Sangamon Sun

City of Auburn City Council met Feb. 19.

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, Vince Nadalini (arrived at 8:40 p.m.), Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard.

Junior Alderman Attendance: Mitch Jones and Samantha Wheeler

Absent: Vince Nadalini (arrived at 8:40 p.m.) and City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler

Junior Alderman Absent: Bailey Devine

Department Heads: Chief Dave Campbell, Superintendent Mike McCarthy, Assistant Superintendent TJ Henson and Attorney Rusty Reed

I. Mayor’s Comments

II. Visitors/Public Comments

A. Auburn Carnival

Brandy Brown was present at the City Council to discuss the Queen’s Pageant set up and dress rehearsal on Wednesday night, May 15, 2019. Mayor Berola provided another option for the stage to be set up on 5th Street in front of UCB to Brown for their approval. The road will be blocked and will only have a place for emergency vehicles to be able to go through. Brown will check with the Queen Pageant’s coordinator, Dani Allen, and plans to attend the next Council meeting to provide an update.

B. Zoning Meeting – February 13, 2019 -- Sheppard

Alderman Sheppard indicated that the Zoning board will be providing an update at the next meeting regarding changes to the zoning ordinances.

III. City Clerk’s Report – Barnhill

A. February 4, 2019 Meeting Minutes

Clerk Barnhill presented the meeting minutes from the meeting on February 4, 2019 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Devos to approve the minutes for February 4, 2019 minutes, second 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)

IV. Treasurer’s Report –

A. Bills List February 5, 2019 to February 19, 2019

Clerk Barnhill, in the absence of Treasurer Chris Warwick, presented the Bills List from February 5, 2019 to February 19, 2019 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the Bills List from February 5, 2019 to February 19, 2019, second 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)

B. January Cash Report

Clerk Barnhill presented the Council with the January Cash Report for their review and approval. A motion was made by Johnson to approve the January Cash Report, 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)

V. Attorney’s Report – Reed

Attorney Rusty Reed once again informed the Council that the easements documentation need to be returned to the office. Alderman Johnson indicated that Alderman Powell has been working on it and will continue.

VI. Department Heads

A. Chief Dave Campbell

Chief Campbell informed the Council that the new radios have arrived and are waiting to be programed.

Alderman Garrett has inquired about the Jackpot Gaming sign and the visibility to the east. Chief Campbell said he did have someone check it out and it is compliant. After a discussion of this matter, Chief Campbell indicated that he would talk with the owner and ask him to move the sign.

Alderman Garrett would like to have the Council consider having an ordinance prepared to make sure that all fines and fees are current before allowed to obtain a City building permit. Attorney Reed will draft an ordinance for the Council to review.

Alderman Powell informed the Council that kudos go out to Chief Campbell, Officer Crissey and Officer Kaitlin for participating in the Railroad Emergency Class. Powell indicated that normally police do not participate but it was good to see them there and taking part.

B. Superintendent -- Mike McCarthy

Siding for City Hall

Superintendent Mike McCarthy presented bid information for the repair of the siding for the City Hall building to the Council for their review and approval. A motion was made by Johnson to accept the bid of $9546 from Craig Ladage Builders for the repair of the siding on the City Hall Building, 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)

Bids for Tree Removal on Isabelle

Superintendent McCarthy received bids for the tree removal on Isabelle, between Boston and Rubenacher properties, from Norris and Hemberger Tree Cutting. A motion was made by Johnson to accept Norris Tree Removal bid in the amount of $1100, second by Sheppard. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: Joe Powell. ABSENT: Vince Nadalini (6-0-1-1)

C. City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler

City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler was absence so no report was available.

Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

Alderman Johnson informed that Council that an Administration Committee meeting will be set up to discuss the upcoming budget.

B. Public Works/Public Utilities – Johnson/Hemmerle

Aldermen Johnson indicated to the Council that he will continue working with Alderman Powell on the process of tracking down easements.

C. Health & Safety – Alderman Nadalini

Alderman Nadalini was absent so Alderman Basiewicz indicated that no report was available.

D. Health & Housing – Sheppard

Alderman Sheppard -- No Report

E. Parks – Hemmerle

Alderman Hemmerle -- No Report.

F. Sidewalks -- Garrett

Alderman Garrett indicated that he is hoping to the outcome of the Safe Routes grant at the next meeting.

G. Economic Development Committee – Basiewicz

Alderman Basiewicz indicated that the potential business that was to present at tonight’s Council meeting will most likely be presenting at the next Council meeting.

VII. Adjournment Other Business

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

http://auburnillinois.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/February-19-2019.pdf