Sangamon Sun

City of Auburn City Council met Nov. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

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

Present: Tom Berola, Chris Warwick, Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos, Jr., Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard.

Absent: Clerk Julie Barnhill, Vince Nadalini and City Officer Manager Kristy Ponsler Department Heads: Chief Dave Campbell, Superintendent Mike McCarthy and Attorney Raylene Grischow

I. Mayor’s Comments

A. Lyndee Dambacher

Mayor Berola informed the Council that Lyndee Dambacher has decided not to address the Council this evening.

II. Visitors/Public Comments

No Visitors addressed the Council

III. City Clerk’s Report – Warwick

A. Temporary

A motion was made by Alderman Joe Powell to appoint Treasurer Chris Warwick as the temporary clerk in City Clerk Julie Barnhill’s absence. Warwick will take the minutes of the November 19, 2018 meeting; second by Lori Basiewicz. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (7-0-0-1)

B. November 5, 2018 Meeting Minutes

Treasurer Chris Warwick presented the meeting minutes from the meeting on

November 5, 2018 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Devos to approve the November 5, 2018 minutes, second by Powell. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: Jason Garrett. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (6-1-0-1)

IV. Treasurer’s Report – Warwick

A. Bills List November 6, 2018 to November 19, 2018

Warwick presented the Bills List November 6, 2018 to November 19, 2018 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the Bills List from November 6, 2018 to November 19, 2018, second by Johnson. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (7-0-0-1)

B. October 2018 Cash Report

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

C. Bank Account

Warwick talked with Carrollton Bank and they can offer short term certificates of deposit as well as an interest-bearing money market account. Currently Carrollton Bank is offering the following: 6 month CD at 1.00%; 12 month CD at 1.50% and Business Money Market Account at 1.30%. UCB is offering 1/8% for CD.

Carrollton Banks --the minimum balance for a CD is $500.00 with a $10,000.00 minimum for the stated rate on the money market. For balances less than $10,000.00, the money market is paying 0.25%. There are no fees or charges for either type account at Carrollton Bank or both are FDIC insured. The money market offers the ability to make 6 withdrawals per calendar month and complimentary checks are provided. If funds are withdrawn from the CD prior to maturity the accrued interest is forfeited. CD rates are fixed for the term of the investment while the money market rates are market driven and expected to edge upwards over the next quarter.

Garrett asked questions regarding MFT funds that have to be spent by

December 31st. Powell and Johnson explained how MFT funds are allocated and used.

Warwick will be checking with UCB to see if they are willing to match. Bank Account item will be discussed on December 17, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.

V. Attorney’s Report – Grischow

A. Second Reading, Ordinance 1459-18, Tax Levy

Attorney Grischow presented the Second Reading, Ordinance 1459-18, Tax Levy to the Council for their review. Grischow shared information regarding corporate tax for municipalities roughly the size of Auburn. Grischow feels that doing away with the corporate tax is a disservice to the citizens of Auburn. Once the corporate tax is removed it will not be brought back unless it is voted on by the Citizens. Grischow indicated that 2.6% is given of what is levied. Alderman Garrett asked what the minimum amount of levy could be used in order to keep the levy open. This tax levy does not have to be filed until late December, so it can be passed at our last meeting in December 2018. Mayor Berola mentioned that it might be a good idea to take to it to the public for their opinion. Garrett applauded Mayor Berola for that suggestion. After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Garrett to table the final reading of Ordinance 1459-18, Tax Levy until December 3, 2018, second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (7-0-0-1).

Mayor Berola is calling an informative City wide meeting, December 3, 2018, 6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber will be held on the Tax Levy. Garrett asked who would be providing information to the City. Garrett went on to say that he hoped that the residents would be given “Full Disclosure” of the recent measures taken to save money and mentioned the savings from the Dispatch, Video Gaming, IMRF reduction and Health Insurance. Attorney Grischow indicated that the County might be interested in presenting this information.

B. Second Reading, Ordinance 1460-18, Amendment to Sexual Harassment Policy

Attorney Grischow presented the Second Reading, Ordinance 1460-18, Amendment to Sexual Harassment Policy to the Council for their review and approval. A motion was made by Johnson to approve Ordinance 1460-18, Amendment to Sexual Harassment Policy, second by Sheppard. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (7-0-0-1)

C. Second Reading, Resolution 79-18 – Mayor to Sign Farm Lease

Attorney Grischow presented the Second Reading, Resolution 79-18 – Mayor to Sign Farm Lease to the Council for their review and approval. A motion was made by Johnson to approve Resolution 79-18 – to authorize Mayor to Sign Farm Lease; second by Sheppard. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (7-0-0-1)

D. Second Reading, Resolution 80-18 – Natural Gas Agreement

Attorney Grischow presented the Second Reading, Resolution 80-18 – Natural Gas Agreement and to authorize the Mayor to sign the amendment of the natural gas agreement to the Council for their review and approval. A motion was made by Johnson to approve Resolution 80-18 – Natural Gas Agreement and Mayor to sign the amendment of the natural gas agreement; second by Hemmerle. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (7-0-0-1)

E. First Reading, Resolution 81-18, Participation in Federal Surplus Property Program

Attorney Grischow presented the First Reading, Resolution 81-18, Participation in Federal Surplus Property Program for the Council’s review. Chief Campbell has requested participation into the Federal Surplus Property Program.

F. Executive Session – Labor Negotiations

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

VI. Department Heads

A. Chief Dave Campbell

Chief Campbell presented Nick Todd as Officer Kennedy’s replacement. A motion was made by Garrett to hire Nick Todd as a full time officer to replacement Officer Kennedy at the contract rate of $17.09 per hour with a contracted one year probationary period to the Auburn Police Department effective November 20, 2018, second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vice Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (7-0-0-1).

A meeting will be needed in January to for Health & Safety.

B. Superintendent Mike McCarthy

Superintendent McCarthy informed the Council that the Chief stopped over to the Garage and they will be working on building a storage area for the police records.

C. City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler

1) Grant Update

Office manager Kristy Ponsler has completed the grant, hand delivered it and electronically sent it per Mayor Berola.

VII. Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

Alderman Johnson – No Report

B. Public Works/Public Utilities – Johnson/Hemmerle

Aldermen Johnson/Hemmerle – No Report

C. Health & Safety –

Alderman Nadalini was absent – No Report

D. Health & Housing – Sheppard

a) 412 N. 1st Street (Jencore, LLC) Alderman Sheppard – No Report

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 8:03 p.m. by Sheppard and seconded by Powell. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (7-0-0-1)

Motion to adjournment out of executive session was made at 8:18 p.m. by Johnson and seconded by Garrett. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (7-0-0-1)

Motion to come back in regular meeting from executive session was made at 8:22 p.m. by Garrett and seconded by Devos. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (7-0-0-1)

Other Business

Alderman Garrett would like information added to the 11/5/2018 Minutes:

County Dispatch Costs – Mayor Berola met with Brian McFadden and Chris Mueller regarding County Dispatch Costs. He also asked for Mayor Berola to clarify who the people were that met with Brian McFadden. Mayor Berola indicated that it that meeting was, Mayor Berola, Alderman Joe Powell, Brian McFadden and Chris Mueller. Garrett then asked if was still possible to have someone from the county to come and address the council regarding the expected payments. Mayor Berola indicated that he would get that arranged.

Alderman Johnson asked Chris Warwick to make sure that the Green Edison – Street Lighting Program be added to the December 3, 2018 agenda. The issue has not been fully discussed. We need to discuss the funding as they came back and asked us to totally upfront the cost of $36,000 where they originally said they would just charge us the difference. We had to fund it and wait for the rebate. $13000 has already been paid from the City of Auburn. Rebate is not received until the entire amount is paid upfront. Discussion will need to be at the next meeting.

Mayor Berola also indicated that we will have Junior Alderman at the next meeting.

Motion to adjournment at 8:25 p.m. was made by Johnson and seconded by Garrett. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (7-0-0-1)

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