City of Geneseo Committee of the Whole met Nov. 27.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
The Committee of the Whole of the City of Geneseo was called to order on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at 6:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present:
COUNCIL PRESENT:
Kathy Carroll-Duda, Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Douglas Crow, Sean Johnson, Martin Rothschild, Robert Wachtel, and Paula Simosky
COUNCIL ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Director of Finance Jamie Matthews, City Clerk Loree Phlypo, City Admin JoAnn Hollenkamp, HR/Deputy Clerk Brandon Maeglin, Director of IT Garrett Griswold, and Attorney Derke Price
PUBLIC PRESENT:
1 INVOCATION
2 Pledge of Allegiance
3 Roll Call
A. Rothschild, Johnson, Crow, Barnhart, Wachtel, James, Simosky and Arnold answered to Roll Call.
4 Mayor's Comments
4.1. Mayor Carroll-Duda announced the new system for displaying the packet and IT Director Griswold performed a brief walk through explaining the new system and how to view the packet.
5 Public Comment
City Ordinance allows members of the Public to speak and give input up to 3 minutes during Public Comment, there can be no debate or action by the City Council at this time. 5.1. Mayor Carroll-Duda reminded those present to please adhere to the 3 minute comment rule and if someone else says what you wanted to say please keep the repeats to a minimum, we have a long agenda that we would like to get through. Pastor Steve presented the Mayor with a Petition with 70 signatures from the First United Methodist Church and read an argument against comparing alcohol use and marijuana use. Kathy Allen gave her opinion on being opposed to recreational marijuana. Zach Sullivan stated that the Chamber wanted to include a hot air balloon in the Lighted Parade this year, the City doesn't feel it is safe after a discussion with the Chief of Police and the Mayor, Zach asked for the Council to reconsider and allow the Hot Air Balloon. Paula Price read a study article on the effects of Cannabis on the brain. Ryan Shannon of the E Free Church wants the City to opt out based on his experience with cannabis. Resident offered to craft a letter to the residents on the impact of cannabis. Dave Jones of the E. Free Church is worried that the City would see litigation against the City if they opt in and allow cannabis businesses in the City.
6 City Administrator's Comments
6.1. City Administrator Hollenkamp asked that the Council keep their conversations to one conversation at a time so that everyone has a clear understanding of what is being discussed.
7 Administration
7.1. Discussion on Resolution R-19-20 A Resolution Adopting the 2020 Schedule of Meetings
This is an annual posting which includes meetings for the CC, COW, Plan and ZBA. The December COW has a star beside it due to it generally falling on a holiday and not taking place.
7.2. Discussion on an Ordinance approving the Final Plat of Sugar Maple Condominiums.
This step is part of the final process, a final plat of where the units are actually located needs to be approved. Inspector Mills checked with Henry County and they were ok with the plat. The word November needs to be added to the Ordinance. This is moving on to the Special City Council meeting for final approval. Robert Wachtel moved, seconded by Bob James, Motion to recommend to City Council approval of Ordinance O-19-24 An Ordinance Approving a Final Plat of Condominiums with Sugar Maple Condominiums, LLC.
RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Robert Wachtel
SECONDER: Bob James
AYES: Bob James, Robert Wachtel, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Douglas Crow, Sean Johnson, Martin Rothschild, and Paula Simosky
7.3. Discussion on Non-Binding Question on Ballot in the Spring
It is noted that the item on the agenda says "Non-Binding" but this would be a binding decision. This referendum question would lengthen terms for both Aldermen and the Mayor to 4 years. Municipalities can have either 2 or 4 year terms for elected officials. They would still be staggered terms. The staff feels that it is disruptive to have 2 year terms due to projects usually lasting longer then 2 years. The appointed positions such as City Clerk, Treasurer, and City Administrator would still run with the Mayor's term. It is noted that the words City Clerk and Treasurer should be removed from the Resolution. Paula Simosky moved, seconded by Craig Arnold, Motion to recommend to City Council approval of Resolution R-19-21 A Resolution calling for a Binding Referendum to Lengthen the Terms of the Elected Officials of the City of Geneseo for the 2020 ballot.
RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Paula Simosky
SECONDER: Craig Arnold
AYES: Craig Arnold, Paula Simosky, Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Douglas Crow, Sean Johnson, Martin Rothschild, and Robert Wachtel
7.4. Discussion of Business Registration
In 2017 an ordinance was put in place with a $10 fee and a $50 penalty, in 2019 it was amended to change the renewal date to coincide with the Liquor License Renewal. This process is for 99% safety reasons. Approximately 250 requests for registration were sent out with 111 responses. There were a significant amount of the respondents that were angry about the fee. Staff met with the Chief, Fire Department, and Chamber. Currently there is a new form with revised questions including asking what their FEIN number is for purposes of validating the business is a tax paying entity. On December 19 the Administrator will be addressing the Chamber Board on this subject and the collaboration between the two to help facilitate the process. Concerns over privacy with the release of business FEIN numbers was voiced. Code Red would be a service that could be utilized to give the same information for safety purposes. City Clerk reported that the Police Department collected this information for many years prior to the 2017 change. Currently we are not fining Businesses for non-compliance. No Action was taken on this item. Motion to take business registration to the City Council under these provisions_________________.
7.5. Discussion of current employee drug screening policies and new policy changes.
HR Maeglin reported that the included Resolution would update the Personnel Policy making us compliant with the law changes as of January 1, 2020. The staff will be receiving Reasonable Suspicion Training. It was noted that the Resolution number is 22 not 21.This will be added to the Consent Agenda. Sean Johnson moved, seconded by Craig Arnold, Motion to adopt the revised drug and alcohol policy as presented. Resolution R-19-21 A Resolution Establishing an Updated Drug and Alcohol Policy for the City of Geneseo in Order to Comply with the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Sean Johnson
SECONDER: Craig Arnold
AYES: Craig Arnold, Sean Johnson, Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Douglas Crow, Martin Rothschild, Robert Wachtel, and Paula Simosky
7.6. Discussion of sewer treatment facility and IEPA Loan
Terry from Donahue and Public Works Director Vandewoestyne led the discussion with a Powerpoint Presentation on the project and funding. This is a 50% increase over the initial costs submitted, these are due to the initial scope of the project being limited and it didn't show the true picture of what was needed to have a facility that would last long term with basic maintenance. Brett Barnhart moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to send to City Council the improvements to the Waste Water Treatment Facility and to move forward with the documentation for the IEPA loan for a total amount of 12 million.
RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Brett Barnhart
SECONDER: Martin Rothschild
AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Douglas Crow, Sean Johnson, Martin Rothschild, and Robert Wachtel
ABSENT: Paula Simosky
7.7. Discussion of the City's position on Cannabis grow facilities, distribution facilities, and any other related cannabis businesses. Robert Wachtel moved, seconded by Douglas Crow, Motion to opt out entirely.
RESULT: No Vote, motion made to amend
MOVER: Robert Wachtel
SECONDER: Douglas Crow
7.7(a). Discussion was held on discussing each aspect of what the City can control with regards to Cannabis Businesses.
Aldermen felt that each business possibility should be voted on.City Attorney Price reminded Council that they have no control over the Medical side, the State makes all the decisions over Medical. Alderman Johnson feels that transportation should be taken out of the opt out motion, this would enable someone who wants to be on the transportation side and live in Geneseo that opportunity. Alderman Barnhart considered making it a referendum question, while Alderman Simosky felt that was just pushing the decision down the road. Alderman Wachtel called the Question. Robert Wachtel moved, seconded by Douglas Crow,
RESULT: This was a voice vote; motion did not carry.
MOVER: Robert Wachtel
SECONDER: Douglas Crow
7.7(b). Motion by Barnhart second by Rothschild to amend the motion to read, To opt out entirely except to remove Transportation from the opt out.
Discussion was held on whether or not any other part of the opt out was to be excluded. Alderman Simosky felt like this item was just being pushed through and discussed using Zoning power to control where the Cannabis related businesses could be located might be more beneficial then just opting out since we can't control what is located at our City limit boundaries by the County or State. Brett Barnhart moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to amend the previous motion to be to opt out entirely except for transportation
RESULT: Motion was amended
MOVER: Brett Barnhart
SECONDER: Martin Rothschild
AYES: Brett Barnhart, Martin Rothschild, Craig Arnold, Douglas Crow, Sean Johnson, and Paula Simosky
NAYS: Bob James and Robert Wachtel
7.7(c). Motion to opt out except for transportation and cultivators and infusers.
Paula Simosky moved,
RESULT: Died for lack of a second. MOVER: Paula Simosky SECONDER:
7.7(d). Motion to opt out of everything except transportation and cultivators.
7.7(e). Motion for a complete opt out except for transportation.
Brett Barnhart moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild,
RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Brett Barnhart
SECONDER: Martin Rothschild
AYES: Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Douglas Crow, Sean Johnson, Martin Rothschild, and Paula Simosky NAYS: Bob James and Robert Wachtel
7.8 Discussion of going out for a Request for Proposal (RFP) for attorney services for the City of Geneseo or entering into a new agreement with Ancel Glink.
Derke stated that he had sent a memo to Lisa Kotter on renewing the cap and agreement. Ancel Glink would be interested in renegotiating a new agreement. Alderman Arnold wanted to send out RFP's. Motion to recommend to Council to negotiate a new contract with Ancel Glink Robert Wachtel moved, seconded by Brett Barnhart, Motion to recommend to the City Council either to enter into a new agreement with Ancel Glink or to go out for an RFP for attorney services.
RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Robert Wachtel
SECONDER: Brett Barnhart
AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Douglas Crow, Sean Johnson, Martin Rothschild, Robert Wachtel, and Paula Simosky
NAYS: Craig Arnold
8 Payment of City and Utility Bills
I. Payment of Utility Bills
Sean Johnson moved, seconded by Bob James, Motion to approve the bills as presented.
RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Sean Johnson
SECONDER: Bob James
AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Douglas Crow, Sean Johnson, Martin Rothschild, Robert Wachtel, and Paula Simosky
9 Public Comment
City Ordinance allows members of the Public to speak and give input up to 3 minutes during Public Comment, there can be no debate or action by the City Council at this time.
Pastor Steve happy with the outcome but will be looking into the Transportation side of this.
10 Executive Session
10.1 Enter into Executive Session
N/A
10.2. Return to open session
N/A
11 Actions after executive session
N/A
12 Adjournment
12.1. Move to close the meeting
Martin Rothschild moved, seconded by Sean Johnson, Motion to Adjourn at 9:30 pm.
RESULT: This was a voice vote; motion carried.
MOVER: Martin Rothschild
SECONDER: Sean Johnson
AYES: Sean Johnson, Martin Rothschild, Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Douglas Crow, Robert Wachtel, and Paula Simosky
13 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
13.1. Roll Call
Rothschild,Johnson,Crow,Barnhart,Wachtel,James,Simosky,Arnold were present at 9:30 pm.
14 Administration
14.1. Consideration to approve Ordinance O-19-24 An Ordinance Approving a Final Plat of Condominiums with Sugar Maple Condominiums, LLC. Robert Wachtel moved, seconded by Bob James, Motion to approve Ordinance O-19-24 An Ordinance Approving a Final Plat of Condominiums with Sugar Maple Condominiums, LLC.
RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Robert Wachtel
SECONDER: Bob James
AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Douglas Crow, Sean Johnson,
Martin Rothschild, Robert Wachtel, and Paula Simosky
15 Public Comment
NONE
16 ADJOURNMENT
16.1. Move to close the meeting.
Sean Johnson moved, seconded by Craig Arnold, Motion to adjourn at 9:32 pm.
RESULT: This was a voice vote; motion carried.
MOVER: Sean Johnson
SECONDER: Craig Arnold
AYES: Craig Arnold, Sean Johnson, Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Douglas Crow, Martin Rothschild, Robert Wachtel, and Paula Simosky
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