Quantcast

Sangamon Sun

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

City of Auburn City Council met April 15

City of Auburn City Council met April 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, Vic Devos, Jr., Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard.

Junior Alderman Attendance: none

Absent: Attorney Rusty Reed and Alderman Lori Basiewicz

Junior Alderman Absent: Carter Evans

Department Heads: Chief Dave Campbell, Superintendent Mike McCarthy, and City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler

I. Mayor’s Comments

Mayor Berola shared with the Council that Brooklyn Danner has decided that she will not accept the Junior Alderman position, as her schedule will not allow it.

II. Visitors/Public Comments

A. John Edie – Sanitary Sewer Infiltration

Assistant Superintendent TJ Henson informed the Council that John Edie would be presenting the Sanitary Sewer Infiltration plan at the next Council meeting.

B. Zoning Board Meeting – April 10, 2019

Alderman Tracy Sheppard shared information with the Council regarding the Zoning Board recommendations from the April 10, 2019 meeting for their review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve Zoning Classification change from B-2 to I-1 Industrial limited with special use variance to allow processing and sales of alcohol and food at 327 W. Madison; second by Johnson. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

A motion was made by Sheppard to approve Zoning Classification change from B-2 to I-1 Industrial limited with special use variance to allow processing and sales of alcohol and food at 323 W. Madison; second by Nadalini. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

A motion was made by Sheppard to approve Zoning Classification change fromB-2 to I-1 Industrial limited with special use variance to allow processing and sales of alcohol and food at 321 W. Madison; second by Johnson. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, III.

Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

A motion was made by Sheppard to approve Zoning Classification change from I-1 to I-1 Industrial limited with special use variance to allow processing and sales of alcohol and food to 315 W. Madison. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

C. Greg Kirchgesner – Blue Carpet Festival

Greg Kirchgesner, President of Friends of the Auburn Parks, was in attendance and asked the City if they could block of streets on the square for the Blue Carpet Festival on May 18th and May 19th. Mayor Berola indicated that he approved for the streets to be block for whatever they need. Kirchgesner was directed to work with Chief Campbell of the blocking of the streets.

III. City Clerk’s Report – Barnhill

A. April 1, 2019 Meeting Minutes

Clerk Barnhill presented the meeting minutes from the meeting on April 1, 2019 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the minutes for April 1, 2019 minutes, second by Garrett. VOICE Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

B. Statement of Economic Interest

Clerk Barnhill again reminded the Council members that they need to have their Statement of Economic Interest completed prior to May 1, 2019.

Clerk Barnhill also informed the Council that Sangamon County Auditor Andy Goleman and Judge Raylene Grischow would like to be placed on the July 1st Council Meeting Agenda.

Treasurer’s Report –

A. Bills List April 2, 2019 to April 15, 2019

Treasurer Chris Warwick presented the Bills List from April 2, 2019 to April 15, 2019 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Johnson to approve the Bills List from April 2, 2019 to April 15, 2019, second by Devos. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

B. March 2019 Cash Report

Treasurer Chris Warwick indicated that the March 2019 Cash Report will be discussed at the next Council meeting

C. MFT CD Renewal

Treasurer Chris Warwick informed the Council that the MFT CD renewal was signed and returned to United Community Bank (UCB). The MFT CD renewal will earn 2.25% and is a 15 month term.

IV. Attorney’s Report – Reed

A. Second Reading, Ordinance 1466-19 – Amendment to Chapter 8, Building Code

Mayor Berola, in the absence of Attorney Rusty Reed, presented the Second Reading, Ordinance 1466-19 – Amendment to Chapter 8, Building Code for review and approval. A motion was made by Garrett to approve Ordinance 1466-19 – Amendment to Chapter 8, Building Code; second by Johnson. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

B. Second Reading, Ordinance 1467-19 – Amendment to Chapter 15, Licenses

Mayor Berola, in the absence of Attorney Rusty Reed, presented the Second Reading, Ordinance 1467-19 – Amendment to Chapter 15, Licenses for review and approval. Alderman Garrett would like to have permits added to this ordinance. A motion was made by Powell to table Ordinance 1467-19 – Amendment to Chapter 15, Licenses; second by Nadalini. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

C. First Reading, Ordinance 1465-19 – An Ordinance Adopting an Expense Reimbursement policy

Mayor Berola, in the absence of Attorney Rusty Reed, presented the first reading of Ordinance 1465-19 – An Ordinance Adopting an Expense Reimbursement policy to the Council for their review. This ordinance is mandated.

D. Executive Session

Mayor Berola indicated that the Executive Session set for Potential Litigation discussion would be postponed until next meeting due to Attorney Reed’s absence.

V. Department Heads

A. Chief Dave Campbell

Cameras in the Park

Chief Campbell informed the Council that Alderman Hemmerle would be discussing the cameras in the park.

Non-Operating Vehicles and Hummers

Chief Campbell would like permission to strip the non-operating vehicles and hummers. Mayor Berola indicated that this would have to be discussed at the next Council meeting due to the fact that it was not on the agenda.

B. Superintendent -- Mike McCarthy

Superintendent Mike McCarthy informed the Council City Garage Employee Michael Lavin has requested permission for part time employment. A motion was made by Johnson to allow City Garage Employee Michael Lavin permission to seek secondary part time employment; second by Hemmerle. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

Mayor Berola asked McCarthy about the part time mowers starting soon. He indicated that he would like them to start sooner than later so that the Superintendent doesn’t have to be on a mower and is freed up to do other things. McCarthy indicated that he would reach out to Dan Parirsh.

City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler

Cleaning of City Hall/Police Station and Community Center

City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler informed the Council that she would like to hold off on the cleaning of City Hall/Police Station and the Community Center as bids are coming in at varying rates. Alderman Powell indicated that the bid process needs to be looked at to make sure that everyone is getting the same information and is bidding on the same item. Office Manager Ponsler indicated all materials provided to each cleaning company has been the same documentation outlining specifics for cleaning at each of the buildings. Even though each company may not have the same specifics in each bid, the city will hold them accountable to the items outlined in the specific documents including what is to be cleaned each week/month.

Audit Services

Alderman Johnson indicated that he would like to discuss the Audit Services at the Administration Budget meeting on Wednesday, April 17, 2019.

Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

Electronic Time Keeping

Alderman Johnson referred to Alderman Garrett to share the information that he obtained regarding the electronic time keeping software. Alderman Garrett contacted the Gworks Company to talk with them about design and capability. The company informed him that they are still trying to work out bugs within the software and it could take some time. The City of Auburn has already paid the renewal fee for this year so Alderman Garrett is recommending that the city employees stop using the software until additional bugs are worked out. He also indicated that they need to take another look at it 60 days prior to the renewal to see if the City even wants to renew at that time.

Budget Meeting

Alderman Johnson informed the Council that the final budget meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

B. Public Works/Public Utilities – Johnson/Hemmerle

City Garage Pick Up Truck

Alderman Johnson indicated that Kristy has provided additional information regarding the budget. The City Garage pick up truck will need to be purchased May 1st. It will be placed on the agenda for the next council meeting.

Trench Box

Alderman Johnson informed the Council of the City Garage needing a trench box and the cost of it would $14,331.49. A motion was made by Johnson to purchase the trench box from the storm sewer and repair budget lines in the amount of $14,331.49; second by Hemmerle. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1

Squeeze Tool and Leak Detector

Alderman Johnson informed the Council of the City Garage needing a squeeze tool and leak detector and the cost of it would be $3,690. A motion was made by Johnson to purchase the squeeze tool and leak detector from the capital expense budget line in Gas in the amount of $3,690; second by Hemmerle. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

Gas Recorder/Chart

Alderman Johnson shared with the Council that the City Garage would like to purchase a gas recorder/chart in the amount of $1,928. A motion was made by Johnson to purchase the gas recorder/chart from the capital expense budget line in the Gas fund in the amount of $1,928; second by Hemmerle. Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

C. Health & Safety – Alderman Nadalini

Alderman Nadalini indicated that he did not have a report at this time.

D. Health & Housing – Sheppard

Alderman Sheppard indicated that she did not have a report at this time. 

E. Parks – Hemmerle

Cameras

Alderman Hemmerle informed the Council that he is working with Royell and would

have recommendations at the next council meeting

F. Sidewalks -- Garrett

Alderman Garrett shared he will have approximately 360 ft of sidewalks for removal and additions this year. He is finalizing his plan and will present it soon.

G. Economic Development Committee – Basiewicz

Alderman Basiewicz was absent due to a death in the family and Mayor Berola read he report to the Council. The Economic Development Committee (EDC) is working with Office Manager Kristy Ponsler to grow the EDC. The next meeting is Thursday,

April 18, 7 p.m.

VII. Other Business 

IX. Adjournment

Motion to adjournment at 7:51 p.m. was made by Johnson and second by Garrett. VOICE Vote Aye: Vic Devos Jr, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Vince Nadalini, Rod Johnson, Joe Powell, and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Lori Basiewicz (7-0-0-1)

http://auburnillinois.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/April-15-2019.pdf

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY

!RECEIVE ALERTS

The next time we write about any of these orgs, we’ll email you a link to the story. You may edit your settings or unsubscribe at any time.
Sign-up

DONATE

Help support the Metric Media Foundation's mission to restore community based news.
Donate