Alton City Council met May 9.

By Lhalie Castillo

May 31, 2018

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Alton, Illinois was held in the City Council Chambers, City Hall Building, Alton, Illinois at the hour of 6:30 P.M. on the above date.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Walker.

The Council Members present on call of the roll:

Present: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Absent: None – 0

Mayor Walker called upon Corporation Counselor Schrempf to lead the Pledge to the Flag.

Council Minutes, Communications And Report Of Officers:

The Clerk presented the following Council Meeting Minutes of May 9, 2018 and the following Communications: Madison County Clerk’s Office, Debra D. Ming-Mendoza, County Clerk, re: Levy, Rate & Extension Confirmation – Alton Township; Madison County Clerk’s Office, Debra D. Ming-Mendoza, County Clerk, re: Levy, Rate & Extension Confirmation – City of Alton and the following Report of Officers: Department of Building and Zoning, re: Monthly Report for April, 2018. Mr. Boulds made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith, that said Minutes, Communications and Report of Officers be placed on file. The Chair so ordered.

Committee Report:

Mr. Velloff presented the following Committee of the Whole Meeting Report for May 7, 2018; Resolution, re: Discount and Special Bills paid; Resolution, re: City of Alton desires to enter into a formal agreement with Chris Bohn to lease a vacant lot owned by City located at 26 E. 6th Street; Resolution, re: Amend Traffic Code of the City of Alton by establishing a stop sign on 4th Street at the intersection of George Street for eastbound westbound traffic; Resolution, re: The City Council recognizes that there or significant potential cost savings to the tax payers of the City of Alton by eliminating Alton Township; Resolution, re: That its officials and agents are hereby authorized to pursue appropriate legal action against such properties in the Circuit Court: 1432 Thorpe. Mr. Velloff made a motion, seconded by Mr. Campbell, that said report be placed on file. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None - 0

Mr. Velloff presented the following resolution:

Be It Resolved that the Discount and Special Bills Paid; also all Expenditure Detail Bills as listed in the Comptroller’s report dated May 7, 2018, be allowed and payment be made for same. Mr. Velloff made a motion, seconded by Mrs. MacAfee, that said resolution be approved. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None – 0

Mr. Velloff presented the following resolution:

Whereas, the City of Alton desires to enter into a formal agreement with Chris Bohn to lease a vacant lot owned by City located at 26 E. 6th Street; and

Whereas, a formal agreement has been negotiated and recommended by the City staff for consideration of the City Council.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois that the Mayor and appropriate City officials to be designated by the Mayor are hereby authorized and directed to sign the attached Lease Agreement between the City of Alton and Chris Bohn. Mr. Velloff made a motion, seconded by Mr. Campbell, that said resolution be approved. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None – 0

Mr. Velloff presented the following resolution:

Whereas, the City Council deems it advisable to amend the Traffic Code of the City of Alton by establishing a stop sign on 4th Street at the intersection of George Street for eastbound westbound traffic; and

Whereas, the City Council deems it advisable to eliminate a similar stop sign requirement previously established on 3rd Street at Langdon Street.

Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois that the attached Ordinance be considered. Mr. Velloff made a motion, seconded by Mr. Campbell, that said resolution be adopted. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None – 0

Mr. Velloff presented the following resolution:

Whereas, the City Council of the City of Alton, Illinois recognizes that there are significant potential cost savings to the tax payers of the City of Alton by eliminating Alton Township, because Alton Township is coterminous with the City of Alton; and

Whereas, the City of Alton is willing and able to assume all the rights, powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities, obligations, and responsibilities of Alton Township in the event Alton Township is dissolved; and

Whereas, the Illinois legislature has made it possible for the voters of a coterminous municipality and township to determine whether the coterminous township should be dissolved by way of referendum.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois that the Mayor is hereby directed to execute the attached Notice of Public Hearing and the City Clerk is directed to publish the Notice of Public Hearing all in accordance with the requirements of Illinois State Statues 60 ILCS 1/29-10. Mr. Velloff made a motion, seconded by Mrs. MacAfee, that said resolution be approved. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None – 0

Mr. Velloff presented the following resolution:

Whereas, it is necessary to effect the demolition of certain structures deemed unsafe under 65 ILCS 5/11-31-1, the owners of which have neglected or refuses to perform required demolition.

Now, Therefore:

Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois, that its officials and agents are hereby authorized to pursue appropriate legal action against such properties in the Circuit Court as listed below: 1432 Thorpe. Mr. Velloff made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith, that said resolution be approved. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None – 0

First Reading Of Ordinances:

Mayor Pro Tem MacAfee presented the following ordinance for first reading.

Ordinance No. 7638. An Ordinance naming the second entrance to Gordon Moore Park be designated as “Officer Blake Snyder Memorial Drive”. Mrs. MacAfee made a motion, seconded by Mr. Boulds, that said ordinance be Laid Over. The Chair so ordered.

Mayor Pro Tem MacAfee presented the following ordinance for first reading.

Ordinance No. 7639. An Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to allow a Taxi Service at 4130 Alby Street Alton, Illinois. Mrs. MacAfee made a motion, seconded by Mr. Boulds, that said ordinance be Laid Over. The Chair so ordered.

Second Reading Of Ordinances:

Mayor Pro Tem MacAfee presented the following ordinance for second reading.

Ordinance No. 7635. An Ordinance establishing no parking on the north side of the 1600 Block of Greenwood Street. Mrs. MacAfee made a motion, seconded by Mr. Velloff, that said ordinance be adopted. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None – 0

Reports And/Or Resolutions Of Special Committees:

The Clerk presented the following Alton Historic Commission, re: Minutes of March 21, 2018 and Minutes of April 17, 2018; Appearance Review Commission, re: Minutes of March 14, 2018; Minutes of March 28, 2018 and Minutes of April 11, 2018. Mr. Boulds made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith, that said minutes be placed on file. The Chair so ordered.

Appointments:

Mayor Walker presented the following appointment of Monica Semnacher to the James Killion Beautification & Enhancement Committee; the appointment of Pastor Wade Dobson to the Community Relations Commission; appointment of Sarah Robertson to the Community Relations Commission; appointment of Cas Sheppard to the James Killion Beautification & Enhancement Committee; appointment of DeAnna Barnes to the Historical Commission; reappointment of Kirby Ontis to the Police Pension Fund; reappointment of Margaret Hopkins to the Appearance Review Commission. Mr. Boulds made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith, that said appointments and reappointments be approved. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None – 0

Mayor Walker stated he would entertain a motion to approve as a list of the following appointments:

Director of Development & Housing - Greg Caffey

Deputy Director of Development & Housing – DeAnna Barnes

Personnel Director – Amanda Scoggins

Deputy Personnel Director – Rachael Lomelino

Mayor’s Secretary – Debbie Collier

City Council Coordinator/Chief of Staff – Kimberly Clark

Comptroller – Nicholas Ontis

Fire Chief – Bernie Sebold

Police Chief – Jason Simmons

Deputy Chief of Police - Terry Buhs

Public Works Director – Bob Barnhart

Director of Park & Rec – Michael Haynes

Corporation Counselor – Jim Schrempf

City Attorney & Assistant Corporation Counselor – Rodney Caffey

Assistant City Attorney – Allan Napp

Assistant City Attorney – Matt Kelly

Civil Service Commission Attorney – Patrick King

Ethics Officer – Jim Schrempf

City Engineer – John Hales

Electrical Inspector – Bud Hinners

Plumbing Inspector – Ethan Hausman

Plumbing Inspector – Steve Rynders

Freedom of Information Act Officer – Kimberly Clark

Deputy Freedom of Information Act Officer – DeAnna Barnes

Deputy Freedom of Information Act Officer – Jake Simmons

Deputy Freedom of Information Act Officer – Lt. Gary Cranmer

Open Meetings Act Officer – Kimberly Clark

Deputy Open Meetings Act Officer – DeAnna Barnes

Americans with Disabilities Act Officer – DeAnna Barnes

PSEBA Hearing Officer – Jeffrey Berkbigler

Deputy Freedom of Information Act Officer – Lt. Seth Stinnett

Deputy Freedom of Information Act Officer – Lt. Jarrett Ford

IT Department Director – Jarvis Swope

IT Technician – Adam Bishop

At this time, Mr. Velloff moved for a separation for the Police Chief and the Deputy Police Chief.

Mr. Boulds made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith, that said appointments be approved. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None – 0

Mayor Walker presented the following appointment of Police Chief Jake Simmons. Mr. Boulds made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith, that said appointment be approved. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 6

Nays: Velloff – 1

Mayor Walker presented the following appointment of Deputy Police Chief Terry Buhs. Mr. Boulds made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith, that said appointment be approved. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 6

Nays: Velloff - 1

Approval Of Actions Taken Under Suspension Of Rules At Prior Meeting:

The Clerk presented the following two (2) ordinances and three (3) resolutions.

1. Ordinance No. 7637. An Ordinance rezoning 2411 Salu Street, and 2322 Washington Street, Alton, Illinois to C-2 (General Commercial District).

2. Whereas, Good Energy, L.P., serves as agent for the City of Alton with regard to purchasing utility services for the City of Alton in the performance of its municipal responsibilities; and

Whereas, Good Energy, L.P., is negotiating the utility rates for electrical supply for the City of Alton.

Now Therefore Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois, that the Mayor and appropriate City officials are hereby authorized and directed to execute on behalf of the City of Alton an Agreement with a supplier for electrical supply as recommended by Good Energy L.P.

3. Whereas, Good Energy, L.P., serves as agent for the City of Alton with regard to purchasing utility services for the City of Alton in the performance of its municipal responsibilities; and

Whereas, Good Energy, L.P., is negotiating the utility rates for street lighting for the City of Alton.

4. Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois, that the attached ordinance approving the transfer of 2018 bond volume cap allocation to the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority be considered.

5. Ordinance No. 7636. An Ordinance approving the Transfer of Volume Cap in connection with private activity bond issues, and related matters. Mr. Boulds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Campbell, that said ordinances and resolutions be approved. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None – 0

Comments Or Resolutions From The Council:

Mr. Campbell presented the following resolution:

Whereas, Alderman Campbell has requested, that a portion of certain streets be closed on June 10, 2018 from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., to facilitate the All Wheels Drive-In Car Show; and

Whereas, the City Council has considered the request, which was submitted in a timely manner, and does hereby approve said request.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois, that the Public Works Department, Police Department and Fire Department are hereby authorized and directed to effectuate the temporary closure on June 10, 2018 from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. of the portions of the following streets and City owned properties as specified below:

Third Street from Piasa Street to State Street

State Street from Broadway to Fourth Street

Belle Street from Third Street to Fourth Street

Fourth Street from Piasa to Belle Street

The two parking lots, on the south side of Third Street between State

Street and Piasa Street, adjacent to Third Street

Be It Further Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois, that the Alton Police Department provide 60 “No Parking” signs to be placed along the streets and in the parking lots on Saturday, June 9, 2018. Mr. Campbell made a motion, seconded by Mr. Boulds, that said resolution be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Chair so ordered.

Mrs. MacAfee presented the following two (2) resolutions:

1. Whereas, Steve Gibson, Alton Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor, has studied for several years the feasibility of a resource recovery facility to be owned and operated by the City of Alton; and

Whereas, the resource recovery facility being considered by the City of Alton, as recommended by Steve Gibson, would convert sewage waste, animal waste, food waste, and potentially other organic materials from waste products to energy to promote the health, safety and welfare of citizens and businesses of the City of Alton as well as the Greater Metropolitan Area; and

Whereas, establishing a regional waste to energy resource recovery facility will promote the goals of reducing waste to landfill facilities and will promote the development of clean energy both of which are goals endorsed by federal and state public policies; and

Whereas, the City of Alton endorses such policies as good for the citizens of Alton and the Greater Metropolitan Area; and

Whereas, the City Council and City of Alton endorses the development of a resource recovery facility to be owned and operated by the City of Alton as recommended by Steven Gibson and the various consulting engineers and experts retained by the City of Alton pursuant to plans and business models that create no financial risk to the taxpayers of the City of Alton.

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois, that the City of Alton endorses the construction and operation by the City of Alton of a resource recovery facility converting organic waste to energy; and

Be It Further Resolved, that Steve Gibson and other appropriate city officials are hereby authorized and directed to move forward with final plans for the financing of such facility without risk to the tax payers of the City of Alton.

2. Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois, that the ordinance attached hereto providing for the annual approval of the prevailing rate of wages for laborers, workmen, and mechanics employed on public works for the City of Alton, Illinois, be considered. Mrs. MacAfee made a motion, seconded by Mr. Velloff, that said resolutions be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Chair so ordered.

Ms. Smith presented the following two (2) resolutions:

1. Whereas, it is necessary to effect the demolition of certain structures deemed unsafe under 65 ILCS 5/11-31-1, the owners of which have neglected or refuses to perform required demolition.

Now, Therefore:

1011-1013 Elliott

1012 Elliott

3014 Watalee

2028 Main

2. Whereas, Alderman Smith has requested, that Central Avenue between Blair and Elliott Avenue be closed on June 23, 2018 from noon until 5:00 p.m. to facilitate the final taping of the Small Business Revolution at Today’s Beauty; and

Whereas, the City Council has considered the requests and does hereby approve said requests.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois, that the Public Works Department, Police Department and Fire Department are hereby authorized and directed to effectuate the temporary closure of Central Avenue between Blair and Elliott Avenue on June 23, 2018 from noon until 5:00 p.m. on the condition that Today’s Beauty shall be responsible for any extra labor costs incurred by the City as it relates to this event. Ms. Smith made a motion, seconded by Mr. Brake, that said resolutions be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Chair so ordered.

Mr. Brake presented the following two (2) resolutions:

1. Whereas, it is necessary to effect the demolition of certain structures deemed unsafe under 65 ILCS 5/11-31-1, the owners of which have neglected or refuses to perform required demolition.

Now, Therefore:

2. Whereas, it is necessary to effect the demolition of certain structures deemed unsafe under 65 ILCS 5/11-31-1, the owners of which have neglected or refuses to perform required demolition.

Now, Therefore:

2424 Main

2024 Booker

Mr. Brake made a motion, seconded by Mr. Boulds, that said resolutions be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Chair so ordered.

Mrs. Elliott presented the following three (3) resolutions:

1. Whereas, it is necessary to effect the demolition of certain structures deemed unsafe under 65 ILCS 5/11-31-1, the owners of which have neglected or refuses to perform required demolition.

Now, Therefore:

2. Whereas, it is necessary to effect the demolition of certain structures deemed unsafe under 65 ILCS 5/11-31-1, the owners of which have neglected or refuses to perform required demolition.

Now, Therefore:

3. Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois, that the execution of the Alton Housing Authority Agreement For The Provision Of Supplemental Police Services between the City of Alton and the Alton Housing Authority in the form attached hereto and made a part hereof is hereby ratified and confirmed. Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Boulds, that said resolutions be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Chair so ordered.

Mr. Boulds presented the following resolution:

Whereas, the traffic division of the City of Alton Police Department has received a request for a handicap parking space in front of 3850 Omega Street; and,

Whereas, the Police Department of the City of Alton has conducted a traffic study and made recommendations with regard thereto.

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved By The City Council The City Of Alton Illinois, that the attached ordinance be considered. Mr. Boulds made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Elliott, that said resolution be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Chair so ordered.

Mr. Boulds Presented The Following Resolution:

Whereas, the City of Alton holds the Alton Municipal Band Fund; and

Whereas, the Alton Municipal Band Committee at its March 9, 2018 meeting recommended approval of payments to Halpin Music Company in the amount of $773.85.

Now Therefore Be It Resolved By The City Council Of The City Of Alton, Illinois that the City Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to make payment from the Alton Municipal Band Fund to: Halpin Music Company in the amount of $773.85 pursuant to the invoices and minutes attached hereto. Mr. Boulds made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Elliott, that the Rules of the Council be Suspended in order to act upon said resolution. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds, Mayor Walker – 8

Nays: None – 0

Mr. Boulds made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Elliott, that the above and foregoing resolution be approved. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None – 0

There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Mr. Boulds made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Elliott, that said meeting adjourn. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Campbell, MacAfee, Velloff, Smith, Brake, Elliott, Boulds – 7

Nays: None – 0

https://www.cityofaltonil.com/minutes/5/2018-05-09%20Minutes.pdf

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