City of Collinsville City Council met Oct. 11.
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 and Deputy City Clerk Payton Drury.
Present: 5 - Absent: 0
Councilman Donna Green, Councilman Jeff Stehman, Councilman David Jerome, Councilman Tony Hausmann, and Mayor John Miller
C. INVOCATION
Delivered by Pastor Ron Habermehl of North Smoke Church.
D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Recited.
E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation - Community Planning Month October 2022
Mayor Miller read the Proclamation.
F. BUSINESS PRIOR TO PUBLIC INPUT
G. COUNCIL DISCUSSION
1. Project Food Truck
City Manager Bair introduced Retired General John Michel of Soulcial Kitchen. He also mentioned Tony Fuhrmann and the apprenticeship program. He (Bair) outlined the agenda of the project.
Ret. General Michael spoke of Soulcial Kitchen and their approach of reaching out and helping the underserved. He spoke of COVIDs affect on soup kitchens. He mentioned rapid growth in food truck businesses. He spoke of the Food Truck Project to include a purpose with a vision and mission. Soulcial Kitchen has partnered with Department of Labor to start an apprenticeship program. He spoke of the token system used to purchase food in a discreet manner. He mentioned food truck friendly spaces as a way to draw the community together.
City Manager Bair spoke of Collinsville's economic development through tourism and the financial impact it has on the community. He explained that 65-70% of sales tax revenues come from outside visitors to Collinsville. The project would drive additional tourism to the community. He outlined the Food Truck Project plan to include converted park spaces, commissary location, creation of food truck plaza - Redmon Plaza, and cultivate new opportunities for the community and those in need.
City Manager Bair and Ret. General Michel explained the plan in detail:
Convert the Parks - minimum of 2 food truck slots per park with electric hook ups and consistent branding with wind sails.
Commissary - located at the former Gateway Fun Park building to be used as a food prep and storage facility, operators will rent the space and pay a percentage of gross sales. He mentioned using "Currency of Caring" token system.
Creation of Redmon Plaza (in honor of Bogie Redmon), adjacent to Activity Center, food truck accommodations for events and festivals for a community aggregation point.
Cultivate new opportunities - facilitate mobile markets to help serve community, garden creation, and business opportunities.
They spoke of the partnerships between the City of Collinsville, Soulcial Kitchen, along with Madison and St. Clair County Workforce and Labor Development. They also mentioned leadership, training, and apprenticeship programs to assist those wishing to go into the food truck business.
A brief discussion was had regarding a "Ghost Kitchen" to which Michel explained it to be a virtual restaurant that operates out of another restaurant's existing kitchen for online orders. They spoke of the timeline to establish. Mr. Fuhrmann spoke additional funding opportunities and a potential partnership with the Department of Human Services. Ret. General Michel spoke of working with existing restaurant establishments in hopes of them adopting the "Currency of Caring" program. They spoke of serving quality food to underserved and/or low income areas. They also mentioned the Collinsville High School Vocational Program and Mr. Fuhrmann advised efforts are underway by the Madison County Workforce to partner with the vocational food service classes. He (Fuhrmann) also explained the apprenticeship program.
H. SPEAKERS FROM THE FLOOR
Lisa Ciampoli advised she is a resident and former Council member. She spoke of her disappointment with the Council regarding Home Rule information that she believes is misleading and causes fear. She mentioned things that could be done under Home Rule without public's approval. She spoke of cuts in public services and gave an example of limb pick up. She mentioned high sales tax rates. She spoke of a flier regarding Home Rule and property taxes. She indicated property taxes have increased over the years. She spoke of other revenues and grants as funding sources.
Tony Fuhrmann advised he was speaking as a resident and not in his official capacity. He spoke of Home Rule coming into effect with the Illinois Constitution in 1970. He spoke of a Chamber event in which a speaker was talking about Home Rule. His research shows that 5 communities electing to not be Home Rule since its inception. These communities were in DuPage County, suburb of Chicago. He advised over the years, 29 communities fell below the population threshold to keep Home Rule status and therefore had to hold a referendum. The outcome was 25 remained Home Rule. He spoke of Edwardsville's ballot referendum in 2012 in which 88% of the votes elected to maintain Home Rule. He spoke of benefits to Home Rule. He spoke of the ballot wording being confusing but mandated by the State. He asked the public to vote no in order to remain Home Rule and keep services.
Jeannie Lomax spoke of the Home Rule ballot question and expressed her concerns of what Home Rule allows. She indicated a city under Home Rule could levy new taxes, create ordinances and incur debt. She advised Collinsville became Home Rule in 2005 based on its population. She spoke of the City's debt over the years and indicated in 2005 = $2.5 million and 2021 = $58.2 million. She spoke of the debt held by the Collinsville Area Recreation District prior to being dissolved. She spoke of a flier regarding Home Rule and indicated State Statute regulates what a city cannot do but can regulate what is not prohibited by law. She advised Collinsville's population has decreased. She spoke of the need to fund public services (Police and Fire) and suggested cutting administrative expenses.
Simon Childerson spoke in favor of keeping Home Rule. He mentioned Collinsville having the second lowest ranking on property taxes in comparison to the surrounding communities. He advised Fairview Heights ranks the lowest as they do not collect property taxes. He spoke of sales tax revenues being paid by 70% of people not living in Collinsville. The sales tax they pay offsets the costs of public services. Next, he spoke of the City's debt with 45% being the replacement costs of the City's infrastructure and equipment. He advised 32% of the debt is the new water plant that had to be replaced. He spoke of the need to have well staffed and equipped public services for the community. Home Rule revenues makes up 20% of the City's budget. He advised cutting administrative costs would not make up for a $7 million deficit should we lose Home Rule.
Phil Astrauskas read a Facebook post by a fireman regarding signs to end Home Rule displayed at rental properties. The post identified the properties and indicated they were owned by the same landlord. The post spoke of fire issues at these properties and indicated fire department personnel could lose their jobs without Home Rule to which he (Astrauskas) disagreed and elaborated on the issues. He continued reading the post which indicated landlords were against Home Rule due to personal issues and occupancy program but advised that was not the case. He spoke of the post as being slanderous by a City employee. He spoke of the population decline in Collinsville and pointed at several people indicating they do not live in the City.
Dennis Tarrant spoke of the issue he had with the City regarding a duplex he owns. He mentioned other issues at surrounding properties. He spoke of his wife purchasing a business in Collinsville (Dairy Freeze) and the improvements that were requested by the City. He spoke of issues at other businesses. He spoke of purchasing a lot on Main (next to Uptown Scoops) for a bike and mower repair shop. He mentioned shipping containers being used at local businesses. He spoke of the inspection done at a property that he owns in which he was restricted from installing chain link fencing.
Kevin Wrigley spoke of the committee in favor of Home Rule and identified Councilmen Green and Stehman on the committee. He indicated they tend to marginalize those in opposition. He advised he has been contacted by residents with concerns over Home Rule. He spoke of meeting with first responders from other communities who are not Home Rule, who have not indicated issues. He spoke of City employees living outside of Collinsville in non Home Rule communities. He said he was told the Home Rule sales tax is $5.3 million and was unclear as to how the City could not make up that deficit. He mentioned an non Home Rule sales tax that could be implemented. He next spoke of the 2022 Budget being more than what was projected. He spoke of Shiloh being non Home Rule with lower property taxes.
I. COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - MAYOR
None.
J COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL MEMBERS None.
K. COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - CITY STAFF
Deputy City Manager Derek Jackson announced a partnership program with the Collinsville Township to offer free limb and yard waste pick up for residents during the week of November 7. The City will also have their free annual drop off services at the Street Department facility in December and the City anticipates doing a similar service come spring.
City Manager Bair introduced Financial Director Dustin Ziebold and asked that he address the budget. He spoke of comments regarding deficit spending and indicated it was not factual. He clarified that excess revenues from prior years go into the Unassigned Fund Balance which are utilized for capital projects. City Manager Bair added that the Actual has outperformed the Budgeted which explains the growing Unassigned Fund Balance and has recently allowed for some capital projects to proceed. Director Ziebold advised the City's Unassigned Fund Balance target is 15-20% and at present we are at 23%. He explained that the Unassigned Fund Balance funds are used for projects when needed. He clarified that if the City ran a deficit, it (City) would be bankrupt or insolvent. He further advised the budget process and approach will include information regarding whether Unassigned Fund Balance funds were used.
Councilman Jerome spoke of the conservative approach during COVID to ensure we were not deficit. City Manager Bair spoke of various reductions during COVID yet still maintained an Unassigned Fund Balance within range. A brief discussion was had regarding projects that will be outlined in the next Capital Improvement Plan. Director Ziebold spoke of utilizing excess Unassigned Fund Balance funds in a strategic manner to complete necessary projects in a timely manner for the community.
Next, Director Ziebold addressed some comments made regarding the City's debt. He outlined the City's current debt (based 2021 Finance Report) as being a total of $55,374,589:
$27,696,204 - Water/Sewer infrastructure, which reflects 50% of the City's total debt; however, this debt is paid with user fees and not the General Fund. He spoke of the extreme costs associated with proper infrastructure and the maintenance thereof. He spoke of infrastructure debt as being a good debt and necessary for the upkeep of the systems.
$22,625,000 - Collinsville Crossing, reflects 40.85% of City's total debt and paid with dedicated revenue sources.
$ 2,624,171 - TIF District 1, comprises 4.74% of City's total debt and paid with dedicated revenues and not General Fund
$ 2,429,214 - General Fund Debt, 4.39% of total. He spoke of this as being a strong debt ratio in comparison to the budget and indicated it would be even less in 2023.
City Manager Bair noted that property tax revenues are not used to pay City debt. Majority of the property tax levy is committed to the public safety pensions.
A discussion was had regarding the Water and Sewer Treatment Plants and the need to upgrade the system.
Kimberly Caughran, Parks and Recreation Director, spoke of upcoming events:
Costume Exchange - Activity Center
Halloween House Decorating Contest
Boot Scootin Boogie Barn Dance - October 22 at Willoughby
Parks After Dark - Thursday's in October
Bonfires and Brews - November 5 at Willoughby
Floats needed for the Christmas Light Up Parade - December 3
Lastly, she advised the Yard of the Year contest is underway and those wishing to vote my do so on the City's website by October 31.
City Manager Bair spoke of comments regarding the population decrease in Collinsville and mentioned issues with the last Census as well the admittance of an undercount. He mentioned the Building Permit analysis that was done as well as the lack of available housing. He addressed comments regarding mailers/fliers and advised the City was not involved. Home Rule fliers were done by an action committee. He advised Home Rule funds has allowed the City to hire additional firefighters and police officers as well as additional staffing in the public works division. He indicated services cuts would be necessary should the City lose the estimated $7 million from the Home Rule tax.
L. CONSENT AGENDA
Deputy City Clerk Drury read the Consent Agenda.
1. Motion to Approve Payment of Bills for the Period Ending September 30, 2022, in the Amount of $939,942.43
2. Motion to Approve Payroll for the Period Ending September 16, 2022, in the amount of $807,927.28
3. Motion to Approve Minutes of the September 27, 2022 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 by Councilman Hausmann, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Hausmann, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
M. NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution Appropriating Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Maintenance of Streets and Highways by a Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code (2023 MFT General Maintenance Program)
Troy Turner, City Engineer, advised this is the annual Resolution allowing for the appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax funds as required by IDOT in the amount of $1,556,684 to pay for street maintenance materials and associated labor costs. He advised materials include the purchase of salt, concrete, asphalt, oil and chip, and storm sewer pipes. He mentioned inflation on some of the material items.
A motion was made by Councilman Stehman, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Hausmann, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
N. OLD BUSINESS
O. CLOSED SESSION
P. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Q. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman
Hausmann to adjourn at 8:05 pm. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Green, Stehman, Jerome, Hausmann, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
https://collinsville.legistar1.com/collinsville/meetings/2022/10/1594_M_City_Council_22-10-11_Minutes.pdf
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