Sangamon Sun

City of Auburn City Council met June 17.

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

Absent: None

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

Department Heads Absent: None 

I. Mayor’s Comments

A. Review of Bidding Process

Mayor Berola instructed the Council that he would like for the Administration Committee to take a look at the bidding process so that there is a more formal way of taking bids. Berola is asking that the process and procedures for bids to be fair and consistent. Attorney Rusty Reed indicated that IML lays the process and procedures out in their handbook. A motion was made by Royer to table the bidding process discussion and send it to the Administration Committee; second by Garrett. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Joe Powell, and Ben Royer. NAY: Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker and Tracy Sheppard PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (5-3-0-0)

Mayor Berola informed the Council that the 3 city vehicles, 2 HUMVEEs and 1 Impala, have been sold at Ben Ladage Auction and brought the city $19,000 minus $250 for expenses for a total of $18,750. Ben Ladage Auction did not charge City the fees associated with auctioning these vehicles off. The expenses incurred were for new batteries.

II. Visitors/Public Comments

A. Zoning Meeting – June 12, 2019

1. Zoning Classification Change from R-1, Single Family, to R-3, General Residential

A. New Testament Church of Jesus Christ/Stanley Searcy (520 W. Jefferson) Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that the Zoning Committee has recommended to the Council that they reject the zoning classification change for the New Testament Church of Jesus Christ. Since this recommendation was made, the New Testament Church of Jesus Christ has withdrawn their application. No action was taken.

B. 613 N. 7th Street – Reduction in one parcel and addition to another

The attorney representing the property owners at 613 N. 7th Street contacted the City to separate the house from the farmland. The farmer that currently farms the land is planning on purchasing all of the farmland and the owner is wanting to sell the house separately. The Council asked Officer Manager Ponsler to send a letter from the city to the County to split. Alderman Karhliker insisted that the pins be set prior to the sell. Once the County splits, the stipulation will be so that the final plat can be ready to go for property pins to be set before selling. A motion was made Garrett to approve the reduction in one parcel and addition to another with the condition that the final plat can be ready to go for property pins to be set prior to selling; second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

C. Jim Vollmer – Easement on 4611 Dickey John Road

Jim Vollmer, property owner of 4611 Dickey John Road, is requesting an easement vacated. After a lengthy discussion with the Council, the Council instructed Mr. Vollmer to talk with the owner and encourage them to rescind the final development plan. Once that is complete, Vollmer would then have to talk with Rodney McClelland to sell the small area of land that he owns to Mr. Vollmer. Vollmer thanked the Council for their time and help.

iii. City Clerk’s Report – Barnhill 

A. June 3, 2019 Meeting Minutes

Clerk Barnhill presented the meeting minutes from the meeting on June 3, 2019 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the minutes with corrections on a motion made and voted on by the council regarding the cameras purchase, second by Royer. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

IV. Treasurer’s Report –

A. Approval of 2019-2020 Amended Budget

Treasurer Chris Warwick presented the 2019-2020 Amended Budget for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was mad by Johnson to approve the 2019-2020 Amended Budget; second by Karhliker. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

B. Bills List June 4, 2019 to June 17, 2019

Treasurer Chris Warwick presented the Bills List from June 4, 2019 to June 17, 2019 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Powell to approve the Bills List from June 4, 2019 to June 17, 2019, second by Sheppard. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

C. May Cash Report

Treasurer Chris Warwick presented the May Cash Report for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the May Cash Report; second by Johnson. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

Alderman Ben Royer asked Treasurer Warwick to provide information to him, being new on the Council, the rationale of why we leave our monies at the United Community Bank (UCB) if the interest rates are lower. Warwick indicated that UCB waives a lot of fees associated with our accounts and being local. Royer indicated that he would like to see a list of the fees that are being waived or saved from UCB. Alderman Garrett indicated that UCB is the only bank in town now.

V. Attorney’s Report – Reed

A First Reading Ordinance 1468-19, Appropriations Ordinance

Attorney Rusty Reed presented First Reading Ordinance 1468-19, Appropriations Ordinance to the Council for the review. A public meeting for Appropriations Ordinance Hearing was set for Monday, July 1, 2019 at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

VI. Department Heads

A. Chief Dave Campbell

Chief Dave Campbell -- No Report.

B. Superintendent -- Mike McCarthy

Superintendent Mike McCarthy provided an updated that they attended the GUA Annual Meeting. McCarthy also informed the Council that the rate for the gas meters will be 4.65 per meter and there are 1,696 in the town. The gas rate will again be reviewed in February of 2020.

City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler

City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler – No Report

VII. Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

Alderman Johnson -- No report.

Alderman Johnson set up an Administration Committee Meeting for Wednesday, June 26, 2019, 7 p.m. to discuss the bidding process.

B. Public Works – Karhliker

Alderman Karhliker presented information to the Council to proceed with opening up the bids for the roof and windows of the City office. The bid will need to consist of roof – metal or shingle and new windows (not replacement windows). A motion was made by Karhliker to open bids up beginning June 18 with a deadline of returning bids on August 5 at noon. The bids will be opened by the Clerk on August 5 at 6:30 p.m. for awarding at the August 5th Council Meeting; second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

C. Public Utilities – Alderman Johnson

Alderman Johnson – No Report

Alderman Powell indicated that all easements have been returned but 1. The last one is hoping to get in to return it soon.

D. Health & Safety – Alderman Sheppard

Animal Control Officer

Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that Shane Butler, current Animal Control Officer, would like to give the position up. After a lengthy discussion between the Council and Chief Campbell, they decided to table the discussion until next meeting. Alderman Royer did mention that maybe a log book with dog photos in it can be keep at the City Office.

FT and PT Police Applications

Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that the interviews for full-time and part-time police officers took place on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. Four candidates were interviews for the position and all were very qualified. A motion was made by Sheppard to hire Cortese Luttrell, full time police office beginning tentatively on July 1, salary within the FOP contract and $2000 training fee. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

Alderman Sheppard made a motion to hire Jay Winkleman, part time police officer beginning tentatively on July 1 at a salary of $16 per hour; second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

  Chief Campbell indicated that he would like to build up the part time pool and send some part timers to the academy. The cost associated with this would be $2000 but part of the amount is refunded upon completion. Campbell would like to advertise to build up the academy pool.

E. Health & Housing – Sheppard

A. 12 Isabelle – McCarty Property

Residents from Isabelle Drive attended the meeting and stressed their frustrations with the property of 12 Isabelle. They would like to have the property cleaned up. After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Sheppard to allow the city to declare 12 Isabelle Drive a nuisance, send a formal letter to the son in nursing home, allow the city to begin mowing and a lien will be placed on the property for the mowing; second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

B. 521 W. Jackson Street – Nuisance

Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that once again the compilation of trash is accumulating at 521 W. Jackson. A motion was made by Sheppard to send a letter indicating that they are not in compliance and fines and fees will begin to be assessed; second by Karhliker. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

VIII. Parks – Hemmerle 

Camera Update

Alderman Royer indicated that the cameras are currently working at the water tower, East Park, and the square. Veterans was saved for last because there is more involved. It should be done soon.

Speakers

Alderman Royer has asked SunDown and a few others to come out and provide a quote for the speakers on the Square.

IX. Economic Development Committee – Basiewicz

Alderman Basiewicz reported that the next EDC meeting will be held on June 20, 2019

X. Other Business

Alderman Garrett and Royer indicated that they are planning a free range meeting within their ward but not restricting it to their ward only. Attorney Reed stressed to them to make sure they follow the Open Meetings Act. Royer indicated that they are thinking about scheduling for July 16 or 23, 2019.

Clerk Barnhill mentioned the Social Media Policy. Mayor Berola indicated that a review of the Social Media Policy will need to take place.

IX. Adjournment

Motion to adjournment at 9:38 p.m. was made by Garrett and second by Royer. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (8-0-0-0)

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