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Monday, June 9, 2025

City of Collinsville City Council Met Aug. 10

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City of Collinsville City Council Met Aug. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

Mayor Miller called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

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 Donna Green, Councilman Jeff Stehman, and Mayor John Miller

Absent: 0

C. INVOCATION

Delivered by Pastor Christopher Watkins of New Community Church.

D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Recited.

E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS

1. Retirement Recognition:

Jeni Kyrouac - 21 Years of Service

Police Chief Steve Evans recognized Jeni Kyrouac for her 21 years of service at the Police Department. He thanked her for her service and wished her the best in her new endeavors. Mayor Miller presented Kyrouac with a retirement plaque.

2. Recognition of Shawna Robinson, 2nd Quarter Employee Appreciation Award Recipient

Director Travis Taylor recognized Shawna Robinson as the recipient of the 2nd quarter Employee Appreciation Award. He spoke of her superior service and dedication to the residents and staff within the Community Development Department. City Manager Bair spoke of overall dedicated employees but highlighted Robinson's efforts.

F. BUSINESS PRIOR TO PUBLIC INPUT

G. COUNCIL DISCUSSION

1. Security Camera System Replacement

IT Director Sean Seckler spoke of security camera system replacement. He explained the current camera hardware is inadequate and the server that supports the system cannot be upgraded. He mentioned the lack of quality images, hardware intermittently going offline, and the software is proprietary with only one supporting vendor, who employees one technician for service.

He spoke in favor of replacing the system with Avigilon, a Motorola Solutions company. He advised they are ranked #1,with the lowest rate of failure and at the lowest cost. They offer training and 24/7 support at no additional fees. Since the system is Motorola based, it will integrate well with existing cameras and radio systems.

He displayed a video on how the Avigilon camera system would work.

Director Seckler advised the system would be used city-wide at various facilities, include new cameras and servers, software licensing, installation and training at a total cost of $600,000. He indicated Avigilon offers the best hardware solutions, user friendly, minimal failure rate, and lowest total cost of ownership in comparison to other brands.

City Manager Bair spoke of the need for camera coverage at intersections as well as facilities.

Councilman Hausmann inquired of the age of our current system to which Director Seckler advised it was over 8 years old. Brief discussion was had regarding lifespan to which it was determined that 5 years is typical. Discussion was had regarding possible funding avenues to offset costs.

Councilman Jerome spoke of looking for ways to create a safe community by utilizing cameras as well as quality images for evidentiary use. He spoke of evolving technology and mentioned the need to upgrade software as well as supporting hardware. He too inquired of other funding options.

City Manager Bair advised staff will look into grant opportunities to offset cost. He further mentioned a 10 year renewal program as a way to keep up with growing technology.

Councilman Stehman indicated the upgraded camera system was much needed and critical to address City of Collinsville Page 2 Printed on 8/25/2021

City Council Minutes - Final August 10, 2021 police issues. Councilman Green concurred and thanked staff for the explanation.

Mayor Miller inquired of the company. Director Seckler advised they have been in business for just less than 20 years. He mentioned other communities who use Avigilon with success.

H. SPEAKERS FROM THE FLOOR

Eric Hall spoke of a dead-end alley at rear of his home. He advised he built a shed across his property line and into the alleyway. He indicated that he and his neighbor have been maintaining the alleyway. He asked the City to vacate the alley.

I. COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - MAYOR

Mayor Miller spoke of the USA Women's Volleyball Team that won a gold medal in the Olympics. He advised Collinsville High School graduate Michelle Bartsch-Hackley is a member of the team. He thanked the Parks Department and the high school for hosting a watch party of the event.

J COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL MEMBERS None.

K. COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - CITY STAFF

City Manager Bair spoke of Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, Olympic Gold Medalist. He highlighted the City's Business Relief Program due to COVID. The maximum award was $25,000. The City was able to provide relief to 39 businesses in a total amount of $703,731. Also, he spoke of the Utility Tax Rebate program. Lastly, he spoke of the upcoming Outdoor Dining Event on Main Street, August 13-14.

L. CONSENT AGENDA

City Clerk Wasser read the Consent Agenda.

Councilman Green asked to move item L. 3. Motion to Approve Minutes of the July 27 Council Meeting to New Business as she was not present at the meeting.

1. Motion to Approve Payment of Bills for the Period Ending July 31, 2021, in the Amount of $1,004,609.87

2. Motion to Approve Payroll for the Period Ending July 23, 2021, in the Amount of $817,711.21

4. Ordinance Appointing Michelle Forneris to the position of Chair to the Planning Commission Through December 31, 2021

5. Resolution Requesting Permission from the Illinois Department of Transportation to Close Main Street for Italian Fest

Mayor Miller asked if the Council wished to pull any items prior to a Motion. Item L. 3. Motion to Approve Minutes of the July 27 Council Meeting was moved to New Business. A motion was made by Councilman Stehman, seconded by Councilman Jerome, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Green, Stehman, and Miller

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

M. NEW BUSINESS

1. Ordinance Authorizing Expenditure of TIF Funds (Shawn Sims/Miners Institute Foundation, 204 W. Main)

Caitlin Rice, Associate Planner advised the applicant, Shawn Sims on behalf of the Miner's Institute Foundation, is seeking TIF reimbursement for electrical upgrades, emergency lighting and signage, and architectural lighting at the Miner's Theater, 204 W. Main. She spoke of the impact the project will have on the facility. She advised the total cost of the project is $7,645, requesting reimbursement in the amount of $5,658. She described the project and displayed pictures of where the improvements would be.

Councilman Jerome spoke in favor of the improvements and the possibility of utilizing the facility in the future.

Councilman Stehman agreed and spoke of the last TIF award that addressed fire safety issues. He mentioned the City partnering with the Miner's Institute Foundation in order to establish a master plan for the facility.

A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Hausmann to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Green, Stehman, and Miller

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

2. Ordinances Authorizing the Mayor to Sign Purchase Contracts with Madison County, as Trustee, and St. Clair County, as Trustee, Relative to Property

a. 204 O'Farrell, PIN 13-2-21-33-13-301-030, Madison County

b. 314 Summit, PIN 13-2-21-33-06-103-019, Madison County

c. 327 Summit, PIN 13-2-21-33-06-101-028, Madison County

d. 1107 Cherokee, PIN 03-04.0-211-009, St. Clair County

e. Arrowhead lot, PIN 03-04.0-202-031, St. Clair County

f. Arrowhead lot, PIN 03-04.0-214-009, St. Clair County

Overview by Community Development Director Travis Taylor, to purchase a total of 6 parcels (3 City of Collinsville from Madison County Trustees and 3 from St. Clair County) for a total sum of $4,785:

* 204 O'Farrell

* 314 Summit

* 327 Summit

* 1107 Cherokee

* Arrowhead lot, PIN 03-04.0-214-009)

* Arrowhead lot, PIN 03-04.0-202-031)

He described each property and displayed aerial views of the parcels. He indicated the City is already maintaining the grass at each location.

Councilman Jerome inquired of future property taxes to which Corporate Counsel Giacoletto advised staff would apply for an exemption. Councilman Jerome spoke of potentially using the parcels as part of an incentive in the First Time Home Buyers Program. Director Taylor spoke of incorporating the parcels into the program as well as donating them to the Collinsville Area Vocational Center, Building Trades at the high school.

A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Stehman to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Green, Stehman, and Miller

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

3. Ordinance Authorizing the Mayor to Sign an Agreement with SSM Medical Group related to Fire Department Medical Evaluations

Fire Chief John Bailot advised this ordinance would authorize an agreement with SSM Medical Group to perform annual comprehensive medical evaluations for fire personnel. The program is in accordance with the Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness Fitness Initiative. He advised the evaluations would be conducted at SSM's facility in Bridgeton at DePaul Hospital. The term of the agreement is for a 1 year trial with option to extend two times, each for a 2 year time period (total of 5 years). The evaluations are compliant with the 2019 AFG grant. The cost of the first year is $24,000 and estimated at $104,000 for the full 5 years.

Mayor Miller inquired as to how the results would be distributed. Chief Bailot clarified that the City would not receive medical results but rather a certificate of clearance, remediate, or unable to return to work for the employee. He advised that only the individual being evaluated would receive the medical results.

A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Hausmann to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Green, Stehman, and Miller

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

4. Motion to Approve Minutes of the July 27, 2021 Council Meeting

A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Stehman to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 4 - Jerome, Hausmann, Stehman, and Miller

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 1 - Green

N. OLD BUSINESS

O. CLOSED SESSION

Mayor Miller asked for a motion to proceed into closed session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c):

1. Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline or performance of employees

11. Pending or Threatened or Imminent Litigation

A motion was made by Councilman Hausmann, seconded by Councilman Jerome to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Green, Stehman, and Miller

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

P. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Q. ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Green to adjourn at 7:49 pm. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Green, Stehman, and Miller

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

https://collinsville.legistar1.com/collinsville/meetings/2021/8/1471_M_City_Council_21-08-10_Minutes.pdf

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