City of Highland City Council Met June 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Hemann called the Regular Session to order at 7:00pm. Council members Sloan, Frey, Bellm were present. Councilman Hipskind was absent. Others in attendance were City Manager Conrad, City Attorney Michael McGinley, Directors Cook, Gillespie, Imming, Kim, Korte, Rosen, and Speraneo, Police Chief Becherer, EMS/Fire Chief Wilson, Coordinator Hubbard, Treasurer Nicolaides, Deputy City Clerks Hediger and Von Hatten, City Clerk Bellm, Mike Russell, 55 citizens, and 1 member of news media.
MINUTES
Councilman Frey made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2021 Regular Session as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
MAYORAL RECOGNITION
Mayor Hemann recognized the Highland High School Girls’ Softball Team that won the 2021 IHSA Class 3A State Championship. Coach Glen Nicholls came forward with the State Championship trophy. Coach Nicholls stated I have been affiliated with HHS Girls’ Softball for six seasons, with this being my third season as Head Coach. Going into this game, we won the coin toss to be the home team with a virtual flip. I can always tell the players had the attitude that they belonged there and that they believed they could win. Getting up to the championship, we wanted to keep things the same as we have done all year long. The difficult thing is that at the playoffs they take you out of your element and change you up. The girls got four runs in the first inning facing a pitcher who has a scholarship to Eastern Illinois University, pitching for the Lemont Indians, who had not given up a run in the post season. Going into the sixth inning, it was 0-0. Pitcher Sam Meiner hits a double with no outs. We put a courtesy runner in for Sam, Alecia Pitkin. There was a late steal of third base by Alecia. Maddie Trauernicht hits a couple of fouls, before hitting a line drive. Alecia took off for home, taking the plate and getting us the winning run. We are really happy and fortunate. Mayor Hemann asked did you make the call to send her. Coach Nicholls responded, I wish; but no, she is good a reading the plays and knowing when to run. He introduced the championship team: #0 Emma Strubinger, #2 Rayanna Gellhausen (CF), #6 Sophia Donoho, #7 Ellie Koekenmeier, #8 Faith Hickam, #9 Katie Frank, #10 Karli Dant, #12 Sam Meiner (P), #13 Claire Schultz, #15 Abbie Schultz, #17 Sydney Parkerson, #18 Alicia Pitkin, #19 Breanna Habermehl, #22 Alex Schultz, #25 Madalyn Trauernicht, #26 Kelly Fuller, #28 Maggie Grohmann, #33 Sophie Parkerson, #57 Maci Miles, Asst. Coach Steve Schultz, Asst. Coach Brown
Mayor Hemann informed everyone that he had signed a letter, earlier today, going to IDOT, requesting a sign to put up with the City of Highland, as home of IHSA Girls’ Softball State Champions 2021.
PUBLIC FORUM
Citizens’ Requests and Comments:
Treat on the Streets – Special Event Application – Marshall Rinderer, Representative, requested use of the Downtown Square. As in past years, businesses have the choice of handing out candy from spots on the Square or they can hand out treats at their businesses. Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Treat on the Streets on October 29, 2021, from 1pm-5pm on the Downtown Square; seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Highland Marathon – Special Event Application – Pulse Personal Training is looking at holding fun run on Saturday, October 9, 2021. We had about fifty people that ran the informal event last year. The run will start at 7am. Councilman Frey inquired if the route was sent for the city’s review. City Manager Conrad reported it was submitted with the event application; it is the same as last year. Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Pulse Personal Training’s special event application to hold a run on October 9, 2021 as requested. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Hard Road Theatre Meet & Greet – Special Event Application - Ryan Goodwin, Representative, stated as proud a parent, I am requesting permission for the group to hold a meet and greet event on July 10, 2021, 11am – 1pm, as part of a marketing event for the upcoming play. In addition to people meeting the cast of the play, there will be vendors selling items: the Optimists will have their brat wagon, Tropical Sno, the band parents with lemon shakeups; and, The Chocolate Affair will be selling ice cream. Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Hard Road Theatre’s request to hold a Meet & Greet on July 10, 2021, 11am-1pm on Square; seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Leaps of Love Request for Permission to Hang Banners for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – Traci Reichmann, Representative, thanked the community for all the support of cancer during the month of July. As a survivor of childhood cancer, I think more focus needs to be placed on it. I am asking to put banners on the same poles that the Christmas Lights are hung from. There are eight active survivors of childhood cancer in our community that are 13 years of age and under. Director Dan Cook reported he met with Traci and we went through all this. Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Leaps of Love’s request for permission to hang banners for Childhood Cancer Awareness during the month of September. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Joyce and Robert Hoffmann’s Request to Hold Auction at 1206 Eden Lane – John Kues, of Kues Bros. Realty and Auction Service passed out flyers for the auction. He explained the Hoffmann’s are moving to a smaller home. It is not feasible to rent a hall or hold the sale of their possessions somewhere else. They are requesting to block off about a half-block of North St. Michael Court during the auction. Only be one neighbor that we would block. We have spoken with that person, and they are okay with this. We would leave access for North St. Michael Court in case emergency access is needed the day of the event. Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the request for road closure on July 17, 10:30am-3pm as attached; seconded by Councilman Frey. Mayor Hemann asked if staff anticipates any problems with traffic. Interim Police Chief Becherer stated our only concern is getting emergency vehicles down the street if needed. Mr. Kues stated they would be able to create access if needed. They have cones to mark off area. If want to bring own barricades that is fine too. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Requests & Comments of Council:
No comments or requests made.
Staff Reports:
City Manager Conrad asked Director Rosen to give an update on Plaza Park Restrooms. Parks & Recreation Director Mark Rosen reported we expect delivery next Monday or Tuesday. Once in, we will begin having Thursday Night Live, with bands: Edwardsville Community Symphony, Benders & Back Road Acoustics, and Jesse Vincent. We skip fair week, then Jeremy Wright, The Yacht Rockers, Symphony Brass Quintet, and end with Jerimiah Johnson. Mayor Hemann asked, once delivered, how quickly would they be ready for use. Director Rosen responded they could be ready in one day.
Councilwoman Sloan stated Mr. Schlafly was at the Business After Hours, last week. They are very excited about being a part of the community. He spoke about how the members of his family came this country; and, how the first one to pass away was buried here, and the first one born in U.S. was born here, in Highland.
NEW BUSINESS
Approve Mayor’s Reappointments to the Library Board of Trustees – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve the mayor’s reappointments of Shawn Voegele, Sharon Rinderer, and Joyce Zerban to the Library Board of Trustees, for additional three-year terms, to expire June 30, 2024 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Approve Mayor’s Appointment and Reappointments to Tree Commission – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the mayor’s re-appointments of Larry Brammer and Kurt Vonder Haar and the appointment of Steve Pfettscher to the Tree Commisson, for three-year terms to expire July 2024 as attached; seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #20-102/ORDINANCE Authorizing and Providing for the Issue of General Obligation Sewerage System Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2021, for the Purpose of Refunding Prior Obligations of the City – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #20- 102/Ordinance #3115 authorizing and providing for the issue of General Obligation Sewerage System Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2021, for the purpose of refunding prior obligations of the City as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Joy Howard, of WM Financial Strategies, reported we began the refunding process back in April. At that time, I estimated saving $282,000. We selected Commerce Bank, and received AA rating. The final savings will be $282,373.61. This is a small issue of bonds for the sewer system bonds. Kelly and Chris did a great job at getting us that fantastic rating. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-103/RESOLUTION Approving Intergovernmental Agreement Between City of Highland and the Illinois Department of Transportation for Traffic Light Maintenance – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21-103/Resolution #21-06-2842 approving intergovernmental agreement between City of Highland and the Illinois Department of Transportation for traffic light maintenance as attached; seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-104/RESOLUTION Authorizing Allocation of Hotel/Motel Tax Funding for Leaps of Love, Inc. to assist with Lodging for their event LOL Night at the Races – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #21-104/Resolution #21-06-2843 authorizing allocation of hotel/motel tax funding for Leaps of Love, Inc. to assist with lodging for their event LOL Night at the Races as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-105/RESOLUTION Authorizing Allocation of Hotel/Motel Tax Funding for Highland Speed Way for Advertising for the Summer Nationals – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21-105/Resolution #21-06-2844 authorizing allocation of hotel/motel tax funding for Highland Speedway for advertising for the Summer Nationals as attached; seconded by Councilman Frey. Councilwoman Bellm asked are we okay on hotel/motel funds. Finance Director Kelly Korte replied yes. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-106/RESOLUTION Approving Owner Change Order Number Forty-Five for the Public Safety Building, and Waiving the Competitive Bidding Requirement, to Provide Epoxy Flooring in the Apparatus Bay, Sally Port, and Garage – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #21-106/ Resolution #21-06-2845 approving Owner Change Order Number Forty-Five for the Public Safety Building, and waiving the competitive bidding requirement, to provide epoxy flooring in the apparatus bay, sally port, and garage as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Councilwoman Bellm asked why we are doing this. City Manager Conrad explained this is the same product used at Fire Station #1. We are already putting epoxy flooring in detention area and other places of the facility for easy clean up. The vendor gave us an add-on price to do these other areas. The pricing is good until June 30. It does look nicer, and it makes it easier for cleanup of fuel and other spills. This is a true add change order. It was not anticipated in the planning. Councilwoman Sloan asked why it was not part of original estimate. City Manager Conrad stated we were trying to keep costs down. We spent $18,000 at Station #1. This is $54,000 for apparatus bay, sally port, and garage. The cost savings is that they are there doing other areas already. Councilman Frey clarified we were going to do clear sealant anyways; this is just an upgrade. City Manager Conrad replied yes. Councilwoman Bellm noted you always figure a 10% overage on a project as good. City Manager Conrad reported presently we are just over 3% on the project. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-107/RESOLUTION Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirement and Authorizing Purchase of Audio/Visual Equipment for the Public Safety Building – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21-107/Resolution #21-06-2846 waiving competitive bidding requirement and authorizing purchase of audio/visual equipment for the Public Safety Building as attached; seconded by Councilman Frey. Councilwoman Bellm asked, while not competitive bidding, you did get pricing. City Manager Conrad reported we spoke to a local person that did this type of work from many years. He was helpful in guiding us to the people we need to connect with. This equipment is just through the main training areas. All other areas of building we are working through HCS. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Discussion – Update on Christmas Lights – Director Dan Cook reported I had gotten preliminary input on this. Back in the day, it was popular for a lot of areas of Highland to be lite up and buses came through to see the lights. What we presently have is incandescent light strings that use 8-10 watts each. The new LED use one watt on a string. These are plastic, so they will not break as easy. My proposal, with these being $2 per lineal foot, is to ask businesses to pay for the lights, timers, and any other electrical boxes, up front. In turn, we procure the lights, hang the lights, and maintain the lights. What color do you want to see? And, are you okay with drafting an ordinance to that effect? Councilwoman Bellm asked where these are going. Director Cook reported these would be on the firehouse, city hall. Kloss Furniture, then the florist and across to Finley Flooring; and on the businesses around the Square.
Any business can get in the program. They just have to pay the cost to furnish the lights, which we will procure. Councilwoman Sloan asked what about other areas of town. Director Cook replied we can look at that. Councilman Frey asked will we run out to a pole then for plug in. Director Cook replied my hope is that the business will provide an electric outlet to hook into; however, we will need to handle on case by-case basis. Councilwoman Bellm asked where these lights come from. Director Cook replied Christmas Lights, Etc. Councilman Hipskind expressed I like the white, daylight lights. Councilwoman Bellm and Councilwoman Sloan also agreed they liked the brighter white lights. Councilwoman Bellm pointed out the lights inside square are the soft white, though. Director Cook reported the idea was to work towards that next year and phase the replacements. Councilwoman Sloan asked could the hotel/motel funds be used for that, as people do come into Highland for the Christmas parade, Santa house, and to see the other light displays around the Square. Finance Director Kelly Korte reported there was $14,000 from last year; and we estimate having about $22,000 brought in this year. Councilman Frey asked Director Cook to work together to see if we can use funds from hotel/motel to see what we can do this year. Director Cook noted he met with City Manager Conrad on capital items, last week. We had a truck for replacement scheduled in the electric department budget for this year. Buying vehicles is not a good idea this year, but we do have that money to allocate to that, which could be reallocated towards this. Councilwoman Sloan expressed so many people do come in for the parade and just to see the lights over the holiday season. Councilwoman Bellm asked what if residents want to purchase. Director Cook stated he would guide them to the website.
REPORT
Accepting Expenditures Report #1197 for June 5, 2021 through June 18, 2021 – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to accept Expenditures Report #1197 for June 5, 2021 through June 18, 2021 as attached; seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to temporarily adjourn this regular session to enter into executive session under the Illinois Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(8) to discuss security procedures to respond to a reasonably potential danger to the safety of public property. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried. Open Meeting temporarily adjourned at 7:56pm.
Mayor Hemann reconvened the Regular Session at 9:18pm. Council members Hipskind, Bellm, Frey and Sloan were present. Others in attendance were City Manager Conrad, City Attorney McGinley, Director Imming, Mike Russell, Deputy City Clerks Hediger and Von Hatten, and City Clerk Bellm.
Mayor Hemann stated nothing discussed in Executive Session would be acted upon in Open Session this evening.
Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilman Frey. All councilmembers voted aye, none nay. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 9:18pm.
https://www.highlandil.gov/City%20Council/Minutes/2021/06-21-21.pdf
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