City of Mt. Vernon City Council met Feb. 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Mt. Vernon City Council held a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/MtVernonIL.
Mayor John Lewis opened the meeting.
Rose Straeter with Broken, Loved, Healed led the Invocation.
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 Journal for the February 6, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting was presented for approval.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to approve the Journal as presented. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
VISITORS/CITIZENS REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
None.
APPROVAL OF CONSOLIDATED VOUCHERS FOR ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable were presented to Council for approval.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable in the amount of $2,343,957.34. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 21, 2023
BIDS AND QUOTES
None.
CITY MANAGER
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel introduced Jacob Sanabia, Project Manager with Holland Construction, to give an update on the new Police Facility. Mr. Sanabia presented Council Members with a book showing a progress report, schedules, contingency log and photos of progress. The new completion date is June 22, 2023. Council Members asked questions and were updated on the new Police Facility.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel requested permission for a Street Closure for 9th Street between Jordan and Casey on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the Mt. Vernon Homebrewers Festival. Requesting Party: Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. Staff recommendation is to approve the closure.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to grant permission for a Street Closure for 9th Street between Jordan and Casey on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the Mt. Vernon Homebrewers Festival. Requesting Party: Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel requested permission for a Street Closure for 9th Street between Casey and Broadway on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the United Way of South Central Illinois Food Truck Festival. Requesting Party: Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. Staff recommendation is to approve the closure.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to grant permission for a Street Closure for 9th Street between Casey and Broadway on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the United Way of South Central Illinois Food Truck Festival. Requesting Party: Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel requested permission for Street Closures for Various Streets on Thursday, September 28 through Sunday, October 1, 2023 for the Mt. Vernon Fall Fest. Requesting Party: Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. Staff recommendation is to approve the closures.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to grant permission for Street Closures for Various Streets on Thursday, September 28 through Sunday, October 1, 2023 for the Mt. Vernon Fall Fest. Requesting Party: Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel requested permission for a Street Closure for 9th Street between Broadway and Main on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the Downtown Christmas Activities. Requesting Party: Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. Staff recommendation is to approve the closure.
Council Member Mike Young motioned to grant permission for a Street Closure for 9th Street between Broadway and Main on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for Christmas Activities. Requesting Party: Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney David Leggans presented for Second Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Property Located at 1009 N. 13th Street. Petitioning Party: KEB Ventures LLC. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel stated this is a parcel that was subdivided from a larger parcel that was not in the incorporated limits of the City. After the subdivision, the owner wants a separate water meter. This requires the property be annexed into the City. Staff recommendation is to approve this Ordinance annexing the property.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve Ordinance #2023-07, an Ordinance Annexing Property Located at 1009 N. 13th Street. Petitioning Party: KEB Ventures LLC. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented for Second Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Revised Code Provisions for a Residential Facility for Homeless Persons. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel explained that these changes allow Life Boat Alliance to offer on-site counseling to individuals who were previously clients of Life Boat Alliance, and, add the condition that a homeless shelter cannot be within 1,000 feet of another homeless shelter.
Council Member Mike Young motioned to approve Ordinance #2023-08, an Ordinance Amending the Revised Code Provisions for a Residential Facility for Homeless Persons. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented an Ordinance for Rezoning of Property located at 2602 Brownsville Road from R-1 to R-M2. Petitioning Party: Donald Heck. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel stated that this was unanimously approved by Planning and Zoning and there were two objectors at the meeting. One objector, Walter Nadolski, was present and spoke to the Council. City Attorney Leggans replied to Mr. Nadolski’s objection regarding a typo in the publication. Mr. Nadolski also spoke to Council regarding a house being buried on the lot. City Attorney Leggans stated that this would not have anything to do with the zoning. Donald Heck, the petitioning party, also spoke to the Council. Mayor Lewis replied that City Engineering and Inspection will inspect the property.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve Ordinance #2023-09, an Ordinance Approving the Rezoning of Property at 2602 Brownsville Road from R-1 to R-M2. Petitioning Party: Donald Heck. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented an Ordinance Approving Change of Use for Real Estate in a Planned Unit Development. The property is located at 42nd and Broadway. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel explained that this is to accommodate 7 Brews, a drive through coffee establishment that will be located next to the Waffle Company. This was approved by Planning and Zoning. Staff recommendation is to approve this change to the Planned Business District. John Schebaum, Civil Engineer with Buescher Frankenberg Associates, Inc. was present to address any questions or concerns.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to approve Ordinance #2023-10, an Ordinance Approving the Change of Use for Real Estate in a Planned Unit Development. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented an Ordinance Amending Article 11, Licenses. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel stated that this Ordinance rescinds the licensing for: Section 11.2 Auctions and Auctioneers, Section 11.3 Barbers and Barber Shops, Section 11.5 Dancing and Dance Halls, Section 11.8 Jukeboxes, Section 11.11 Shows, Theatricals, and Amusements, Section 11.12 Termite and Other Pest Control Contractors or Exterminators, and Section 11.13 Vehicles for Hire.
Council Member Donte Moore made the motion to suspend the rules and take action on the Ordinance, an Ordinance Amending Article 11, Licenses. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
Council Member Donte Moore motioned to approve Ordinance #2023-11, an Ordinance Amending Article 11, Licenses. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution to Approve the Amendment to the Water Supply Contract with Rend Lake Conservancy District (RLCD). City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel explained that RLCD gives us the increases for water rates for 5 years at a time. This Resolution amends the agreement to a one-year annual increase. With all of the increases in costs for chemicals, supplies, equipment and personnel, the City believes it would be better to have an annual increase now instead of RLCD projecting the rate increases for the next five years. If they would have to project this increase for the next five years right now, it could be higher than necessary. So, due to the uncertainty, the City would like to wait to see year to year.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Water Supply Contract with Rend Lake Conservancy District. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution to Approve the Increase of Water Rates to the Village of Woodlawn, Village of Bluford, Dix-Kell Water Commission, Village of Belle Rive, Village of Waltonville, and Northeast Water Company. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel explained that based on a projected 5% increase in the City’s Water Purchase Agreement with Rend Lake Conservancy District (RLCD), the cost would increase .13 cents per 1,000 gallons. The City budgeted the cost of water purchases this year to be $2,150,652.00 and a 5% increase would be an additional $107,532.60 if the purchases remain the same (same quantity). According to the City’s agreement with other water districts, the City must notify them by the end of February of any increase. The City is proposing an increase of .13 cents (or 4.63%). If the RLCD decreases the rate less than 5%, we will make an adjustment to the water districts. If it is more than 5%, the City would have to bear the additional cost as the rate to villages and water districts would not be more than 4.63%. City Manager Bechtel introduced Nick Lemay, City Appointment to the Rend Lake Conservancy District, to answer any questions or concerns. The RLCD’s board meeting will be on Monday, February 27, and they will be deciding on the rate at that meeting.
Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to approve the Resolution Approving an Increase of Water Rates to Village of Woodlawn, Village of Bluford, Dix-Kell Water Commission, Village of Belle Rive, Village of Waltonville, and Northeast Water Company. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution Reclassifying Certain Accounts for Accounting Purposes to Bad Debt. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel stated that this is the annual Resolution for an accounting adjustment for bad debt in the Water Department. These accounts will be submitted to the State of Illinois for collection through their program.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the Resolution Reclassifying Certain Accounts for Accounting Purposes to Bad Debt. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution Requesting IDOT Approval for the Temporary Closure of IL-15 Westbound from Marlow Road to Junction of IL-15 & Old Route 15 at the East Edge of Mt. Vernon from 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. on July 4, 2023, for purpose of the "Salute to Freedom" Fireworks Display.
Council Member Mike Young motioned to approve the Resolution Requesting IDOT Approval for the Temporary Closure of IL-15 Westbound from Marlow Road to Junction of IL-15 and Old Route 15 at the East Edge of Mt. Vernon for the “Salute to Freedom” Fireworks Display on July 4, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution Requesting Permission from IDOT to Close IL-15 and IL-37 on September 30, 2023 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. for the Fall Fest Parade.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve a Resolution Requesting Permission from IDOT to Close IL-15 and IL-37 on September 30, 2023 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. for the Fall Fest Parade. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution Requesting Permission from IDOT to Close IL-15 and IL-37 on December 2, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for the Christmas Parade.
Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to approve a Resolution Requesting Permission from IDOT to Close IL-15 and IL-37 on December 2, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for the Christmas Parade. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Satori Enterprises LLC for Acquisition and Consulting Services Relating to the Power Supply Contract. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel stated that the City’s residential aggregation contract will end in December 2023. This Resolution gives permission for the City to enter into an agreement with Satori (formerly AGE) to continue the aggregation program.
Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Satori Enterprises LLC for Acquisition and Consulting Services Relating to the Power Supply Contract. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Sign an Electric Service Agreement for Municipal Locations. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel stated that the City’s electricity purchase agreement ends January 2024. This will give the City Manager the ability to secure a power supply agreement for City facilities. This is competitive with little time to accept or reject a quote.
Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to approve a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Sign an Electric Service Agreement for Municipal Locations. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution Authorizing The City Manager to Sign a Power Supply Agreement for Electric Service for Residents. This gives the City Manager the authority to secure a power purchase agreement. The current agreement ends December 2032. The purchase is competitive with a limited time to accept or reject.
Council Member Mike Young motioned to approve a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Power Supply Agreement for Electric Service for Residents. Seconded by Council Member Ray Botch. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
MAYOR
None.
CITY COUNCIL
None.
VISITORS/CITIZENS REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
https://mtvernon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/02212023-Regular-City-Council-Meeting-.pdf
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