Sangamon Sun

City of Leland Grove City Council met Feb. 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER – Mayor Bangert called the meeting to order at 6 PM.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by those present.

THE ROLL CALL was taken by Clerk Hetherington with those present (P), excused (E) or absent (A) as indicated:

Mary Jo Bangert, Mayor (P)

Brian Miller, Treasurer (P)

Diana Hetherington, Clerk (P)

Steve Klokkenga, Alderman Ward 1 (P)

Nancy Weichert, Alderman Ward 1 (P)

Jim Moll, Alderman, Ward 2 (P)

Josh Sharp, Alderman Ward 2 (P)

Don LoBue, Alderman Ward 3 (P)

Sally Tamizuddin, Alderman Ward 3 (P)

MINUTES APPROVAL: Alderman Klokkenga moved, seconded by Alderman Sharp, to approve the January 28, 2020, Regular Meeting Minutes with two minor changes recommended by Alderman Weichert. Motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Miller discussed the current financial statements showing $925,969.30 for the Total Fund Balance as of January 31, 2020. He presented the following expenses for approval:

 Alderman Weichert moved, seconded by Alderman Klokkenga, to approve

P-02-530, Unpaid Warrants General Fund, in the amount of $50,890.37.

Motion carried unanimously.

 Alderman Tamizuddin moved, seconded by Alderman Moll, to approve P-02-531, Unpaid Warrants MFT, in the amount of $1,903.39.

Motion carried unanimously.

 Alderman LoBue moved, seconded by Alderman Klokkenga, to approve P-02-532, Paid Warrants General Fund, in the amount of $30,895.65.

Motion carried unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:

IMRF Balance: City Administrator Lanier reported from the IMRF report he received recently. The report shows improvement over the last calendar year. The ending balance in our account was approximately $163K.

Spring Leaf Pickup: City Administrator Lanier proposed that the spring leaf pickup takes place on April 6 and 20 (which would skip the week of Easter). Lake Area needs to be consulted to determine if this schedule is acceptable. Should Lake Area not approve this schedule, City Administrator Lanier proposed April 6 and 13, 2020.

Alderman Klokkenga moved, seconded by Alderman Sharp that the Spring Leaf Pickup takes place on April 6 and 20 or April 6 and 13 depending upon Lake Area Disposal’s input

LEGAL UPDATES AND ACTIONS:

City Attorney Morse’s report was primarily informational updating previously reported items. No new items were added this month.

City council discussed the results of administrative hearings including fines paid and actions being taken to recover fines not paid, e.g., collection agency referrals.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Bangert reported on the Regional Leadership meeting she attended. This group includes city mayors and village presidents in the area. The County has an emergency alert system that they are willing to share with local municipalities through “no-cost” accounts. These accounts could be set up for the three wards within Leland Grove. The accounts would be useful in alerting residents about such things as water main breaks. The County already has home phone numbers in the system. Leland Grove would have to provide cell phone numbers. The County asks that the City not:

 overload the systems, i.e., just use for emergencies and

 duplicate messages the County is already sending.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

Public Ways and Property: Alderman Moll reported:

 The Chatham Road paving contract should be awarded in the spring. Since the cost

estimates have increased significantly, he has been communicating with those involved to ensure the City will have adequate funding. Alderman Sharp has been assisting with these discussions. The district money is still pending and there is no word on the status of state funding which is not unusual at this time for the current legislative session.

 The Drainage Committee can meet now that the citywide map of drainage problems has been completed.

Human Resources: Alderman LoBue reported that employee health insurances are out for bids. Federal requirements may hamper the competitive process because insurance companies are required to charge the same amount for the same services.

Health and Sanitation: Alderman Tamizuddin reported she is still working with DEA to provide a drug take-back day for residents. The date for this event is tentatively set for April 25.

Building Permits and Zoning: Alderman Klokkenga reported that the Building and Zoning Committee will meet on March 9th. His report shows Total Project Costs so far for the calendar year 2020 are $61,500. Total Permit Fees for this same period are $300.

Police Department: Mayor Bangert reported for Chief Ryan. She commented on an incident the previous Friday on West Isles. Chief Ryan’s report provided additional information on patrol activity and training.

Finance and Revenue: Alderman Sharp provided an overview of the proposed budget for FY2021. He will continue meeting with both Police Chief Ryan and City Administrator Lanier to develop a lean budget for the upcoming fiscal year in light of our commitment to fix Chatham Road. Most of the discussion centered on Chatham Road because it will take most of our city’s financial resources. The City will try to use Motor Fuel Funding as much as possible because this project qualifies for using these

restricted funds. The budget does not reflect any state funding for Chatham Road at this point. The significant increase in project costs ($800 thousand to $1.2 - $1.5 million) will drive the development of a lean budget leaving minimal services by the city. Increased patching costs and additional deterioration has driven up the projected costs. Leland Grove is partnering with the City of Springfield in their contract and will pay its share over 8 years with a 3% interest rate. This arrangement equates to roughly $154,500 each year for 8 years.

Communications: The next Leland Link will include the Spring Leaf pickup information. Council was asked to let Alderman Weichert know of any other items that should be included.

OLD BUSINESS:

Status report on Greenbriar and Huntleigh Street closings: Alderman LoBue reported that the Fox Meadows Homeowners’ Association had been given drafts of the proposals discussed at recent city council meetings and was asked to provide comments for City Council’s March meeting. The recommendation was to narrow the streets down to a single lane large enough for Emergency Vehicles to pass through. Plans include having landscaping installed in April by City crews and completion this fiscal year. The City’s budget includes $5K for this project. The City’s engineer will review to ensure the plan meets other governmental requirements.

FY2021 Budget: (See Department Reports for Finance and Revenue).

Sump Pump Drainage: – Nothing new reported.

NEW BUSINESS:

Leland Grove 70th Birthday: Mayor Bangert led the discussion about celebrating the City’s 70th birthday. Leland Grove’s first City Council meeting was held on June 30, 1950, at 7 PM. Council members discussed little or no-cost ways to celebrate this milestone. There was a consensus to include information in the Leland Link and on the website. Another suggestion was to highlight this event at the annual July 4 Banana Split Party.

Past Mayors’ Recognition: Mayor Bangert proposed including previous City Council members in the celebration of the City’s 70th Birthday. Names of past Mayors, Aldermen, and other City Council members could be posted on the website and included in the Leland Link. Recognition of these individuals could be included in the birthday celebration.

Alderman Klokkenga made a motion, seconded by Alderman Tamizuddin to arise from the regular meeting and go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters. Motion carried unanimously.

The Council went into Executive Session.

The Council returned from Executive Session and a motion was made by Alderman Weichert, seconded by Alderman Tamizuddin, to adjourn the regular meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:36 PM.

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