City of Collinsville City Council met Oct. 25.
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 Deputy City Clerk Payton Drury.
Present: 5 - Absent: 0
Councilman David Jerome, Councilman Tony Hausmann, Councilman Donna Green, Councilman Jeff Stehman, and Mayor John Miller
C. INVOCATION
Delivered by Pastor Aaron Semanek of Navigation Church.
D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Recited.
E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS
F. BUSINESS PRIOR TO PUBLIC INPUT
1. Public Hearing Regarding the Vacating of Right-Of-Way Properties from the City of Collinsville to Black Fridays, LLC and to the Victor A. Pacewic Trust (Railroad Avenue and Crandall Street)
a. Open Public Hearing
b. Staff Report
c. Public Input
d. Adjourn Public Hearing
Mayor Miller opened the public hearing.
Staff Report given by Community Development Director Travis Taylor, who advised the owner of Black Friday Liquidators and Trustees of the Victor Pacewic Trust has requested the City to vacate a portion of unimproved right-of-way along Railroad Ave. and Crandall Street (approximately 150 feet). He advised the City would retain 20' for utility easement. He displayed a map of the properties as well as a consolidation plat. He advised staff will have discussions regarding policies for future right-of-way vacations and the cost of land. He explained that this vacation of land proceeded discussions and no money exchange is being requested. He advised staff has reviewed and recommends approval.
Councilman Jerome inquired if the property had commercial value to which Director Taylor advised it did not.
Councilman Hausmann inquired if utilities are under the property to which is being vacated. Director Taylor advised utilities are required to be identified on plats and the City is maintaining a 20' easement for utilities.
Director Taylor advised the properties are separate but the requests to vacate were made jointly. No public input.
Mayor Miller adjourned the public hearing.
2. Ordinance Vacating Right-Of-Way Properties from the City of Collinsville to Black Fridays, LLC and to the Victor A. Pacewic Trust
Director Taylor advised this Ordinance relates to the preceding public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Green 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 Rezoning Real Estate Owned by Committee to Elect Jay C Hoffman Located at 210 and 212 East Main Street From "B-2" Limited Commercial District to "UCD" Uptown Collinsville District
Director Taylor advised staff is requesting to rezoning 210 and 212 E. Main to UCD in order to allow for future change in use at the properties pursuant to Uptown Collinsville District regulations. He spoke of proactively looking to rezone Uptown properties that are for sale to UCD as a way to help market them. He identified the properties and displayed an aerial view. The Planning Commission and staff has reviewed and recommends approval as it meets criteria.
A motion was made by Councilman Hausmann, 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
G. COUNCIL DISCUSSION
H. SPEAKERS FROM THE FLOOR
Kevin Wrigley inquired as to what would happen if Home Rule is eliminated. He made reference to a previous statement by Councilman Green regarding Home Rule indicating that an official statement would scare employees. He indicated the lack of a statement has caused fear of losing their job among the employees. He spoke of other cities who hosted workshops regarding Home Rule that included discussions on budget cuts and revenue replacement. He mentioned a non Home Rule sales tax. He inquired of additional property being purchased by the City. He spoke of other city's having a lower property tax rate. He advised the annual tax levy amount has increased over the past 5 years. He mentioned O'Fallon's tax levy being less with the use of Home Rule sales tax.
Phil Astrauskas spoke of wanting to increase the number of Council members for more representation of the residents. He mentioned a majority being 3 votes which represents 25,000 in population. He indicated more than realtors and landlords are not in favor of Home Rule. He spoke of other Home Rule communities. He mentioned C.A.R.D. and excess spending. He reiterated comments regarding O'Fallon's taxes and indicated they were lower than Collinsville's. He read a publication from 2012 regarding additional 1% sales tax at Walmart and Home Depot.
I. COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - MAYOR
Mayor Miller spoke of the upcoming Fall Fest event. He asked the public to be caution and watch for children during Trick-or-Treat.
J COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilman Jerome referred to Mr. Wrigley's comment that the Council is not speaking of the Home Rule issue. He (Jerome) advised members are speaking of the issue as residents outside of the Council due to perimeters. He advised the Council has been transparent on the matter in speaking about the budget, revenues, and debt with factual information given to the public. He spoke of the Home Rule sales tax revenues that have continued to grow over the years and currently at $7 million which supplements property taxes. He mentioned other communities having to raise their property tax rates while Collinsville has not. He spoke of utilizing a diversified income stream to offset property taxes. He spoke of using the sales tax by visitors to Collinsville as a way to help fund the City. He spoke of the need to keep Home Rule as a means to supplement the budget. He spoke of the impact of losing $7 million to the City's budget to include capital improvement projects, personnel, Parks, etc. He mentioned City improvements over the years which included replacing a 28 year old fire truck. He spoke of Home Rule as a way to increase the sales tax base to fund more for the City and its residents without an impact to the property owners. He spoke of losing $7 million if Home Rule does not pass and the impact that would have on the City's budget.
Councilman Hausmann spoke of Home Rule. He mentioned not being able to understand why one group would be in opposition to Home Rule in multiple cities. He spoke of the detriment to residents should we (City) lose Home Rule. He mentioned comments made by the opposition that has nothing to do with Home Rule but rather used as a diversion. He spoke of Council's and particularly Councilman Stehman's, efforts to review and amend Ordinances when necessary as a way to increase business ventures in Collinsville. He spoke of this as a systematic approach to continue growth. He spoke of the opposing group whose businesses hinges on residents within the community. He thanked realtors who have voiced their opinions that Home Rule is good for the City of Collinsville; although, in opposition of the Realtors Association stance. He spoke of Council size. Collinsville has a Council person (including Mayor) for every 5,000 in population. He indicated the Township has 1 representative for every 7,100 in population and the County has 1 board member for every 9,100 residents.
Councilman Green mentioned not seeing Mr. Wrigley involved in the Council until the Home Rule issue. She addressed his comment regarding the lack of transparency. She spoke of her time, prior to becoming a Council member, as appearing to be confusing and less transparent. She spoke of comments that she had heard which lead her to become involved in the community in hopes of being a part of the solution. She spoke of her involvement with the community. She mentioned the lack of negative comments about the community and school district. She spoke of the collaborative efforts on behalf of the City, Chamber and school district to better the community. She mentioned the Collinsville Community Awards ceremony. She spoke of a meeting held by Mr. Wrigley with data but no context. She mentioned a slide regarding debt but indicated he could not answer the public's questions and referred to her to answer. She mentioned the presentation given to the public by her committee and Council outlining the City's debt. She commented that Mr. Wrigley's comments, mailers and lack of facts has caused confusion and fear in the community. She mentioned firemen distributing fliers because they love the community and understand that the lack of Home Rule would stop progress. She spoke of Council wanting what is best for Collinsville. She mentioned the Council's transparency and Mr. Wrigley's lack thereof.
Councilman Stehman spoke of the Citizen's Committee in trying to educate the public with factual information. He spoke of the opposition's comments that is not factual. He mentioned informing the residents with factual information that is backed up with data. He referred the opposition as a special interest group that is again Home Rule statewide and the amount of campaign funds they have spent on fliers. He spoke of the Citizen's Committee as being grassroots and unable to match the opponent's funds in the campaign in order to keep Home Rule. He indicated the special interest group includes the realtors board and landlords association. He mentioned the Greater Gateway Board in which only 2 of the 12 board members live in Collinsville. He encouraged the public to base their decision on factual information.
Mayor Miller spoke of the Council being upset over innuendos that they are not doing their job. He spoke of being elected by the people and for the people. He spoke of his time on the Council since 2005. He spoke of utilizing Home Rule revenues to save from increasing property tax dollars as a way to better the community. He compared the City now to that of 2005. He spoke of aging equipment he dealt with while working at the Fire Department. He spoke of the improvements over the years and the dedicated staff the City has now. He mentioned the difficulties in running a city and indicated that not everyone will be in total agreement with decisions.
Councilman Green spoke of this issue being difficult because she and the Council knows what a detriment this would be on the citizens. She spoke of the residents seeing the value in Home Rule.
Mayor Miller spoke of the many accomplishments, including the new up to date water treatment plant, accredited Police Department, outstanding Fire Department personnel. He spoke of the current seated Council members as being the most dedicated individuals that care about the residents. He spoke fondly of the professional staff. He spoke of the recent Census during a pandemic which indicated a decrease in population causing for a referendum to be placed on the ballot for Home Rule status.
K. COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - CITY STAFF
City Manager Bair spoke of a Strategic Plan and Economic Impact Analysis that was done in 2017 for the Gateway Convention Center in which an estimated $36 million was identified as an annual economic impact. The City assumed ownership and management of the Gateway Convention Center in 2018. He clarified that the City did not purchase Gateway but rather ownership was transferred to the City. He spoke of recently improvements to the center. He spoke of reinventing the center during COVID.
General Manager Jamie Lane spoke of the Gateway Convention Center's profit and loss as of September 30, 2022:
Revenues = $1,596,115.16
Expenses = $1,624,833.32
($ 28,718.16) which represents 1.8%
She explained the standard industry subsidy amount to be 10-15%. The subsidy of $27,718.16 is equivalent to 2.59% of the total $1,108,955.21 Hotel/Motel taxes collected to date. She indicated she is optimistic that the Gateway Center will break even by year end based on current event bookings and revenue projections. City Manager Bair clarified that Hotel/Motel tax revenues are used to offset the subsidization and that this is a common practice. She (Lane) spoke of the increase in athletic events (30%) and returning conventions to the Center. She spoke of each event consisting of multiple days and generating a large economic impact.
Next, she spoke of the in-house catering department at the Gateway Convention Center's year to date profit and loss:
Revenues = $309,327.54
Expenses = $237,096.28
$ 72,231.26 which represents 30.5%
She advised the Center took catering and concessions in-house in February 2021 as a way to increase quality, lower costs and remove commission costs. They created a stand along catering department consisting of 3 full time and 38 part time employees to oversee catering at the Center as well as concessions at the Sports Complex and Aqua Park. She spoke of catering services to include concessions and bar services with in-house staff, can facilitate catering for up to 200 people,with outside catering services are permitted with stipulations. She advised a preferred catering program was established and year to date commission has been $34,013.95.
She spoke of upcoming events. She spoke of the dedicated staff. City Manager Bair spoke of the agreement to host the Collinsville High School prom.
Councilman Hausmann spoke of the center as being a tremendous asset for the City with free parking. Mayor Miller agreed.
City Manager Bair mentioned the indirect economic impact the center has on the City from those visiting the Gateway Convention Center for events.
Councilman Green inquired if it was typical for a convention center to be subsidized to which City Manager Bair confirmed. City Manager Bair clarified the revenue breakdown.
Councilman Jerome agreed with Councilman Hausmann that the center is an asset and thanked her (Lane) for her efforts. He spoke of the indirect revenues from the hotels, restaurants, and various purchases by those visiting the Gateway Center for events. He spoke of a recent event he attended at the center and commended the attentive staff.
City Manager Bair spoke of brining outsourced amenities in-house as being a successful revenue stream for the center.
Councilman Green spoke of how the center supports local businesses and brings revenue to the City as well as other businesses in the area.
Park and Recreation Director Kimberly Caughran highlighted upcoming programs:
Parks After Dark - Pumpkin Glow, October 27 at Woodland Park
Bonfires an Brews - November 5 at Willoughby Farm
She mentioned Black Friday sale for 2023 season passes for the Aqua Park starts November 25.
City Manager Bair spoke of acquiring the water park from C.A.R.D. in 2018 at no costs. He mentioned facility maintenance issues upon acquisition. Facility replacement value estimated at $28 million. City invested $1.7 million in improvements and efficiencies at the facility. He indicated the City would not have been able to take the parks back, improve and operate the water park without Home Rule tax funds. He reiterated that the City would not have been able to take on this endeavor without having to raise property taxes but rather was able to use Home Rule funds.
He also spoke of the length of the Council meetings now in compared to those of years ago and the amount of additional discussions before items are voted on by the Council. He spoke of staff's and Council's commitment to be transparent in all public business issues.
Director Caughran summarized business at the Aqua Park and indicated the Business Plan is to focus on serving the residents and getting residents re-engaged with the facility. The City kicked off the opening in 2019 with a Memorial Day Fireworks Event. The pandemic shut the Aqua Park down for 2020 and restricted 2021 to a partial year. She mentioned 2022 profit and loss:
Revenues = $822,559.64
Expenses = $911,449.62
($ 88,889.98 which presents 9.75%)
City Manager Bair advised the Aqua Park is subsidized. He mentioned Aqua Park visitors spending money at other businesses in the community. Daily average attendance was 200 plus, with 600-700 on weekends. Director Caughran advised the Aqua Park has daily paid admissions, season passes, and groups (3 per day with each group up to 50 people), birthday party options, and private rentals. She advised approximately 187 people (many of which were local teenagers) were employed during the summer to operate the Aqua Park.
City Manager Bair spoke of the City's responsibility regarding Public Safety (Fire and Police) Pensions. He advised each has their own pension board. Each board provides a letter to the City indicating the amount of contributions the City is responsible for. The amount is determined by an actuarial report that is determined by state statutes. Statute requirements indicates each to be funded at 90% by 2040. Currently, Police Pension is funded at 63% and Fire at 67%. The Boards and City are required to follow actuarial guidance for funding. He spoke of the Tax Levy in which most goes to fund the pensions ($2.9 million of $3.1 million levy for 2021) leaving a balance of $225,268 going to the General Fund.
Community Development Travis Taylor gave an update on the Occupancy Program which started in 2018. He gave a brief synopsis of the program in which inspection is required upon change of tenant or ownership. He displayed a spreadsheet of the program since inception to date based on rental and owner occupied units with a total of 4,243 units inspected since adoption with 1,150 units (27%) having a violation that was discovered during the first inspection. The graph outlined units that required additional inspections as a follow up to the initial inspection. He clarified that life safety issues is the priority of the inspection (smoke detectors, GFCI outlets, etc.).
Councilman Stehman inquired of a future report to include the amount of time spent for inspections by staff and at what cost.
City Manager Bair spoke of property taxes and indicated that Collinsville only has 1 levy per year while others (namely O'Fallon as referenced by a citizen) has multiple levies (Municipal and Library). City of Collinsville's tax rate is 0.729 compared to O'Fallon's total tax rate of 0.835. He advised the City's EAV will change in 2023 with TIF 1 properties being fully assessed. He further added that Home Rule has allowed the City to maintain a low property tax rate.
He advised Home Rule taxes are not applicable to groceries and titled vehicles. He advised an additional general sales tax does not have exemptions which mean everything would be taxed and which could cause a hardship for those who can't afford the additional tax.
He displayed property tax rates for Collinsville (0.729) compared to that of O'Fallon (0.835), Troy (0.915) and Godfrey (0.960).
City Manager Bair spoke of what the City was able to add with Home Rule - 23 employees: 9 additional employees in the Police Department
5 additional employees in the Fire Department
6 additional employees in the Street Department
3 additional employees in Administration
He spoke of potential cuts within these departments should the City lose Home Rule. He mentioned there would be a need to increase property tax along with a 20-25% reduction in City staff. He spoke of other communities and their approach in addressing what would happen should they lose Home Rule status. He also mentioned that Home Rule allowed for the Collinsville Crossing shopping center and what the area looked like prior to. He spoke of an issue in the business district tax that was not accessed at Wal-Mart and only half at Home Depot when established. In 2012, this issue was corrected and now on track to make debt payment.
Lastly, he announced Yard of the Year voting is underway.
L. CONSENT AGENDA
Deputy City Clerk Drury read the Consent Agenda.
1. Motion to Approve Payment of Bills for the Period Ending October 14, 2022, in the Amount of $1,685,487.93
2. Motion to Approve Payroll for the Period Ending September 30, 2022, in the amount of $791,457.57
3. Motion to Approve Minutes of the October 11, 2022 Council Meeting
4. Ordinance Accepting an Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Settlement Contract Lump Sum Petition and Order (Dale Kress)
5. Resolution Reappointing A Member of the Community Appearance Board (Susan Hellige)
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 Stehman, seconded by Councilman Green, 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 to Authorize a Change Order, in the Amount of $14,954.40, to the Contract with Rooters American Maintenance, DBA Rooters Asphalt, for the 2022 Mill & Overlay Program - Project #MO21-310 Bringing the Total Contract Value to $357,975.33.
City Engineer Troy Turner gave overview of the project and initial contract, including previous change orders. He advised this Ordinance would authorize a change order in the amount of $14,954.40 to the Rooter's contract for additional work to be done that includes surfacing of Gateway Convention Center parking lot and improvements to the W. Clay St. cul-de-sac.
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
2. Ordinance Amending the Collinsville Municipal Code, Chapter 12.20, Related to the Construction of Utilities in the Rights-of-Way
City Engineer Turner advised this Ordinance would amend the previously approved Ordinance (adopted in 2007) regarding utilities in the right-of-way. The amendment addresses design requirements, prohibits wooden poles in certain areas, requires new poles to have footing/base installed, and requires new utility poles to make color and material of municipal streetlights or to be camouflaged to blend in. He displayed pictures as examples.
A discussion was had regarding the regulations. Mr. Turner advised this only addresses the replacement of utility poles in major commercial areas (Rt. 157, St. Louis Rd., Uptown, Rt. 159). This does not include neighborhoods where there is more than 50 feet from a structure. Councilman Jerome voiced his concern that Ameren may delay projects due to the additional costs of replacing poles with required materials. Mr. Turner mentioned the franchise agreement with Ameren which designates an 18 month timeline after budget cycle.
A motion was made by Councilman Stehman, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Green, Stehman, and Miller
Nay: 0
City of Collinsville Page 10 Printed on 11/9/2022
City Council Minutes - Final October 25, 2022
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
3. Resolution in Support of Application for Funding through the Metro East Park and Recreation District FY23 Community Planning Grant Program for City of Collinsville Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
Mr. Turner advised the City will be applying for a grant that will cover 40% (up to $40,000) of the cost to create a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The City will also apply for an Agency for Community Transit (ACT) Community Action Grant (up to $100,000) for the remainder of the plan's cost. With both grants in place, the Plan should be of no cost to the City. The Plan will address public improvements in align with the City's Plan and resident's expectations. He indicated having a Plan in place increases project scoring making additional grants available.
A discussion was had regarding the previous plan with addressed ADA issues.
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. Resolution in Support of Application for Funding through the Agency for Community Transit Community Action Grants Program for City of Collinsville Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
Mr Turner advised this is the same Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan with a grant application from ACT in the amount of up to $100,000. He advised the Plan is necessary in order to apply for the Metro East Parks and Recreation District Community Planning Grant.
A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Jerome, Hausmann, Green, Stehman, and Miller
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 0
N. OLD BUSINESS
O. CLOSED SESSION
P. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Q. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Hausmann, seconded by Councilman Jerome to adjourn at 8:21 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/2022/10/1600_M_City_Council_22-10-25_Minutes.pdf
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