Sangamon Sun

City of Athens City Council met September 11. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the council:

Mayor Dowell welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 7pm at Athens City Hall. The Mayor asked if any Veteran present would like to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. All stood and Chief Tim Becker led the pledge.

Clerk Cindy McFarland called roll. Present were Aldermen: Chris Basso, Larry Buhr, Ron Canterbury, Tom Croft, Tom Herman, and Butch Nichols. Also in attendance were Rex Kieffer, Gary Richardson, Merle Messersmith, Linda Wasilewski, Ryne Crowe, Michael Lockwood, Chief Tim Becker, and Treasurer Ryan Seifert.

Under Old Business, there was discussion on the Boars Nest entrance. Then the Mayor asked the council to take a moment to look over the August reports. Chief Becker presented the police report. Motion made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Canterbury, to approve the police, treasurers’, water and wastewater, and streets and alleys reports. There was no cemetery meeting or report for the month. Ayes: Basso, Buhr, Canterbury, Croft, Herman and Nichols. Reports approved.

Motion made by Alderman Canterbury, seconded by Alderman Herman, to approve the minutes of the August 10, 2017 Committee Meeting, and the August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting. Ayes: Basso, Buhr, Canterbury, Croft, Herman and Nichols. Minutes approved.

Next was the vote to approve Resolution 03-2017 on the remaining motor fuel funds in the amount of $24,000. Motion made by Alderman Nichols, seconded by Alderman Basso. Ayes: Basso, Buhr, Canterbury, Croft, Herman and Nichols. Motion passed.

Motion made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Herman to approve the purchase of the new water meter for the sports complex in the amount of $2,984. Ayes: Basso, Buhr, Canterbury, Croft, Herman and Nichols. Motion passed.

Motion made by Alderman Basso, seconded by Alderman Nichols to approve the utilization of Credit Collection Partners with no set-up or maintenance fees. Ayes: Basso, Buhr, Canterbury, Croft, Herman and Nichols. Motion passed.

Motion made by Alderman Herman, seconded by Alderman Buhr to approve the utilization of the Affordable Shred Company at a savings of $12 per month. Ayes: Basso, Buhr, Canterbury, Croft, Herman and Nichols. Motion passed.

Motion made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Canterbury, to approve the donation of $2000 to the Athens HS Leadership Committee for the 20th annual food drive, to be paid from the gaming fund. Ayes: Basso, Buhr, Canterbury, Croft, Herman and Nichols. Motion passed.

Motion made by Alderman Croft, seconded by Alderman Canterbury, to approve the further employment of Michael Lockwood with a wage increase to $11 per hour. Ayes: Basso, Buhr, Canterbury, Croft, Herman and Nichols. Motion passed.

Next was discussion on the donation of armband tickets to the food pantry for distribution. Motion made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Nichols, to approve the purchase of up to the amended amount of $1000 worth of armband tickets to the food bank for distribution to be paid from the gaming fund. Ayes: Basso, Buhr, Canterbury, Croft, Herman and Nichols. Motion passed.

Mayor Dowell asked if anyone had any questions or comments. Under Old Business, Treasurer Seifert asked about splitting the hurricane donation between the 2 hurricanes. Motion made by Alderman Herman, seconded by Alderman Buhr, to approve the donation, amended to $1000 each to Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma recovery to be paid from the gaming fund. Ayes: Basso, Buhr, Canterbury, Croft, Herman and Nichols. Motion passed.

The Mayor asked if there was any new business or public comments. Gary Richardson asked about clarification on the costs of the Affordable Shred event to be held on 9/16/17. There was some discussion on the metal recycling event that will be held the same day. Other topics discussed were addressing the speed limit for the park and alleys, and the use of motorized bikes and golf carts in the city.

Mayor Dowell said that would conclude our agenda this evening. Motion made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Canterbury, to adjourn. All ayes. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.

http://www.athensil.com/documents/75/9-11-17_Regular_Meeting-Monday.pdf