Sangamon Sun

City of Leland Grove City Council met March 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

In these difficult times, the City of Leland Grove, met remotely to limit the possible spread of the virus. This was allowed by the Executive Order issued by Governor Pritzker on March 16th

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

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 (A) 

Don LoBue, Alderman Ward 3 (P) 

Sally Tamizuddin, Alderman Ward 3 (P) 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by those present.

MINUTES APPROVAL: 

Alderman LoBue moved, seconded by Alderman Klokkenga, to approve the February 25, 2020, Regular Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

Approval of the February 25, 2020 Executive Meeting Minutes was deferred to the April Meeting because council members have not seen them.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

TREASURER'S REPORT: 

Treasurer Miller discussed the current financial statements showing $880,029.69 for the Total Fund Balance as of February 29, 2020. He presented the following expenses for approval:

• Alderman LoBue moved, seconded by Alderman Weichert, to approve P-03-533, Unpaid Warrants General Fund, in the amount of $19,420.94. 

Motion carried unanimously.

• Alderman Moll moved, seconded by Alderman Tamizuddin, to approve P-03-534, Unpaid Warrants MFT, in the amount of $2,137.11. 

Motion carried unanimously.

• Alderman Klokkenga moved, seconded by Alderman Weichert, to approve P-03-535, Paid Warrants General Fund, in the amount of $32,722.35. 

Motion carried unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: 

Administrator Lanier said he would report later on other agenda items.

LEGAL UPDATES AND ACTIONS: 

City Attorney Morse reported on two new matters. The first involved a proposed ordinance for the COVID 19 Emergency. The council conducted the March meeting using teleconferencing in response to the Governor’s Declaration of a State of Emergency. Open meetings requirements have been waived during this time.

City Attorney Morse drafted an ordinance on states of emergency and declaration of an emergency. This item is under New Business. The second item involved a letter from a Ward 2 resident with complaints about a neighbor’s dog and gumballs. This matter was referred to the County Department of Public Health which found no violations. A response was sent to the resident stating her complaints appeared to be civil matters and should be handled accordingly.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS: 

Mayor Bangert commented on the impact of COVID-19. The only business within Leland Grove is Illini Country Club. The Country Club is following directions from federal and state agencies.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS: 

Public Ways and Property: Alderman Moll reported:

• The Chatham Road paving schedule has not changed. There has not been any additional news on funding. It will probably be this summer before any news is heard and there is uncertainty surrounding the current emergency.

• The Drainage Committee met identifying specific problems in Ward 3 and other areas within the City. The committee will meet again to address Ward 1 concerns.

Human Resources: Alderman LoBue reported he requested quotes from local insurance companies, including Troxell and Diamond (our current agent). He provided a deadline to meet the April meeting. A decision needs to be made by the May meeting when the budget must be approved.

Health and Sanitation: Alderman Tamizuddin reported discussions continue with Fox Meadow on the improvements to the road closures at Huntleigh and Greenbriar.

Building Permits and Zoning: Alderman Klokkenga reported he processed 5 permit applications since our last meeting. All five check out. His report shows 8 permits with Total Project Costs so far for the calendar year 2020 are $100,065.28. Total Permit Fees for this same period are $600.

Police Department: Chief Ryan reported on his department’s action to deal with safety of his officers and residents during the current emergency. He is requesting a rate adjustment for an employee training charge which has been moved to on-line vs classroom because there will not be any lodging and related expenses.

Finance and Revenue: Alderman Sharp continues to work with the Chief of Police and City Administrator to finalize the budget. He will be seeking input from council members who should receive a draft in April.

Communications: Alderman Weichert thanked council members for their input for the recent Leland Link and Website.

OLD BUSINESS: 

Status report on Greenbriar and Huntleigh Street closings: Aldermen LoBue and Tamizuddin provided an update on this project which is moving forward.

FY2021 Budget: (Also see Department Reports for Finance and Revenue) A draft of the budget will be distributed to city council members before the April meeting. The budget must be approved by the end of our May fiscal year.

Sump Pump Drainage: Alderman Weichert reported she has not received any feedback from the Leland Link article on this subject. Alderman Moll asked that the next Leland Link include a reminder that fines may be imposed in the future.

Leland Grove 70th Birthday: Deferred to the April Meeting.

Past Mayors’ Recognition: Deferred to the April Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS 

Ordinance Authorizing State of Emergency and Declaration of Emergency – first reading

The National and State Declaration of an Emergency due to the pandemic of the Covid 19 virus is the basis for this Declaration of Local State of Emergency.

Alderman LoBue moved, seconded by Alderman Tamizuddin, to waive the three readings requirement for this ordinance.

Some changes were proposed to clarify the definition of “emergency” and add “days” to section “(e) duration”. Alderman LoBue moved, seconded by Alderman Tamizuddin to approve the ordinance with the proposed changes.

Alderman Moll moved, seconded by Alderman Tamizuddin, to add a provision that the ordinance would be good for 30 days, and any extensions must be approved after the 30-day period. The three motions were combined for one vote.

All three motions carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT: 

Alderman LoBue moved, seconded by Alderman Klokkenga, to adjourn the regular meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.

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