Sangamon Sun

City of Springfield City Council met May 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Mayor Langfelder called the May 1, 2018 meeting of the Springfield City Council to order at 5:30 pm. He invited everyone to recite 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 there was a quorum for a meeting.

Next, Mayor Langfelder asked for a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the April 17, 2018 City Council meeting and approve the minutes. Alderman Donelan made the motion and Aldermen Proctor and DiCenso seconded. 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 Donelan made the motion with Alderman Proctor seconding. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Next, Mayor Langfelder asked to incorporate the pre-council reading of the consent agenda into the record. Alderman Theilen made the motion. Alderman Turner seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Next, Mayor Langfelder asked that agenda items 2018-198 and 2018-205 be removed from the consent agenda and place on the debate. Alderman McMenamin made the motion to place the above agenda items on the debate agenda. Aldermen Redpath and Proctor seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Next, Mayor Langfelder asked for a motion to place the consent agenda on final passage with the exceptions of agenda items 2018-198 and 2018-205. Alderman Redpath made the motion to place the consent agenda on final passage. Alderman Proctor 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, James Cornelius from the Elijah Iles House wanted the thank the Aldermen, Director of Public Works and the Mayor for their help in turning the empty lot over to the Elijah Iles House and being allowed to place a carriage house on the property.

Next, Mayor Langfelder gave a proclamation that Tuesday, May 1, 2018 shall be Elijah Iles House Foundation Day in the City of Springfield.

Next, agenda item 2018-191 an ordinance accepting the proposal submitted by Knight E/A Inc. for design engineering comprised of plans, specifications and estimates to modernized traffic signals and switch from one-way to two-way streets on 4th, 7th and East Adams, for an amount not to exceed $219,060.00 for the Office of Public Works. Alderman Proctor made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Alderman Fulgenzi seconded the motion. Alderman Theilen wanted to know if this was a green light to go ahead with the project. Director Mahoney said that is correct and this is the next phase that collects data about the project. Alderman McMenamin asked that there be some safe pedestrian crossways. Alderman Hanauer asked what this study would do. Director Mahoney said this is engineering for the traffic signal upgrades and the first phase of updating the traffic signals and possibly of changing the direction of some streets. 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 2018-197 an ordinance authorizing execution of a redevelopment agreement with Lumberyard Suppliers Inc. as LS Builders Products for assistance in redeveloping the property located at 3441 Lumber Lane utilizing Lumber Lane Tax Increment Financing Funds, if available and sales tax rebate, in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000.00 Alderman Theilen made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Aldermen Redpath and Fulgenzi seconded the motion. Alderman Hanauer made a motion to accept proposed amendment one. Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. The amendment would make LSI Properties LLC the redeveloper and then Lumberyard Supplies Inc. will be the company that occupies the property.

Alderman McMenamin said that the city shouldn’t be subsidizing competition to other established companies in Springfield. The amendment passed on a voice vote of 9-1 with Alderman McMenamin voting no. The motion to pass the agenda item as amended 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 2018-198 an ordinance providing for and authorizing the issuance of taxable special service area (Legacy Pointe) ad valorem tax bonds, series 2018 of the City of Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois in an amount not to exceed $16,000,000.00 for the purpose of refunding the City’s special service area (Legacy Pointe) as valorem tax bonds, series 2009 and special service area (Legacy Pointe) Ad Valorem Tax Bonds, series 2010. Alderman Donelan made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Alderman DiCenso seconded the motion. Alderman Hanauer made a motion to accept proposed amendment one and Alderman DiCenso seconded the motion. The amendment is for some technical changes. The amendment passed on a voice vote of 10-0. The motion to pass the agenda item as amended 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 2018-202 an ordinance approving the appointment of Scot E Dahl as the Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Alderman Hanauer made the motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Aldermen DiCenso and Theilen 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 2018-203 an ordinance approving the appointment of Neil Hervey to the Springfield Electrical Commission. Alderman Hanauer made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Alderman DiCenso 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 2018-204 an ordinance reappointing Roger W. Holmes as Inspector General for the City of Springfield. Alderman Redpath made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Aldermen Proctor and Hanauer seconded the motion. The motion to passed the agenda item 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 2018-205 an ordinance authorizing execution of a water agreement with Lincoln Land Energy Center, LLC. Alderman Redpath made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Aldermen Fulgenzi and Proctor seconded the motion. Alderman Hanauer made a motion to accept proposed amendment one. Alderman Redpath seconded the motion. This would amend the agreement regarding the route of the pipes and the amount of water being purchased. The amendment passed on a voice vote of 10-0.

Alderman Redpath made a motion to place the amended agenda item on final passage. Aldermen Proctor, Donelan and Hanauer all seconded the motion.

Alderman McMenamin wanted to make sure that Lincoln Land Energy Center would be paying for the water main extensions to the proposed power plant. Doug Brown with CWLP said yes, that is correct. The motion to pass the agenda item as amended 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 2018-207 an ordinance authorizing a sponsorship payment of $20,000.00 to Springfield Sliders pursuant to article VII, Chapter 37, section 37.62 of the 1988 City of Springfield Code of Ordinances, as amended for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, as amended. Alderman Proctor made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Alderman Turner seconded the motion.

Alderman Proctor wanted to make it clear that Todd Miller and the Sliders are not the ones making the request, but he and four other Aldermen are making this request. He also said that he met with the Hotel Motel Association and they are not opposed to this, but also not in favor of this either.

Todd Miller, General Manager for the Springfield Sliders, said that he will use the funds to do more ads in a larger area.

Robert Sabin, General Manger of the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, spoke about them being neutral in these ordinances because of the difficult situation facing the city in promoting convention and tourism. These sporting events and street parties give tourists another experience that they might not have if they are not around.

Daren Dame, President of Springfield Hotel and Lodging Association, spoke about the need to revise the tourism board. It’s a ten member board that is made up half appointments from the Mayor’s Office and the others are from the Chamber of Commerce. Alderman Turner said that the only input she hears is from the Hotel owners and managers. She feels there needs to be more community input on tourism.

CC Zerkle said that the agenda item needs to be amended because there was no money in the budget for this so there should be an amendment to provide for a supplemental appropriation. Alderman Theilen made a motion to provide for a supplemental appropriation for $20,000.00. Alderman Proctor seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 7-3 with Aldermen Redpath, DiCenso and McMenamin voting no.

The motion to pass the agenda item as amended passed on a vote of 7-3 voting yes: Alderman Senor , Alderman Turner , Alderman Fulgenzi , Alderman Proctor , Alderman Theilen , Alderman Donelan and Alderman Hanauer voting no: Alderman Redpath , Alderman DiCenso and Alderman McMenamin

Next, agenda item 2018-210 an ordinance authorizing sponsorship payment of $8,000.00 to Juneteenth Event to be held June 19, 2018 pursuant to article VII, Chapter 37, section 37.62 of the 1988 City of Springfield Code of Ordinances, as amended for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, as amended. Alderman Turner made a motion to place the agenda item on final passage. Alderman Proctor seconded the motion. Alderman Redpath said that he will be voting for this ordinance because this is a not for profit event. Alderman Turner said that last week she lowered the dollar amount because they gave a finalized budget. Alderman Turner made a motion to amend the agenda item to provide for a supplemental appropriation for $8,000.00. Alderman Theilen seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote of 9-1 with Alderman McMenamin voting no.

Alderman McMenamin said that there are many organizations that would like to receive money and this is setting a dangerous precedence in the future. Mayor Langfelder said that he would hope this is a onetime thing for these ordinances. This money is geared for advertising outside of the Springfield market to get visitors to come to Springfield. Alderman Hanauer said that there should be something that is set up for these requests that are like the TIF funds in that there would be reimbursements rather than onetime payments. The motion to pass the agenda item as amended 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 said that he has been receiving increased calls about continuously barking dogs at night and he wanted to thank the Mayor for addressing these complaints.

Next, Alderman Theilen wanted to inform everyone that the City Council doesn’t negotiate the rates with the cable company. This is about infrastructure and coverage.

Next, Mayor Langfelder said that the Homeless Outreach Team will be having a informative meeting on Thursday, May 4, 2018 at 1 pm at St. John’s Hospital.

Next, Mayor Langfelder said there will be a ceremony with the interment books that list Lincoln at Oak Ridge Cemetery Friday at 2 pm

Next, Alderman DiCenso said that she would like to receive any amendments that will be voted on that night in a timelier manner. It is not fair to be voting on something that they have just seen right before City Council begins.

Next, Alderman McMenamin pointed out that News Channel 20 ran a story about the large amount of overtime that is being paid out to people at CWLP. There is a problem and it needs to be address. The taxpayers should not be paying for this irresponsibility.

Next, Alderman Theilen wanted to remind everyone that Saturday, May 5, 2018 is Free Comic Book Day and this is a good way to get kids to read more.

Next, Mayor Langfelder entertained a motion for adjournment. The motion was made by Alderman Hanauer and seconded by Alderman DiCenso. The motion passed on a voice vote of 10-0. The May 1, 2018 Council Meeting adjourned at 7:32 pm

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