City of Geneseo Committee of the Whole met July 23.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Mayor Kathy Carroll-Duda called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm. Alderman Rothschild, Sean Johnson, Doug Crow, Brett Barnhart, Bob Wachtel, Bob James, Paula Simosky and Craig Arnold answered roll call.
Others in attendance included Interim City Administrator Dawn Tubbs, City Attorney Margaret Kostopulos, City Clerk Loree K Phlypo, Public Works Director Chad VanDeWoestyne, Electric Plant Manager Eric Rowold, Electric Supervisor Rick Preston, Inspector Rick Mills, Chief Casey Disterhoft, Deputy Chief Gene Karzin and Pastor Steve Palm.
A Quorum was present.
Public Comment
Pastor Palm voiced his opinion on the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana. He is against allowing grow facilities and dispensaries but is in favor of strict enforcement of the laws and public education.
Unidentified Resident voiced opposition of allowing grow facilities and dispensaries in the City of Geneseo.
Resident Chris Martinez voiced his support of the legalization of recreational marijuana and is in support of the revenue that it will generate to continue public education and building the community.
Kathy Allen against allowing grow facilities and dispensaries in the City of Geneseo.
Recognition – Lewis Opsal Retirement with 30 years of service
Mayor Carroll-Duda recognized Lewis Opsal for 30 years of service with the City and read a list of all the accomplishments within the Electric Department that he has been a part of over the 30 years. He was not in attendance and a Plaque will be sent to him.
Presentation- Bernie Anderson Nicor Gas Update on Gas Main Strike July 2, 2019
Bernie has been with Nicor Gas for 40 years and is currently a Regional Manager. He reported that the first responder from Nicor was on scene around 11:00 am and after an evaluation of the situation called in to report what will be needed to rectify the situation. There is a lot going on behind the scenes that most people don’t realize is happening. Safety is the highest priority and the Fire Department are trained to access a situation and make the call to evacuate if necessary, according to their own protocol. Nicor first responders are to get the service shut off, repair the line and then relight. Shutting it off isn’t just as easy as turning a knob, the shut off has to be located. The incident is under review and a final report hasn’t been released yet and when it is the City will be able to see it. Everyone did an exceptional job in responding and handling the situation and service was back on around 9:00 pm.
Discussion of Ordinance O-19-11 Chapter 91 on Abandoned Vehicles and Chapter 70 Definition of Trailer.
Discussion was held on this item at the last Committee of the Whole and the Interim Administrator Tubbs spoke to Bi-State and was recommended to use the Unified Coe Definition for Trailer. It was recommended that the definition read: “A vehicular structure without its own motive power designed and/or used for the transportation of all manner of motor vehicles, goods or materials and licensed and registered for highway use”, Aldermen requested that the last line be removed that says, “and licensed and registered for highway use”.
Motion by Barnhart second by Arnold to recommend to City Council approval of changes to current ordinance and direct City Attorney to create updated ordinance with changes to read as follows, A vehicular structure without its own motive power designed and/or used for the transportation of all manner of motor vehicles, goods or materials.
Roll Call
Ayes 8 Simosky, Arnold, James, Crow, Rothschild, Robinson, Wachtel, Barnhart
Nays 0
Absent 0
Motion Carried
Discussion on Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
Discussion was held on the legalization of adult recreational cannabis use. The act legalizes private consumption and possession of cannabis for Illinois Residents over the age of 21, non-residents may possess smaller amounts. The Act also provides for the state licensure and regulation of a variety of adult-use cannabis business establishments, preserves the legalization of medical cannabis and includes a provision allowing “home grow” of cannabis by medical cannabis program participants. Otherwise, “home grow” of cannabis is prohibited. Illinois municipalities may prohibit cannabis business establishments from locating in their jurisdiction by adoption of a local ordinance. It is recommended by the Illinois Municipal League to hold a Public Hearing in advance of the adoption. Local governments are required to allow medical cannabis dispensaries subject only to local zoning provisions, adult-use cannabis business establishments may be prohibited. Landlords can prohibit use on rental property. The City can impose a 3% tax on any cannabis sales. In June or July of 2020 there will be a limited number of “Craft Grow Licenses” available. The act provides that employers may maintain “reasonable” Drug Free Workplace Policies but also include that discrimination against employees for using products that are lawful under state law is prohibited. Employers may prohibit employees from use or possession of cannabis in the workplace and while on-call, but must have a good faith basis for disciplining employees who appear to be under the influence of cannabis while at the workplace. City Attorney Kostopulos reported that the City’s current drug and alcohol policy covers drug use in the workplace whether it is legal or illegal drugs so the City is covered. The City can have a “Zero Tolerance” Policy and the City Attorney recommended treating it like alcohol use. The Police Department will have to expunge records with criminal history of cannabis use based on criteria set by this act. Use will be limited to personal home and property. No use on or in public streets, property or vehicles.
No Action
Discussion on ILand Secure Cloud backup with Veeam Cloud Connect
Due to the recent gas main break events it is apparent that a disaster recovery plan is needed for the City of Geneseo. The ILand Secure DRaaS and secure cloud back up system has been recommended, this would allow us to ensure data continuity and availability in case of emergency/disaster situations where we would not be able to access our information in-house for both City Hall/Police/Electric. IT Director Griswold spoke with 7 vendors and demoed 3. The cost is $245.00 a month and the DRaas is $297.34 a month, with this we would not need Twin States which is an average of $140.00 a month. This item is not budgeted for.
Motion by Barnhart, second by Crow to recommend to City Council approval of the purchase of ILand Third Party Services which included ILand DRaas Veeam Secure Cloud and ILand Secure Cloud Backup.
ROLL CALL
Ayes 8 Simosky, Arnold, James, Crow, Rothschild, Robinson, Wachtel, Barnhart
Nays 0
Absent 0
Motion Carried
Discussion on Ordinance O-19-07 Utility Service Billing Policy.
This item has been an ongoing discussion with the following additions: As a condition of receiving service, all customers agree to the use of smart meter technology or current limiting disconnection devices. Smart meter technology and current limiting disconnection devices are used at the discretion of the Director of Electrical Operations to affect disruption of service where the complete cessation of service is not permitted due to weather conditions or other requirements of law. The service interruption may, depending upon weather conditions, be 60 minutes off/60 minutes on; or 30 minutes off/30 minutes on, based on the sole discretion of the Director of Electrical Operations within the requirements of Illinois Law. Proposed verbiage to be removed includes; Any account having two or more shutoffs within a 12-month period or having a deferred payment arrangement may have an automated current limiting disconnect device installed. Removal of the device will be at the discretion of the Director of Electrical Operations. After hour reconnects were discussed and an addition reconnects will read as follows; If a payment is made after 2:30 pm the customer can request that the service be reconnected immediately with a $250.00 service charge or they can wait until the next day during regular business hours.
Motion by Barnhart, second by Arnold to recommend to City adoption of Ordinance O-19-07 An Ordinance Amending the Utility Service Billing Policy and also that there be a one-time forgiveness of the $200.00-meter deposit, an optional $250.00 reconnection fee after 2:30 pm if customer requests it and to reconcile the ordinance to the policy.
ROLL CALL
Ayes 7 Simosky, Arnold, Crow, Rothschild, Robinson, Wachtel, Barnhart
Nays 1 James
Absent 0
Motion Carried
Discussion of Resolution R-19-12 A Resolution Authorizing a Representative to sign Loan Documents
The Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Project requires an authorized representative to sign the loan forms and supporting documents. It was recommended that the Mayor or his or her designee be the authorized signor.
Motion by Johnson, second by Rothschild to recommend to City Council the adoption of Resolution R-19-12, A
Resolution Authorizing a Representative to sign loan documents.
Discussion on Augustana Projects for Academic Year 2019-2020
The City has partnered with Augustana College for the 2018-2019 Academic Year with a $10,000.00 contribution per academic year to help fund the project. Due to the College transitioning from a trimester to a semester there have some staff and class unavailable. Based on staff and classes Dr. Reisner is recommending the following: Stormwater Project, City Tree Project,
Business Social Media Project and Video Marketing of City Project. With only 4 projects suggested, he is proposing a $5,000.00 contribution and to extend the partnership a third year.
Motion by Johnson, second by Rothschild to recommend to the City Council year 2 projects consisting of Stormwater Project, City Tree Project, Business Social Media Project and Video Marketing of City Projects at a cost of $5,000.00.
ROLL CALL
Ayes 7 Simosky, James, Crow, Rothschild, Robinson, Wachtel, Barnhart
Nays 1 Arnold
Absent 0
Motion Carried
Discussion on Thrill on the Hill date 2020.
The 4th of July 2020 lands on a Saturday which means employee with recognize the holiday with Friday the 3rd as a vacation day.
If we hold the Thrill on the Hill on the traditional day of the 3rd, there will be additional labor costs due to paying the employees holiday pay and then do we want to name a rain date. Several options were discussed no decisions were made. More discussion at a later date.
No Action Taken
Crow out at 8:27 pm, return at 8:30 pm.
Hiring Update for the Police Department
Chief Disterhoft reported that Tim Steines will be sworn in August 5, 2019 by the Board of Police Commission. This is a lateral hire.
No Action Taken
Payment of City and Utility Bills
Additional Bills handed out.
Motion by Wachtel, second by Arnold to approve City and Utility bills as presented.
ROLL CALL
Ayes 8 Simosky, Crow, James, Johnson, Rothschild, Arnold, Barnhart, Wachtel
Nays 0
Absent 0
Motion Carried
Public Comment
Pastor Palm thanked Alderman Johnson on his consistency with action and words. He suggested holding off on a public hearing until the prime vacation period is over.
Pastor Steve Palm reported that he feels that the buck stopping with the Mayor on fines for the Tobacco enforcement is “policing” and is a bad idea, it should stop with the City Administrator.
Executive Session
Re: Land Agreement
Pursuant to the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body: 5ILCS 120/2 (c)(5) The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.
Pursuant to Property matter pursuant to: 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body.
Motion by Rothschild, second by Johnson to enter into executive session under Pursuant to the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body: 5ILCS 120/2 (c)(5) The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired and Pursuant to Property matter pursuant to: 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body at 8:45 pm.
ROLL CALL
Ayes 8 Simosky, Crow, James, Johnson, Rothschild, Arnold, Barnhart, Wachtel
Nays 0
Absent 0
Motion Carried
Return to open meeting
Motion by Barnhart, second by James to enter back into open session at 10:02 pm.
ROLL CALL
Ayes 8 Simosky, Crow, James, Johnson, Rothschild, Arnold, Barnhart, Wachtel
Nays 0
Absent 0
Motion Carried
Adjournment
Motion by Arnold second by Wachtel to adjourn at 10:02 PM.
Voice Vote. All Ayes.
Motion Carried.
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