Sangamon Sun

City of Auburn City Council met May 20.

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, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard.

Absent: Rod Johnson and Chris Warwick Junior Alderman Present: Evan Carter

Department Heads: City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler, Assistant Superintendent TJ Henson and Officer Jack Crissey

Department Heads Absent: Chief Dave Campbell, Superintendent Mike McCarthy and Attorney Rusty Reed

I. Mayor’s Comments

Mayor Berola informed the Council that a few of the departmental heads, trustee and one alderman are out of town for tonight’s meeting.

II. Visitors/Public Comments

 A. Zoning Board Meeting – May 8, 2019

1) Variance to install a privacy fence on a corner lot at 111 South Sangamon Street

Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that the Zoning Board met on May 8, 2019 and is recommending approval of a variance to allow a privacy fence on the corner lot at 111 South Sangamon Street. A motion was made by Sheppard to allow a variance for a privacy fence on the corner lot of 111 South Sangamon Street; second by Garrett. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Rod Johnson (7-0-0-1)

III. City Clerk’s Report – Barnhill

A. May 6, 2019 Meeting Minutes

Clerk Barnhill presented the meeting minutes from the meeting on May 6, 2019 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the minutes for May 6, 2019 minutes, second by Basiewicz. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Rod Johnson (7-0-0-1)

B. May 6, 2019 Meeting Minutes #2

Clerk Barnhill presented the meeting minutes from the meeting on May 6, 2019 #2 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Basiewicz to approve the minutes for May 6, 2019 minutes #2, second by Garrett. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Rod Johnson (7-0-0-1)

IV. Treasurer’s Report –

A. Bills List May 7, 2019 to May 20, 2019

Clerk Barnhill, in Treasurer Chris Warwick absence, presented the Bills List from May 7, 2019 to May 20, 2019 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Karhliker to approve the Bills List from May 7, 2019 to May 20, 2019, second by Sheppard. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Rod Johnson (7-0-0-1)

April 2019 Cash Report

Clerk Barnhill, in Treasurer Chris Warwick absence, presented the April 2019 Cash Report for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the April 2019 Cash Report; second by Karhliker. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Rod Johnson (7-0-0-1)

V. Attorney’s Report – Reed

Attorney Rusty Reed was on vacation. No Report.

VI. Department Heads

A. Chief Dave Campbell

Chief Dave Campbell was on vacation. Office Jack Crissey filled in at the meeting and indicated that there was no report.

B. Superintendent -- Mike McCarthy

Superintendent Mike McCarthy was on vacation and Assistant Superintendent TJ Henson filled in at the meeting. Henson indicated that there was no report.

City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler

City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler informed the Council that she placed the final budget report in dropbox and it included the transfers for end of year to savings.

Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

Alderman Johnson was absent and No report.

B. Public Works – Karhliker

Alderman Karhliker presented information to the Council regarding the purchase of a new city garage Ford truck for their review and approval. A motion was made by Basiewicz to approve the purchase of a new Ford truck for the city garage use not to exceed $36,000 with trade in at Landmark Ford; second by Karhliker. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Rod Johnson (7-0-0-1)

Sidewalk updated was provided by Alderman Garrett. Garrett indicated that 156 feet on 8th and 116 feet of 5th Street will begin being replaced. Ramps around schools colored in blue are a priority to work on! Edging in Ward 1, if they are in need of will happen. Maintaining sidewalks is a priority!

C. Public Utilities – Alderman Johnson

Alderman Hemmerle indicated that there was No Report.

D. Health & Safety – Alderman Sheppard

Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that Officer Katlin Edwards will resign from the Auburn Police Department effective Thursday, May 30, 2019. Edwards will be heading to the Jersey County Sheriffs unit. A motion was made by Sheppard to accept the resignation of Officer Katlin Edwards, effective Thursday, May 30, 2019; second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Rod Johnson (7-0-0-1)

Alderman Powell indicated that the speed limit coming south to North and west to east is a major concern. The IDOT traffic engineer will look into reducing speed.

Alderman Sheppard congratulated the Auburn Police Department on the Distractive Driving initiative that was complete. It was a success.

Sheppard also set up a Health and Safety Committee meeting for June 3 at 6 p.m. to review applications within the Auburn Police Department.

Alderman Powell indicated that photos need to be taken of the hummers before they can be placed for auction. Officer Crissey indicated that they would get that completed.

Alderman Royer wants to place leaf burning and cameras in the park on the June 3rd meeting agenda.

E. Health & Housing – Sheppard

Alderman Sheppard provided an overview of their last meeting, which was mainly based on protocols of processes.

Alderman Royer would like to add chickens (raising of) on the next Health & Housing meeting agenda. Alderman Sheppard indicated that she will set a meeting up.

F. Parks – Hemmerle

Alderman Hemmerle informed the Council that a Parks Committee will take place on May 29, 6:30 p.m.

Alderman Garrett mentioned to the Council about the possibility of installing a public address (pa) system that would play musice on the square. After discussion, the Council liked the idea and asked Alderman Garrett to check into it further.

G. Economic Development Committee – Basiewicz

Alderman Basiewicz – No Report

VII. Other Business

IX. Adjournment

Motion to adjournment at 8:44 p.m. was made by Garrett and second by Karhliker. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Rod Johnson (7-0-0-1)

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