North Egypt News

City of Mt. Vernon City Council met Dec. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois Regular City Council Meeting Monday, December 4, 2023 7:00 p.m.

The Mt. Vernon City Council held a Regular City Council Meeting on Monday, December 4, 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.

Pastor Randy Steele with Southwest Christian Church 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 Journals for the November 20, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting and the November 20, 2023 Public Hearing were presented for approval.

Council Member Mike Young motioned to approve the Journals as presented. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. 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 the Council for approval.

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable in the amount of $5,871,714.75. Seconded by Council Member Ray Botch. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, December 4, 2023

BIDS AND QUOTES

City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the Bid Results for the Replacement of the Sanitary Sewer on 11th Street. Central Christian Church is constructing a new parking lot and there is a dilapidated sewer main on the property. The City is replacing the sewer main and moving the location. The staff recommendation is to award this to the low bidder, J.K. Trotter & Sons of Mt. Vernon at a cost of $123,185.28.

Council Member Ray Botch motioned to grant permission to accept the Bid Results for the Replacement of the Sanitary Sewer on 11th Street from J.K. Trotter & Sons in the amount of $123,185.28. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.

CITY MANAGER

None.

CITY ATTORNEY

City Attorney David Leggans presented for First Reading of an Ordinance Concerning the Levy and Collection of Taxes for the 2024 Fiscal Year. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel stated that there is no increase in the City levy from last year. The property tax levy is $2,880,100.00.

First Reading only.

City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution of Support for Applying for the Community Development Block Grant. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel explained that this is for the City support for the application for the Community Development Block Grant for home improvement.

Council Member Donte Moore motioned to approve the Resolution of Support for Applying for the Community Development Block Grant. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.

City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution of Support and Commitment of Local Funds for the Community Development Block Grant. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel explained that this is to commit $20,000.00 as a match for the Community Development Block Grant for home improvement.

Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the Resolution of Support and Commitment of Local Funds for the Community Development Block Grant. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.

City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution Releasing and Vacating a Water Easement and a Sanitary Sewer Easement Near Rend Lake Marketplace. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel stated that this easement is being released for the construction of the new Advanced Manufacturing facility.

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to approve the Resolution Releasing and Vacating a Water Easement and a Sanitary Sewer Easement Near Rend Lake Marketplace. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.

City Attorney David Leggans presented a Resolution Releasing and Vacating a Sanitary Sewer Easement Near Central Christian Church. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel explained that this is for relocating the sewer main for the Central Christian Church parking lot project. It releases the easement at the current location and replaces the easement with the new location.

Council Member Ray Botch motioned to approve the Resolution Releasing and Vacating a Sanitary Sewer Easement Near Central Christian Church. Seconded by Council Member Mike Young. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.

MAYOR

Mayor Lewis wanted to compliment the Tourism Department on the Downtown Christmas Parade and the Holiday Craft Fair that was held at the Rolland Lewis Community Center on Saturday. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel stated that these events were both well attended, and they did a wonderful job.

CITY COUNCIL

None.

VISITORS/CITIZENS REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE

Gabe Raney addressed the Council regarding 1-57, 1-64, 1-15 construction that is starting in 2025 and his concerns of the economic revenue that will be lost during that time. Mr. Raney asked if there has been a financial impact statement on what this will do when this is shut down. Mayor Lewis, City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel, and Council Members addressed questions and concerns that Mr. Raney posed. The Council is aware of the issues and have been working hard on the City's budget, increasing revenues, and building reserves. The City is also working on alternative routes in preparation for the construction and signage directing traffic back to the hospitality area. The Council thanked Mr. Raney for his concern and comments.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Council Member Ray Botch. Yeas: Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young, and Lewis.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

https://www.mtvernon.com/media/pkzd3qzo/5-meeting-minutes-december-4-2023.pdf