Sangamon Sun

City of Auburn City Council met Aug. 19.

Here is the agenda 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, Lori Basiewicz, and Tracy Sheppard.

Absent: Ben Royer

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

Kristy Ponsler

Department Heads Absent: Attorney Rusty Reed

I. Mayor’s Comments

Mayor Berola wanted to take a few minutes to mention the video that has shocked and horrified the community. Berola reiterated that the views in the video are not the view of the Town of Auburn!

Zoning Board appointment

Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that Zoning Board member Penny Williams is up for renewal. Sheppard would like for the Council to consider reappointing Penny Williams to the Zoning Board. A motion was made by Johnson to reappoint Penny Williams to the Zoning Board; seconded by Powell. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Ben Royer (7-0-0-1)

II. Visitors/Public Comments

Zoning

Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that the residents of 201 S. 4th Street have requested a variance to install a privacy fence on the corner lot. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the variance for 201 S. 4th Street to install a privacy fence; seconded by Garrett. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Ben Royer (7-0-0-1)

EDC Proposal

Alderman Basiewicz informed the Council that the EDC is working on a proposal that they will be presenting to the City Council.

Farm Lease

With the farm lease coming up at the end of October, the Mayor, with Council approval, asked City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler to contact the current lease holder and see if they wish to continue into the next year.

Redbud Park

Citizen Todd Smith again approached the Council inquiring about the Redbud Park and the plans. Smith distributed some opportunities for the Council to take a look at for possible grants to apply for. Smith asked: how much to accomplish; how much in grants; how much are we short? Todd Smith has offered to volunteer and help the City Council out with grant applications and whatever leg work is needed.

III. City Clerk’s Report – Barnhill

A. August 4, 2019 Meeting Minutes

Clerk Barnhill presented the meeting minutes from the meeting on August 4, 2019 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Garrett to approve the minutes for August 4, 2019 minutes, second by Sheppard. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Ben Royer (7-0-0-1)

IV. Treasurer’s Report –

A. Bills List August 6, 2019 to August 19, 2019

Treasurer Chris Warwick presented the Bills List from August 6, 2019 to August 19, 2019 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the Bills List from July 26, 2019 to August 5, 2019, second by Badiewicz. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Ben Royer (7-0-0-1)

V. Attorney’s Report – Reed

A. City of Auburn Personal Property Replacement Tax Portion to Auburn Library District

Attorney Rusty Reed was absent. City Manager Kristy Ponsler informed the Council that the personal property replacement tax for which the Auburn Library portion will be FY19 is $2100 and FY20 will be $2400. Ponsler will be issuing a check to the Auburn Library. No action was necessary.

VI. Department Heads

A. Chief Dave Campbell

Chief Dave Campbell reported to the Council that he has received another grant for a DFIB machine. Alderman Garrett also alerted to the Council that Officer Winkleman went above and beyond with the handling of a situation that involved the picking up of trash after some kids left the mess.

B. Superintendent -- Mike McCarthy

Superintendent Mike McCarthy indicated that he will be adding 911 West Monroe to the tree and sidewalk list. Alderman Garrett also mentioned that he would like to get bids for some additional tree removal. They are still working on the easement and need to discuss the tree on 7th and Jackson.

McCarthy also informed the Council that the meter program will be put on hold due to the new meter upgrade. He also informed the Council that they are still waiting on ca-6 rock and hoping to get oil and rock done soon. McCarthy told the Council that the window and roof project will be started in the middle of September or early October. Craig Ladage is trying to finish up some other projects.

C. City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler

Office Manager Kristy Ponsler – No Report

VII. Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

Alderman Johnson – No report

B. Public Works – Karhliker

Alderman Karhliker – No report

C. Public Utilities – Alderman Johnson

Alderman Johnson provided the Council with an update of the August 13 Public Works Meeting. Jamie from Benton’s was in attendance and provided an update on the facilities plan. They are still waiting on status of railroad and permits and still have 2 easements to receive.

Johnson also indicated that a public hearing will be needed for the IPEAD document prior to September 30. This hearing will be to educate the general public and take general comments. All comments will need to be sent back to the EPA. Meeting has been set for September 4, 7 p.m., City Council Chambers.

D. Health & Safety – Alderman Sheppard 

Committee Meeting – August 12, 2019

a. Part Time PTI Academy – pay scale while in training

Alderman Sheppard is recommending to the Council a $13 per hour pay rate while in training and when complete will adjust to the contract wage. A motion was made by Sheppard to start accepting applications for trainees to PTI Academy to complete a 580-hour course and earn $13 per hour wage. Wage would be adjusted upon completion of successful course to contract wage; second by Garrett. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Ben Royer (7-0-0-1)

b. Municipal court information

Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that Chief Campbell is working with other surrounding local police chiefs to provide municipal court for non-moving violations. This would allow monies to stay within the communities. Further information will be provided when available.

c. Additional speed signs on 7th street

Alderman Sheppard indicated that she is asking public works (City Garage) to place additional speed signs on 7th street. McCarthy indicated that they do have signs and will be placing those.

d. E-ticket software update – additional information will be provided

e. Marijuana and vaping regulations and ordinance discussion – additional information will be provided

f. Squad car issues/information on possible new squad car – after many repairs to the old squad car Alderman Sheppard is recommending to the Council that they approve the purchase of a new 2019/2020 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pick up for $23,797. A motion was made by Garrett to approve the purchase of a new 2019/2020 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pick up truck not exceeding $23,800; second by Basiewicz. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: Ben Royer (7-0-0-1)

g. In Car Radios – Alderman Royer will be checking into this and providing additional information.

h. Evidence Storage – Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that the evidence storage location is being outgrown. Superintendent McCarthy indicated that there is some additional space that they can use.

i. Patch design for art class – Alderman Sheppard indicated that they will be working with Art Teacher Ms. Phalen to see if they would be willing to design a new patch for the Auburn Police Department.

j. Animal Control – additional information will follow.

Health & Housing – Sheppard

413 E. Madison Street – Alderman Sheppard indicated that she would like to table to the next meeting so that additional information is available.

F. Parks – Hemmerle

Alderman Hemmerle reminded everyone that the Labor Day parade will take place at Union Park.

VIII. Economic Development Committee – Basiewicz

Alderman Basiewicz indicated that the EDC is partnering with Zoning and will have a proposal to the Council soon. The next meeting is on Thursday, August 22, 2019.

IX. Other Business

Future Budget Needs

Alderman Garrett reported that he felt with the reduction of dispatch the savings was close to $178,000 to the annual budget. He felt the closure that only purchased between 6-8 years’ time before the budget was challenged. After running the numbers for raises and insurance costs for budget years 2020-2021 the city would see an increase of $56,000. Alderman Johnson said that he had reviewed the numbers and the budget would increase by over $50,000. Some of those number would impact the general revenue, but also the utilities departments would absorb the increase as well. Alderman Garrett went on to say that he had calculated differences in the amount of money if the city would transition their saving accounts from 1% to just 2% over the course of 5 and 10 years using compound interest. For clarification, Treasurer Warwick stated that UCB had recently increased the interest rate by .025 percent. Alderman Garrett asked the council to consider various ways to increase the amount interest we receive as a community.

IX. Adjournment

Motion to adjournment at 8:50 p.m. was made by Garrett and second by Johnson. VOICE Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None (7-0- 0-1)

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