City of Highland City Council met Sept. 19.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Hemann called the Regular Session to order at 7:00pm. Council members Sloan, Frey, Bellm, and Hipskind were present. Others in attendance were City Manager Conrad, City Attorney Michael McGinley, Directors Cook, Gillespie, and Rosen, Police Chief Presson, EMS Chief Wilson, Fire Chief Federer, Treasurer Nicolaides, Deputy City Clerk Von Hatten, City Clerk Bellm, and 11 citizens.
MINUTES
Councilman Frey made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 6, 2022 Regular Session as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
BID OPENING
Since no sealed bids were received for the sale of real property at 1808 Olive Street, the city will explore other means of selling the property.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Hemann read a document proclaiming the week of September 17 through 23, 2022 as Constitution Week. He invited Marilyn McCall, Constitution Week Chairperson for the Silver Creek Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution came forward to accept the proclamation. She stated that all proclamations will be on display at the Highland Library in the Genealogy Room, where there is a display set up.
RECOGNITION
Chief Wilson presented unit commendations, to members of Highland EMS for their actions, while on duty with Highland Ambulance Service. In the evening hours of May 10, 2022, Paramedics Anthony Perez, Troy Hemann, and EMS Erika Huelsmann were transporting a mother that was labor to the hospital. It became a questions of which would arrive first, the ambulance at the hospital or the child. As you back the ambulance into the ambulance bay the hospital, you and your assistants were able to deliver the baby before handing the mother and little girl over to the hospital staff. Mayor Hemann and Chief Wilson recognized Paramedics Anthony Perez, Troy Hemann and EMS Erika Huelsmann.
Chief Wilson stated he could not find in the records were staff before delivered a baby; however, it is something they are trained for. Evidently, it is becoming more common. In the early morning hours of July 1, 2022 while on duty Paramedics Melissa Sellers and Matthew Sitton, assessment was that the mother would not be able to be moved safely before delivery was imminent; a few minutes later a baby girl was born. Once everyone was stable, the mother and child were transport safely to the hospital.
Mayor Hemann and Chief Wilson recognized Paramedics Melissa Sellers and Matthew Sitton for the delivery of a baby.
PUBLIC FORUM
Citizens’ Requests and Comments:
No comments or requests presented.
Requests of Council:
Councilwoman Sloan asked if there was any update on the issue of the restroom not locking. City Manager Conrad reported the issues began on Thursday. We have escalated the issue to the vendor.
Staff Report:
City Manager Chris Conrad reported the annual oil and chipping of streets will be happening this Thursday and Friday. A map is available on the website.
NEW BUSINESS
Approve Mayor’s Appointment of Sarah A. Finley to the Historical Commission – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the mayor’s appointment of Sarah A. Finley to the Historical Commission to fill a vacancy that exists, for a two-year term, to expire in October 2024 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #22-144/ORDINANCE Amending the Code, Chapter 2 – Administration, Article III. – Officers and Employees, Sec. 2 – 62. – Elected Officers’ Salaries – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #22-144/Ordinance #3220 amending the Code, Chapter 2 – Administration, Article III. – Officers and Employees, Sec. 2 – 62. – Elected Officers’ Salaries as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm.
Councilman Frey asked City Manager Conrad to explain a few things regarding this. City Manager Conrad reported when researching some other things when we came across the salaries of other city councils in the area, including towns of Olney, Troy, Mascoutah, Waterloo, and Freeburg, and notice our compensation was significantly less. We had not adjusted our elected officials since 1993. This brings this back into that range. It does not make us the highest paid; but not the lowest. This will first go into effect with the next term of these positions. City Manager McGinley pointed out you cannot voted to raise your own salary, as an elected official. Mayor Hemann stated I notice it was the same compensation as when I was on the council in the 1990s. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #22-145/RESOLUTION Authorizing and Directing Application to the 2022 Cycle 15 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) for Assistance, for the Purpose of Constructing Pedestrian and Streetscape Improvements Along Broadway in our Downtown Central Business District from New Trenton Road (IL Route 160) Easterly to Laurel Street – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #22-145/Resolution #22-09-2975 authorizing and directing application to the 2022 Cycle 15 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) for assistance, for the purpose of constructing pedestrian and streetscape improvements along Broadway in our Downtown Central Business District from New Trenton Road (IL Route 160) easterly to Laurel Street as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Councilwoman Bellm inquired this is just like what we did before, we are just trying again. Public Works Director Joe Gillespie explained we applied for the State of Illinois Rebuild Downtown and Main Streets Capital Improvement Funds, but did not receive approval. This is another opportunity, which is for federal funds. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #22-146/ORDINANCE Declaring Personal Property Surplus and Authorizing its Sale and/or Disposal, Specifically One 2008 Flex Fitness Leg Extension Machine – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #22-146/Ordinance #3221 declaring personal property surplus and authorizing its sale and/or disposal, specifically one 2008 Flex Fitness Leg Extension Machine as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #22-147/RESOLUTION Authorizing the City to Waive Ordinary Bidding Processes and Enter a Contract with Zoll Data Systems, Inc., for Software Services – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #22-147/Resolution #22-09-2976 authorizing the city to waive ordinary bidding processes and enter a contract with Zoll Data Systems, Inc., for software services as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Councilwoman Bellm expressed there was a very good letter in with the council packet, explaining this. City Manager Chris Conrad noted this is really an upgrade of the software that we have, which is why we would like to stay with them. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #22-148/RESOLUTION Authorizing Waiving Customary Bidding Procedures for Purchase of a New Truck for Light & Power Department – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #22-148/ Resolution #22-09-2977 authorizing waiving customary bidding procedures for purchase of a new truck for Light & Power Department, from Lou Fuz Ford of Highland, in the amount of $29, 920.00 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. City Manager Conrad reported this is a new truck for the Power Plant. These trucks have been difficult to come by. We did look at other options through state bid and other dealers. We may repurpose this truck to Parks & Recreation. Nothing but the best for them! Director Rosen responded at least it is from within this century. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Hipskind voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
REPORT
Accepting Expenditures Report #1227 for September 3, 2022 through September 16, 2022 – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to accept Expenditures Report #1227 for September 3, 2022 through September 16, 2022 as attached. Motion 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 adjourn. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. All council members voted aye, none nay. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:22pm.
https://www.highlandil.gov/City%20Council/Minutes/2022/9-19-2022.pdf
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