City of Collinsville City Council met Oct. 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Miller called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
B. ROLL CALL
Also present: City Manager Mitch Bair, Corporate Counsel Steve Giacoletto, and City Clerk Kim Wasser.
Present: 5 - Councilman David Jerome, Councilman Tony Hausmann, Councilman Jeff Stehman, Councilman Donna Green, and Mayor John Miller
Absent: 0
C. INVOCATION
Delivered by Pastor John Truax of First Baptist Church.
D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Recited.
E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of Retirement Plaques:
Doug Crossley Tracy Davis John Walker Mayor Miller presented the retirement plaques to John Walker, Doug Crossley, and Tracy Davis. He thanked each of them for their years of service. Public Works Director Dennis Kress spoke highly of the retirees. He mentioned the nomination letter the department received and indicated it was due to 28, 2019 their efforts.
2. Swearing In of Paul Kilquist as Sergeant with the Police Department Mayor Miller swore in Paul Kilquist as Sergeant with the Collinsville Police Department.
F. BUSINESS PRIOR TO PUBLIC INPUT
1. An Ordinance Approving an Amendment to A Planned "P-B4" Commercial District Ordinance (1277 & 1279 Vandalia)
DRAFT
Overview by Travis Taylor, Community Development Senior Planner, advised the property owner, Margot Crowell, at 1277 and 1279 Vandalia requested a zoning amendment to the planned commercial district in order to allow for residential. He explained the 2 parcels consisting of residential homes were rezoned in 2005 by her (Crowell) mother from R-1 to P-B4 to allow for a commercial shopping area that did not come to fruition. Staff is recommending a special use permit to allow for residential at these 2 properties while keeping it zoned commercial. He explained the applicant will reside on the main floor of the residence and utilize the lower level for a commercial consulting firm.
Councilman Jerome spoke of the use of a special use permit as being the only way to address this mixed use. He thanked staff for working with the applicant and finding a solution. Councilman Hausmann agreed.
A motion was made by Councilman Stehman, seconded by Councilman Hausmann to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Stehman, Green, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
G. COUNCIL DISCUSSION
1. Dr. Brad Skertich CUSD #10 Presentation City Manager Bair welcomed and introduced Dr. Brad Skertich, Superintendent for Unit 10 School District.
Dr. Skertich spoke of the school district needing to celebrate successes, focus on improvement, be fiscally responsible and transparent. He highlighted positive aspects regarding the school district that includes small class sizes, caring staff, ability to meet the needs of the student, and individualized instruction. He spoke of aspects to build on as being bilingual educational programs. He identified the districts greatest strength as being the diversity of the area. He spoke of the course handbook which includes dual credit college programs, vocational center offerings, and AP class opportunities. He mentioned the athletic program as well as the vast fine arts programs available to the students. He further advised the school district is currently working on a short term and long term planning project with a district improvement team which includes facility planning. They are also working on rebranding the district.
Councilman Green spoke of her excitement regarding the school district. She spoke of her journey learning about the City and the school district. She mentioned of hearing negative comments regarding the City and the school district. She spoke of going to the source to find the truth rather than believing someones opinion or a rumor. Dr. Skertich spoke of passionate people who are wanting to make an impact and strive for improvements.
Councilman Hausmann spoke of the various class offerings and expressed excitement for a cyber security program.
Councilman Jerome spoke of quality teachers who are willing to go above and beyond for the students.
City Manager Bair spoke of the partnership and opportunities for the City and school district to work together. He mentioned infrastructure improvements around school properties. He too spoke highly of the vocational center and various class offerings.
2. Aqua Park/Activity Center CTS Project
City Manager Bair spoke of CIP projects for the water park and activity center. He introduces members of the CTS Group Ellie Blankenship, John Shaw, and Christy Humerickhouse.
Ms. Blankenship spoke of guaranteed energy savings to help pay for the projects with a 20 year payback based on savings. She spoke of their process to determine an energy savings plan. She spoke of the utility analysis based on data collected. She mentioned issues with the exiting facility and gave the following recommendations:
* HVAC upgrades
* convert fluorescent lighting to LED
* pressure wash and seal masonry facade
* replace sliding windows and fixed glass at concession stand and ticket counter
* adhere new wall flashings
* replace flooring and sinks in locker rooms
* replace lockers
* replace turnstiles and allow for card access system
* replace flooring in activity center
Next, she identified issues with the pool equipment and recommended repair/replacement of various items within the leisure pool, baby pool, lap pool, mechanical room, water slide and slide pit, Monsoon Mountain, and Lazy River. She spoke of their inspection of the solar system and addressed improvement recommendations.
Ms. Blankenship spoke of the costs for improvements being $1.7 million and highlighted the annual energy savings as well as the operations and maintenance savings. She estimated an annual payment of $142,575 at 3% for 15 years to cover the improvement costs. City Manager Bair advised revenues from the Hotel/Motel Tax will be used to fund improvements.
She indicated that most of the recommendations are things that need to be done before opening season next year. She mentioned concerns regarding material costs going up. City Manager Bair spoke of liability insurance costs and advised many of the recommendations are addressing safety concerns which should reduce insurance premiums.
Ms. Blankenship advised CTS Group will have an on-site project manager to address concerns which will alleviate staff involvement.
Councilman Green asked about future improvements of the facility. City Manager Bair indicated these improvements address energy issues, leaks, and safety concerns but additional repairs will be necessary to the Lazy River. A brief discussion was had regarding issues of leaks and inadequate pumps at the Lazy River.
3. CIP Discussion - Public Works Projects
City Manager Bair estimated $30.5 million over a 6 year time span in public works projects:
Streets - $21,195,675 ($3.5 million per year)
Water - $2,505,378 ($417,563 per year)
Wastewater - $6,854,000 ($1,142,333 per year)
He advised projects include facilities (51% of total costs), vehicles replacement (6%), equipment (2%) and infrastructure (41%). He identified funding sources as Motor Fuel Tax, Capital Projects Fund, TIF, Racino revenues. Adult Cannabis Use revenues, and water/wastewater rates.
He spoke of projects by department:
Street Division - sidewalks, mill and overlay, microsurfacing, vehicles and equipment replacement program.
Public Works Facility (Juda property) - to be used by Streets and Water.
Water Division - vehicle and equipment replacement program, booster station, and infrastructure improvements.
Wastewater Division - bio-solids dewatering project, equipment, infrastructure of sewer main relining and extensions.
Lastly, he spoke of other issues needing to be addressed - smart water meters and lime pits.
4. Budget Discussion - Financial Policies and Staffing
City Manager Bair spoke of the need to review the Capital Assets and Financial Policies (Fiscal - fund balance and reserve, Debt, Investment, and Purchasing) to incorporate the convention center and parks department as well as best practices identified by the Governmental Financial Officers Association and comply with Governmental Accounting Stands Board requirements. He highlighted aspects of the new policy to address useful life on capital assets and establish threshold.
Next, he spoke of staffing needs within departments:
Maintenance Technician - Gateway Convention Center
Resident Engineer - Public Works
Laborers (3) - Streets
Housekeeping - City Hall and Police Department
Purchasing Agent - Finance
H. SPEAKERS FROM THE FLOORPhil Astrauskas welcomed Dr. Skertich to the community. He indicated funds from TIF 1 should go towards education. He spoke of a high water bill for one of his apartment units and inquired if a smart meter would detect an issue and immediately notify the property owner. He inquired of a vacant lot next to the senior center needing infill. He spoke of the number of Council members and suggested an increase of members to the board in order to allow for additional representation of the citizens.
Phil Astrauskas Jr. spoke of Property Maintenance Code requirements with regards to fire safety. He spoke of occupancy inspects in which fire safety codes were not addressed. He inquired of additional time in order to prepare for inspections. He mentioned code violations that were not addressed during inspections.
I. COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - MAYOR
Mayor Miller spoke of the Uptown Fall Festival event. He thanked the Senior Center for opening theirs doors to host the costume contest due to rain.
COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilman Stehman thanked the Public Works Department for their efforts in repaving and sidewalk improvements.
Councilman Jerome thanked Dr. Skertich for updating the Council. He spoke of the CEO Program he (Jerome) attended and the student's participation.
K. COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - CITY STAFF
Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Caughran spoke of the upcoming No School Day Program - Monday, November 11 from 7am-6pm.
City Manager Bair clarified trick or treating will be held on Thursday, October 31 from 6-9pm. He displayed pictures of properties recently demolished, 1208 Ridge and 103 Emilie Street. He spoke of the for sale sign on the property of the Motormart site, corner of Beltline and Vandalia. He advised the developer has identified financial impact due to low gas prices down the street at the Walmart Neighborhood Market. Lastly, he indicated the CEO Program is a joint effort and financed by the business community.
Councilman Green announced the Community Awards event scheduled for Thursday, November 7 at the Gateway Center.
L. CONSENT AGENDA
City Clerk Wasser read the Consent Agenda.
1. Motion to Approve Payment of Bills for the Period Ending October 18th, 2019 in the Amount of $761,357.91
2. Motion to Approve Payroll for the Period Ending October 4, 2019 in the Amount of $791,508.11
3. Motion to Approve Minutes of the October 15, 2019 Council Meeting
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 28, 2019 by Councilman Green, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Stehman, Green, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
M. NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution in Support of and Authorizing the Mayor to Apply for St. Clair
County Grant Attachments:
Agenda Item Report Resolution Director Caughran advised this resolution is required as part of the grant application. The grant is up to $25,000. Funds will be used to purchase bleachers, trash receptacles and upgrade lights at the Sports Complex.
City Manager Bair indicated this will be the first time the City has applied for a grant from St. Clair County. A motion was made by Councilman Hausmann, seconded by Councilman Stehman to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Stehman, Green, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
2. Ordinance to Award Bid to All Inclusive Rec in the amount of $28,629.00
(Sports Complex Improvements, Project #RD19-004) Attachments:
Agenda Item Report Ordinance Overview by Director Caughran, who advised bids were received and opened for the purchase of bleachers for the Sports Complex. All Inclusive Rec was the lowest bid at $28,629. This purchase will replace 6 sets of 5-tier bleachers at the Sports Complex which is part of the overall improvement plan. Funds for the purchase will come from the CIP and may be offset with grant funds from St. Clair County. A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Jerome to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Stehman, Green, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
3. Ordinance Authorizing a Loan Agreement in an Amount of $6,000,000 from the Illinois Environmental Agency's Water Pollution Controls Loan Program for the Purpose of Financing the Construction of the Bio-solids Dewatering Facility at the Wastewater Treatment Plant
Dennis Kress, Public Works Director, advised this ordinance would authorize a loan agreement in the amount not to exceed $6,000,000 with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the Bio-solids Dewatering Project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The estimated cost of the project is $5,590,000 and includes preliminary and design engineering, contract administration, construction and equipment expenses as well as construction engineering. The City will only borrow the amount necessary to complete the project. The loan term is 20 years and will be repaid in semi-annual payments beginning 6 months after project completion with a very low interest rate. He explained repayment of the debit will be funded by the Enterprise Fund's Capital Projects Fund through revenues collected from sewer rates and operational savings.
A motion was made by Councilman Hausmann, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Stehman, Green, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
4. Ordinance Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Collinsville and the Collinsville Community Unit 10 School District Relating to the Transfer of Real Estate (310 S. Seminary)
Travis Taylor, Senior Planner, advised the City is proposing a partnership by transferring property, 310 S. Seminary Street, to the school district for future use by the Collinsville Area Vocational Center. He explained the vocational center has a building trades department that teaches students construction skills. He displayed various pictures of homes built by the students. He explained the property, 310 S. Seminary St., once was a nuisance property that was donated to the City by the previous owners. The City has since demolished the structure and has been maintaining the property which is ready to be developed.
Councilman Jerome spoke highly of the Building Trades department and was in favor of the partnership. Mayor Miller agreed and spoke of various homes built by the students. A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Stehman to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Stehman, Green, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
N. OLD BUSINESS
O. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Miller asked for amotion to proceed into closed session in accordance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c): 11. Pending or Threatened or Imminent Litigation A motion was made by Councilman Stehman, seconded by Councilman Green. to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Stehman, Green, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
P. ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Clerk Wasser read the announcements. She also spoke of the upcoming light up Christmas parade and encouraged those wishing to participate to obtain an entry form from the City's website.
1. City Hall will be closed on Monday, November 11 in honor of Veteran's Day. The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.
American Legion will host their annual Veteran's Day parade on Monday, November 11 at 10:30am. The parade begins at Woodland Park and proceeds south on Vandalia. The parade will end at the American Legion, followed by a ceremony and free luncheon that is open to the public.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Jerome to adjourn 8:40pm. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Stehman, Green, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
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