City of Collinsville City Council met Aug. 13.
Here is the agenda 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 Cheryl Brombolich, Councilman Jeff Stehman, Councilman Donna Green, Councilman David Jerome, and Mayor John Miller Absent: 0
C. Invocation delivered by Pastor Miles Holmes of Revive Church.
D. Pledge of allegiance Recited.
Mayor Miller asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Highland Police Chief Terry Bell, who previously served the Collinsville community for 20 years.
E. Proclamations/recognition/presentations
1. Presentation of the August Yard of the Month Award to John Holverson of 131 Kenwood Lane
Mayor Miller presented a plaque and gift certificate to the family of John Holverson of 131 Kenwood, who was the August Yard of the Month recipient.
2. National Health Center Week Proclamation Attachments: Proclamation Mayor Miller read the Proclamation and declared August 12-18, 2018, as National Health Center Week.
F. Business prior to public input
1. Public Hearing on Annexation Agreement - 6766 Clay School Road
a. Motion to Open Public Hearing
b. Staff Report
c. Public Input
d. Motion to adjourn Public Hearing
Motion to open the Public Hearing by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Stehman; roll call: Brombolich - yes, Stehman - yes, Green - yes, Jerome - yes, Miller - yes.
Staff Report: Community Development Director David Bookless indicated the application is a standard pre-annexation agreement for the property located at 6766 Clay School Road. He displayed an aerial map of the location. He indicated City water is already provided to the site. He further advised that the property will be zoned R-1 Single-Family Residential, upon annexation. Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval.
Councilman Brombolich inquired of the reason for the pre-annexation agreement. Public Works Director Dennis Kress explained the property has new owners. Apparently, City water services were provided to the property approximately 15 years ago but was not hooked up. He could not explain why a pre-annexation agreement was not done at that time.
Public Input: None
Motion to adjourn the Public Hearing by Councilman Brombolich, second by Councilman Green; roll call: Brombolich - yes, Stehman - yes, Green - yes, Jerome - yes, Miller - yes.
2. Ordinance Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Pre-Annexation Agreement
between the City of Collinsville and Brent and Lacey Dore for Property Located at 6766 Clay School Road
No additional discussion regarding this item after the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilman Brombolich, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Brombolich, Stehman, Green, Jerome, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
G. Council discussion
1. Changes to the Crime Free Housing Ordinance
Overview by Police Chief Steve Evans, who spoke of the success surrounding the Crime Free Housing (CFH) ordinance. He highlighted the decrease in the Police Department's calls for service for certain areas and gave a comparison between 2010 and 2017. He spoke of the program and recommendations brought forward by the CFH Coordinator.
City Manager Bair spoke of the occupancy permit program, open house events and information regarding issues related to the CFH program that needed to be addressed. He spoke of the CFH program working in conjunction with the occupancy permit program. He further spoke of a penalty clause for failing to comply, fees, and landlord license registration. He indicates the associated fees are to cover the costs of the program and not a money making adventure.
Chief Evans agreed with City Manager Bair's comments and indicated that clarification within the program would assist their efforts.
Councilman Stehman spoke of the landlord license requirement within the CFH program. He suggested that the occupancy permit program helps to identify who the landlord is; therefore, making the license requirement unnecessary. He asked staff to look into eliminating the license aspect.
Councilman Brombolich spoke of the reasoning behind the landlord license as part of the business license program when it was initially enacted. She agreed with not duplicating efforts. She mentioned a graduated penalty clause for habitual offenders. She asked for staff to gather information regarding revenues versus expenses and report back.
Councilman Jerome inquired of feedback from those facilitating the program. Chief Evans advised the information was gathered from the CFH Coordinator.
City Manager Bair asked for guidance on fees and penalty clause. A discussion was had regarding penalty amounts and timeframe when a penalty would be enforced. A grace period was mentioned before a penalty assessed.
Councilman Stehman spoke of an existing ordinance of owing a debt to the City that would address those who fail to comply.
Mayor Miller spoke of the CFH program and the need to be reviewed on a regular basis in efforts to improve or address issues.
City Manager Bair spoke of the history surrounding the implementation of the CFH program and indicated it was to work in conjunction with the occupancy program but only the CFH portion was adopted.
Councilman Green spoke of conversations surrounding the occupancy permit program that addressed issues, making the need to amend the CFH program. She spoke of the need for regular feedback to make necessary updates in order to improve the community. She mentioned the commitment of the committee and Council to implement programs that better the community.
Mayor Miller inquired of feedback from landlords and evaluate the program periodically.
2. Uptown TIF Incentive Request for Hair Just for You (626 W. Clay)
Associate Planner Cristen Hardin displayed a zoning map which identified the property behind the Collin House parcel. She indicated the property is legal non-conformance as it is zoned residential but used for commercial purposes. She spoke of the City's initiative to address zoning.
She highlighted the applicant's improvement project to address structural deterioration and site improvements. She spoke of the issues surrounding the basement foundation which is deteriorating from water erosion. The improvement would include stabilizing the basement walls and water management control. She also mentioned site improvement to include replacing a wooden fence with new vinyl fencing at an estimated cost of $3,961. She mentioned previous TIF expenditures for fencing but indicated they were associated with the expansion of a business' sales tax generating additional floor space, like sidewalk dining.
She spoke of the structural issues with the foundation. She indicated the basement walls are bowing inward causing the basement to deteriorate. Staff requested the applicant to seek a structural engineers opinion regarding the work proposed. In addition, an independent structural engineer inspected the property and indicated deterioration of foundation walls and lack of perimeter foundation drains. He indicated repairs would stabilize existing walls but may continue to deteriorate over time. He recommended replacing the basement foundation. She displayed pictures of the basement foundation issues.
City Manager Bair reiterated the independent structural engineer's inspection and findings to replace foundation rather than repair existing walls.
Ms. Hardin spoke of the financial impact for replacing the fence and repairing the basement foundation with bracing which would also include a water drainage system:
Fence Replacement = $3,961
Structural Rehab and Water Management = $13,003.60
Structural Engineer = $475
Total estimated project cost is $17,439.60, Uptown TIF Incentive request of $6,975.84 (40% of project cost).
Discussion was had regarding the cost associated with replacement of the basement walls which is estimated at $50,000 as stabilizing may not remedy the problem. Councilman Brombolich spoke of the importance of the repair/replacement versus other Uptown TIF incentives for facade improvements as this would address the structural integrity of the building. Councilman Stehman mentioned not being able to measure increase sales with such an improvement but rather viability of the business. Councilman Jerome spoke of the economic viability for the surrounding neighborhood.
Property owner Brenda Mendez advised the independent structural engineer indicated the beams would extend the life of the existing wall but could not say for how long. She advised an annual inspection would be done to monitor the conditions by Woods Basement and beams would be torqued accordingly. She spoke of Woods Basement guarantee. Mayor Miller inquired of the property's value but Ms. Mendez did not know. She mentioned other repair options but indicated the engineer agreed that they would not be viable.
H. Speakers from the floor
Memorie Weil spoke of the Crime Free Housing program. She identified herself as a small landlord with 7 properties in Collinsville. She mentioned her preference of letting her properties sit empty before renting to someone she is not comfortable with. She spoke of the fees of the programs and the vested time as being costly to small landlords. She indicated she does not benefit from the Crime Free Housing program. She spoke of penalties being considered based on the actions of a few.
Scott Rayho spoke of the Crime Free Housing program and agreed with comments made by the previous speaker. He mentioned wanting to invest in Collinsville. He commended Council and staff's efforts to re-examine the Crime Free program and address issues. He indicated that he was in favor of the amendments to the addendum and having local management available. He asked Council to streamline the program and to keep it simple, allowing for landlords to adjust to the occupancy permit program. He spoke of being encouraged by the open house discussions.
I. Comments & Announcements - Mayor
Mayor Miller spoke of the Fire Department receiving the Firehouse Subs' grant and SAFER grant. He asked the public to be mindful of children at the bus stops as they will be returning to school on Wednesday.
J. Comments & Announcements - Council Members
Councilman Green spoke of the Crime Free program. She advised Council's intent is to make the City a better place to live. She advised that she is a landlord and gave an account of how she was able to utilize the program to evict a tenant who had allowed someone else to move in and was causing issues for the neighborhood.
Councilman Brombolich spoke of the Crime Free program and aspects that were considered when it was implemented. She suggested that staff research how other communities address similar issues with regards to landlords who have a minimal number of units. Councilman Green spoke of comments previously make regarding landlords and clarified that those with multiple units are more aware of when renewal is required while those with minimal units may forget.
Councilman Brombolich spoke of the passing of Highland Police Chief Terry Bell and his time serving the community of Collinsville.
Councilman Jerome spoke of benefits to the Crime Free program as it helps to accelerate the eviction process. He wished the teachers and students a happy school year.
K. Comments & Announcements - City Staff
Fire Chief Kevin Edmond spoke of the $2,500 FM Global Fire Prevention grant the Fire Department received. City Manager Bair spoke of staff's efforts in moving the Department forward with minimal cost to the residents. He spoke of them applying for and receiving various grants.
City Manager Bair spoke of the open house events to allow for discussions regarding the occupancy rental inspection program. Staff previously held events on August 7 and August 8 with the next scheduled for 6:00 pm on August 15 at City Hall. He indicated video of the events are available on the City's website.
He mentioned the Uptown festivals and the economic impact they bring to the City.
Lastly, he mentioned the Collinsville Parks and Recreation Staff meet and greet event scheduled for September 15, between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, at Woodland Park.
Human Resource Coordinator Stacey O'Brien spoke of the upcoming #SelfieDay, sponsored by Emerging Local Government Leaders, scheduled for August 15. She encouraged the public to visit a City facility (City Hall, D.D. Collins House, Willoughby Farm, Police Department and Fire Station) to take a "selfie" and upload the picture to #CityHallSelfie and #CollinsvilleSelfie.
L. Consent agenda
City Clerk Wasser read the Consent Agenda.
1. Motion to approve payment of bills for the period ending August 3, 2018, in the amount of $1,480,892.85
2. Motion to approve payroll for the period ending July 27, 2018, in the amount of $1,472,269.76 Attachments:
3. Motion to approve minutes of the July 23, 2018 Council Meeting
4. Resolution requesting permission from the Illinois Department of Transportation to Close Main Street for the Annual Collinsville High School Homecoming Parade
CHS Request Letter and Certificate of Insurance
5. Resolution Reappointing Members to the Community Appearance Board (Brion Brown Sr. and Ken Jones)
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 Jerome, seconded by Councilman Stehman, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Brombolich, Stehman, Green, Jerome, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
M. New Business
1. Ordinance adopting a Liquor Code providing for the regulation of alcoholic liquors in the City of Collinsville, Illinois
Overview by Derek Jackson, Assistant City Manager, who spoke of previous discussions regarding the amendment to the liquor code. He highlighted the main topic of discussion regarding the mobile bartender and advised Corporate Counsel addressed Council's concerns. He further advised the amendment addresses the appeal process and includes 7 additional liquor license classifications. He advised that no additional edits have been made to the proposed draft since presented at the July 23 meeting.
Mayor Miller spoke of the need to periodically review and update codes based on ideas and trends. He thanked staff and Counsel for their efforts. A motion was made by Councilman Brombolich, seconded by Councilman Jerome to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Brombolich, Stehman, Green, Jerome, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
2. Ordinance Amending Various Fees in the Collinsville Municipal Code, Title 4(FEES)
Asst. City Manager Jackson advised this amendment is to address fees associated with recently approved ordinances (Small Wireless Facilities, Occupancy Inspection Program, and Liquor Code). This amendment will also address some discrepancies, omission, and State Statute related items (Site Plan Review, Water Connection for Residential 1" tap, and Massage Permits). He advised State Statute regulates massage establishments.
Councilman Stehman asked if it would be beneficial to wait and amend this at a later date since we were discussing fees associated with the Crime Free Housing program and landlord licenses. Asst. City Manager Jackson advised this would allow for the Occupancy Inspection Permit fees before implementing the program and the City could repeal and replace as needed. A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Stehman to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Brombolich, Stehman, Green, Jerome, and Miller City of Collinsville
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
3. Ordinance authorizing the purchase of a 2019 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle from Morrow Brothers in the Amount of $29,200
Police Chief Evans advised an Officer was involved in a traffic crash and the insurance company totalled out the squad car. He indicated no one was insurance in the crash and the Officer was not at fault. The at-fault drier's insurance company settled the loss claim in the amount of $17,055. He advised the State bid contract for a 2019 model is $29,200, which includes additional selected options. He spoke of the Police Vehicle Replacement program and indicated the totalled vehicle, 2015 Interceptor, had over 72,000 miles and would have reached end of life within 2 years with little value. After the insurance settlement, the net financial impact to replace the 2015 vehicle with a 2019 model is $12,145.
Mayor Miller inquired of the transfer of the equipment to which Chief Evans advised a labor cost is associated with the transfer of the equipment but all equipment is transferable. A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Brombolich, Stehman, Green, Jerome, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
4. Resolution in support of the designation of Route 66 as a National Historic Trail
Mayor Miller read the Resolution in support of the Council designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. He spoke of the sign in front of the Horseshoe Restaurant and Lounge as being a Route 66 landmark and mentioned local Route 66 events in town. A motion was made by Councilman Stehman, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Brombolich, Stehman, Green, Jerome, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
N. Old Business
O. Closed Session
Mayor Miller asked for a motion to proceed into closed session to discuss in accordance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c):
1. Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline or performance of employees
2. Collective Bargaining
3.The selection or performance of a person in a public office 11. Pending or Threatened or Imminent Litigation A motion was made by Councilman Brombolich, seconded by Councilman Stehman to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Brombolich, Stehman, Green, Jerome, and Miller 5 -
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
P. Announcements
Q. Adjournment
A motion was made by Councilman Brombolich, seconded by Councilman Jerome to adjourn at 8:47 pm. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Brombolich, Stehman, Green, Jerome, and Miller 5 -
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
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