City of Collinsville City Council met December 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
A.Call Meeting To Order
Mayor Miller called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
B. Roll Call
Also Present: City Manager Mitch Bair, Corporate Counsel Steve Giacoletto, and City Clerk Kim Wasser.
Present: 5 - Councilman Donna Green, Councilman Jeff Stehman, Councilman David Jerome, Councilman Cheryl Brombolich, and Mayor John Miller
Absent: 0
C. Invocation
Delivered by Father John Hellrung of Grace Anglican Church.
D. Pledge Of Allegiance
Recited.
E. Proclamations/Recognition/Presentations
F. Business Prior To Public Input
1. Ordinance Adopting a Budget for the Fiscal Year 2018 Which Begins January 1, 2018
Finance Director Tamara Ammann advised a public hearing was held on November 27, 2017 regarding the 2018 Budget. She advised no changes were made since the budget was discussed on November 13. City Manager Bair spoke of new initiatives to include Rental Conversion and First Time Home Buyer's allowances.
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Stehman to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5- Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
G. Council Discussion
H. Speakers From The Floor
Phil Astrauskas spoke of a lawsuit brought against him by the City. He mentioned the owner of the Flower Basket not having a landlord license.
I.Comments & Announcements - Mayor
Mayor Miller spoke of the first annual Christmas parade and Collins House event. He mentioned a letter from a citizen regarding the compassion she received from two Firemen during CPR class. He reminded everyone that this is the last meeting of 2017. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and safe a New Year.
J. Comments & Announcements - Council Members
Councilman Brombolich spoke of the parade as being a great event for the community and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Councilman Jerome addressed Mr. Astrauskas and explained he will receive due process regarding his litigation. He further indicated that Council cannot speak of pending litigation. He spoke of the parade and thanked staff for efforts. He mentioned improvements. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
K. Comments & Announcements - City Staff
City Manager Bair announced the City recently received approximately $150,000 in Energy Sustainability Grants from Ameren for the new Water Treatment Plant. He spoke of the City's high bond rating and the factors that dictate the rating.
L. Consent Agenda
City Clerk read the Consent Agenda.
1. Motion to Approve Payment of Bills for the Period Ending November 30, in the Amount of $1,219,367.77
2. Motion to Approve Payroll for the Period Ending November 17, 2017 in the Amount of $560,357.20
3. Motion to Approve Minutes of the November 20, 2017 Town Hall Meeting and November 27, 2017 Regular Meeting
4. Resolution Reappointing Member to the Collinsville Planning Commission (Hausmann)
5. Resolution Approving 2018 City Council Meeting Schedule
Mayor Miller asked if the Council wished to pull any items prior to a Motion. No items were pulled. A motion was made by Councilman Brombolich, seconded by Councilman Green, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
M. New Business
1. Ordinance for the Tax Levy and Assessment of Taxes for 2017 for the City of Collinsville, Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois
Director Ammann advised the ordinance will levy the 2017 property tax of $2,606,900 which will be collected during 2018. This amount represents the 4.99% increase; however, the City's Equalized Assessed Value is expected to increase by 5% which will offset and keep property taxes stable.
Councilman Brombolich spoke of the comparison which was included in the Agenda Item Report which showed only two other communities (Troy and Fairview Heights) below Collinsville.
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Brombolich to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
2. Resolution Providing for Tax Abatement for the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2007B, of the City of Collinsville, Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois
Director Ammann indicated the 2007B bonds were issued for infrastructure development for the Fournie Lane area. The intention was to annually abate the property tax levy and use sales tax generated from the Fournie Lane Business District to make principal and interest payments. This resolution will allow for the abatement.
Councilman Jerome asked about the next few resolutions regarding bond abatements and Director Ammann advised they are the same situation but different bonds for various development areas.
City Manager Bair commented that this is an annual event and asked Council to carry these resolutions under the Consent Agenda. Corporate Counsel Giacoletto will look into the legal aspects of voting on bond abatements as Consent items.
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
3. Resolution Providing for Tax Abatement for the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009, of the City of Collinsville, Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois
Director Ammann advised the 2009 Bonds were issued as general obligation debt for reimbursement associated with Lodging Hospitality Management, who developed the Doubletree Hotel. The intention is to abate the property tax levy and use sales tax, property tax and hotel/motel tax generated by the hotel to pay principal and interest payments.
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
4. Resolution Providing for Tax Abatement for the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2012, of the City of Collinsville, Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois
Director Ammann advised the 2007B and 2009 Bonds are the bonds being refinanced in 2017. She advised this bond was refinanced in 2012. It was originally issued in 2006 to finance the sewer plant expansion project. This ordinance would abate the property taxes on the 2012 bond portion. A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Stehman to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
5. Resolution Providing for Tax Abatement for the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2013A, of the City of Collinsville, Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois
Director Ammann explained the 2013A is the remaining balance of the 2006 bonds that were issued to finance the sewer treatment plant. A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
6. Resolution Providing for Tax Abatement for the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2014, of the City of Collinsville, Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois
Director Ammann explained that these bonds were originally issued in 2007 for reimbursements related to the Collinsville Crossing development project but were refinanced in 2014. The intention is to abate the property tax levy and use sales tax generated by the Collinsville Crossing Business District to make principal and interest payments.
A motion was made by Councilman Brombolich, seconded by Councilman Jerome to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
7. Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase and Financing of an E-One All Aluminum Custom Rescue Pumper Apparatus Mounted on an E-One Typhoon Custom Chassis with Cummins ISL9 450HP Engine, 1500 GPM Pump, E-Max Style Rescue Pumper Body and Pump, Booster Reel Including Rollers and Booster Hose and Command Light Tower with (4) Spectra Light Heads in the Amount of $592,646.93
Director Ammann advised the purchase of the apparatus was approved by Council on November 27. This ordinance allows for the financing of the purchase. The financing amount is $72,826.93. She indicated the City received 4 quotes with FCB providing the lowest rate, 2.65%.
Councilman Brombolich and Mayor Miller commented that they are glad to see a local bank financing the purchase.
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Brombolich to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
8. Ordinance to Award Bids and Authorize Contracts for the Purchase of Chemicals for the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants
Dennis Kress, Public Works Director, advised that this is the annual bid for chemicals used in the Water and Wastewater Treatment plants. Bids were opened on December 4. Of the bids received, the following are the lowest:
Lime Delivery - Beelman Trucking, $21.40/ton
Pebble Lime - Lhoist North America, $198/ton
Powdered Lime - Mississippi Lime Company, $190/ton
Liquid Alum - Chemtrade, $0.9423/gal
Fluoride - Brenntag, $0.615/lb
Carbon Dioxide - Air Product and Chemicals, $99/ton
Salt - 3 bids received but all were rejects due to discrepancies in standards (2 were for road salt and 1 did not include specifications). He explained the system is sensitive to the quality of salt and does not allow for variations. He also indicated he can purchase salt via the open market at a cheaper rate than what the bids quoted.
He gave a bid comparison to 2017 costs and the financial impact associated.
Councilman Brombolich inquired as to why we traditionally only receive 1 bid for lime delivery to which Director Kress believes it is difficult to compete with the pricing the Beelman quotes.
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Stehman to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
9. Ordinance to Award Bid and Authorize Contract with Schulte Supply Inc. in the Amount of $43,635.54 for Church St. Water Main Replacement Project
Director Kress advised that this is the project the City received a Block Grant from Madison County for funding of a water main replacement. Madison Co. is allowing the City to use their own labor and equipment to install the water main. Material bids for the project were submitted and opened on December 4. The lowest bid received was Schulte Supply in the amount of $43,635.54. The project replaces the water main on Church St. from Aurora to Rt. 159, west of Rt. 159 to Seminary, and then north to Main Street. Madison County will pay for the materials directly. Staff recommends approval.
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Brombolich to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
10. Ordinance Extending a Moratorium for the Granting of Any Tax Incentives from the Northeast Business District Fund
Associate Planner Cristen Hardin explained this ordinance would allow for an extension to the previously approved moratorium for grants pertaining to the Northeast Business District. The extension would allow staff additional time to evaluate the program and refine the policies in order to meet goals for the district and achieve future development opportunities. Staff will bring a draft proposal to Council as a discussion item in the near future.
City Manager Bair indicated the Economic Development Commission is assisting staff with the project as well as other Business District and TIF programs. He anticipates a discussion regarding the program with Council to occur in January or February of 2018 with a request for approval following shortly thereafter. Councilman Jerome inquired if a 90 day moratorium was sufficient to which City Manager Bair indicated it was as there are no pending applications at this time.
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
11. Ordinance Dissolving the Collinsville Downtown Economic Revitalization Commission and Uptown Development Commission
Overview by Ms. Hardin explained the initial purpose of the commission. She explained that staff has assumed many of the responsibilities that were once that of the commission (Uptown TIF Program - policies and application review). After several months of inactivity, staff meet with the commission in order to refocus their purpose and mission to which members were in agreement that a lack of focus hindered them. Members were asked to participate in a survey regarding their ideas and vision for the Uptown Development Commission (UDC); however, only a few members (5 out of 11) participated in the survey. Staff attempted to present survey results to the commission but was unable to obtain a quorum of the members in order to hold a meeting. Later, staff emailed the results to the members and requested feedback but staff received no comments from the members. Staff and the current UDC Chairperson recommends dissolving the Uptown Development Commission due to lack of purpose, focus and participation. She further advised that an Uptown representative position was established to participate on the Economic Development Commission (EDC) which allows for the Uptown businesses to have a voice on an advisory board of the City.
City Manager Bair elaborated on the lack of participation by the members and need to refocus efforts due to changes in the by-laws. He spoke of the participation of Linda Allen as being a Uptown representative on the EDC.
Councilman Brombolich spoke of their (UDC) efforts and purpose when the commission was formed and how changes have evolved. She indicated her appreciation for their efforts and willingness to volunteer.
Councilman Jerome expressed his concern of eliminating an advisory board with unique circumstances that exist for the Uptown businesses with shared spaces. Ms. Hardin advised that all Uptown business owners/managers are welcome to speak with staff regarding their businesses at any time. She spoke of Ms. Allen as being an Uptown business owner who is well known among other Uptown business owners and is available to speak with them regarding their concerns so they can be addressed with the EDC and/or staff.
Councilman Stehman indicated that many of the boards/commissions were formed prior to having professional staff to handle the various situations. He spoke of the benefits of having advisory boards to make recommendations but requires participation by volunteers.
A motion was made by Councilman Stehman, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
12. Ordinance Establishing Positional Classifications, Salary Ranges, and Policies for Performance Based Pay for Full-Time and Part-Time Non-Union Personnel
Stacey O'Brien, H.R. Coordinator, spoke of the salary ordinance as being a living document that will change when personnel needs change. This amendment includes a full-time Inspector 1 position (Property Maintenance Inspector).
A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Stehman to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
13. Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase of City Hall Electronic Message Board (CIP Cost Increase)
Assistant City Manager Derek Jackson advised that this is a request for an increase in the cost of a project that was previously approved within the 2017-2022 CIP. The project consists of an electronic message board sign to be located across the street from City Hall. The initial estimate for the sign was $20,000; however changes are necessary that accounts for the cost increase. Project changes include: double sided 4'x5' full color electronic message board with 10mm pixel with a total cost of $22,762.67. He indicated Electrico Company will need to run underground electric services to the sign at a cost of $3,800. The City's Street Division will be used for foundation and concrete work which reflects a cost savings of $3,500.
A motion was made by Councilman Brombolich, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
14. Ordinance Amending the Collinsville Municipal Code Chapter 4 Entitled Fees - Increase of Garbage Collection Fees, Water Usage Fees, and Sewer Usage Fees
Overview by Asst. City Manager Jackson, indicated this ordinance amends the fees for an increase regarding garbage collection, water usage and sewer usage fees. He mentioned a future amendment to the fees schedules that primarily consists of formatting and an assessment in comparison with surrounding communities. He described the fees being increased in 2018 as follows:
Garbage Collection - increase of $0.45 for regular households and $0.34 for senior households (based on CPI rate)
Water and Sewer - 3% annually over the next 3 years
He displayed a water rate comparison with surrounding communities.
Mayor Miller spoke of the increase in chemical costs to treat the water as being the reason for the increase in water and sewer rate service fees.
A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Jerome to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
15. Resolution Urging the Governor to Veto Senate Bill 1451
Mr. Jackson indicated ICMA asked the City to support this resolution regarding Senate Bill 1451.
He described the bill as an effort by lobbyist on behalf of telecommunication firms to have more of an influence as to what can be installed within our right of ways. It restricts local governments on how they can regulate and charge for equipment located on City property. City Manager Bair indicated other municipalities are approving the resolution to veto the bill but the Illinois Municipal League has taken a neutral stance.
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller 5 -
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
N. Old Business
O. Closed Session
P. Announcements
Q. Adjournment
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Brombolich to adjourn at 8:07 pm. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Green, Stehman, Jerome, Brombolich, and Miller 5 -
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
https://docs.google.com/gview?url=http://collinsville.legistar1.com/collinsville/meetings/2017/12/1099_M_City_Council_17-12-11_Minutes.pdf&embedded=true
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