City of Belleville City Council met April 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
Mayor Mark Eckert called this meeting to order.
Mayor Eckert explained the disaster procedures. Mayor Eckert reminded anyone speaking this evening to step up to a microphone because the meetings are being taped and posted the next day on the website.
Mayor Eckert requested City Clerk Dallas B. Cook to call roll. Members present on roll call: City Clerk, Dallas B. Cook, City Treasurer Hardt and City Attorney Hoerner. Aldermen: Joe Hazel, Ken Kinsella, Jane Pusa, Mike Buettner, Kent Randle, Scott Tyler, Johnny Anthony, Rafti Ovian, Phil Silsby, Ed Dintelman, Andrew Gaa, Bob White, Trent Galetti, Phil Elmore, Roger Wigginton, and Jim Musgrove.
Roll Call Department Heads:
Roll Call Department Heads: Police Chief, Bill Clay; Fire Chief, Tom Pour; Director of Maintenance, Ken Vaughn; Finance Director, Jamie Maitret; Director of Wastewater, Royce Carlisle; City Engineer, Tim Gregowicz; Human Resource Director, Sherry Favre; Director of Library, Leander Spearman; Director of Public Works, Jason Poole; Director of Parks; Recreation, Debbie Belleville; Health and Housing Director, Bob Sabo
Director of Economic Development, Amiissa McCaskill, excused.
Pledge:
Mayor Eckert led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Hearing:
Public Hearing Open: 7:02 pm
Public Hearing Closed: 7:03 pm
Petition for Annexation of 16 Mallard Drive/Gary Korte (08-14.0- 311-003, 08-14.0-311-037).
Public Participation:
Jamie Maitret-
Ms. Maitret stated she would like to discuss the news story that was in the Belleville NewsDemocrat over the weekend. First, she apologized for an error that was her fault in the spreadsheet she used in giving the BND reporter numbers that were incorrect (missing formula) so the $74 increase that they reported is actually $45 increase. Secondly, she would like to speak as a resident of the City of Belleville. She is deeply disheartened by the headline and story that was in the Belleville News-Democrat. The headline is very misleading that "if the budget is passed tonight your property taxes will go up". The property tax levy was passed in December 2016 (four months ago). The tax levy is a done deal and is not changing. The fact the property taxes were going up was never hidden. The City did not know how much until the cotmty released the final EAV. As discussed in December, the tax levy in mainly based on pension contribution 72%. The pension actuaries determine how much the city must contribute and there is a legal statute for these pensions. If they are not funded to at least the minimum requirements the city can be subject to legal and financial ramifications. Along the effects of the State taking other sources of the city's income and giving it to the pension funds.
Of the total increase mentioned of $45.00 the only lines on the tax levy increasing are the police pension, fire pension and .66 cents for the library. The budget is being considered tonight and is an effort of over four months of work. It is not the tax levy and she is not sure why this is still being discussed. This was a discussion in December. There has been a public hearing and public meeting with very little public comment at these meetings and none in her office.
Again, as a resident of the city, she would ask the Belleville News-Democrat where are the stories on the other cities? They all have budgets to pass this month and they all have tax levys. She can guarantee the vast majority of those cities increased as well...yet you never see any stories. It hurts her to know that there is negative stuff published on the City of Belleville and no other cities. She is not a journalist by any means...she is a numbers person. She feels the headline should have been "The City's General Operating Budget is Down from Last Year's Budget by $62,000". That never happens but is happening this year and is a positive spin on the budget that should have been publicized.
Alicia Bradley-
Ms. Bradley thanked Jamie Maitret for all of her hard work regarding the budget. Her issue is not as a resident of Belleville and the wife of a city firefighter or the tax levy. Her concem is when they address the budget and mention it is going up because of police and fire pensions...once of the things that a lot of people are aware of is those pensions were underfunded; therefore, the city is playing catch up which is great deal of issue for the State of Illinois not just the City of Belleville.
Michael Hagberg-
The Kellers have stated that the Hyatt Place Hotel and conference center is being financed by a $30 million guarantee from Icon Commercial Lending.
When he first viewed Icon’s website he was a little suspicious that all of the images depicting projects are in fact only stock images available to any website designer. he decided to do a little intemet research about Icon Commercial Lending.
In November of 201 5. The Hawaii agency that owns the land for the long-delayed $35 million Waikiki Landing project is canceling the developer’s proposal. An attorney for the developer said that lcon Commercial Lending was in the process of transferring $175 million in funds from Hong Kong to the United States, of which $35 million would be used to fund Waikiki Landing.
Because of the delays and unmet commitments, The developer currently owes the state agency over $425,000 in delinquent rent and service charges. Because of the failed funding the developer filed bankruptcy.
Another project in November of 2016 Great Expectations of Michigan, describe Icon Commercial Lending as a rogue commercial lender who deceived two local real estate investors into a series of fraudulent agreements, and then perpetuated their fraud by making false statement after false statement. To secure the $12 million project ftmding, lcon Commercial Lending placed into escrow Brazilian Petro Bonds with a reported market value of $55 million. These bonds were actually worthless. Great Expectations won the lawsuit and were awarded a half a million dollar judgment against Icon Commercial Lending.
In January of 2015, A&F Bahamas sued Icon Commercial Lending for failing to provide the $65 million funding as promised in a 2009 agreement. This deal entailed raising capital by issuing bonds and notes collateralized with $100 million in life insurance policies. After a very long story about switching investments and financial managers, that never existed, transfers and mergers of numerous LLCs and finally getting a demand for $250,000 to secure put options of the life insurance policies a lawsuit was filed against Icon Commercial Lending. In August of 2016 a judgment in the amount of one and a half million dollars was issued against Icon Commercial Lending and others.
If you go to the Icon Commercial Lending website and check out the testimonials. You will notice that not a single testimonial mentions even one successful funded project. The testimonials are all from business acquaintances most of which, are themselves, in the commercial lending business. No research has lead him to even one completed project that was funded by Icon Commercial Lending.
Now, he's not saying that lcon Commercial Lending can’t or won’t provide the $30 million for the Hyatt Place hotel and conference center, but based on their past history he's come to the conclusion that the city has pissed away $2.5 million on a sewer extension to nowhere.
John Boman-
He received a ilyer in the mail for a pre-approved loan for $500 and the annual interest rate is 99%.
Catherine Kreher-
She came to support the people that have served selflessly for many years and wished them the best and congratulated the new elected official.
Keith Schell-
Thanked everyone for their service. The city is not a city of high means, the per capita income is below the national average yet the city budget is paying one of the highest city taxes in the country with populations of 40,000-50,000. He believes there must be a better partnership between the private and the public where if there is a flat income the city cannot expect them to pay more. There cannot be on one side the governments expenses going up but the private sectors is not; otherwise, the private sector will continue to decline in income. There is not a good partnership we are winners and losers. There are not a lot of people advocating for the taxpayers. When you look at the amount of money you must pay to the State. There are 3,141 counties in the United States and St. Clair County is the 27th highest per capita property tax rate. St. Clair County is in the top ten city budgets per capita of 186 cities with populations between 40,000-50,000. He is not privy on where the money is going; however, he is privy to what it's impact is on his business and also on their ability to pay their staff and make a living.
What is happening in Belleville is mirroring on the State level. Unlike the state, the city is obligated to pay it. Mr. Schell requested the council to not vote on the budget as it is...it can be better.
St. Clair County has lost 4% of its population since 2010.
Stewart Lannert-
St. Clair County has elected people to spend, spend, spend and the taxpayers are footing the bill. On his third look arotmd the beer hall, Jack Flash truck stop, hotel, soccer deal has gone for six months with nothing happening. There is no hint of other projects at all. After the last elections there are more yes men than ever. People have no respect for the police in Belleville. The problem with St. Clair County is the definition of insanity because they do the same thing over and over and they keep getting the same results. The same bobble heads are voted in year after year, nothing happens and we are deeper in debt.
Presentations, Recognitions & Appointments:
Mayor Eckert recognized the Elected Officials: Aldemian Paul Seibert; Alderman James Musgrove; Alderman Phillip Silsby; City Clerk Dallas B. Cook; Aldennan Trent Galetti and Alderman Robert White.
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Alderman Hazel made a motion seconded by Alderman Pusa to appoint Scott Ferguson to serve the remaining 2 years of a 5 year term on the Zoning Board left by the vacancy of Patrick Sullivan.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
Approval of Minutes:
Alderman Pusa made a motion seconded by Alderman Kinsella to accept and tile the minutes of City Council April 3, 2017.
All members voted aye.
Claims, Payroll, and Disbursements:
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderman Elmore to approve claims and disbursements in the amount of $7,298,540.Zl and payroll in the amount of $855,43724.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
Reports:
Alderman Kinsella made a motion seconded by Alderman Pusa to accept and file the Treasurer Report—March 2017 and the Statement of Cash and Investments ReportMarch 2017.
All members voted aye.
Oral Reports:
Oral Reports from Standing Committees, Special Committees and Any Other Oral Reports From The Elected Officials or Staff
Master Sewer Committee
Alderman Dintelman made a motion seconded by Alderman Wigginton to approve an agreement for professional services for the WRF Stormwater Basin Disinfection between the City of Belleville and Thovenot, Wade and Moerchen, Inc. in the amount of $603,720.00
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
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Alderman Dintelman made a motion seconded by Alderman White to approve Independent Contractor Agreement renewal with Mr. John Graham for providing consulting and laboratory services.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
Economic Development & Annexation Committee:
Alderman Kinsella made a motion seconded by Alderman Gaa to approve an amended development agreement with St. Clair County Event Center, LLC for the construction of an event center and restaurant located at 1550 East State Route 15. The sole purpose of the amendment is to extend the project completion date.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
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Alderman Hazel made a motion seconded by Alderman Kinsella to approve Petition for Annexation of 16 Mallard Drive/Gary Korte (08-14.0-311-003, 08-14.0-311-037).
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
Finance Committee:
Alderman Silsby made a motion seconded by Alderman Kinsella to approve the request to adjust the salary of Interim Director of Public Works Jason Poole from $32.76/hr to $40.57/hr effective April 10, 2017 due to retirement of Chuck Schaeffer on April 7, 2017.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
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Alderman Silsby made a motion seconded by Alderman Kinsella to approve the FY2017-2018 Budget.
Discussion...
Alderman Tyler stated the State of Illinois has issued a mandate that requires the fire and police pensions be funded at 90% by the year 2040. This mandate was caused by cities not paying into the pension fund. Fire Fighters and Police Officers are not eligible for social security. Alderman Tyler stated they have never missed a payment i.e. Larry Strahan and his brothers in blue; however, the cities have repeatedly did not pay little or anything into the pensions. To be clear the fire and police are not getting exuberate pension e.g. if he retired today and was required to pick up 100% of their health insurance his pension would be less than $25,000/annually.
Mayor Eckert stated the last twenty years the city has paid the prescribed amount based on the actuary.
Mayor Eckert commented regarding the comment from Keith Schell, the city might be different in comparing apples to apples. Several cities do not have paid fire departments. There is a fire district that is taxed on a different item.
Alderman Dintelman disseminated a four page document which is comparisons around the country. He is not calling for a delay in the vote; however, he would like to share the information.
Alderman Ovian stated what bothers him is no one wants to pay an increase in taxes but how will the city move forward to maintain the infrastructure. There must be money appropriated for the infrastructure which is in such bad shape. Without the money appropriated in the budget there is no way to give the citizens what they sadly need.
Mayor Eckert stated that the infrastructure is being done with TIF funds. When the TIFs go away there will be a conversation on where the money will come from.
Alderman Hazel stated the tax increase was voted on last year and the cities that are being compared not only in population but also in bond rating.
Finance Director, Jamie Maitret stated the budget in total will fluctuate each year. The general fund hovers at $28 million. The budget proposed this year is down $62,000.
Alderman Ovian commented that City Engineer, Tim Gregowicz via a federal grant and Community Development Block Grant saved the city $736,000 where the city was obligated to pay for the Dutch Hollow Bridge.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
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Alderman Silsby made a motion seconded by Alderman Dintelman to approve the budget amendments as recommended by the Finance Director.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
Streets and Grades Committee:
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderman Gaa to approve Low bidder for the 2018; Infrastructure Program.(MFT/TIF Funds); Low bidder for the 2018; Signals
Program.(MFT/TIF Funds); Low bidder for the 2018 General Maintenance Culverts.(MFT/TIF Funds); Low bidder for the 2018 General Maintenance Asphalt.(MFT/TIF Funds); Low bidder for the 2018 General Maintenance Salt.(MFT/TIF Funds); Low bidder for the 2018 General Maintenance Oil and Chip.(MFT/TIF Funds); approve the jurisdictional transfer for City to take over maintenance responsibility for Signal Hill Boulevard to 95th Street and approve a resolution that allows the City to participate in the Salt Joint Purchasing Program.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
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Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Aldemian Elmore to table the approval the low bidder for the General Maintenance Aggregates.(MFT/TIF Funds)
All members voted aye.
Administration:
Alderman Kinsella made a motion seconded by Alderman Pusa to approve the temporary relocation of city meetings to Lindenwood University during City Hall renovations from May through August 2017. (meeting relocations were previously approved through April 2017).
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
Communications:
Alderman Pusa made a motion seconded by Alderman Galetti to approve the following communications:
Communication from Rafael Torres, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant- 4311 West Main Street, requesting to hold a special event for Cinco de Mayo on May 5, 2017 from 5:00 pm -11:00 pm.
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Communication from Lonnie and Diane Casey requesting to close the side street of Wabash at McClintock on May 13, 2017 from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm to hold Custom & Antique Motorcycle Show. Requesting 6 street barricades.
All members voted aye.
Petitions:
None.
Resolutions
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderman Galetti to read by title only and as a group 3297,3298, 3299 and 3300.
Alderman Silsby made a motion seconded by Alderman Dintelman to approve the following resolutions:
Resolution 3297-
A Resolution authorizing the execution of the Home Investment Partnerships Consortium Agreement Federal Fiscal Years 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Resolution 3298-
A Resolution authorizing the execution of the CDBG Cooperation Agreement Federal Fiscal Years 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Resolution 3299-
A Resolution amending the annual budget ofthe City of Belleville, Illinois for the fiscal year beginning on the first day of May 2016, and ending on the 30th day of April, 2017.
Resolution 3300
A Resolution amending the annual budget ofthe City of Belleville, Illinois for the fiscal year beginning on the first day of May 2016, and ending on the 30th day of April, 2017.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
Ordinances:
Alderman Silsby made a motion seconded by Alderman Galetti to read by title only Ordinances 8041-2017 and 8042-2017.
All members voted aye.
Alderman Silsby made a motion seconded by Alderman Pusa to approve Ordinance 8041- 2017An ordinance establishing the annual budget of the City of Belleville, Illinois, for the fiscal year begimming on the first day of May, A.D. 2017 and ending on the 30th day of April, A.D. 2018.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
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Alderman Kinsella made a motion seconded by Alderman Hazel Ordinance 8042-2017 An Ordinance amiexing certain territory owned by Gary Korte to the City of Belleville, Illinois.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
Unfinished Business:
Alderman Buettner requested an update on Missionary Ventures; Mayor Eckert stated he and the City Attomey will meeting with the Oblates and attomeys for all parties.
Alderman Buettner asked the Mayor if he had heard about the Kellers' in Jonesboro; Mayor Eckert stated he has not speculated because he is focusing on Belleville.
Alderman Buettner asked if ICON's financing has been researched; Mayor Eckert stated not yet.
Alderman Buettner stated everyone wants the project to be successful; Mayor Eckert concurred.
Miscellaneous & New Business:
Alderman Kinsella made a motion seconded by Alderman Elmore Motor Fuel Claims in the Amount of $10,156.87.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Buettner, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Silsby, Dintelman, Gaa, White, Galetti, Elmore, Wigginton and Musgrove. (16)
Executive Session:
None.
Adjournment:
Alderman Galetti made a motion seconded by Alderman Tyler to adjourn at 7:58 pm.
All members voted aye.
http://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/04172017-1410
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