Sangamon Sun

City of Auburn City Council met Jan. 6.

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

Absent: None

Department Heads: Chief Dave Campbell, Attorney Greg Moredock, Assistant Superintendent TJ

Henson and City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler

Department Heads Absent: Superintendent Mike McCarthy

I. Mayor’s Comments

Mayor Berola did not provide Mayor’s Comments.

II. Visitors/Public Comments Republic Services

Tony Moore, Representative of Republic Services, made an oral presentation on providing trash service to the City of Auburn. If the City of Auburn is interested in asking for an RFP from Republic Services, Mr. Moore indicated that he would be happy to supply it. Moore discussed various municipality benefits that Republic Services provides. He mentioned annual clean up and various donations to community sponsored activities.

III. Zoning

Alderman Sheppard informed the Council that the Zoning Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. A report will be forthcoming.

IV. City Clerk’s Report – Barnhill

A. December 16, 2019 Meeting Minutes

Clerk Barnhill presented the meeting minutes from the meeting on December 16, 2019 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Johnson to approve the minutes with changes for December 16, 2019, second by Sheppard. 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)

V. Treasurer’s Report –

A. Bills List December 17, 2019 to January 6, 2020

Treasurer Chris Warwick presented the Bills List from December 17, 2019 to January 6, 2020 for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve the Bills List from Bills List December 17, 2019 to January 6, 2020, 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)

VI. Attorney’s Report – Moredock

Second Reading, Ordinance 1474-19, Ordinance Amending Chapter 18 of the City Code Regarding Cannabis and Drug Paraphernalia Violations

Attorney Moredock presented the second reading of Ordinance 1474-19, Ordinance Amending Chapter 18 of the City Code Regarding Cannabis and Drug Paraphernalia Violations for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve Ordinance 1474-19, Ordinance Amending Chapter 18 of the City Code Regarding Cannabis and Drug Paraphernalia Violations; second by Johnson. 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)

Second Reading – Ordinance 1475-19, Ordinance Amending the City Code by Adding Chapter 30, Prohibiting Cannabis Business Establishments

Attorney Moredock presented the second reading of First Reading – Ordinance 1475-19, Ordinance Amending the City Code by Adding Chapter 30, Prohibiting Cannabis Business Establishments for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Johnson to approve Ordinance 1475-19, Ordinance Amending the City Code by Adding Chapter 30, Prohibiting Cannabis Business Establishments; second by Karhliker. Vote Aye: Lori Basiewicz, , Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: Jason Garrett and Ben Royer. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None. (6-2-0-0)

Second Reading – Ordinance 1476-19 An Ordinance Amending the City Liquor Code to Amend the Local Representative Requirement for Licenses.

Attorney Moredock presented the second reading of First Reading – Ordinance 1476-19 An Ordinance Amending the City Liquor Code To Amend the Local Representative Requirement for Licenses for the Council’s review and approval. A motion was made by Sheppard to approve Ordinance 1476-19 An Ordinance Amending the City Liquor Code to Amend the Local Representative Requirement for Licenses; second by Johnson. 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)

– Ordinance 1477-19, Ordinance Approving A Loan Agreement in the Amount of $5,500,000 with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Authorizing and Providing for the Issue of Waterworks Revenue Bonds in a Like Principal Amount of the City of Auburn, Sangamon County, Illinois for the Purpose of Defraying the Cost of Extending and Improving the Waterworks System of Said City

Attorney Moredock asked the Council to table Ordinance 1477-19, Ordinance Approving A Loan Agreement in the Amount of $5,500,000 with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Authorizing and Providing for the Issue of Waterworks Revenue Bonds in a Like Principal Amount of the City of Auburn, Sangamon County, Illinois for the Purpose of Defraying the Cost of Extending and Improving the Waterworks System

of Said City. A motion was made by Johnson to table Ordinance 1477-19, Ordinance Approving A Loan Agreement in the Amount of $5,500,000 with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Authorizing and Providing for the Issue of Waterworks Revenue Bonds in a Like Principal Amount of the City of Auburn, Sangamon County, Illinois for the Purpose of Defraying the Cost of Extending and Improving the Waterworks System of Said City; second by Powell. 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)

VII. Department Heads

A. Chief Dave Campbell

Hiring of FT Police Officer

Chief Campbell asked the approval of hiring Troy Kissell as a full-time officer. He was previously hired as part time but a full time opening came available. Campbell could get him in the January 12, 2020 FT academy. A motion was made by Powell to hire Troy Kissell, starting January 6, 2020 at $16.48 per hour per contract; 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 asked the Council for approval of sending Troy Kissell to FT Academy that would begin January 12, 2020 with a graduation date of April 17, 2020. Alderman Garrett asked if there would be any other expenses related to attending the Academy. Campbell informed him that there would mileage reimbursement and possible some uniform purchase needed. A motion was made by Powell to approve the FT Academy for Troy Kissell, newly hired full time officer, that would begin January 12, 2020 with a graduation date of April 17, 2020; 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. Superintendent -- Mike McCarthy

Assistant Superintendent TJ Henson was in attendance as Mike McCarthy was absent. Henson indicated that they did not have a report.

C. City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler

Office Manager Kristy Ponsler informed the Council she is currently working on placing budget folders in the dropbox. Ponsler is trying to prepare things for when she is on maternity leave.

VIII. Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

Alderman Johnson announced an Administration Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, January 16, 6:30 p.m.

B. Public Works – Karhliker

Alderman Karhliker indicated that he did not have a report.

C. Public Utilities – Alderman Johnson

Alderman Johnson indicated that he did not have a report.

D. Health & Safety – Alderman Sheppard

Alderman Sheppard indicated that she did not have a report.

E. Health & Housing – Sheppard

Alderman Sheppard brought up the Landers – 1st Street property for discussion. Sheppard indicated that in December the fines and fees that were owed on this property were $51,600 plus back attorney fees. Sheppard wanted to bring to the Council’s attention as everyone knows the property is not worth that. The Council is assuming that if they were to charge the current fees that all remodeling and revitalizing of the property would cease. Alderman Basiewicz asked for the attorney fees by the next council meeting. Alderman Royer indicated that maybe Attorney Moredock should draft a letter indicating that if he pays $2500 now; then the City of Auburn will only charge 10% of the remaining balance or attorney fees, whichever is the greater of the two. As long as the work does not cease and to meet the February 2, 2020 deadline to become compliant. After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Basiewicz to have Attorney Moredock draft a letter indicating that $2500 is due now to turn on utilities and then the City of Auburn will only charge 10% of the remaining balance of fines and fees or attorney fees, whichever is the greater of the two. Work must continue and will still need to meet the February 2, 2020 deadline; second by Garrett. 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)

F. Parks – Hemmerle

Alderman Hemmerle informed the Council that the Parks Committee would be meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 6:30 p.m.

IX. Economic Development Committee – Basiewicz

Alderman Basiewicz informed the Council that Bewitching Botanicals, a new store on the square, is interested in doing a grand opening. Bewitching Botanicals also inquired if they needed to have a liquor license to serve wine at their classes. Attorney Moredock indicated that as long as they are not selling alcohol, they do not need a liquor license. However, he highly encourages them to make sure they have dram shop insurance.

X. Other Business IX. Adjournment

Motion to adjournment at 7:53 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, Ben Royer and Tracy Sheppard. NAY: None. PRESENT: None. ABSENT: None. (8-0-0-0)

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