Sangamon Sun

City of Auburn City Council met Sept. 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Berola called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Tom Berola, Julie Barnhill, Chris Warwick, Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos, Jr., Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard.

Absent: Larry Hemmerle

Department Heads: Attorney Raylene Grischow, Chief Dave Campbell, Superintendent Mike

McCarthy, TJ Henson and City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler.

I. Mayor’s Comments

Mayor Berola informed the Council that the Cash Rent farming purposes (redbud park) hasn’t been up for review or bid for a long time. Berola recommended that the farm lease be out for bid. A motion was made by Johnson to place the farm ground up for bid for farming purposes for the 2019 planting session with bids submitted no later than October 15, 2018; second by Nadalini. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Larry Hemerle (7-0-0-1)

II. Visitors/Public Comments

Zoning Meeting – September 12, 2018

Alderman Sheppard presented information to the Council for their review and approval of the variance requested. Sheppard explained that Erica Groesch, property owner of 115 N. 5th Street, would like to build a new one-car garage on the concrete slab left after the previous garage had been demolished. The previous garage had deteriorated to the point that it was no longer useful. The new garage would be mostly following the previous building’s footprint, but would be a little farther away from the fence, on the south side of the property, than the previous building. Ms. Groesch is asking for a reduction of the backyard setback to 5 feet from the rear property line and 3 feet from the south, side yard, property line. The Zoning Committee is recommending to the City Council to change the required setbacks for property at 115 N 5th St. from 25-feet in the rear yard to 5 feet and from 7 1⁄2 feet in the south side yard to 3 feet, to allow construction of a new one-car garage to be built on the existing concrete slab. A motion was made by Johnson to change the required setbacks for property at 115 N. 5th Street from 25 feet in the rear yard to 5 feet and from 7 1⁄2 feet in the south side yard to 3 feet, to allow construction of a new one-car garage to be guilt on the existing concrete slab, second by Sheppard. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Larry Hemerle (7-0-0-1)

III. City Clerk’s Report – Barnhill

A. September 4 Meeting Minutes

Clerk Julie Barnhill presented the meeting minutes from the meeting on September 4, 2018 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Johnson to approve the September 4, 2018 minutes, second by Sheppard. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-0-1)

IV. Treasurer’s Report – Warwick

A. ills List September 5, 2018 to September 17, 2018

Warwick presented the Bills List September 5, 2017 to September 17, 2018 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the Bills List from September 5, 2018 to September 17, 2018, second by Powell. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-0-1)

B. August 2018 Cash Report

Warwick informed the Council that the August 2018 Cash Report was not available for this meeting and would be presented at the October 1, 2018 Council Meeting. Alderman Garrett has requested a meeting with Treasurer Warwick. Warwick indicated that he would talk with him after the meeting to schedule that meeting.

V. Attorney’s Report –

A. Second Reading, Resolution 77-18, Support for Safe Routes to School Grant

Attorney Grischow presented information to the Council for their review and approval of Resolution 77-18, Support for Safe Routes to School Grant. A motion was made by Garrett to approve Resolution 77-18, Support for Safe Routes to School Grant; second by Nadalini. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-0-1)

B. First Reading, Ordinance 1458-18, Amendments to Chapter 24, Utilities. Attorney Grischow presented the first reading of Ordinance 1458-18, Amendments to Chapter 24, Utilities for the Council review.

C. Executive Session – Labor Negotiations and Personnel

Attorney Grischow requested an executive session at the end of the regular council meeting regarding Labor Negotiations and Personnel.

VI. Department Heads

A. Chief Dave Campbell

Chief Dave Campbell – No Report.

B. Mike McCarthy

1) October 2, 2018 – Solar Panel Meeting (Auburn Community Center)

TJ presented information that the Keystone Solar Panel Company will make a presentation on October 2, 2018, 6:30 p.m. at the Auburn Community Center) 2 proposals will be presented, the sewer plant and the other one for the 40 acres (Red Bud Park).

2) Lighting Audit for City facilities and streetlights

TJ Henson informed the Council that Ameren is working with a group that has audited the city owned lighting facilities and streetlights in Auburn. TJ Henson will get additional information from the company and share with the Council at the October 1, 2018 meeting regarding savings to the City.

C. Ponsler

1) Health Insurance Renewal

Office Manager Kristy Ponsler shared information regarding the health insurance renewals. A decision will need to be voted on by October 17, 2018 to submit information on time. Ponsler will schedule a meeting will all union representatives and employees to provide information to them.

2) Closing Jefferson (on square) for Auburn PTO homecoming “Paint the Streets” event (October 7th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.)

Office Manager Ponsler informed the Council that the Auburn PTO has taken over of the homecoming “Paint the Streets” event and is requesting for Jefferson Street, on the square only, to be closed on October 7th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for this event to happen. Mayor Berola agreed for the street closer on October 7th, 12 to 4 p.m.

3) Cleaning Staff for community center and office

Office Manager Ponsler asked the Council if they were okay with her using old applications for the cleaning position that is currently open within the City. The Council agreed that they were fine with using old applications to fill the cleaning position within the City of Auburn.

4) Trick or Treat Hours

Office Manager Ponsler brought to the Councils attention that they are receiving inquiries about trick or treat hours. The Council agreed that is will become a standard date and time for trick or treat hours each year. Trick or Treating will take place on the 30th and 31st of each year from 5-8 p.m.

5) Air Conditioning/Furnace In office Broken

Due to the nature of the air conditioning breaking down today, the air conditioning/furnace item was not on the formal agenda for tonight’s meeting. However, due to the emergent nature of the situation, action needed to be taken tonight and could not wait until the next meeting on October 1, 2018. A motion was made by Basiewicz due to the emergency situation of the broken air conditioner in the City Office that the Council approves the City Manager can approve the bid, the bid not to exceed $10,000, with the Mayor’s approval; second by Garrett. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Larry

Hemmerle (7-0-0-1)

VII. Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

Alderman Johnson – No Report

B. Public Works/Public Utilities – Johnson/Hemmerle Alderman Johnson – No Report

C. Health & Safety – No Report

D. Health & Housing – Sheppard

a) 412 N. 1st Street (Jencore, LLC)

Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that Jencore, LLC has not complied with the stipulations that were lay out to him for the property at 412 N. 1st Street to become compliant. Attorney Grischow indicated that fines will be reinstated and start up again on September 8. Grischow will send a letter indicating the amount to be paid by October 10 or all utilities listed under the name of Jencore, LLC will be shut off until all fines are paid in full.

b) 12 Isabelle (McCarty)

Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that the 12 Isabelle property has been listed with a realtor. Sheppard will follow-up on the status of the property and get back to the Council.

E. Parks – Hemmerle No Report.

F. Sidewalks -- Garrett

Alderman Garrett – No Report

Alderman Nadalini asked who is responsible for grass plantings after sidewalks are complete. He is referring to the sidewalks near the football field. Superintendent McCarthy indicated that the contractor will be back to complete grass plantings when all of the sidewalks are complete with the project.

G. Economic Development Committee – Basiewicz

Alderman Basiewicz informed the Council that the next Economic Development Committee will be Thursday, September 20 to refocus the EDC.

VIII. Adjournment

Motion to adjournment from public meeting to executive session at 8:09 p.m. by Sheppard and seconded by Basiewicz. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-0-1)

Motion to adjournment out of executive session was made at 8:46 p.m. by Johnson and seconded by Basiewicz. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-0-1)

Motion to come back in regular meeting from executive session was made at 8:46 p.m. by Basiewicz and seconded by Sheppard. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-0-1)

Other Business

Alderman Johnson presented information to the Council for their review and approval regarding the full time hiring of Officer Nick Todd. A motion was made by Johnson to rescind the August 6, 2018 motion to offer Nick Todd full time police officer position; second by Basiewicz. Officer Nick Todd will remain as a part time officer within the City of Auburn Police Department. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-0-1)

Motion to adjournment at 8:50 p.m. was made by Garrett and seconded by Sheppard. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini,

Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Larry Hemmerle (7-0-0-1)

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