Sangamon Sun

City of Springfield City Council met February 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Pre-Council Session:

City Clerk Frank Lesko called the Pre Council Session of the Springfield City Council to Order at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2018 in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Center West.

Clerk Lesko read the ordinances on First Reading and assigned to the Committee of the Whole.

CWLP:

2018-057 An Ordinance Authorizing The Execution Of A Letter Offer For Extension, Approving A One-Year Contract Extension And Authorizing Additional Funding In The Amount Of $36,518.00 Under Contract No. UE15-12-71 With Nalco Company LLC For A Total Amount Payable Of $127,319.00 For The Office Of Public Utilities

2018-058 An Ordinance Accepting Bids And Authorizing Contract UE18-11-58 – Short Reach Excavator Rental For A Two-Year Term With Martin Equipment Of Illinois Inc. In An Amount Not To Exceed $121,320.00 For The Office Of Public Utilities

2018-059 An Ordinance Accepting Bids And Authorizing Contract UE18-01-71 – Backfill Materials With P.H. Broughton & Sons Inc. And Vulcan Materials Company In An Amount Not To Exceed $200,000.00, For The Office Of Public Utilities

2018-060 An Ordinance Approving A Professional Services Agreement With Alstom Power Inc. In The Amount Of $49,927.81 For Roller Assembly Rebuild And Pulverizer Roll Resurfacing For The Dallman Power Plant Unit No. 4 For The Office Of Public Utilities

2018-061 An Ordinance Authorizing The Purchase Of Three 2018 Ford F550 Cab And Chassis From Landmark Ford Inc. Off Of State Contract No. 4018300 In An Amount Not To Exceed $137,562.00 For The Office Of Public Utilities

2018-062 An Ordinance Approving And Authorizing Execution Of An Agreement With Ibiden Ceram Environmental Inc. In An Amount Not To Exceed $227,000.00 For Catalyst Regeneration At The Dallman Power Station For The Office Of Public Utilities

2018-063 An Ordinance Approving A Professional Services Agreement With Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Inc. In An Amount Not To Exceed $1,452,558.00 For Engineering Services For The Filter Systems At The Water Purification Plant For The Office Of Public Utilities

Public Safety:

2018-064 An Ordinance Authorizing The Execution Of An Agreement With Jenni Gardner, To Provide Services As A Program Manager Required By A Grant From The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority For The Focused Deterrence Grant #414514 For An Amount Not To Exceed $53,625.00 From March 7, 2018, Through December 12, 2018, For The Springfield Police Department

2018-065 An Ordinance Authorizing The Execution Of An Agreement With Justin Coleman, To Provide Services As A Outreach Coordinator Required By A Grant From The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority For The Focused Deterrence Grant #414514 For An Amount Not To Exceed $53,625.00 From March 7, 2018, Through December 12, 2018, For The Springfield Police Department

Public Works:

2018-066 An Ordinance Authorizing A Supplemental Appropriation In The Amount Of $75,000.00 For Oak Ridge Cemetery Operations For The Office Of Public Works

2018-067 A Resolution For Temporary Closure Of A Portion Of Illinois State Routes 97 And 125 (Jefferson Street From 9th To 5th Streets) For The St. Patrick's Day Parade On March 17, 2018

2018-068 A Resolution For Temporary Closure Of A Portion Of Illinois State Routes 97 And 125 (Jefferson Street) For The Annual Trades And Labor Council Labor Day Parade To Be Held On September 3, 2018, For The Office Of Public Works

2018-069 A Resolution For Temporary Closure Of A Portion Of Illinois State Routes 97 And 125 (Clearlake Avenue To 5th And Jefferson Street) For The Selma March On March 25, 2018

2018-070 A Resolution For Temporary Closure Of A Portion Of Illinois State Routes 97 And 125 (Jefferson Street) For The Annual Halloween Parade To Be Held On October 27, 2018, For The Office Of Public Works

2018-071 A Resolution Requesting Temporary Closure Of A Portion Of Illinois State Route 97 (Jefferson Street From 5th To 8th Streets) For The Annual Christmas Parade On December 8, 2018, For The Office Of Public Works

2018-072 An Ordinance Approving The Plan For The Large Scale Development Of Storage Unit Development Located At 4595 Camp Butler Road For The Office Of Public Works

2018-073 An Ordinance Authorizing A Contract With T.M.F. Construction Company For The Purchase Of One Parcel Of Real Estate Located East Of 6th Street And North Of Princeton Avenue For A Total Amount Not To Exceed $19,500.00 Relating To The Springfield Rail Improvement Project, For The Office Of Public Works

2018-074 An Ordinance Authorizing A Contract With Steven Napier, Ashley Napier And Marilynn Pile For The Purchase Of One Parcel Of Real Estate Located At 2279 S. 6th Street In The Amount Of $55,000.00 And Relocation Expenses And Closing Costs Not To Exceed $46,420.00 And For A Total Amount Not To Exceed $101,420.00 Relating To The Springfield Rail Improvement Project, For The Office Of Public Works

2018-075 An Ordinance Authorizing A Contract With Kayla Miller For The Purchase Of One Parcel Of Real Estate Located At 2327 S. 6th Street In The Amount Of $109,000.00 And Relocation Expenses And Closing Costs Not To Exceed $92,070.00 And For A Total Amount Not To Exceed $201,070.00 Relating To The Springfield Rail Improvement Project, For The Office Of Public Works

2018-076 An Ordinance Authorizing A Contract With Lacey Bolash For The Purchase Of One Parcel Of Real Estate Located At 2432 S. 4th Street In The Amount Of $93,000.00 And Relocation Expenses And Closing Costs Not To Exceed $32,010.00 And For A Total Amount Not To Exceed $125,010.00 Relating To The Springfield Rail Improvement Project, For The Office Of Public Works

2018-077 A Resolution Notifying The State Of Illinois Department Of Transportation That Motor Fuel Tax Funds In The Amount Of $447,000.00 May Be Used For Land Acquisition For Springfield Rail Improvement Projects, For The Office Of Public Works

Finance:

2018-078 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 37, By Adding Sections 37.90 –37.99 Of The 1988 City Of Springfield Code Of Ordinances, As Amended, To Establish A 4% Gas Tax

2018-079 An Ordinance Declaring Miscellaneous Items As Surplus Property And Authorizing Disposal Of Said Surplus Items By Auction, Sold For Scrap Or Recycled

2018-080 An Ordinance Accepting Rfp #CS18-15 Authorizing A Three- Year Contract With Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, Llp To Perform The City’s Annual Audits For Fiscal Years 2018 Through 2020 From February 28, 2018, Through February 28, 2020, For An Amount Not To Exceed $396,400.00, For The Office Of Human Resources

2018-081 A Resolution Allocating 2018 Bond Volume Cap

2018-082 An Ordinance Authorizing Execution Of Subrecipient Agreement No. 16-Sr-0008 With The Phoenix Community Center For Rehabilitation Of Property Located At 109 E. Lawrence Avenue Utilizing The City’s Community Development Block Grant Funds In An Amount Not To Exceed $92,000.00, For The Office Of Planning And Economic Development

2018-083 An Ordinance Authorizing Payment Of $29,166.14 To Mark Terlecki, A Springfield Police Department Officer, To Settle A Workers’ Compensation Claim For Case Number 17-WC-016361

2018-084 An Ordinance Authorizing Payment Of $19,107.07 To Bart Schmulbach, An Office Of Public Utilities Employee, To Settle A Workers’ Compensation Claim For Case Number 16-WC-37384

2018-085 An Ordinance Authorizing Execution Of An Agreement With Livingstone, Mueller, O’brien & Davlin, P.C. To Defend Workers’ Compensation Claims For The City Of Springfield From March 1, 2018, Through February 28, 2019, For A Total Amount Not To Exceed $150,000.00

2018-086 A Resolution Stating The City’s Intent To Consider Designating A Portion Of The City Of Springfield As A Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Project Area And To Induce Development Interest Within Such Area Generally Located At 3441 Lumber Lane

General City Business:

2018-087 An Ordinance To Increase The Number Of Class “D” Liquor Licenses By One For Papo & Da’s Inc. D/B/A Papos Café Located At 3290 W. Iles Avenue

2018-088 An Ordinance To Decrease The Number Of Class “B” Liquor Licenses By One Due To Closure Of Business By Party House Liquors Inc D/B/A Party House Liquor Located At 3211 W. Iles Avenue

The following ordinances are on tonight’s consent agenda. 2018-030; 2018-031; 2018-032; 2018-033; 2018-034; 2018-035; 2018-036; 2018-037; 2018-039; 2018-040; 2018-041; 2018-042; 2018-043; 2018-044; 2018-045; 2018-046; 2018-047; 2018-048; 2018-049; 2018-053; 2018-055 and 2018-056

The Pre-Council session concluded at 5:11 PM

City Council Zoning Agenda:

Mayor Langfelder called the February 20, 2018 meeting of the Springfield City Council to order at 5:30pm. He asked everyone to join in reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Clerk Lesko took the roll call of members.

Present: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman McMenamin , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan , Alderman Hanauer and Mayor Langfelder

Clerk Lesko announced that there is a quorum to conduct the City Council meeting.

Next, Mayor Langfelder welcomed Jerome Village President Mike Lopez for coming to tonight’s meeting.

Next, docket number 2017-048 for the property located at 1956 East Cook Street.

Petitioner(S): Hassan H. Hussein

Present Zoning Classification: R-2, Single Family and Duplex Residence District, Section 155.017.

Requested Zoning Relief: Reclassification to B-1, Highway Business Service District, Section 155.033, and a Variance of Section 155.068, Garages or Accessory Buildings or Structures, and Section 155.480(i), Landscaping, Screening, and Lighting Regulations: Transitional Buffer Yard Requirement and Landscaping, and a variation of Section 155.063, Required Yards for Lots Adjoining Residential Districts to keep the existing garage, which is located on the southeast property line and creating an approximate zero foot side yard setback instead of the 7 feet 6 inches required and approximately zero foot rear yard setback instead of the 25 feet required, also putting this in the required 10 foot transitional buffer yard along the south property line (alley way); and a variance to allow a west property line side yard setback for the principal building of 10 feet instead of 20 feet required and a south property line rear yard setback for the principal building of 10 feet instead of 25 feet required.

Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission Recommendation Is: Denial of the requested B-1 zoning. As the garage is considered non-conforming, the requested variances are not needed since the B-1 zoning is recommended for denial.

Planning And Zoning Commission Recommendation Is: Deny the petition as submitted.

Alderman Senor made a motion accept the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation of denial. Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. The motion to accept the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation for denial passed on a vote of 10-0 voting yes: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman McMenamin , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan and Alderman Hanauer

Next, docket number 2018-003 for the property located at 7100 & 7200 Woodland Trail. Alderman Redpath said that this has been withdrawn. Alderman Redpath also wanted to recognize the Lake Area Home Owners Association who is opposed to the redevelopment. They hope for the cleanup of the property and the revocation of the lake lease of the owner of the property.

City Council Regular Agenda:

Next, Mayor Langfelder asked Treasurer Buscher for the Treasurer’s Report. The Corporate Fund had beginning balance for the month of January 2018 $3,671,364. The City took in $6,752,955 and total disbursements of $7,462,912 with an ending balance for January 2018 of $2,961,407. Alderman Senor made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report. Aldermen Proctor and DiCenso seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Next, Mayor Langfelder asked for a motion to dispense with a reading of the minutes of the February 6, 2018 City Council meeting and approve the minutes. Alderman DiCenso made the motion with Alderman Turner seconding the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Next, Mayor Langfelder asked for a motion to incorporate the Pre Council first reading of ordinances into the record of the Council meeting. Alderman Hanauer made the motion with Alderman Senor seconding. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Next, Mayor Langfelder asked for a motion to incorporate the pre-council reading of the consent agenda into the record of the city council meeting. Alderman Donelan made the motion with Aldermen Turner and DiCenso seconding the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10- 0.

Next, Mayor Langfelder asked for a motion to put the consent agenda on final passage. Alderman Donelan made the motion for final passage. Alderman Turner seconded the motion.

The motion passed on a vote of 10-0 voting yes: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman McMenamin , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan and Alderman Hanauer

Next, agenda item 2018-038 an ordinance accepting the bid and authorizing the execution of contract UE 18-12-63 Line Clearance Service for a two-year term for the electric division with Nelson tree Service, LLC in an amount not to exceed $6,000,000.00 for the Office of Public Utilities. Alderman Redpath made the motion to place the agenda on final passage. Alderman Donelan seconded the motion. Alderman Theilen said that he had some questions about the bid process. He wanted to know if the additional rules for contracts are applied to the bid process. CC Zerkle said that they are required, but this is not a project labor agreement because this is a direct contract. John Davis, Electric Division Manager, said that Nelson has gone through the IBEW requirements for line clearance. Alderman McMenamin wanted to know how many crews Nelsons has. Mr. Davis said they have seven crews. Alderman McMenamin wanted to know how many employees reside in the city boundaries. Doug Brown said that CWLP doesn’t govern contracts that require a number of employees to live within the city limits. Alderman Redpath said that the storm season is about to start and there doesn’t need to be a gap in tree cutting service.

The motion passed on a vote of 10-0 voting yes: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman McMenamin , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan , and Alderman Hanauer

Next, agenda item 2018-050 an ordinance accepting the lowest responsible bid and authorizing execution of contract number PW 18-12-62 with Harold O’Shea Builders, for Jackson Street corridor improvements for the Office of Public Works. Alderman Senor made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Alderman Donelan seconded the motion. Alderman Redpath made a motion to amend the agenda item so that one third of the funding comes from TIF funds and the remainders of the funds come from fund 095 Infrastructure. Alderman Donelan seconded the motion. Mayor Langfelder said that the fund 095 would be reimbursed over a five year period from TIF. Alderman Proctor made a motion to amend the amendment that the project goes before the Economic Development Board. Alderman DiCenso seconded the motion. Alderman DiCenso wanted to know if there was enough money in the TIF to handle this. Val Yazell said that the TIF is negative $600,095.00 at the end of this fiscal year.

The vote to amend the amendment failed on a vote of 2-8 voting yes: Alderman Proctor and Alderman DiCenso voting no: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner, Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman McMenamin , Alderman Thelien , Alderman Donelan , and Alderman Hanauer

Alderman Theilen made a motion to accept the amendment. Aldermen Redpath and Fulgenzi seconded the motion. The motion to amend was passed 10-0 on a voice vote.

Alderman Redpath made a motion to passed agenda item 2018-050 as amended. Alderman Senor seconded the motion. Alderman McMenamin said he will be a no vote because there needs to be more oversight and review of what the money is being spent on. The motion passed on a vote of 9-1 voting yes: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan , and Alderman Hanauer voting no: Alderman McMenamin

Next, Alderman Theilen made a motion to reconsider 2017-558 Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. 2017-558 an ordinance amending article VI, Chapter 100, section 100.52 of the 1988 City of Springfield Code of Ordinances, as amended, by increasing the local sales tax from 2.25% to 2.50% voting yes: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan , Alderman Hanauer , voting no: Alderman Senor and Alderman McMenamin

Alderman Theilen made a motion for discussion on the agenda item. Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. The motion passed 10-0 on a voice vote. Director McCarty said currently the budget is 6.7 million dollars short of being balance. This does not include the proposed amendment cuts that haven’t been discussed yet. If all the cuts go through there will still be a 3.8 million dollar gap. Alderman McMenamin said that it might be helpful to hold this until after the talk on the potential cut.

Alderman Theilen made a motion to defer the agenda item 2017-558 until after the vote on the budget. Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Next, agenda item 2018-051 annual appropriation ordinance of the City of Springfield, Illinois for the fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018 and ending February 28, 2019 Alderman Theilen made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Alderman Redpath seconded the motion.

Proposed amendment #1 represents the removal of funding in an amount equal to the Director of Office of Planning and Economic Development Alderman Redpath made a motion to accept proposed amendment 1 Alderman Hanauer seconded the motion. Alderman DiCenso asked if this would eliminate the to salary of the Director. Alderman Redpath said that is correct; there will be a title, just no funding for the position. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Proposed amendment #2 represents the removal of Community Relations Division. Alderman DiCenso made a motion to discuss the amendment. Alderman Theilen seconded the motion. Alderman DiCenso said that there is some duplication of service and this would be a big chunk of getting the budget balance. CC Zerkle said that the office deals more with fair housing and the city is required to have this office in order to receive federal monies. Alderman Senor said that he would vote no on this amendment because of the good things that the office does for the city. Alderman Turner said that this office investigates fair housing complaints and is needed now more than ever. Director Huerta said that this office protects human’s rights. Proposed amendment #2 dies due to lack of a motion.

Proposed amendment #3 represents the partial reimbursement to the Corporate Fund for Public Works payroll spent on infrastructure projects transfer from 095 infrastructure Alderman McMenamin made a motion to discuss the amendment. Alderman DiCenso seconded the motion. Alderman McMenamin said that there is 37 million dollars in the infrastructure fund and the projects projected for the year only total 27 million dollars and the use some of these funds to pay for payroll. Director McCarty said that there are three engineers already paid out of the infrastructure fund. Alderman Proctor wanted to know which sub-fund of 095 the money would come out of. Director McCarty said that the money would come out of infrastructure. Alderman Theilen asked Director Mahoney to give his thoughts on this amendment. Director Mahoney said his concern is maintaining the maintenance program to get the city street and sidewalks into better position than where it was several years ago. Alderman McMenamin made a motion to approve proposed amendment 3. Alderman Senor seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 9-1 with Alderman Proctor voting no.

Proposed amendment #4 represents a shift in funding for the Municipal Band from general fund to tourism fund in the amount of $56,965. Alderman McMenamin made a motion for discussion. Alderman Theilen seconded the motion. Alderman McMenamin said that the Municipal Band play at functions for visitors. Alderman McMenamin made a motion to approve proposed amendment 4. Alderman Senor seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Proposed amendment #5 represents a reduction of 1% across all corporate salary lines. Alderman McMenamin made a motion for discussion. Alderman Theilen seconded the motion. Alderman McMenamin said this is intended to reduce the spending by $400,000.00 to some of the unfilled positions and to close the gap. Alderman Hanauer asked if this would cause problem with having to lay people off or anything. Mayor Langfelder said that they would have to leave all Corporate Fund salaries open for six months and if there is a need to fill the opening the Mayor’s office would have inform the City Council the reason to fill the position. Alderman McMenamin made a motion to pass the amendment. Alderman DiCenso seconded the motion. The motion failed on a voice vote of 1-9 with Alderman McMenamin voting yes.

Proposed amendment #6 represents a $1.5 million dollars reduction in the regular salary line the intention is for no Fire layoffs of the new class until they graduate. Any layoffs prior to graduation will be the decision of the Fire Chief and not the City Council. Alderman McMenamin asked to defer this amendment to the very end.

Proposed amendment #7 represent the intention to contribute monies through a city grant to DSI for events, promotions and program support. Alderman McMenamin made a motion for discussion. This is to support Downtown Springfield Inc the money will be used for promotions to attract people downtown for the events happing there. Alderman Proctor said this is important to keep downtown alive. Alderman McMenamin said that this will use Hotel/Motel tax funds. Alderman Turner thought that if a certain amount of money over the project income that a portion of the money needs to go to downtown events, so is this amount coming from the pool of money. Director McCarty said that of the $600,000 that was collected last year; $100,000 went to Oak Ridge Cemetery and $100,000 was to go to downtown events. This money comes from fund 21 which is the SCVB fund. Alderman McMenamin made a motion to pass the amendment. Alderman Proctor seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-4 voting yes: Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman McMenamin and Alderman Donelan voting no: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Theilen and Alderman Hanauer

Proposed amendment #8 represent the budgetary support for the reinstatement of a contractual sales program with Oak Ridge Cemetery. Alderman Theilen made a motion for discussion. Alderman Theilen said that this adds another line to their budget, but nothing will be spent unless there is a sale to pay commission on. Sales last year at Oak Ridge have decreased 16 to 17 percent. Director Mike Lelys said that presale in fiscal year 2017 compared to 2018 was $100,000.00 less because of the lack of a contractor sales person. The commission is ten percent so if the whole $50,000.00 comes is used that means there was $500,000.00 in sales. Alderman Theilen made motion to pass the proposed amendment. Alderman Proctor seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Proposed amendment #9 represent a provision for funding the EDC contingent upon certain revenue enhancements. Alderman Theilen made a motion for discussion. Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. Alderman Theilen said this is a move to join the Economic Development Commission if the city has the funds to do so. Mayor Langfelder said that there would need to be an ordinance in order for the city to join the EDC. Alderman Thelien said that is fine, but would like to have money in the budget for the dues, if it is doable. Alderman Theilen made a motion to pass the amendment. Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 9-1 with Alderman DiCenso voting no.

Proposed amendment #10 represents 50% reduction in staffing positions. Alderman Donelan made a motion for discussion. Alderman Hanauer seconded the motion. Alderman Donelan said that this would take 50% of the funding for vacated employment positions. This would put a six month hiring freeze on any hiring. This is based on vacancies right now. Alderman Hanauer said that if there is an emergency the position could be filled. Alderman Donelan made amendment to the amendment for the first five lines make those amounts half of what is listed and the Economic Development will be remove from this amendment. Alderman Theilen seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0. Alderman Donelan asked that there is a list of accurate vacancies. Mayor Langfelder thinks that there is a month lag in the reports. Alderman Theilen made a motion to accept proposed amendment #10. Alderman Hanauer seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 9-1 with Alderman Turner voting no.

Proposed amendment #11 which will represents general cuts across all spending classes. Alderman Hanauer made a motion for discussion. Alderman McMenamin seconded the motion. Alderman Hanauer said that he and Alderman Donelan went down each line and reduced lines that have not been used in two years to zero. Alderman Hanauer need to amend the amendment to included $165,000.00 that was cut out that needs to be put back in. Alderman Donelan seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0. Alderman Hanauer said that they cut all that there could be cut and even made cuts to the water and electric funds. Alderman Donelan said that some of these things could be added if they come before the Council for the additional funds. Alderman Hanauer made a motion to accept amendment # 11. Alderman Donelan seconded the motion. The motion passed on voice vote of 10-0.

Proposed amendment #12 represents the removal of a funding level equal to the requested appropriation for office and kitchen furniture to total amount would be $36,650. Alderman Hanauer made a motion for discussion. Alderman Hanauer said that they cut out the changing out the chairs in the Council chambers. Alderman Hanauer made an amendment to the amendment to add back the $11,000.00 to the Clerk’s line and there is PEG funds that need to be place back in as well that total $4,000.00. Alderman Donelan seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0. Alderman Hanauer made a motion to accept the amendment as amended. Alderman Donelan seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Proposed amendment #13 represents reduction in amounts attributed for employees training and travel. Alderman Hanauer made a motion for passage. Alderman Donelan seconded the motion. Alderman Hanauer said that this cuts some of the training and travel. The cut everything is half. These are tight budget times and will cut the amount of people going to training. Director Mahoney was concern at first but seeing that the training is only cut in half his staff will just have to watch that line in the budget more closely than before. The motion to accept amendment #13 passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Proposed amendment #14 represent a reduction in the amount for various CWLP vacancies. Alderman Donelan made a motion to adopt amendment #14. Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. Alderman McMenamin wanted to know how this would impact operations. Doug Brown said that they went line by line at the vacancies and came up with these solutions. Alderman Donelan said that there are some that are a quarter percent and others that are half a percent; this was done through good conversations with CWLP. The amendment passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Proposed amendment #6 represents a $1.5 million reduction in the regular salary line. The intention is for no Fire layoffs of the new class until the graduate. Any layoffs prior to graduation will be the decision of Fire Chief and not the Council. Alderman McMenamin said that the public is looking for the fire department to restructure and make the department more efficient. The motion died due to lack of a second.

Mayor Langfelder said that amendments #1, #3, #4, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11,#12, #13 & #14

Alderman Theilen made a motion to defer agenda item 2018-051 until after agenda 2017-558 Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Alderman Theilen made a motion to take a 5 minute recess. Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. The motion passed 10-0.

Mayor Langfelder asked for a motion to reconvene the City Council meeting. Alderman Hanauer made the motion. Alderman DiCenso seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Next, agenda item 2017-558 an ordinance amending article VI, Chapter 100, section 100.52 of the 1988 City of Springfield Code of Ordinance, as amended, by increasing the local sales tax from 2.25% to 2.50% Alderman Thelien made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. Alderman Donelan wanted to know what would happen if there were to be a lack of action on this ordinance. What will happen to police and fire departments? Mayor Langfelder said that it depends on the gap with all the amendments that were passed. Director McCarty said its 5.3 million dollar gap. Alderman Donelan wanted to know what the gap would be next year. Director McCarty said the 2.5 million dollar deficit next year and would grow to 4.3 million if the sales tax isn’t passed this year.

Mayor Langfelder said that 80 percent of the budget is personal. Alderman Donelan wanted to know if the sales tax increase doesn’t pass will the new class of firefighters that were hired and brought on have to be laid off. Mayor Langfelder said that there would be a delay of hiring. Alderman Donelan said that is a yes. Alderman Donelan wanted to know about the police. Mayor Langfelder said possibly and that the city would have to regroup and see where the cuts would fall. There would be cuts in personnel. Alderman Donelan asked if services to Public Works would be reduced. Mayor Langfelder said yes that is a possibility.

Alderman Hanauer said that he has made a hard line on taxes and that he would only raise taxes if there have been cuts down to the bone. His concern is what happens if the tax is not passed. Alderman Turner said that if there are no revenue enhancements, there will be decline in services from the city. She doesn’t want to put the city in a situation of cutting services. Alderman Theilen does not want to see services cut and needs to have the funds to keep the level of service at that same level. Alderman McMenamin said he will be a no vote. He also feels that the natural gas tax is fair because it will apply to all businesses and would help the city best. There is a serious situation coming and it involves pension and there needs some reform and a source to help pay down the pension obligations. Alderman Senor wanted to know if the city will have to raise taxes again next year. Director McCarty said that if both taxes pass there would need to be another because the pension payment will exceed what the revenue coming in will be. The motion passed on a vote of 8-3 voting yes: Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan , Alderman Hanauer and Mayor Langfelder voting no: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Senor and Alderman McMenamin

Next, agenda item 2018-051 annual appropriation ordinance of the City of Springfield, Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018 and ending February 28, 2019 Alderman Thelien made a motion to pass the agenda item on final passage as amended. Alderman Donelan seconded the motion.

Next, Aaron Pearl, a truck driver laborer, spoke about the need to keep a balanced budget and take some of their requests into consideration. Their department has already made concessions.

One of their demands is the elected officials refuse a salary until shortfall is resolved. Also, they would like to see all contracts to decrease.

Next, Bonnie Bileck, a Public Works worker, spoke about the need for someone to look at the books so there is not an 11 million dollar shortfall.

Next, Mike Lopez, Village President of Jerome, spoke about the need to pass a balanced budget for the benefits of smaller communities that rely on the Springfield Fire Department for their services.

Next, James Johnson, spoke about the need to cut the budget and the need for layoffs.

Mayor Langfelder asked for a motion for the use of the fund balance in the amount of 2,570,000.00 to balance the budget. Alderman Redpath made a motion to approve the amendment. Alderman Proctor seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote 10-0.

Alderman McMenamin said that there hasn’t been a long term fix for the budget and this is only a quick fix. The motion to pass the city’s annual appropriation ordinance as amended, passed on a vote 10-1 voting yes: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan , Alderman Hanauer and Mayor Langfelder voting no: Alderman McMenamin

Next, agenda item 2018-054 an ordinance accepting RFP #HR18-66 authorizing a two-year contract with PSI to continue to furnish, develop and administer entry level exams for the police and fire departments from February 21, 2018, through February 20, 2020, for an amount not to exceed $125,000.00 for the Office of Human Resources. Alderman Hanauer made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Alderman Theilen seconded the motion. Director Kuizin said that this money would not go into effect until the need arises for a test for the firefighter and police officers. The motion passed on a vote of 10-0 voting yes: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman McMenamin , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan , and Alderman Hanauer

Next, agenda item 2018-089 an ordinance authorizing a redevelopment agreement with Boyd’s New Generation, LLC for redevelopment assistance for the property located at 1831 South Grand Avenue East utilizing Far East Side Tax increment finance funds in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 through the Office of Planning and Economic Development, for emergency passage. Alderman Turner made a motion to place the agenda item on final emergency passage. Alderman Senor seconded the motion. Alderman McMenamin wanted to know what the $100,000.00 would entail. Val Yazell interim Director for Planning and Economic Development said that the TIF is expiring at the end of the month. This is in case the TIF doesn’t get extended. Alderman Turner said that this restaurant has been there longer then the TIF so they been paying into the TIF and have never asked for any money from the TIF. The motion passed on a vote of 10-0-1 voting yes: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan , Alderman Hanauer and Mayor Langfelder voting present: Alderman McMenamin

Next, agenda item 2018-090 an ordinance authorizing a redevelopment agreement with the Office of Public Works, for infrastructure improvements including sewer rehabilitation, street improvements and demolition of vacant properties within the Far East Side redevelopment project area utilizing Far East Side tax increment finance funds through the Office of Planning and Economic Development for an amount not to exceed $2,300,000.00 for emergency passage. Alderman Turner made a motion to place the agenda item on emergency passage.

Mayor Langfelder said that the TIF is expiring and these are projects that are ready in the area. The motion passed on a vote of 10-0-1 voting yes: Alderman Redpath , Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman DiCenso , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan , Alderman Hanauer and Mayor Langfelder voting present: Alderman McMenamin

Next, Mayor Langfelder asked for a motion to adjourn the council meeting. The motion was made by Alderman Donelan and seconded by Aldermen DiCenso. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0. The February 20, 2018 City Council Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

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