Sangamon Sun

City of Leland Grove City Council met June 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Meeting Called To Order - The meeting was called to order by the Honorable Mayor Egizii at 6pm sharp. The pledge of allegiance was recited by those in attendance.

The Roll Call - Roll Call was taken by Clerk Klokkenga with the following being present or absent as indicated:

Jill Egizii, Mayor (P)

Brian Miller, Treasurer (P)

Steve Klokkenga, Clerk (P)

Saul Morse, Attorney (P)

Jim Moll, Alderman Ward 2 (P)

Patricia Wilson, Alderman Ward 1 (P)

Diana Hetherington, Alderman Ward 1 (P)

Nick Williams, Alderman Ward 2 (A)

Mary Jo Bangert, Alderman Ward 3 (P)

Donald LoBue, Alderman Ward 3 (P)

Also present were:

Tyler Lanier, City Administrator

Chief Dan Ryan, Leland Grove Police Department

City Engineer, Kevin Kuhn

Resident Jay Schukai, 1825 Cherry Rd.

Mayor Egizii swore in Leland Grove's newest police officer, Joe Dominguez, to the Leland Grove Police Department. Mr. Dominguez's family was present for the ceremony and the Council welcomed Mr. Dominguez to the City.

A motion was then made by Alderman Hetherington and seconded by Alderman Bangert to approve the May 2018 minutes with corrections. The motion carried with 4 yes and one member voting present.

Public Comments:

Resident Jay Schukai, 1825 Cherry Road, spoke to the council about many dead and dying trees throughout the City. There is no specific city ordinance requiring residents to trim trees to prevent damage. Mr. Schukai would like something on the books to protect citizens.

Mr. Schukai presented his idea of having the City notify residents of trees that are dying, give time to resolve the problem, and then, failure to resolve would result in a lien or disciplinary measures.

Alderman Bangert mentioned that on Mr.Shukai's property, a neighbor's tree branch fell which resulted in some damage. His insurance company paid to remove the part of the tree that was on his property. In this instance, the owner of the property where the tree fell was not able to be reached.

Alderman Wilson would like to consult with an Arborist before the city moves forward with any new ordinance specific to this issue.

Treasurers Report:

Treasurer Miller presented the monthly accounting statement and bills to the Council. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Hetherington and seconded by Alderman LoBue to approve unpaid warrants from the general fund PO-6471 in the amount of $17,428.91.

Alderman Bangert then made a motion that was seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve paid warrants from the general fund PO-6472 in the amount of $40,584.80. The motion carried unanimously.

It was noted that the City finished the year in the Black.

City Administrators Report:

Administrator Lanier passed out the Leland Link. He also mentioned that Leaf Bags are starting to show up everywhere without stickers.

Administrator Lanier also noted that a dead tree on Outer Park is now gone. In addition, he is working on cleaning out debris in the creek.

Legal Update and Memo:

Attorney Morse presented the Council with his Legal Update and Memo and opened it up to discussion.

Attorney Morse indicated the City is required to list the name and identity of a City FOIA Officer on our website. He recommends that Administrator Lanier be designated the City FOIA Officer for non police related matters. Chief Ryan would be designated the FOIA officer relating to Police matters. Council agreed.

Attorney Morse then indicated that only one ordinance sent out needs adopted. The Prevailing Wage Ordinance must be adopted in June for the next year and submitted to the Illinois Department of Labor. He further noted that the State has not updated current prevailing wages.

A motion was made by Alderman Hetherington and seconded by Alderman Wilson to waive the three readings rule in order to pass the prevailing wages ordinance in a timely manner. The motion carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Alderman Hetherington and seconded by Alderman Bangert to approve the Prevailing Wage Ordinance (waiving the three reading rule) for the next year. The motion carried unanimously.

Credit Card Usage ordinance was then placed on First Reading. Alderman Bangert would like the City monies to be kept in a local bank, not one out of the Area. Alderman LoBue made a motion and was seconded by Alderman Bangert to waive the three readings needed to pass this ordinance. The motion carried unanimously.

A motion was then made by Alderman Hetherington and seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve the credit card ordinance (as amended in 2.1A &B). The motion carried unanimously.

The City read the Cell Tower Ordinance for the first time.

Department Reports:

Finance & Revenue - Alderman Hetherington. An Appropriation Ordinance will be at the July Meeting.

The Springfield Garden Club donated some perennials for the sign planters in Leland Grove. In addition, the City also received some trees from Greenview Nursery.

Health, Sanitation and Environment - Alderman Wilson, on June 6, attended the Sangamon County Leadership Council Solid Waste Plan Meeting. Five cities have franchising where they select one vendor to haul the waste and provide services within the city. If Leland Grove were to do this, it would need to be procured in accordance with our procurement rules. Franchising has pro's and cons for the city, so the Council would like to have some input from the community. Furthermore, Alderman LoBue mentioned the idea of doing a hazardous waste pick up. Alderman Wilson will establish a committee to look into possibly franchising waste.

Police and Public Safety - Chief Ryan presented his report to the Council and highlighted a few matters. Chief Ryan spoke highly of new officer Joe Rodriguez and his experience. Last month the City had only written 17 citations and 16 were paid before the hearing. In addition, the driver safety campaign has kicked off for 4th of July season.

Human Resources - Alderman LoBue Provided a handout for Vision and Dental Insurance showing current and proposed new plans. He is recommending a different carrier that will provide a 19.8% decrease in cost without any changes to what employees currently receive. This is the Principal Alternate Option.

The City's Personnel Policy does not state who actually hires temporary employees. Precedent is that Chief and City Administrator hire part time employees. Alderman LoBue would like the personnel policy to reflect who hires what type of positions with full time hires going before the Personnel Committee.

A motion was then made by Alderman LoBue and seconded by Alderman Bangert to approve a new vision and dental insurance plan for the City. The motion carried unanimously.

Public Ways and Property - Alderman Moll and Council further discussed the Chatham Road Project including cost.

Discussion was given to the Cherry Bridge Trail and what type of fence (Wood or Cherry) would look best at this location. By consensus, Council agreed that wood looks best and Administrator Lanier will begin work on this project.

Building Permits and Zoning - Alderman Bangert submitted her monthly report to the Council. With regards to a Swimming Pool issue, the State Department of Natural Resources approved their part in the swimming pool application process for the resident in question.

Old Business - None.

New Business

Alderman Bangert discussed having the City's Website updated.

Hearing no further business, a motion was made by Alderman Bangert and seconded by Alderman LoBue to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. The motion carried unanimously.

The Council went into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.

Following a brief discussion, Alderman Wilson made a motion which was seconded by Alderman Bangert, to adjourn Executive Session and return to Regular Session. The motion carried unanimously.

The Council returned to Regular Session.

A motion was then made by Alderman LoBue and seconded by Alderman Bangert to approve a new vision and dental insurance plan for the City. The motion carried unanimously.

Adjourn -

With consensus of the Council, and hearing no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

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