Rock Island Today

City of Colona City Council met Dec. 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Mayor Lack, Aldermen Hillman, Feliksiak, Swemline, Holman,

Jones, King, Tapscott, Clerk Winegar answered present. Attorney Wright was absent for roll call but joined the meeting at 6:32 p.m.

Alderman Shady-Dahl was absent.

STAFF PRESENT:

M. Winters

Office Manager

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

1. John Timmer of Timmer and Associates, P.C., presented the council with a review of the results of the City's audit for FY ending April 30, 2019. He stated the City operates on a cash basis. On a cash basis the City had a good year; however, on an accrual basis the year was not good mainly because of the pensions. The liquidity of the City is good, there is about 3 months' reserve. The pension deficit continues to grow. His findings included that there is not enough segregation of duties because of the limited staff. He encouraged the council to stay involved with the financial affairs of the City to ensure checks and balances are in place and followed. He also suggested that the City get an actuary report for the police pension and other post employee benefits this year. Alderman Holman asked if there were any expenditures that were out of line. Mr. Timmer replied no, there was supporting documentation provide. He did suggest that budget amendments are done for purchases made when required. Alderman King then said that not having segregation of duties is a significant deficiency, how can we correct the deficiency? Mr. Timmer replied that this is a problem in many smaller cities and you need to insure the proper checks and balances are in place. Alderman King asked if the City should spend the money to engage an actuary for FY 2020/2021 since the state is consolidating the police pension funds. The reply was that it will take several years for the cities to see any relief from their current pension obligations. Mr. Timmer says that small cities are limited by investment opportunities and we may want to look into an actuary for next year. Alderman Holman then asked that since the level of not being able to fund items is on the rise, will that affect our credit rating. He asked if the City should be looking at selling bonds. Mr. Timmer replied that it may be something to take a look at 2. Mayor Lack informed those present that Don Lenth passed away on Saturday,

December 7, 2019. Mr. Lenth was a former city employee, director of public works, alderman, and member of the planning committee. He will be missed by the community. There will be a Celebration of Life for him on Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 2:00-6:00 p.m, at the American Legion. Alderman Swemline shared that the last thing Don said to him was that he had plowed snow for 49 years but would not be here to do it for the 50".

MAYOR'S REPORT:

> Mayor Lack said that the next council meeting is scheduled for December 23, 2019. Since that is so close to the holidays, he suggested it be moved to December 30, 2019. Alderman Swemline made the motion to approve rescheduling the council meeting to December 20, 2019. Alderman Feliksiak seconded. An oral vote was called, receiving a response of all yeas. Motion passed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

> Alderman King made the motion to approve the council meeting minutes of November 25, 2019. Alderman Feliksiak seconded. Roll call: Aldermen Hillman, Feliksiak, Swemline, Holman, Jones, King, Tapscott voted yes. Alderman Shady-Dahl was absent. Motion passed with 7 affirmative votes, 1 absent.

CONSENT AGENDA: Alderman Hillman made the motion to approve consent agenda items:

1. Payment of bills for period November 26 - December 9, 2019 

2. Payment of manual bills for period November 26 - December 9, 2019 

3. Payroll for period November 26 - December 10, 2019 NTE $45k

4. Treasurer's report for November 2019 Alderman Holman seconded. Roll call: Aldermen Feliksiak, Swemline, Holman, Jones, voted yes. Alderman Shady-Dahl was absent. Motion passed with 7 affirmative votes, 1 absent. Mayor Lack said he had discussed Alderman Feliksiak's question about the $686 spent for a glass door at the sewer treatment plant with Chris Lenth who said it was due to vandalism.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Public Works Committee: (Alderman Swemline, chair; Aldermen Feliksiak, Jones, members; C. Lenth, staff). A copy of these minutes is available at City Hall and on the City's website.

CLERKS REPORT: None

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Follow up with outstanding fines of $30k. The Mayor informed the council the Attorney has recommended Municipal Collection Agency for this service. There is a phone conference scheduled for tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. with MCA. This item was tabled. 

2. Approval of alarm or sprinkler system for the Animal Shelter. Alderman King said the City only received one bid; however, Chris Lenth has found some other companies that can provide this service and is going to solicit bids from them. This item was also tabled.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Alderman Holman made a motion to approve the purchasing/contracting new phones and service through Verizon with the caveat that the City not enter into the contract or pay for anything until the internet is installed and ready to go and the phones are proven to work as promised. This is in light of some information received today. Alderman Hillman seconded. Roll call: Aldermen Swemline, Holman, Jones, King, Tapscott, Hillman, Feliksiak voted yes. Alderman Shady Dahl was absent. Motion passed with 7 affirmative votes, 1 absent. 

2. Alderman Hillman made a motion to approve Ordinance 0-19-13 An Ordinance Levying Taxes for all Corporate Purposes for the City of Colona, Henry County Illinois for the Fiscal Year Commencing May 1, 2020 which levies a 4.90 percent tax levy. Alderman Tapscott seconded. Roll call: Aldermen Holman, Jones, King, Tapscott, Hillman, Swemline voted yes. Alderman Feliksiak voted no. Alderman Shady-Dahl was absent. Motion passed with 6 affirmative votes, 1 no vote, 1 absent. Alderman Holman stated that the budget has been thoroughly checked and because we had such a lean budget last year, there is nothing left to cut. 

3. Alderman King made a motion to approve the American Legion's and any other requests received to stay open until 2:00 a.m. on January 1, 2020. Alderman Hillman seconded. Roll call: Aldermen Jones, King, Tapscott, Hillman, Feliksiak Swemline, Holman voted yes. Alderman Shady-Dahl was absent. Motion passed with 7 affirmative votes, 1 absent.

ADJOURN: 

Alderman Swemline made a motion to adjourn. Alderman Hillman seconded. An oral vote was called with all ayes received. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

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