organizations, promote youth participation in relevant civic activities. Suggestions were made for an advisory seat at the Council or job shadowing by students. Chamber Director Kris Noble suggested approaching the youth to determine what they may want.
❖ Rehabilitation of Grandon Civic Center and Central Park. This will backed up to 2019 to 2021.
❖ Install addition on newer Public Works Building. Plans will need to be sooner because of the failing foundation.
❖ Install covered sidewalk for Farmers Market and rehabilitate West Second Street. Should be in the upcoming budget.
❖ Create system for tracking and measuring progress of each key issue to keep the Council, staff, and the public involved and informed. Manger Shumard will look into software or tracking through an Excel spreadsheet.
❖ Launch city mobile app. Close to being released.
❖ Develop city marketing and messaging plan, including consideration of re- branding. Re-branding would promote community cohesiveness and pride. All groups would use the same message to market Sterling. Manager Shumard offered to bring in a presentation on marketing.
❖ Initiative not listed was the Lynn Boulevard and LeFevre intersection. It was a general consensus to construct a round-about.
Mayor Lee stated the budget will not be discussed tonight. Chief Morgan did address the Council regarding the memo sent pertaining to a new position in the Police Department. It will be a civilian position. Council was very receptive.
With no further business to discuss, meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm.
http://www.sterling-il.gov/docs/meetings/minutes/cc022018.pdf
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