Sangamon Sun

City of Athens City Council met Monday, Feb. 12.

Here is the provided minutes by the Council:

Athens City Council

Regular Meeting

Monday, February 12, 2018

Mayor Dowell welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 7pm at Athens City Hall. Clerk Cindy McFarland called roll. Present were Aldermen: Chris Basso, Larry Buhr, Ron Canterbury, Tom Croft Sr., Tom Herman, and Butch Nichols. Also in attendance were Norm Flowers, Linda Wasilewski, Rex Kieffer, Gary Richardson, Ryne Crowe, Dalton AbramsMeredith, Joe Crowe, Michael Lockwood, and Hayley Yoakum. The Mayor asked if any Veteran present would like to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. All stood, and Norm Flowers led the pledge.

Mayor Dowell started the meeting by asking Ryne Crowe to present the water report including information and quotes from Hawkins Water Treatment Group, Sidener Environmental Services, and, Brooks & Associates for the chlorine system for the water plant. Ryne summarized the quotes and the recent water main breaks. Mayor Dowell asked Ryne for an update on when the areas where the water main breaks occurred will be completely closed up. Ryne said that the holes have not been permanently closed until there is time given for the area to settle and to make sure no further damage is done to the parts below, especially on Hargrave where there is more traffic. The areas will be inspected and permanently closed in the spring. Discussion continued about the different proposals for the chlorine system. Mayor Dowell asked if there were any questions about the water report and there were none. Motion was made by Alderman Nichols, seconded by Alderman Herman, to approve the police, treasurers', water and wastewater, streets and alleys, and office manager's reports. Ayes: Basso, Canterbury, Croft, Herman, and Nichols. Present: Buhr. Motion passed.

Motion made by Alderman Basso, seconded by Alderman Croft, to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2018 Committee Meeting and the January 8, 2018 Regular Council Meeting. All ayes. Minutes approved, motion passed.

Motion made by Alderman Canterbury, seconded by Alderman Herman, to approve the payment of the January bills. Ayes: Basso, Canterbury, Croft, Herman, and Nichols. Present: Buhr. Motion passed.

There was clarifying discussion on CUSI E-billing system. Motion made by Alderman Nichols, seconded by Alderman Basso, to add CUSI E-billing to the city system for a one-time payment of $1000 and a yearly fee of $250 to potentially save over $9000 annually. All ayes. Motion passed.

Next up for vote was the Menard County 911 bill for $1000. Mayor Dowell said that he hasn't received further information on the legality of this bill since the citizens are already taxed for this service. He asked that the council table this for a month until he can get something in writing or someone to come speak to the council about this. The Alderman agreed that we should have received some notice and information before receiving this bill. It was suggested that we should consult our attorney. Mayor Dowell said that he would make that call tomorrow.

Next on the agenda was the vote for a donation of $250 to the Lions Club for annual Easer Egg Hunt. Motion made by Alderman Herman, seconded by Alderman Canterbury, to make this donation to be paid from the gaming fund. Ayes: Basso, Canterbury, Croft, Herman, and Nichols. Present: Buhr. Motion passed.

Motion made by Alderman Nichols, seconded by Alderman Basso, to accept the proposal from Hawkins Water Treatment for the new chlorine system for the water plant not to exceed $6000. All ayes. Motion passed.

The Mayor said that the Mini Hoof Therapy horses have booked with us and they will be at the Fall Festival from 5-8 on Friday, September 28. There is no cost. The mayor will be putting our Fall Festival schedule together soon.

The mayor asked the council if they had anything else to discuss or if there were any public comments. Alderman Buhr said that the American Legion is strapped for money and he would like the city to provide water to the Legion at no cost. This would amount to approximately $45 per month. Mayor Dowell said he would add this to next months agenda. Alderman Herman asked about the Yager's delinquent water bills and continued problem properties. Mayor Dowell said that there will be follow-up.

Mayor Dowell introduced our city employees in attendance and said that would conclude our agenda this evening. The Mayor asked for a motion to enter into a short executive session. Motion made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Canterbury, to enter into executive session at 7:24pm.

The council returned from executive session at 7:42pm. Motion made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Herman, to adjourn the meeting at 7:42pm. Motion passed unanimously.

http://www.athensil.com/documents/75/SKM_C224e18041310261.pdf