Sangamon Sun

City of Athens City Council Committee met March 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Bob Dowell opened the meeting and thanked everyone for attending. Clerk Cindy McFarland called roll. Those in attendance were Mayor Bob Dowell, Clerk Cindy McFarland, and Aldermen: Chris Basso, Larry Buhr, Ron Canterbury, Tom Croft Sr., Tom Herman, and Butch Nichols. Persons in the audience included Gary Richardson, Ryan Seifert, Rex Kieffer, Robbie Bluett, Ryne Crowe, Ellie Stuhmer, Hayley Yoakum, Michael Lockwood, Tim Becker, and Michele Becker.

Chief Tim Becker presented the Police Report. Treasurer Ryan Seifert presented the Treasurer Report. Mayor Dowell presented the Streets & Alleys Report. He said that Don Squires has been working hard to patch and fill holes in our streets. Ryne Crowe presented the Water Report and Robbie Bluett presented the Wastewater Report. Robbie said that the sump pump motor for the head works has failed and needs replaced. A new explosion proof 3-phase motor will be more expensive but is more durable and should last longer. Alderman Basso asked that Robbie gather bids for the repair. Robbie will provide bids by Monday and Mayor Dowell will add this to Monday's agenda. Alderman Canterbury said the Cemetery Meeting has been cancelled. Mayor Dowell presented the Office Manager's Report and the City Fleet Report.

First on the agenda was Friendship Alley Abatement Ordinance. The Mayor provided the Ordinance and map of the area as reference. He explained that the area has not been used as an alley in years and does not appear to be an alley. Ordinance 01-2019 will be on Monday's agenda.

Next on the agenda was street and water improvements. Mayor Dowell presented a map of the city with needed street repairs highlighted. Hargrave needs completely milled and resurfaced as well as several other streets throughout town. This along with needed water improvements would cost over one million dollars. The city does not have this kind of funds and the Mayor asked the council for any ideas how to raise additional revenue. He said that we owe it to our citizens to have good roads and make necessary water improvements. He said that the person who issues our bonds will meet with us and offer ideas of how other communities are raising funds. Alderman Basso said that we need to cut our spending. He said that is why we always need to gather bids and get the best prices. This will save tax dollars. Mayor Dowell said that our Grant writer is also looking to see if there are any applicable grants.

Mayor Dowell went on to say that we have switched the City AT&T plan to First Net. This is a plan for cities and first responders that provides equipment and mobile towers for communication during an emergency. This plan is still through AT&T and will result in approximately $3,800 in annual savings.

Water meter readings was next on the agenda. The Mayor said that it takes 3-4 city employees 3-4 days per month to read all our water meters. There was discussion about different types of meter reads like manual, smart meters, and transponders; meter read accuracy, possibilities of infrastructure for a new smart meter system, and options of how to finance improvements.

Next the Mayor said that the American Legion has requested the Park for June 29, 2019 for their annual Salute to America and they have asked if the City will again be providing fireworks. Alderman Buhr replied affirmatively and said that he would like to keep the fireworks show at $6000 like last year. He said people really enjoyed the show. This will be on Monday's agenda to be paid from the gaming fund.

First under old business was the road repairs off Low Prairie Drive. The permit has been received and we can collect bids as soon as we receive the engineering report in a couple weeks. Next was the update on problem properties. The city has received the judicial deeds for both the 401 S. Adams property and the 410 S. Polk property. The Mayor said several sealed bids had been submitted for the demolition and removal of each property. He then opened and read each aloud. There were four bids submitted for the 401 S. Adams property ranging from $18,613.56 to $9,450. There were three bids submitted for the 410 S. Polk property ranging from $21,000 to $9,936. The vote to accept the winning bid will be on the agenda for Monday. The Mayor went on to say that the installation of the new playground equipment provided by the Stahl Foundation would take place the first couple weeks of April. Last under old business was the Tree of Honor purchase and planting date. The Mayor has been gathering information on pricing and recommendations for a hardy type tree. Alderman Nichols said to make sure the tree has a long lifespan since some ornamental trees do not live as long. The Mayor suggested April 27 as the ceremony date.

Under new business, the Mayor said that John Tobias would be at Monday's meeting to speak to us about the Spring food drive. Also, city budget meetings for each department will be going on this week at City Hall. Lastly, the proposed dates for this year's Fall Festival are September 26-28. Mayor Dowell asked if there was anything else under new business. Alderman Basso suggested a corporate credit card system for city employees so that each employee would be accountable for every transaction made on their credit card. Mayor Dowell said that he would follow-up with our current credit card company to see if this same type of purchase tracking is available.

This ended the agenda for the evening. The Mayor thanked everyone and asked for a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel issues. Motion made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Nichols, to adjourn to executive session at 8:11pm.

The council returned from executive session at 8:41pm. The Mayor asked if the council had reviewed all the bills and they had. Mayor Dowell asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Alderman Nichols, seconded by Alderman Croft, to adjourn at 8:45pm.

https://www.athensil.com/documents/75/March_7_minutes.pdf