Sangamon Sun

Auburn City Council met October 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Mayor Berola called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Tom Berola, Julie Barnhill, Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos, Jr., Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracy Sheppard and Seth Williams.

Absent: Larry Hemmerle

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

I. Mayor’s Comments

A. Urban Saloon Temporary Liquor Permit and Noise Permit for October 6-8, 2017

Mayor Berola informed the Council that the Urban Saloon, formerly known as the Sugar Creek Wine & Deli, will have a grand re-opening Friday, October 6 thru Sunday, October 8. Berola spoke with the owner and that they would make sure that they are using their own means of power. The only stipulation that the Mayor has is that the sidewalk in front of the Saloon cannot be blocked off until 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The parking spots in front of the Saloon and the Salon will be blocked off Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The street on the east side of the Saloon will be blocked off on Sunday for a street festival.

II. Visitors/Public Comments.

III. City Clerk’s Report – Barnhill

A. September 18, 2017 Meeting Minutes

Barnhill presented the meeting minutes from meeting on September 18, 2017 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Williams to approve the meeting minutes from September 18, 2017, second by Garrett. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracy Sheppard and Seth Williams. Nay: Jason Garrett Present: None. Absent: Larry Hemmerle (6-1-0-1)

IV. Treasurer’s Report – Warwick

A. Bills List September 19, 2017 to October 2, 2017

Warwick presented the Bills List from September 19, 2017 to October 2, 2017 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Williams to approve the Bills List from September 19, 2017 to October 2, 2017, second by Basowiecz. Voice Vote AYE: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr., Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracy Sheppard and Seth Williams. Nay: Jason Garrett. Present: None. Absent. Larry Hemmerle (6-1-0-1)

V. Attorney’s Report –

A. Second Reading, Ordinance 1440-17: An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance 426 which established a Free Public Library for the City of Auburn

Attorney Grischow presented to the Council for the Second Reading, Ordinance 1440-17: An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance 426 Which Established a Free Public Library for the City of Auburn for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Garrett to approve Ordinance 1440-17: An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance 426 which established a Free Public Library for the City of Auburn effective October 1, 2017, second by Sheppard. 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: Larry Hemmerle(7-0-0-1)

B. Second Reading, Resolution 72-17: Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to sign a deed conveying the property to the Library.

Grischow presented the Council with the Second Reading, Resolution 72017: Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a deed conveying the property to the Library. Grischow did inform the Council that she did speak with the Library Attorney regarding a reversionary clause being signed in case something would happen to the library. With a reversionary clause the City would get the building back. The Library Attorney indicated that he would speak to his client and get back to Attorney Grischow. A motion was made by Garrett to table the vote on Resolution 72-17: Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to sign a deed conveying the property to the library, second by Devos. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr., Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracy Sheppard and Seth Williams. Nay: Lori Basiewicz. Present: None. Absent: Larry Hemmerle (6-1-0-1)

C. First Reading, Ordinance 1441-17: An Ordinance Annexing Certain Territory

Grischow presented the Council with the First Reading, Ordinance 1441-17: An Ordinance Annexing Certain Territory.

D. Township Park MOU

Grischow prepared a memorandum of understanding to the Sheriff. Since the Chief and Mayor are agreeable with the memorandum, Grischow will send to the Sheriff. The Memorandum of Understanding will provide authorization to the City of Auburn Police to patrol and take action at the Township Park.

E. 1027 West Adams (Barton Estate) – Tax Sale

Attorney Grischow was contacted by Neil Wallace. Apparently the City of Auburn was not properly notified of the sale. The City of Auburn has the opportunity to purchase the land. If the City does not purchase, the new owner would like for the City of Auburn to release the lien on the property. A motion was made by Garrett to release the lien of $18, 150.70 as long as the new owner will immediately begin clean up, maintain and to pay the recording and attorney fees; second by Williams. Vote AYE: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr., Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracy Sheppard and Seth Williams. Nay: None. Present: None. Absent: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-0-1)

VI. Department Heads

A. Centko

1) Tasers

Chief Centko informed the Council that the Tasers are being repaired and they are under warranty. Centko informed the council that the new parade route worked well. Alderman Garrett asked Chief Centko if he had heard of the Exeon program that all uniformed officers will be offered body cameras. Centko said that the retention is the main concern of all body cameras.

B. McCarthy

Superintendent McCarthy informed the Council that he has spoken with Tom Meyers from SASED regarding the additional student that will help out at the garage. Mayor Berola informed McCarthy that we absolutely want to have an additional student help out at the garage.

C. Ponsler

1) ACC Furnace Repairs.

City Office Manager Ponsler informed the Council that the Community Center furnace needs to be repaired. One of the furnaces continues to work but the other one is not. The air conditioners have been fixed. A motion was made by Johnson to proceed with the repair of the furnace not to exceed $430, second by Williams. Vote AYE: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr., Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracy Sheppard and Seth Williams. Nay: None. Present: None. Absent: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-0-1). Alderman Garrett also informed the council that the Community Center also has an electrical issue. The Council is recommending that bids for electrical repairs to the Community Center need to be sought.

VII. Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

1. Committee of the Whole Meeting – September 26, 2017

a. Jr. Alderman Program

Mayor Berola will introduce the junior alderman program to the student council and see what level of interest is prior to determining the selection process.

b. ACC Student Help

Superintendent McCarthy will take a student within the SASED progam to help with some projects at the Community Center, painting around town and additional help at the garage

c. Police Union Contract Negotiations

Chief Centko indicated that a new state law will require an investigation of any officer involved shooting or discharge of a firearm. The new law will require the current FOP contract to be amended. A four member committee to discuss the revisions to the FOP contract with the FOP union rep and local union steward (Officer Josh Sheppard) will consist of Jason Garrett, Bruce Centko, Seth Williams and Mayor Tom Berola as an alternate.

d. Dispatch

Alderman Johnson presented information regarding the Committee of the Whole Meeting on September 26, 2017. Johnson presented information to the Council with regards to Pawnee Chief Bowsher attending the meeting and presenting her experience and views on the City of Pawnee dissolving dispatch and the effects it had on the community, how it works within the department, and how the community dealt with the whole process. After a very lengthy discussion, the committee decided to take a vote at the next council meeting which will be Monday, October 16. This vote will decide as to whether or not the City of Auburn dispatch will be dissolved. The Administration Committee will meet on Thursday, October 5 at 7 p.m. and October 9th is a backup date.

B. Public Works/Public Utilities – Johnson

Alderman Johnson informed the council regarding issues that Mr. Landers has with the City of Auburn: cul-de-sac, rest home on Dickey John Road and exposed gas.

C. Health & Safety – Williams

Alderman Williams indicated that the Health & Safety committee will meet on Monday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m.

D. Health & Housing – Sheppard

1) 217 Huntington Drive

Alderman Sheppard informed the council that a clean up drive will take place on October 21, 2017 beginning at 10 a.m. to help the home owner at 217 Huntington Drive. The owner is disabled and unable to take care of the clean up.

E. Parks – Williams

1) Committee Meeting – September 27, 2017

a) Baseball Fields

Alderman Williams presented the council with information regarding the water being installed at the baseball fields. Alderman Garrett talked with Superintendent Root and he would consider the scope of the project. Root would like to consider the sharing of this project. The baseball coach is wanting to get this project moving as soon as possible. Alderman Powell asked that if the school didn’t participate, would we still do this and Williams indicated yes.

Powell suggested that we go ahead with the project and if the school does come through then we would pay less. A motion was presented by Powell to proceed with $2000 to come from the parks fund and City’s tap fee of $750 would be waived, second by Basiewicz. Vote AYE: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr., Joe Powell, Seth Williams. Nay: Jason Garret, Rod Johnson, and Tracy Sheppard. Present: None. Absent: Larry Hemmerle (4-3-0-1).

b) Lights at East Park

Alderman Williams presented the council with information regarding the replacement of 7 lights at the East Park Pavilion. A motion was made by Basiewicz to replace 7 lights at the East Park Pavilion not to exceed $2100, second by Williams. Vote AYE: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr., Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracy Sheppard and Seth Williams. Nay: None. Present: Garrett. Absent: Larry Hemmerle (6-0-1-1).

c) Tree Bids

Alderman Williams presented to the Council for their review and approval the bids for removal of the tree to Shane Norris in the amount of $650 and the stump removal of the tree to Dave Lloyd in the amount of $50. A motion was made by Williams to accept the bid from Shane Norris to remove the trees at the East park not to exceed $650 and Dave Lloyd to remove the stump not to exceed $50, second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr., Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracy Sheppard and Seth Williams. Nay: None. Present: None. Absent: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-0-1).

d) Movies in the Park

Alderman Williams informed the Council that Movies in the Park has been operating under the assumption that the Library at the proper license to show outdoor movies. Apparently the library does not have the proper license. The committee is looking into obtaining the proper license for future showings of Movies in the park.

e) Future Expenditures

Alderman Williams shared some additional items that the Parks Committee would like to see purchased for upgrades to the parks. The Parks Committee would like to see bike racks added to the parks that are in concrete. They also would like to purchase black grills for people to be able to use for picnic purposes.

F. Library – Garrett

Alderman Garrett informed the Council that the final minutes were in their drop box for their viewing.

VIII. Other Business

Alderman Garrett brought up for discussion the use of MFT monies being used for repairs of sidewalks and removal of trees. He indicated that he has checked into what MFT monies can be used for and it can be used for repairs of sidewalks and removal of trees. Mayor

Berola directed Aldmeran Garrett and Superintendent McCarthy to work together on using MFT monies to repairs these items.

IX. Adjournment

Motion to adjournment was made by Johnson at 9:08 p.m.; second by Garrett. Voice Vote

Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr., Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, Tracy Sheppard And Seth Williams. Nay: None. Present: None. Absent: Larry Hemmerle. (7-0-0-1)

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