City of Highland City Council met July 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Hemann called the Regular Session to order at 7:00pm. Council members Sloan, Frey, and Bellm were present. Councilman Hipskind was absent. Others in attendance were City Manager Conrad, City Attorney Michael McGinley, Directors Gillespie, Imming, Korte, and Vazquez, Police Chief Becherer, Coordinator Hubbard, City Staff: Jackie Heimberger and Gretchen Arnold, Treasurer Nicolaides, Deputy City Clerks Hediger and Von Hatten, City Clerk Bellm, 5 citizens, and 1 member of news media.
MINUTES
Councilman Frey made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 21, 2021 Regular Session as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 29, 2021 Special Session as attached; seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
PUBLIC FORUM
Citizens’ Requests and Comments:
Flügel Fest – Special Event Application – Mallord Hubbard and Gretchen Arnold were present to Gretchen requesting use of the Square for Flügel Fest to be held October 16, 2021, 10:00am – 6:00pm. On the day of the event, we are asking for Main, Washington and Laurel Streets around the Square be blocked off, as well as period police fire and ambulance assistance during the event. Councilman Frey made a motion to approve the request for Flügel Fest to be held on the downtown Square, on October 16, 2021, 10:00am-6:00pm, as requested. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Madison County Fair 5K Race – Special Event Application – David Amman, Representative, stated we are requesting to hold a new event with the fair, a 5K Race, Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 8:00am like. We are looking at this as another way to draw more interest to the fair. The route would be what they call the south 5K route that leaves off Lindenthal Avenue. We would have volunteers to staff the event; however, we would request police, fire and EMS assistance. Councilwoman Bellm made motion to approve the request for the Madison County Fair 5K Race, to be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 8:00am, as requested; seconded by Councilman Frey. Councilwoman Bellm asked do we have the information needed. Chief Becherer stated we would need to look at the route and make sure we have enough staff to cover the event. Executive Asst. Jackie Heimberger reported staff has looked over this and has approved the event and route. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Relay for Life – Paint the Town Purple Request – Paula Redman, Representative, reported that July 23 is “Paint the Town Purple” in conjunction with PBJ Festival. We would like to hang purple ribbons on the trees along main streets of town to promote cancer awareness and the Relay for Life events. We would like to leave up for the Relay for Life Survivor Dinner, which will be held September 24; however, they may come down on their own before then. Councilman Frey made a motion to approve the request to hang purple ribbons as requested, as part of “Paint the Town Purple” for Relay for Life as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Mayor Hemann noted you did not say anything about the celebrity pie auction. Mrs. Redman replied yes, July 23 is our celebrity pie auction at the PBJ festival, to benefit Relay for Life. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Jerome “Blackie” Kuhl introduced himself as part the 1% percent. He asked are we doing any good with golf carts. Mayor Hemann responded this council has addressed this already. While it is not the answer you do not want to hear, they have made a decision. Mr. Kuhl stated what about the ATVs that are driving up and down the main streets of town. If you are going to stop one, then stop it all. You stuck a lot of money into beautify the main street, yet we have one grocery store downtown and the sidewalks are horrible in front of it. It is easier to go Walmart. Look at the concrete. You have half the town with fancy lights and sidewalks and then that. Don’t just cater to high-priced around town. Those people at the other end pay just as much in taxes. Mayor Hemann responded thank you for your comments. Mr. Kuhl continued I got Chris to take care of the drainage at Four Diamonds. It is finally dry. How long is this going to take? Councilwoman Bellm responded what we have done so far on this end of town was paid for with grant. We applied for another grant to do that section; however, we did not approved for the grant for that section. Mr. Kuhl expressed we have one grocery store and they should get their sidewalks fixed. City Manager Conrad reported we are going to reapply for the grant for Phase 2. From what we were told, this round the focus was on pedestrian path projects. So, we hope to try again on the next round. Mayor Hemann expressed to Mr. Kuhl: We appreciate your comments. While you are not happy with all the decisions, we are doing what is best for everyone.
Requests & Comments of Council:
Councilman Frey noted there was money included in the budget to resurface this part of Broadway, if we did not get the grant funds to make the improvements for Phase 2. Director Joe Gillespie reported, as far as the section recently upgraded there is money in the budget for resurfacing. Since we did not get Phase 2 grant funding, we will proceed with that. Councilman Frey inquired what about the signage. There are some temporary signage out place. Director Gillespie reported there is a backlog in the supply chain. We are having trouble getting materials, signage and equipment. Councilman Frey stated I was not sure if material supply chain issue or if it was up to a subcontractor and they were delaying them being installed. Director Gillespie confirmed it is all supply chain issues.
Councilwoman Bellm asked if we can get an update on the new pool study. Where we are at; what the group’s thoughts are; and what needs to be done yet. City Manager Conrad reported Director Rosen and I were speaking about it today. We can prepare a presentation for it at next meeting.
Councilwoman Sloan stated my neighbor planned the parade for Charlee, this past week. It was very heartwarming to see all the support from all fire, EMS and police in the area. Thank you.
Staff Reports:
City Manager Conrad pointed out that council received, this evening, a copy of the proposal to renew the contract with Robert Sanders Waste. If any questions or concerns, please let us know. We are satisfied with proposal. The proposal includes an increase, which will result in about $4 per month per household. Last year. we absorbed the increase. This would be passed along to the users. Councilwoman Bellm asked do we have a deadline to act on this. City Manager Conrad reported the contract ends October 1. Obviously if we wanted to, we could go out for bid. Mayor Hemann noted the last rate increase was 2015. Councilwoman Bellm recalled when we went out for bid, several years ago; the rates with Sanders were substantially less than the others, at that time.
NEW BUSINESS
Bill #21-109/RESOLUTION Authorizing Allocation of Hotel/Motel Tax Funding for Advertisement of the 2021 Madison County Fair – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21-109/Resolution #21-07-2848 authorizing allocation of hotel/motel tax funding for advertisement of the 2021 Madison County Fair as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Councilwoman Bellm expressed concern that this is significantly more than we have given to other organizations. Finance Director Kelly Korte reported they have not made requests every year. Allocations made in the past to Madison County Fair: 2014, $3500; 2017, $4235; and, 2020, $5,089. Councilwoman Sloan suggested I would feel more comfortable with giving $6,000. Councilman Hipskind expressed I don’t have a problem giving them the full amount of the request. Can we sustain giving that? Are there other organizations that will be making the requests? Director Korte responded it is early in the budget year. I do anticipate some larger groups coming in. Councilman Frey stated I will be abstaining. I do want to point out that with a year off they are starting over. That is the reason for such a large amount. Councilwoman Bellm asked Director Korte if are we okay with giving them $9,800, as requested. Director Korte responded I don’t know what that amount is going to be, because it is based off hotel stays. Councilman Hipskind stated I do not see a problem with it. Councilwoman Bellm expressed concern that others will come and we will not have enough to give to them. Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to amend the amount from $9,800 to $7,500. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm voted aye, Hipskind voted nay, Frey abstained, and Mayor Hemann voted aye. Motion carried. Roll Call Vote on motion as amended: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Councilman Frey abstained. Motion carried.
Approve Appointment of George E. Jones to the Police and Fire Commission – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve appointment of George E. Jones to the Police and Fire Commission to fill the vacant position created by the resignation of Terry Remelius, for a term to expire June 2023, as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Award Bid #PD-04-21, for Purchase of Two Police SUV’s – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to award Bid #PD-04-21, for purchase of two police SUV’s from Tri-Ford, Inc. for the price of $68,952.00 as attached; seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-110/ORDINANCE Declaring Personal Property Surplus and Authorizing its Sale and/or Disposal, Including a 2009 Dodge Caliber and a 1998 Ford Ranger – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #21-110/Ordinance #3116 declaring personal property surplus and authorizing its sale and/or disposal, including a 2009 Dodge Caliber and a 1998 Ford Ranger as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-111/ORDINANCE Authorizing Supplement to Lease of Land Between TJO Holdings, LLC and City of Highland – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21-111/Ordinance #3117 authorizing supplement to lease of land between TJO Holdings, LLC and City of Highland as attached; seconded by Councilman Frey. Councilwoman Bellm asked what the supplement is. Building & Zoning Director Breann Vazquez explained this clarifies the start date of the lease agreement and that the city is allowing them to make additions to the patio, such as the metal roof that will be on it.
Bill #21-112/RESOLUTION Approving Barb Shinn’s Application, on Behalf of 9th Street Café, and Awarding Certain Financial Incentives Under the Façade Improvement Program – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #21-112/Resolution #21-07-2849 approving Barb Shinn’s application, on behalf of 9th Street Café, and awarding certain financial incentives under the façade improvement program as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21/113/RESOLUTION Approving Owner Change Order Number Nine for the Public Safety Building, and Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirement – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21/113/Resolution #21-07-2850 approving Owner Change Order Number Nine for the Public Safety Building, and waiving competitive bidding requirement as attached; seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-114/RESOLUTION Approving Owner Change Order Number Ten for the Public Safety Building, and Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirement – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #21-114/Resolution #21-07-2851 approving Owner Change Order Number Ten for the Public Safety Building, and waiving competitive bidding requirements, for total cost change of an additional $103,078.93 total, as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm.
Bill #21-115/RESOLUTION Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Contract Between the City and Pocahontas-Old Ripley Fire District for Ambulance Services – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21-115/Resolution #21-07-2852 approving and authorizing the execution of a contract between the city and Pocahontas-Old Ripley Fire District for ambulance services as attached; seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
REPORT
Accepting Expenditures Report #1198 for June 19, 2021 through July 2, 2021 – Councilman Frey made a motion to accept Expenditures Report #1198 for June 19, 2021 through July 2, 2021 as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. 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)(21) to discuss the approval of executive session minutes. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Open Meeting temporarily adjourned at 7:33pm.
Mayor Hemann reconvened the Regular Session at 7:42pm. Council members Hipskind, Bellm, Frey and Sloan were present. Others in attendance were City Manager Conrad, City Attorney McGinley, 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 7:43pm.
https://www.highlandil.gov/City%20Council/Minutes/07-06-2021.pdf
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