City of Highland City Council met Dec. 20.
Here are 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 Cook, Gillespie, Imming, and Rosen, Police Chief Presson, EMS Chief Wilson, Treasurer Nicolaides, Deputy City Clerks Hediger and Von Hatten, City Clerk Bellm, Madison County Board Member Bobby Ross, and 9 citizens.
MINUTES
Councilman Frey made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 6, 2021 Regular Session as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Mayor Hemann read a statement issued by the City of Highland regarding the recent tornados that created devastation in Edwardsville, Illinois. Highland EMS assisted with search and rescue efforts. Ultimately, six lives were lost and many others were injured. Mayor Hemann expressed our hearts go out to those families. A moment of silence was observed.
Mayor Hemann acknowledged members of his family in attendance: Daughter, Amber and Son in-law Aaron Durbin, and Grandchildren Henry and Greta, from Colorado.
PUBLIC FORUM
Citizens’ Requests and Comments:
Mary “Meg” Schnidler stated she was here to inquire about the proposal regarding a truck stop in town. Can you tell me where it is going to be? Mayor Hemann asked if she was familiar with Highland. If so, it is at the corner by the roundabout farthest on the St. Rose Road, at Iberg Road and Veterans Honor Parkway, in an area that was already deemed as commercial. Ms. Schnidler asked if the residents were notified. Mayor Hemann stated they were. There was several meetings on the matter. Ms. Schnidler asked were they not concerned about the value of their homes going down. I lived by truck stops in areas of other communities. Mayor Hemann stated this is not what you would typically think of with a truck stop. This does not allow for overnight stays or have showers, etc. Ms. Schnidler explained truck stops tend to attract crime, drug trafficking, and sex trafficking. I have seen it on Hall Street in St. Louis and in Troy. I realize everyone wants tax revenues. Mayor Hemann reported there was a lot of conversation at both Planning & Zoning and the council meeting. Ms. Schnidler asked was there any discussion about the concern of roads, because these create a lot of traffic. Councilwoman Bellm stated, first, it is called a truck stop, only because of classifications under the State of Illinois. It only has three diesel pumping station and no overnight stays. We do not expect the semi traffic to increase in the area, as it is not near the interstate. This is primarily for the traffic that presently goes through there, truck, campers, and RVs. Ms. Schnidler asked could they change their plan. Councilwoman Bellm responded the plan presented they cannot change. It is not what you see in Troy. Ms. Schnidler asked is it in the bylaws of Highland. I have several elderly people that live in that area that are concerned about the traffic. Councilwoman Sloan stated this is the same as any other gas station in town. People walk and ride their bikes past them all the time.
Bobby Ross, Madison County Board Member, stated he represented St Jacob, Marine, Alhambra, and a section of Livingston. With current redistricting, he will be representing all of Highland at the next election. On the agenda, tonight, is the consolidation of 9-1-1 operations with Madison County. Mr. Ross stated I was a little skeptical about it, at first, due to added liability. After researching it and discussing it with those in charge at the county, I feel it will be a great asset. Judy Kuhn and I had a lot of hard discussion with the board members on this matter. It did pass by the county board, this past week, with a vote of 22-6. It is a lot for us all to learn about. We are taking on the City of Highland first. I hope it goes through tonight.
Requests & Comments of Council:
Councilwoman Bellm expressed she would like to let the electric department know the new Christmas lights are very beautiful. Director Cook thanked the council for voting to allow us to purchase the new lights.
Staff Reports:
City Manager Conrad reported HCS has finished the V-TV switchover within the guidelines. 1,100 accounts were switched over in six months. We are very pleased to get that done.
City Manager Conrad reported Governor Pritzker signed in new law regarding gaming, which allows non-home ruled communities to charge a $250 terminal fee within their corporate boundaries. The fee would be split 50/50 between the terminal operator and the business owner. A lot of money is earned by these firms. If we did decide to do this, it would be roughly the same amount of money needed to fund body cameras annually for our police. Attorney McGinley advised this forecloses what we are going to be reimbursed for gaming going forward. The 5% the city gets will be the end of it. Mayor Hemann clarified, to assess the fee we would have to create an ordinance. Attorney McGinley replied yes. Councilwoman Bellm stated I think we should look at it. Mayor Hemann asked, presently, the business owner is not being charged this fee. City Manager Conrad replied that is correct. There is a difference in the liquor license fee for establishments that have gaming versus those that do not. Staff will work to get more information for council.
NEW BUSINESS
Bill #21-192/ORDINANCE Amending the 2021-2022 Budget – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21-192/Ordinance #3153 amending the 2021-2022 Budget as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Mayor Hemann voted aye. Motion carried.
Bill #21-193/ORDINANCE for Levy, Assessment and Collection of Taxes – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #21-193/Ordinance #3154 for levy, assessment and collection of 2021 taxes payable in 2022. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Schedule of 2022 Meeting Dates for Council, Boards, and Commissions – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Schedule of 2022 Meeting Dates for Council, Boards, and Commissions as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-194/ORDINANCE Declaring Weight Equipment from the Korte Recreation Center to be Surplus and Authorizing their Sale – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #21-194/Ordinance #3155 declaring weight equipment from the Korte Recreation Center to be surplus and authorizing their sale as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-195/ORDINANCE Declaring Equipment from Highland Communication Services Surplus and Authorizing its Disposal – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21-195/Ordinance #3156 declaring equipment from Highland Communication Services surplus and authorizing its disposal as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Council member Bellm stated I would assume there are bunches of set top boxes in this. Director Imming replied yes. I tried to sell them on auction and could not get a bid. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-196/RESOLUTION Authorizing and Directing Application to the 2022 Surface Transportation Block Grant Program for the Purpose of Resurfacing Veterans Honor Parkway from Broadway to Michael Road – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #21-196/Resolution #21-12- 2890 authorizing and directing application to the 2022 Surface Transportation Block Grant Program for the purpose of resurfacing Veterans Honor Parkway from Broadway to Michael Road as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Mayor Hemann asked is that the bump-bump-bump sound we hear when driving. Director Joe Gillespie replied, yes. It is caused by the transverse sides joints were unsupported when the road was constructed. It was the method of construction at that time. Mayor Hemann asked will we have to do that with the other portion of the roadway. Director Gillespie replied no, that has rebar in the transverse joints. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-197/RESOLUTION Authorizing and Directing Application to the 2022 Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets Capital Grant for Assistance, for the Purpose of Constructing Pedestrian and Streetscape Improvements Along Broadway in Our Downtown Central Business District – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21-197/Resolution #21-12-2891 authorizing and directing application to the 2022 Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets Capital Grant for assistance, for the purpose of constructing pedestrian and streetscape improvements along Broadway in our downtown central business district as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Councilwoman Bellm asked if we get this grant, it would not be until 2027. Director Gillespie replied no. We would do this as soon as we get the funding. Councilwoman Bellm stated she thought she read ‘2027’ somewhere. City Clerk Bellm noted that was for the prior item on the agenda, for the roadway resurfacing. Councilwoman Bellm stated, so we would do this right away, but have to listen to the “bump-bump-bump” for another five years. Director Gillespie replied yes. Councilwoman Bellm asked how the streetscape signage is going on the first phase. Director Gillespie reported the signage is finally going up, right now. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-198/RESOLUTION Authorizing Request for Proposals for Outdoor Audio System for the Highland Square Band Shell – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #21-198/Resolution #21- 12-2892 authorizing request for proposals for outdoor audio system for the Highland Square Band Shell as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-199/RESOLUTION Authorizing Contract with St. Rose Township for Ambulance Services – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21-199/Resolution #21-12-2893 authorizing contract with St. Rose Township for ambulance services as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. City Manager Conrad reported there are four total districts. We have one contract that was not returned in time for this agenda and two others we are awaiting answers. Mayor Hemann inquired they will extend into January. City Manager Conrad replied yes. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-200/RESOLUTION Approving Payment of Sewer Backup Claim for Kristy Frey at 1408 Lynn Street – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #21-200/Resolution #21-12-2894 approving payment of sewer backup claim for Kristy Frey at 1408 Lynn Street as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #21-201/RESOLUTION Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department for Police, Fire and EMS Dispatch Services, both 911 and Non Emergency – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #21-201/Resolution #21-12-2895 authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between the City and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department for Police, Fire and EMS Dispatch Services, both 911 and Non-Emergency as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
REPORT
Accepting Expenditures Report #1209 for December 4, 2021 through December 17, 2021 – Councilman Frey made a motion to accept Expenditures Report #1209 for December 4, 2021 through December 17, 2021 as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm 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 under the following exemption: 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) to discuss the appointment of legal counsel for the public body as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Open Meeting temporarily adjourned at 7:30pm.
Mayor Hemann reconvened the Regular Session at 7:41pm. Council members Bellm, Frey and Sloan were present. Councilman Hipskind was absent. Others in attendance were City Manager Conrad, City Attorney McGinley, Deputy City Clerks Hediger and VonHatten, and City Clerk Bellm.
NEW BUSINESS (continued)
Bill #21-202/RESOLUTION Appointing Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith as City Attorneys/ Corporate Counsel for the City – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #21-202/Resolution #21- 12-2896 appointing Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP as City Attorneys/Corporate Counsel for the City of Highland as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, and Bellm voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilman Frey. All aye, none nay. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 7:43pm.
https://www.highlandil.gov/City%20Council/Minutes/2021/12-20-2021.pdf
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