City of Mt. Vernon City Council met July 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor John Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Pastor Harold Quick from the West Salem Trinity Methodist Church gave the invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL
Roll call showed present: Council Member Ray Botch, Council Member Donte Moore, Council Member Jim Rippy, Council Member Mike Young, and Mayor John Lewis.
PRESENTATION OF JOURNALS
The Journal for the June 17, 2019 Regular City Council Meeting was presented for approval.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to approve the Journal as presented. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
VISITORS/CITIZENS REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
Betty Barker spoke against the proposed change allowing alcoholic beverages to be sold at the AMC Showplace 8 Movie Theater. She feels that the Showplace is a place where children can go and not be around alcohol.
Michelle Young spoke on storm water draining in her neighborhood. She thanked the City crew that recently cleaned out the storm sewer in her neighborhood and requested that the lines be regularly cleaned. She complained about the debris at Kendrick’s Paper Company and hopes that the City will make the business clean it up. At any given time, the debris floats down the creek and clogs the storm sewers. Young asked the purpose of the five concrete culverts and tar buckets that have been sitting at Optimist Park for over a year.
David Reis, Lobbyist for the City, reported that the Spring Legislation Season was the busiest that he has ever seen. He stated that the legislature is sorting through the Capital Bill to determine whether the City will receive the requested project funding. He spoke on the City being “shovel ready” when the State releases the funds. Council Member Donte Moore realizes that no one knows when the State will release the funds, but he asked for an estimate on when the City will receive notification. Reis replied, that it is moving forward, and the City needs to be ready when the funds are released. Mayor John Lewis thanked Mr. Reis for assisting with other issues with IDOT and the Department of Public Health.
APPROVAL OF CONSOLIDATED VOUCHERS FOR ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable were presented to Council for approval. Council Member Jim Rippy asked why there were duplicate payments to Health Alliance Medical Plans. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel did not know the answer, but she will find out the reason from the Finance Department.
Council Member Mike Young motioned to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable in the amount of $1,557,259.63. Seconded by Council Member Ray Botch. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
BIDS AND QUOTES
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the quote results for automatic pool cleaners. Assistant City Manager Nathan McKenna reported that multiple quotes were received from three companies for automatic pool cleaners. All of the quotes were for different models from different manufacturers. The quotes received were:
Based on price, size of cleaner and familiarity with the manufacturer, McKenna recommended Duramax Duo from Recreonics, Inc for $4,446.89. The cleaner is a larger cleaner with four brushes rather than two and is the same manufacturer of the current smaller cleaner.
Council Member Jim Rippy motioned to accept the quote for Duramax Duo from Recreonics Inc. for $4,446.89 for an automatic pool cleaner. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the bid results for the Sanitary Sewer Investigation Survey Project 2019-2020. One bid was received from Visu-Sewer of St. Louis, Missouri for $246,710.40. The engineer’s estimate was $310,260.34. Bechtel explained that the survey will be conducted in the south part of the Northeast portion of Mt. Vernon. The survey will look at the Optimist Park area first because the results will determine the work to be done on the Maple Street Lift Station #1. This survey will be difficult due to the combinations of sewers and laterals in the area. The survey is expected to be completed in September. Council Member Ray Botch explained that the survey will determine which sewer lines need repair, cleaning, or relining. It will prioritize, grade, and estimate the cost of the line repairs.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the bid from Visu-Sewer of St. Louis, Missouri in the amount of $246,710.40 for the Sanitary Sewer Investigation Survey Project 2019-2020. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the bid results for the 12th Street Overlay and Box Culvert Replacement Design. The project includes the resurfacing of 12th Street from the Evansville Western Railroad tracks to Veteran’s Memorial Drive with a profile adjustment at the tracks as well as box culvert replacement at Forest Avenue. Three bids were received:
The street overlay will follow the water line installation on 12th Street. City staff recommended awarding the project to the lowest responsive responsible bidder, Round Table Design Inc. for $40,000.00. The engineer’s estimate was $50,000.00.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the bid from Round Table Design Inc. for $40,000.00 for the 12th Street Overlay and Box Culvert Replacement Design. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
CITY MANAGER
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel requested permission to bid the painting of the Rolland W. Lewis Community Building. Council Member Jim Rippy suggested that acid be applied to the metal roof to increase the life span of the roof paint. Bechtel replied that will be placed in the bid proposal.
Council Member Mike Young motioned to grant permission to bid the painting of the Rolland W. Lewis Community Building. Seconded by Council Member Jim Rippy. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel requested permission to replace the doors at the Municipal West Building. The doors are the original doors and the replacement of the four automatic doors is estimated at $18,000.00.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to grant permission to replace the doors at the Municipal West Building. Seconded by Council Member Ray Botch. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel requested permission to submit a Second Grant Application to Ameren for LED Street Light Replacement. Ameren notified the City that additional funds are going to be available for a second grant program. The City’s cost is $75.00 per LED streetlight for a total additional cost of $37,500.00 for 500 lights. Without the grant the LED streetlights cost $250.00 each. After the project is completed, almost 50% of the streetlights will be replaced with LED bulbs.
Council Member Jim Rippy motioned to grant permission to submit a Second Grant Application to Ameren for LED Street Light Replacement. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney David Leggans presented the Public Hearing and the Second Reading of an Ordinance Vacating an Alley. The Petitioners are Debra Martin and Heather Mick. The alley is described as “A portion of an unnamed alley as described by part of the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 31 in Township 2 South, Range 3 East of the Third Principal Meridian, more particularly described as beginning at the Southwest corner of Lot 8 in Charles U. Stull Subdivision to the City of Mt. Vernon; thence Westerly 15 feet to the Northeast corner of Lot 8; thence Southerly a distance of 47 feet to the point of beginning, situated in Jefferson County, Illinois” City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel explained that across from Veteran’s Park, an alley is located behind a house. The owners are maintaining the area and the City has no future need for the alley.
Council Member Mike Young motioned to adopt Ordinance #2019-22, an Ordinance Vacating an Alley. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented for First Reading an Ordinance Vacating an Alley. The petitioner is K-Mac Enterprises Inc. (Taco Bell). The alley is described as “Part of the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 32, Township 2 South, Range 3 East Of the Third Principal Meridian, more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast Corner of Lot 9, Casey And Gilbert's Addition to the City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, thence North 01 Degree 23 Minutes 40 Seconds East along the East Line of Lots 9, 8, and 7 a distance of 153.48 feet to the Northeast Corner of said Lot 7; thence South 86 Degrees 33 Minutes 15 Seconds East a Distance of 15.01 feet to the Northwest Corner of Lot 7, Hoit, Culli, and McAtee’s Addition to the City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; thence South 01 Degree 23 Minutes 40 Seconds West along the West Line of said Lot 7 a Distance of 150.00 feet to the Southwest Corner of said Lot 7; thence South 80 Degrees 17 Minutes 48 Seconds West a Distance of 15.29 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 2,276.10 Square feet, more or less.” City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel explained that a sanitary sewer line and natural gas line are in the alley. The City and Ameren have agreed to re-route the lines. The new Taco Bell will be located adjacent to the Jefferson County Fire Station and is expected to be opened by the end of the year. First Reading was held.
City Attorney David Leggans presented for First Reading an Ordinance Revising Article 18, Section 18.20, Subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) regarding Parking in the Downtown Mt. Vernon Area around the Jefferson County Courthouse. The proposal is to angle the parking along the east side of the street and allow public parking in all, but a few spaces next to the entrance to the Jefferson County Courthouse. Six additional parking spaces will be created. The Ordinance will also specify which parking spaces are reserved for Jefferson County’s use and the time period for the reserved parking.
Council Member Jim Rippy motioned to suspend the rules to vote on an Ordinance. Seconded by Council Member Ray Botch. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to adopt Ordinance #2019-23, an Ordinance Revising Article 18, Section 18.20, Subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) regarding Parking in the Downtown Mt. Vernon Area around the Jefferson County Courthouse. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented for First Reading an Ordinance Amending Article 21, Section 21-300 in regard to Zoning for Cannabis Related Businesses. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel said the proposed ordinance is a result of legislation passed in Springfield letting local governments control zoning of where establishments for selling marijuana can be located. Under terms of the proposed ordinance, “Cannabis Dispensary” is classified as a “Conditional Use” for the B-1 Primary Business District, B-2 Secondary Business District, B-3 Interchange Business District, B-PL Planned Business District, and the IPCA-PUD Industrial Park Conservation Area District. “Cannabis Cultivation Center” will be added as a “Conditional Use” for the A-G General Agriculture District, I-1 Light Industrial District, I-2 General Industrial District, I-A Industrial-Agricultural District, and the IPCA-PUD Industrial Park Conservation Area District. Bechtel reported that the sale of cannabis will be subject to the City’s Sale and Home Rule Tax. Any request for cannabis related businesses will need approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. Council Member Jim Rippy recommended that the City study the effects that legal cannabis had in Colorado. He explained that there has been a huge increase in automotive accidents since it was legalized. Bechtel explained that the State of Illinois did a huge study on the effects of legal cannabis with months of research and visits to Colorado. She explained that the proposed Ordinance gives the City control on where dispensaries are located. Police Chief Trent Page explained that since the State legalized cannabis, there is nothing for the City to do except regulate zoning. He stated that there is training and testing available to assist the Police. Mayor John Lewis stated that the City Council can decide to not have any dispensaries, but it will not stop anyone from coming into the City with cannabis. Council Member Donte Moore stated that the City needs to have an Ordinance in place to control where cannabis can be sold. First Reading was held.
City Attorney David Leggans presented for First Reading an Ordinance Amending Article 6, Section 6.5: License Classifications, Permits, and Fees. AMC Showplace requested a liquor license to sell alcohol to their patrons. The proposed Ordinance would allow the sale of alcohol during times they are showing movies and only on their premises. The “Tavern License” name will change to “Package and Consumption Sales License”. This change would allow adults to drink in the bar area while families or individuals under 21 years to eat in an area which is physically separate and apart from any bar area as long as serving food is a major part of the business. Another proposed change is changing the serving hours on Sundays to 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. since the lunch crowd starts coming in on Sundays at 11 a.m. Council Member Jim Rippy asked the reason for changing the Sunday hours. Bechtel explained that many restaurants open at 11 a.m. on Sunday and they requested the change. Council Member Donte Moore stated that the hours should be consistent seven days a week. Mayor John Lewis explained that one additional Package and Consumption Sales License (Tavern) is added from 6 to 7 licenses and requested that the new license be dedicated to Russell Brown for the Granada Theatre. Brown stated that he will have the liquor license application filed before the next City Council Meeting. Council Member Donte Moore urged citizens to reach out to the City Council and give their opinions about the sale of alcohol at the AMC Showplace. Mayor Lewis agreed that the community needs to provide their comments and concerns. First Reading was held.
MAYOR
Mayor John Lewis presented the June 2019 City Department Activity Summary.
Mt. Vernon Police Department handled 2,020 calls which equals to about 67 calls each and every day. 120 people were arrested during the month. There were 130 criminal charges, 31 drug charges, and 44 warrants served. They also conducted 336 traffic stops resulting in 78 citations, of which 11 were for use of cellphones. 9 people were arrested for D.U.I.’s, they responded to 44 traffic crashes, answered 79 alarms, and had 141 community contacts. The Detective Division was assigned 68 new cases, cleared 2 by arrest, referred 25 cases to the States Attorney, and had 2 crime scene call-outs. The Tactical Unit was deployed 1 time and our K9 team had 38 deployments. There was a total of 7,407 non-emergency calls received and handled during the month of June and 1,985 emergency calls. The Fire Department responded to 266 alarms and calls. The City Hall Station answered 148 alarms, the Airport Station answered 12 alarms, and the 42nd Street Station answered 106 alarms. Of the responses, 202 were recorded as EMS related, 9 of the responses were recorded as fire related, and 11 of the responses were recorded as hazard related. They responded to 4 structure fires, 2 rubbish fires, 2 vehicle fires, 21 false alarms, and was requested and received 1 mutual aid and gave mutual aid on 4 calls. The Fire Inspection Dept. performed 8 business site inspections, 6 consultations, and 2 Plan Reviews. The Fire Prevention Division performed 5 public education events, 1 car seat installation, sponsored an American Red Cross Blood Drive, and taught 7 Consumer Fireworks Training Courses. The Fire Department also wants to remind you to please celebrate the 4th of July responsibly and remember, there is no safe firework and it is always safer to attend a professional fireworks event such as the Salute to Freedom event at the Mt. Vernon Airport.
The Public Utilities Department responded to 8 water breaks, repaired or replaced 20 services, processed 270 work orders, processed 119 JULIE locates, and had 51 red letter disconnects. On the sewer side, they responded to 8 service calls resulting in 4 backed up sewer mains, 1 sewer main repaired, 1 manhole repaired, 22 routine sanitary and storm mains cleaned and spent 22 hours hydro digging.
The Engineering and Inspection Department. They conducted 36 10A Inspections, 38 properties received occupancy certificates, there have been 80 nuisance postings, and approximately 33 were abated by the City. There were 5 properties condemned and 10 building permits totaling $868,679.
CITY COUNCIL
Council Member Jim Rippy asked about the Park Lake Dredging Project. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel stated that the dredging is complete, and the contractor will return in a couple of weeks to do the silt at the top end of the lake.
Council Member Jim Rippy asked if the construction inspection is complete for the Chesley Industrial Park. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel replied that she believes it is complete.
Council Member Jim Rippy asked if the City has seen any trends with the new water meters. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel replied not at this time and the Finance Director plans to review the information this month.
Council Member Ray Botch wished Council Member Jim Rippy a Happy 82nd Birthday on July 6, 2019.
Council Member Ray Botch requested to schedule a Council Workshop to discuss the City’s current projects. This would include the project’s description, cost, funding source, start, and completion dates. Botch explained that the City has 37 projects ongoing and the Council needs to be updated on the projects. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel agreed and stated that a report is formatted with the requested information and who is responsible for the project.
Council Member Mike Young reported that the City has received many complaints regarding leash laws and pets making messes in other people’s yards. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel stated that the City has a leash law and pet owners are supposed to clean up after their pets.
VISITORS/CITIZENS REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
No comments were heard.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
No Executive Session was held.
ADJOURNMENT
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
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