Sangamon Sun

City of Auburn City Council met Sept. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Mayor Berola called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

Present: Tom Berola, Julie Barnhill, Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos, Jr., Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle (arrived at 7:48 p.m.) Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracy Sheppard and Seth Williams.

Absent: None

Department Heads: Bruce Centko, Mike McCarthy, and Kristy Ponsler. City Attorney: Raylene Grischow.

I. Mayor’s Comments

A. Zoning Board Member Renewals

Mayor Berola presented the reappointment of Wade Rathgeber and Jim Nuckolls to the Zoning Board for a five-year term 2017 - 2022 to the council for approval. A motion was made by Devos to accept the appointment of Wade Rathgeber and Jim Nuckolls as members of the Zoning Committee for their term to expire in 2022; second by Williams. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Seth Williams. NAY: None. PRESENT: Tracy Sheppard. Absent: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-1-1)

B. Police Patrol of Auburn Township

Mayor Berola presented information that Alderman Devos has discussed with the Sangamon County Sheriff the possibility of the City of Auburn police department patrolling the Auburn Township area. The Sangamon County Sheriff was supportive of the police department making a run through and patrolling the township park. Sangamon County Sheriff and the City of Auburn will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow joint patrol of that area. Once the memorandum is drafted and ready to go, Mayor Berola will meet with the Sheriff and get it signed. Berola instructed Attorney Grischow to talk with the Sheriff to prepare the Memorandum of Understanding.

C. Dispatch

Mayor Berola provided an update of the dispatch matter. He has reached out to Brian McFadden, County financial person, to see if he could provide additional information regarding what type of dollar amount the City of Auburn would be charged for dispatch services. McFadden informed Mayor Berola that they are very busy right now with their own budget and that is why he hadn’t gotten back to him on this matter. McFadden will provide a more accurate dollar amount and Berola is hoping to have that by the next council meeting. Alderman Powell presented that one of the applicants could help out in the interim instead of paying out overtime salaries. Johnson asked Centko if we every addressed the applicants and Centko indicated that he was told by the council not to address them yet. Powell indicated that there is a 30 day emergency provision that could apply. Williams indicated that he felt that it would be smart to utilize the experienced dispatcher to help relief the budget and the staff. Centko was asked to contact the applicant to see if she would be available and to obtain her availability. Berola asked Williams to set a Health and Safety Committee meeting to discuss the dispatch hire.

II. Visitors/Public Comments

A. Martha Searcy – Auburn Nursing and Rehab – September Activities/Therapy Week

Tutera Senior Living has purchased the Auburn Nursing and Rehab Center. They have contracted with Aegis Therapies to provide activities. Aegis Therapies is sponsoring a walk on September 25 at 9 a.m. All residents, that are capable, will be participating. Students from the local grade school will also be participating and Searcy is hoping the city of Auburn will be willing to block of streets for this to happen. Mayor Berola approved the blocking off of Walnut, Maple, Washington and 5th Street for this walk to happen. Chief Centko indicated that he would make this happen. Berola also suggested that she reach out to Superintendent Darren Root to discuss bus route so there are no problems. The community and the families of the residents are all invited.

B. Video Gaming Establishment Owners

Billy Brand (Jackpot Gaming) and Barb Henn (Oasis) were in attendance to discuss the possibility of controlling the number of liquor licenses issued within the City of Auburn. Brand and Henn were representing the video gaming owners in town and are expressing their concerns of allowing additional gambling parlors in Auburn. These owners feel that by allowing additional liquor licenses, owners will be allowed to get gaming machines. Eight establishments within the City of Auburn have video gambling. They would like to see that the current establishments succeed rather than adding additional gambling parlors to compete with. Brand presented information regarding local towns that have placed a cap on the number of establishments within city limits. Mayor Berola has asked Alderman Johnson to schedule an Administrative Committee meeting to discuss this issue.

C. Mitch Jones – Jr. Alderman Program

Mitch Jones, student at Auburn High School, approached the Council regarding the possibilities of implementing a Jr. Alderman Program with Auburn high School. He shared information regarding a program in the city that his relative lives. Mayor Berola asked him to get additional information and get back to the council. The Council agreed that they would make this an application process.

D. Massey and Massey Presentation

Massey and Massey was in attendance to discuss the Small Town Pilot Program. Auburn is one of the four finalist communities for the project. Kent Massey shared information with the Council on what they are proposing for the City to do. They will be working with the City on grants that will be available to apply for to help the City of Auburn.

III. City Clerk’s Report – Barnhill

A. August 7, 2017 Appropriation Hearing Meeting Minutes

Barnhill presented the meeting minutes from the Appropriation Hearing Meeting held on August 7, 2017 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Johnson to approve the meeting minutes, second by Sheppard. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: Seth Williams. Absent: None(7-0-1-0)

B. September 5, 2017 Meeting Minutes

Barnhill presented the meeting minutes from meeting on September 5, 2017 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the meeting minutes, second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: Jason Garrett PRESENT: Seth Williams. Absent: None (6-1-1-0)

IV. Treasurer’s Report – Warwick

A. Bills List August 22, 2017 to September 5, 2017

Warwick presented the Bills List from August 22, 2017 to September 5, 2017 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Williams to approve the Bills List from August 22, 2017 to September 5, 2017, second by Sheppard. Voice Vote AYE: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr., Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracey Sheppard and Seth Williams. NAY: Jason Garrett PRESENT: Larry Hemmerle. None (7-0-1-1)

V. Attorney’s Report –

Alderman Johnson asked if Attorney Grischow if she could provide us with an update report on the Landers property request. Attorney Grischow has provided the Council with a letter indicating that the property does not meet the intent. Grischow was instructed to look into to see if the property was zoned correctly. She feels that all of the channels were not totally completed. She feels that if it is to move forward that we need to provide a proper variance. The zoning board issued a variance and the property owner did not complete all of the proper paperwork for that to be issued. The City of Auburn will need to resend the zoning variance until all areas are addressed. Alderman Johnson has asked for it to be placed on the agenda for the next Council meeting, September 18. It will be addressed at that meeting.

VI. Department Heads

A. Centko

1) Centko Vehicle

Chief Centko updated the council on the appraisal coming in lower than what the local collision repair company said it would be so. Apparently the quote that came in was for used parts and the repair company cannot get them. So the Chief has submitted new information from repair shop to the insurance company.

2) Chief Centko and Superintendent McCarthy would like to check into the option of purchasing a trailer so that road barricades can be placed in them.

3) The roof of the City office was repaired by Randy Bourne. Office Manager suggested that she was informed that the roof has some damage and looks like it should have been previously reported to their insurance company from one of the hail storms. Craig Ladage indicated that we need a new roof.

B. McCarthy

1) Building Update

Superintendent McCarthy provided an update to the Council regarding the completion of the new building. He indicated that the building would be complete by September 15.

2) Generator Payment

Generator Payment was being made from the “draw” of the construction loan.

C. Ponsler

Officer Manager Ponsler informed that Council that the Bill Pay that normally comes from UCB was messed up this month and caused peoples bills to be late. They are keeping a list of all of these so that they did not go on shut off list and that they are not charged a late fee.

VII. Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

Alderman Johnson set up an Administration Committee Meeting for September 13, 7:00 p.m. regarding Video-Gaming Regulations & Dispatch Potential Hire.

B. Public Works/Public Utilities – Johnson

Alderman Johnson indicated that he did not have a report. Alderman Devos asked about the alley behind the school again. Devos would like to name the alley so we can use motor fuel tax. For the alley to become a named street, it will have to be approved through an ordinance.

C. Health & Safety – Williams

Alderman Williams indicated that he did not have a report.

D. Health & Housing – Sheppard

1) 119 S. Harris – owner of property is at assisted living facility. The house has no utilities and it did get mowed. This property will continue to be monitored.

2) Inoperable Vehicles - - reached a fresh list tonight and will go through it again before next meeting. E. Parks – Hemmerle

Alderman Hemmerle indicated that he did not have a report. F. Library – Garrett

Alderman Garrett indicated that the Auburn Public Library court date was set for September 11.

VIII. Other Business

Treasurer Warwick asked if a travel trailer can be used for housing. This travel trailer is located in the McClelland trailer court on Kennedy Street. The ordinance will be looked at.

IX. Adjournment

Motion to adjournment was made by Sheppard at 8:43 p.m.; second by Johnson. Voice Vote AYE: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr., Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracy Sheppard and Seth Williams. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None. (8-0-0-0)

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