City of Mt. Vernon City Council met Oct. 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Mt. Vernon City Council held a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at the Rolland W. Lewis Community Building, Veterans Park, 800 South 27th Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Mayor John Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Pastor Tim Brinson from Antioch 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 August 19, 2019 Regular City Council Meeting was presented for approval.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to approve the Journal as presented. Seconded by Council Member Ray Botch. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
VISITORS/CITIZENS REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
Rolland Mays, 719 S. 15th Street, spoke on a vehicle accident that occurred on May 24, 2019 at 15th Street and Lamar. He stated that there was a construction site without cones, and he bottomed out his car on the trench. A claim for $200.00 was filed with the City’s insurance. Mays asked the Council to take this matter under consideration and pay the $200.00.
APPROVAL OF CONSOLIDATED VOUCHERS FOR ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable were presented to Council for approval. Council Member Jim Rippy commended the Police Chief and Fire Chief for lowering overtime costs.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable in the amount of $1,088,355.49. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
BIDS AND QUOTES
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the bid results for a Security Fence around the Times Square Mall Water Tower. Bechtel explained that the IEPA requires the fence and it is needed to ensure against vandalism. The City’s cost estimate for the project was $30,000.00. Three bids were received. Staff recommends awarding the project to the low bidder, Right Way Traffic Control, Inc for $19,616.00. Council Member Jim Rippy stated that a six-foot fence would be too short. Bechtel replied that with barbed wire, the fence would be seven-feet tall.
Right Way Traffic Control, Inc. Freeburg, IL $19,616.00
Collins & Hermann, Inc. St. Louis, MO $21,538.00
Chesley Commercial Fence & Rail Fairview Hgts., IL $21,350.00
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to award the project to the low bidder, Right Way Traffic Control, Inc for $19,616.00. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the bid results for the Mannen Street Storm Sewer Replacement Project. This project is part of the City’s overall storm water management program. The City’s cost estimate for the project was $57,398.00. Four bids were received. Staff recommends awarding the project to the low bidder, J.K. Trotter & Sons Inc. for $58,606.29. Bechtel reported that part of this project is the rerouting of a sanitary sewer line from under a home.
J. K. Trotter & Sons, Inc. Mt. Vernon, IL $58,606.29
Guinzy Construction Ashley, IL $87,149.66
Bevis Construction Mt. Vernon, IL $66,407.00
Haier Plumbing and Heating Okawville, IL $63,943.00
Council Member Jim Rippy motioned to award the project to the low bidder, J.K. Trotter & Sons Inc. for $58,606.29. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the bid results for the 17th Street and College Avenue Storm Sewer Project. This project is part of the City’s overall storm water management program. The City’s cost estimate for the project was $47,086.00. Three bids were received. Staff recommends awarding the project to the low bidder, J.K. Trotter & Sons Inc. for $49,801.50. Council Member Ray Botch asked if there is a time limit on Trotter’s projects since he has been awarded several projects. Bechtel replied that the projects will be completed this year.
J. K. Trotter & Sons, Inc. Mt. Vernon, IL $49,801.50
Guinzy Construction Ashley, IL $65,923.82
Bevis Construction Mt. Vernon, IL $54,208.00
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to award the project to the low bidder, J.K. Trotter & Sons Inc. for $49,801.50. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the bid results for the Revolving Loan Fund CDAP Water Line Replacement Project. This project consists of approximately 24,000 lineal feet of replacement water line on 12th Street, Harrison, 7th Street, Casey, Grand Alley, and South 20th Street. The 12th Street water line will be the first to be replaced. Three bids were received. Staff recommends awarding the project to the low bidder, Haier Plumbing and Heating Inc. for $1,036,768.00. Council Member Ray Botch reported that the bid came in $38,147.00 under the estimate.
J. K. Trotter & Sons, Inc. Mt. Vernon, IL $1,094,249.95
Wiggs Excavating, Inc. Benton, IL $1,494,610.00
Haier Plumbing and Heating Okawville, IL $1,036,768.00
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to award the project to the low bidder, Haier Plumbing and Heating Inc. for $1,036,768.00. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the bid results for a Hydro-Digger for the Public Utilities Department. The estimated cost is $150,000.00. Three bids were received. Staff recommends awarding the project to the low bidder, Vermeer Midwest for $108,712.53.
Vermeer Midwest $108,712.53 All requirements met
BobCat $120,500.00 Did not meet specifications
Key Equipment $137,995.00 Did not meet specifications
Council Member Jim Rippy motioned to award the project to the low bidder, Vermeer Midwest for $108,712.53. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the bid results for the Relocation of a Sewer Line on Gilbert Street. The project is in support of the new Taco Bell being built at this location. The City’s cost estimate for the project was $35,897.50. One bid was received. Staff recommends awarding the project to J.K. Trotter & Sons Inc. for $37,341.28.
Council Member Mike Young motioned to award the project to J.K. Trotter & Sons Inc. for $37,341.28. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the bid results for the Replacement of Concrete at Fire Station #4 on 42nd Street. The engineering will be completed in-house. The City’s cost estimate for the project was $33,813.50. Six bids were received. Staff recommends awarding the project to the low bidder, Bevis Construction for $27,287.67.
Bevis Construction Mt. Vernon, IL $27,287.67
Rollie Cement Finishing Woodlawn, IL $33,818.50
Samron Midwest Murphysboro, IL $37,296.55
T & L Contracting Centralia, IL $44,581.32
Evard Company Marion, IL $63,693.01
Guinzy Construction Ashley, IL $31,488.80
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to award the project to the low bidder, Bevis Construction for $27,287.67. Seconded by Council Member Jim Rippy. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
CITY MANAGER
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel requested permission to seek quotes for banking services. Bechtel reported that this was for a three-year contract. This is the final year of the current three-year contract with People’s National Bank.
CouncilMemberRayBotchmotionedtogivepermissiontoseekquotesforbankingservices. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented a Road Closure Request on October 6, 2019 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on 9th Street between Jordan and Casey for the Boo & Blue Event. The requesting party is R & R The Crossing.
Council Member Mike Young motioned to approve the Road Closure Request on October 6, 2019 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on 9th Street between Jordan and Casey for the Boo & Blue Event. Seconded by Council Member Jim Rippy. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney David Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving an Agreement Between the City of Mt. Vernon and David Reis Consulting, LLC. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel reported that this is a continuation of the current agreement with Mr. Reis. The company monitors legislative and regulatory activity, supports or opposes issues as directed, and reports on a regular basis to the City on matters that may have a direct or indirect effect on the City. The contract is for the term August 1, 2019 through and including May 31, 2020 (10 months). The cost is $20,000.00 ($2,000 per month). Council Member Jim Rippy asked how to measure a lobbyist job. Bechtel stated that it is difficult, but he watches the City’s interest in the potential capital bill and other interest. The City gives him assignments and he reports monthly on the assignments and related challenges. Mayor John Lewis stated that he is valuable and gets answers quickly. Rippy asked that updates be provided at the City Council Meetings.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the Resolution Approving an Agreement Between the City of Mt. Vernon and David Reis Consulting, LLC. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving a Law Enforcement Agreement Between LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions Inc. and the City of Mt. Vernon Police Department. Police Chief Trent Page explained that this is an electronic database for accident reports. Currently, the Mt. Vernon Police Department utilizes paper copies. The State is attempting to move away from paper copies because it is labor intensive. LexisNexis is compatible with the squad cars’ computer system. Page stated that there is no cost to the Police Department for this system.
Council Member Jim Rippy motioned to approve the Resolution Approving a Law Enforcement Agreement Between LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions Inc. and the City of Mt. Vernon Police Department. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Moore, Rippy, Young, and Lewis.
MAYOR
Mayor John Lewis presented the August 2019 City Department Activity Summary.
Mt. Vernon Police Department handled 2,131 calls which equals to about 69 calls each and every day. 150 people were arrested during the month. There were 177 criminal charges, 64 drug charges and 30 warrants served. They also conducted 386 traffic stops, resulting in 167 citations, of which 13 were for use of cellphones. 16 people were arrested for D.U.I., responded to 83 traffic crashes, answered 83 alarms, and had 115 community contacts. The Detective Division was assigned 60 new cases, referred 24 cases to the States Attorney and had 1 crime scene call-out. The Tactical Unit was deployed 2 times and our K9 team had 21 deployments. There was a total of 7,633 non-emergency calls received and handled during the month of August and 1,944 emergency calls.
The Fire Department responded to 304 alarms and calls. The City Hall Station answered 163 alarms, the Airport Station answered 10 alarms, and the 42nd Street Station answered 131 alarms. Of the responses, 232 were recorded as EMS related, 6 of the responses were recorded as fire related, and 6 of the responses were recorded as hazard related. They responded to 1 structure fire, 3 rubbish fires, 1 vehicle fire, 8 motor vehicle crashes with injuries, 1 extrication, 1 power line down, 19 false alarms, and gave mutual aid on 1 call. The Fire Inspection Dept. performed 4 business site inspections, 5 consultations, and 5 Plan Reviews. The Fire Prevention Division performed 3 public education events, 2 car seat installations, taught CPR classes to the telecommunicators, and 1 blood drive was done in conjunction with the Red Cross. As September arrives, the Fire Department would like to remind everyone about the importance of child passenger safety seats. This month the National Child Passenger Safety Week will be held September 15- 21. If you have any concerns or questions about child safety seat installation or to have your safety seat checked, please reach out to Lt. Aaron Shook at 618-242-6835 to schedule an appointment or to answer any questions.
Engineering and Inspection Department conducted 54 10A inspections, out of the 54 inspections, 29 properties received occupancy certificates, there have been 82 nuisance postings, and approximately 26 were abated by the City. There were 7 properties condemned and there were 15 building permits totaling $1,770,545.
Mayor Lewis publicly thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their assistance with his vehicle accident were he had to be extricated. They kept everyone safe and he appreciates their hard work.
CITY COUNCIL
Council Member Ray Botch stated that since May, many infrastructure projects have been conducted. He thanked City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel, Public Works Director Matt Fauss, City Engineer Brad Ruble, and Assistant Public Works Director Jonathan Younger for their fantastic work in getting the projects done.
Council Member Jim Rippy stated after several trips from Mt. Vernon to Marion, Interstate 57 cannot absorb the amount of traffic that travels on this roadway. The Interstate needs additional lanes or there will be additional accidents and injuries.
Council Member Jim Rippy questioned why the City is reluctant to bid the services of consultants. He stated that the City should only have turn-key bids. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel explained that the projects that were City-funded are bid. The projects that use the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) are engineering projects funded by Illinois EPA. Using RFQs will assure that when the engineering costs are included in the project, the costs will qualify for a loan forgiveness. Bechtel said that the City can bid projects funded by Illinois EPA, but there would be a risk that the cost would not be included in the loan forgiveness. Rippy disagreed. He stated that to get the best value for the citizens, the service needs to be competitively bid. Council Member Ray Botch explained that if it is the City’s money, the services can be bid and if it is the State’s money, then the City needs to comply with their rules.
Council Member Mike Young reported that recently he assisted the Fire and Inspection Departments regarding a roof concern in the downtown area. He was very impressed by their professionalism, kindness, and safety concern for all.
VISITORS/CITIZENS REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
Pastor Tim Brinson from Antioch Church stated that he will be extra careful when endorsing religious groups coming to Mt. Vernon. Moving forward, his Church will use better discretion and he thanked the City for their patience.
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 7:40 p.m.
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