Mt. Vernon City Council met June 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Mt. Vernon City Council met for a Regular City Council Meeting in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois via teleconference due to the Covid-19 quarantine.
Mayor John Lewis called the meeting to order.
Council Member Mike Young gave the Invocation via teleconference.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL
Roll call showed present: Council Member Ray Botch, Council Member Joe Gliosci, Council Member Donte Moore, Council Member Mike Young, and Mayor John Lewis.
PRESENTATION OF JOURNALS
The Journals for the May 18, 2020 Public Hearing, the May 18, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting, and the May 22, 2020 Special City Council Meeting were presented for approval.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to approve the Journals as presented. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
VISITORS/CITIZENS REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
No comments were heard.
APPROVAL OF CONSOLIDATED VOUCHERS FOR ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable were presented to Council for approval. Council Member Donte Moore asked when the construction at the Aquatic Zoo will be completed. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel replied that the work should be completed in the next couple of weeks.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable in the amount of $595,123.81. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
BIDS AND QUOTES
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the Bid Results for two Lawnmowers. The mowers will go to the Parks Department and Inspection Weed Cutting Crew. Mascoutah Equipment submitted the only bid for $17,200 for the Parks Department Mower and $16,500 for the Inspection Department Mower. The mowers can be delivered immediately.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to accept the Bid from Mascoutah Equipment for the two Lawnmowers. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
CITY MANAGER
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented for Council’s permission the Closure of Jordan Street from 11th Street to the West Side of Peacock Printing’s Parking Lot on the following Fridays: June 5, 2020, July 3, 2020, August 7, 2020, September 4, 2020, and October 2, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kingsmen Auto Club is the requesting party. They are planning to host an auto show on each of these nights.
Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to grant permission to Close Jordan Street from 11th Street to the West Side of Peacock Printing’s Parking Lot on the following Fridays: June 5, 2020, July 3, 2020, August 7, 2020, September 4, 2020, and October 2, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel requested Council’s permission to Request Qualifications for Professional Service for a Water Security and Resources Study. Bechtel explained that currently the City purchases its water from Rend Lake Conservatory District. The City is in the last ten years of a forty-year agreement with Rend Lake. The purpose of the study would provide options to the City for future water security. Before entering into another long-term agreement with Rend Lake, Bechtel would like to know what other resources, options, or costs are available to the City. She stressed that the City needs to know other sources of water which could be available to the City. Mayor John Lewis stated that this is especially important based upon the City’s last two water crises. If something happens with Rend Lake, the City does not have a secondary water line because the City only relies on one water source for the community.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to grant permission to Request Qualifications for Professional Service for a Water Security and Resources Study. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the Water Accounts Report. She explained when the Covid-19 Pandemic began in March, the Illinois Governor suspended the collection of some payments for utilities. The City of Mt. Vernon was not covered under the Governor’s declaration, but agreed that water service would not be shut off due to nonpayment. The result is that over 200 accounts are in arrears resulting in a balance of $72,000 of unpaid bills. The Billing Services employees have been working with customers who were affected by Covid-19, but not everyone who is in arrears was affected by the virus. Bechtel asked how long the City should suspend the collection of the delinquent accounts. After discussion, the City Council directed Bechtel to provide payment agreements with customers to pay their arrears, if they keep up to date on the current bill. Customers will be notified in June that they will need to sign an agreement by July 1st, or their water service will be disconnected for the past due amounts.
Council Member Donte Moore announced that the United Way obtained grants to assist with utility bills for those who have encountered economic hardships in Jefferson County. He urged citizens to call Angels on Assignment at 242-1108, NAACP at 316-7076, or contact Crosswalk Agency at helpillinoisfamilies.com for information and assistance.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel reported that on a positive note, volume at the local hotels has increased and outdoor dining has been successful. The Drury Inn plans to open on June 4th and Doubletree is planning to open July 1st.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented for First Reading an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Property. The property to be sold is a 2015 Dodge Charger, VIN 2C3CDXAT7H902141, and 2013 Dodge Charger, VIN 2C3CDXAT9DH542593.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to suspend the rules on voting on an Ordinance. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to adopt Ordinance #2020-18, an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Property. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented for First Reading an Ordinance Amending Article 11, Section 11.7 of the Revised Code of Ordinances “Transient Merchant, Itinerant Vendor”, and adding a New Section 11.18 “Mobile Food Vendors”. Bechtel asked the Council and citizens to review this Ordinance carefully and to submit comments. The goals are to establish rules for Mobile Food Vendors/Ice Cream Trucks and to update the Transient Merchant/Itinerant Vendor Ordinance.
First Reading was held.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented for First Reading an Ordinance Approving an Agreement to Purchase Real Estate with Ideal Recovery and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Agreement on Behalf of the City of Mt. Vernon. The real property is situated at 5115 Lake Terrace NE in the Rolland W. Lewis Industrial Park. The purchase price is $40,000 for 8 acres. The City agrees to rezone the entire property I-2, General Industrial District and obtain a Conditional Use for the property as an Automobile Storage Yard.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to suspend the rules to vote on an Ordinance. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to adopt Ordinance #2020-19, an Ordinance Approving an Agreement to Purchase Real Estate with Ideal Recovery and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Agreement on Behalf of the City of Mt. Vernon. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented for First Reading an Ordinance Amending Article 13 of the Revised Code of Ordinances to Add Section 13.17 and Amending Article 21, Section 21-109 by Adding a New Section 21-109.9 Shipping Containers. Bechtel reported that there have been many inquiries about companies wanting to use shipping containers for storage buildings and additional building space. Bechtel asked the Council and citizens to review this Ordinance carefully and to submit comments. The businesses that currently use shipping containers will be given 120 days to be in compliance with the proposed Ordinance.
First Reading was held.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented for First Reading an Ordinance Amending Article 6, Section 6.5, Subparagraph 8 of the Revised Code of Ordinances “License Classifications and Fees”. This pertains to the “Retail Business Customer Liquor License”. Under this proposed Ordinance no video gaming terminal shall be permitted upon the licensed premises and the premise shall not be eligible for a Video Gaming Terminal License.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to suspend the rules to vote on an Ordinance. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to adopt Ordinance #2020-20, an Ordinance Amending Article 6, Section 6.5, Subparagraph 8 of the Revised Code of Ordinances “License Classifications and Fees”. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing the City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois to Proceed with the Preparation of Documents for the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds. Bechtel explained that the City has about $28 million of outstanding debt at 3.45% interest. The goal is to reduce the City’s interest cost by refunding the existing bonds and to issue additional bonds for road construction.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the Resolution Authorizing the City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois to Proceed with the Preparation of Documents for the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving M.E. Jackson Jewelry’s Application to the State of Illinois for a Community Development Block Grant Program Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the Resolution Approving M.E. Jackson Jewelry’s Application to the State of Illinois for a Community Development Block Grant Program Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving El Rancherito Mexican Restaurant Inc.’s Application to the State of Illinois for a Community Development Block Grant Program Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant.
Council Member Mike Young motioned to approve the Resolution Approving El Rancherito Mexican Restaurant Inc.’s Application to the State of Illinois for a Community Development Block Grant Program Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving Trackside Bar & Grill’s Application to the State of Illinois for a Community Development Block Grant Program Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant.
Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to approve the Resolution Approving Trackside Bar & Grill’s Application to the State of Illinois for a Community Development Block Grant Program Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Permitting Outdoor Dining and Outdoor Service. The State is going into Phase 3 of reopening due to the COVID- 19 Virus. This Resolution relaxes some of the City’s requirements for outdoor dining. The Resolution’s provisions will be for a 120-day period from the date of approval.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the Resolution Permitting Outdoor Dining and Outdoor Service. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
MAYOR
Mayor John Lewis reported on the May 2020 statistics from the various City Departments.
The Mt. Vernon Police Department handled 1,179 calls which equals to about 38 calls each and every day. 73 people were arrested during the month. There were 82 criminal charges, 14 drug charges and 8 warrants served. They also conducted 145 traffic stops resulting in 58 citations. 6 people were arrested for D.U.I.’s, responded to 72 traffic crashes, answered 78 alarms, and had 55 community contacts. The Detective Division was assigned 33 new cases, referred 4 cases to the States Attorney and cleared 3 cases by arrest. The Tactical Unit was deployed 1 time, our K9 team had 14 deployments and there were 3 crime scene callouts.
The Fire Department responded to 273 alarms and calls. The City Hall Station answered 132 alarms, the Airport Station answered 15 alarms, and the 42nd Street Station answered 167 alarms. Of the responses, 199 were recorded as EMS related, 12 of the responses were recorded as fire related, and 5 of the responses were recorded as hazard related. They responded to 1 structure fire, 4 trash rubbish fires, 1 road freight fire, 3 natural vegetation fires, 11 motor vehicle crashes with injuries, 19 false alarms, and gave mutual aid on 1 call. The Fire Inspection Dept. performed 6 business site inspections, 6 consultations and 2 plan reviews. The Fire Prevention Division performed 1 car seat inspection. The Fire Department would like to remind residents who want to complete fireworks training classes that they will be held online this year. To receive information on how to complete the online training please call Lt. Aaron Shook at 618-242-6835 or contact him via email at aaron.shook@mtvernon.com. Public Utilities Department responded to 4 water breaks, repaired or replaced 5 services, processed 69 work orders, processed 103 JULIE locates, had no red letter disconnects, completed 5 site restorations, flushed 15 hydrants, conducted 8 water quality tests, and completed the 11th Street water main project with site restoration under way. On the sewer side, they responded to 10 service calls resulting in 7 backed up sewer mains, 42 routine sanitary and storm mains cleaned and or televised resulting in 10,784 linear feet of sanitary sewer main cleaned and 5,864 linear feet of sanitary sewer televised, 3 manholes were replaced, 2 mains repaired, and 5 mains were dye tested. Engineering and Inspection Department. They conducted no 10A inspections due to COVID-19, and there have been 88 nuisance postings with 13 nuisance abatements. There were 2 properties condemned and there were 20 building permits totaling $7,736,722.
CITY COUNCIL
Council Member Donte Moore hopes that the citizens of Mt. Vernon take advantage of the United Way grants to assist with utility bills. He urged citizens to call Angels on Assignment at 242-1108, NAACP at 316-7076, or contact Crosswalk Agency at helpillinoisfamilies.com for information and assistance.
Council Member Mike Young reported that he has received many compliments on the 12th Street improvements.
VISITORS/CITIZENS REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
No comments were heard.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
No Executive Session was held.
ADJOURNMENT
Regular City Council Meeting Monday, June 1, 2020
Council Member Mike Young motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
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