Sangamon Sun

City of Auburn City Council met Oct. 15.

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, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard.

Absent: None

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

McCarthy, TJ Henson and City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler.

I. Mayor’s Comments

A. Resignation of Barb Stamer on Economic Development Committee

Mayor Berola received a resignation letter from Barb Stamer on the Economic Development Committee. A motion was made by Basiewicz to accept the resignation of Barb Stamer on the Economic Development Committee; second by Devos. Voice Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

B. Solar Panel Meeting Update

Mayor Berola discussed the Solar Panel Meeting and asked TJ Henson to bring other bids to the next meeting.

II. Visitors/Public Comments

A. Zoning Meeting – October 10, 2018

1) Reduction in setback request for 408 N. 8th Street (Hurley)

Alderman Sheppard reported on the October 10, 2018 Zoning Meeting and the property owner (Hurley) at 408 N. 8th Street is asking for a reduction of setback from 25’ to 8’ on the west (rear of property) and 7.5’ to 3’ on the south. A motion was made by Garrett to allow reduction setback on the property at 408 N. 8th Street from 25’ to 8’ on the west (rear of property) and 7.5’ to 3.5’ on the south; second by Nadalini. Voice Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, , Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: Rod Johnson. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (7-1-0-0)

III. City Clerk’s Report – Barnhill

A. Biannual Review of Meeting Meetings

Clerk Barnhill presented the executive session of Biannual Review of Meeting Minutes findings to the Council for their review and approval. A motion was made by Nadalini to open the following executive session minutes: 8/7/17, 10/16/17, 11/20/17 and 12/4/17; second by Basiewicz. Voice Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

B. October 1, 2018 Meeting Minutes

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

ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

C. Opening of Farm Bids

Clerk Julie Barnhill and Treasurer Warwick opened the sealed Farm bids for the 37.32 acres (Red Bud Park) for the 2019 planting season. A motion was made by Johnson to accept the bid from TT Farms, Inc. for the total sum of $13,948.35 or $373.75 per acre for a timeframe of November 1, 2018 through October 31, 2019; second by Garrett. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr. Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: Vince Nadalini. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (7-1-0-0)

IV. Treasurer’s Report – Warwick

A. Bills List October 2, 2018 to October 15, 2018

Warwick presented the Bills List October 2, 2018 to October 15, 2018 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Powell to approve the Bills List from October 2, 2018 to October 15, 2018, second by Sheppard. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

V. Attorney’s Report –

A. Second Reading, Resolution 78-18 – School Tax Issue.

Attorney Grischow presented Resolution 78-18 – School Tax Issue to the Council for their review and approval. A motion was made by Basiewicz to approve Resolution 78- 18 – School Tax Issue; second by Johnson. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

B. Executive Session – Labor Negotiations

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

VI. Department Heads

A. Chief Dave Campbell

Chief Campbell presented information to the Council regarding the upcoming Health/Safety meeting on October 24, 2018 at 6 p.m. Alderman Sheppard shared her concerns and contacts that have reached out to her to share their concerns about the school zone safety issues currently happening around our schools. Sheppard is asking for police presence during school hours in the school zones. Concern was also brought to the attention of the Council that there was an incident at the Auburn Library that the police department needs to check into. Campbell will be contacting the Library Director regarding this matter.

B. Mike McCarthy

1) Lighting Audit for City facilities and streetlights

Superintendent McCarthy asked TJ Henson to share with the Council the final audit for city facilities and streetlights for their review and approval. A motion was made by Powell to approve Green Edison for the lighting LED changeover, not to exceed $13,000; second by Garrett. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

2) UGM special meeting – October 11, 2018 in Effingham

Superintendent McCarthy shared information with the Council regarding the UGM special meeting. Additional information will be shared with the Council as it becomes available but it will be a huge savings to the City over a period of time.

3) Water Tower money machine

Superintendent McCarthy shared with the Council that the brand new currency machine that was just installed at the Water Tower has been broken into and destroyed. At the same time, he informed the Council that the laundry mat was also broken into and destroyed. Chief Campbell did indicate that they are looking into some leads that they have on this case.

4) Lighting – Madison/Rose and Madison/Heather

Superintendent McCarthy shared with the Council that he has had requests for streets lights on Madison and Rose and Madison and Heather. McCarthy will be checking into placing street lights at these locations.

C. Ponsler

1) Grant Update

Office manager Kristy Ponsler updated the Council with information regarding the grant. Ponsler will continue to provide updates throughout the process.

VII. Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

Committee Meeting – October 3, 2018

Alderman Johnson shared information about the October 3, 2018 Administration Committee meeting. Johnson indicated that Mr. Thomas Mitchell, Troxell Insurance, was in attendance to share information and answer any questions that arose. A motion was made by Johnson to approve Employee Election Health Insurance for the Operators Union 965/Garage GR532BCE with premium saver at $629.13 per month from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 for garage employees; second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

A motion was made by Johnson to approve Employee Election Health Insurance for the Operators Union 965/Clerical Staff GR530BCE with premium saver at $625.43 per month from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 for clerical staff members; second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

A motion was made by Johnson to approve Employee Election Health Insurance for the FOP without premium saver at $637.52 per month from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

Alderman Powell indicated the TJ Henson will go with whatever insurance the garage goes with. Kristy Ponsler, Mike McCarthy and Dave Campbell will all be offered insurance through the City of Auburn.

B. Public Works/Public Utilities – Johnson/Hemmerle

Alderman Johnson –indicated that additional information is needed regarding the solar discussion.

C. Health & Safety –

Alderman Nadalini shared the meeting time of October 24, 6 p.m. of the Health & Safety meeting.

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 laid out for the property at 412 N. 1st Street to become compliant. Sheppard will again approach Mr. Landers and ask if removal of the trailer is an option. Sheppard will report back to the Council.

E. Parks – Hemmerle

Alderman Hemmerle -- No Report.

F. Sidewalks -- Garrett

Alderman Garrett– No Report.

G. Economic Development Committee – Basiewicz

Alderman Basiewicz – No Report

VIII. Adjournment

Motion to adjournment from public meeting to executive session at 8:29 p.m. by Powell and seconded by Basiewicz. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

Motion to adjournment out of executive session was made at 9:18 p.m. by Johnson and seconded by Sheppard. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

Motion to come back in regular meeting from executive session was made at 9:25 p.m. by Powell and seconded by Nadalini. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

Other Business

Motion to adjournment at 9:35 p.m. was made by Garrett and seconded by Powell. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Vince Nadalini, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

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