Sangamon Sun

City of Leland Grove City Council met April 28.

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 Mayor Bangert with those present (P), excused (E) or absent

(A) as indicated:

Mary Jo Bangert, Mayor (P)

Brian Miller, Treasurer (P)

Diana Hetherington, Clerk (P) late arrival

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 Tamizuddin, to approve the March 24, 2020, Regular Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS – A resident from Ward 2 presented plans for landscaping in his front yard.

This project will be partially located in the City right of way. He provided drawings and letters from all affected neighbors consenting to the project. Permits are not normally required for landscape projects.

There was a consensus that City Council’s approval was not needed for this project. City Council thanked the resident for his time to share his plans and wished him well for the project.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Miller discussed the current financial statements showing $857,135.47 for the Total Fund Balance as of March 31, 2020. He presented the following expenses for approval:

• Alderman Klokkenga moved, seconded by Alderman LoBue, to approve P-04-536, Unpaid Warrants General Fund, in the amount of $21,808.12.

Motion carried unanimously.

• Alderman Klokkenga moved, seconded by Alderman Weichert, to approve P-04-537, Unpaid Warrants MFT, in the amount of $1,473.02.

Motion carried unanimously.

• Alderman LoBue moved, seconded by Alderman Tamizuddin, to approve P-04-538, Paid Warrants General Fund, in the amount of $51,077.02.

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 that he had revised the emergency ordinance per discussions from the March meeting. He would cover this item under Old Business.

Educational Resource Center at 2000 Chatham Road

MAYOR’S COMMENTS – Mayor Bangert commented on two items:

1. The idea for the State of Emergency Ordinance approved at the March meeting originated from the Illinois Municipal League (IML). IML recommended all municipals pass such an ordinance because grant applications have a question about having an emergency ordinance.

2. Payment for Real Estate Taxes will be extended until mid-June. The County will keep us informed of any changes.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

Public Ways and Property - Alderman Moll reported on the following items:

• Chatham Road paving: We are still waiting to hear from the City of Springfield on scheduling. We have not heard anything new on the State Capital Funding.

• Drainage Committee: The committee will meet when they can.

Human Resources - Alderman LoBue reported on his work to finalize our options for health insurances, including dental and vision. The City’s current carrier is quoting (basic health) a 25% increase if we use the same network or a 9.6% decrease if we chose a different plan with a different network. Both plans offer the same coverage and are rated Platinum. (There is no increase in the current dental and vision plans.)

City Council must approve an employee health insurance plan for FY2021 at the May meeting.

Health and Sanitation - Alderman Tamizuddin had no report.

Building Permits and Zoning – Alderman Klokkenga reported he received eight applications after the last meeting. Those shown on his report as pending have been approved. His report shows 16 permits with Total Project Costs for the calendar year 2020 are $392,815.28. Total Permit Fees for this same period are $1,275.

Police Department – Chief Ryan’s report primarily covered the current COVID-19 emergency. He has a lot of additional paperwork for Public Health. One resident has passed away related to the virus. His department has received plenty of safety equipment, e.g., masks, gloves, face shields and disinfectant sprays at no cost.

Finance and Revenue – Mayor Bangert reported for Alderman Sharp. See FY2021 Budget under Old Business.

Communications – Alderman Weichert reported that the current 2020 Census reports show 73.4% of Leland Grove residents have responded to the Census. Statewide 58% of Illinois residents have responded. Leland Grove is ranked #3 of municipalities in Sangamon County reporting. The next Leland Link is scheduled for distribution in July.

OLD BUSINESS

FY2021 Budget – Alderman Sharp included a draft 2021 budget in the meeting packets. City council discussed the draft and commented on concerns:

1. Rollover of $5K for Greenbriar and Huntleigh project if not completed in FY2020 (show $5K in FY2022 in case the project is not completed in FY2021).

2. Chatham Road agreement with the City of Springfield.

3. Inclusion of safety training for all city employees (move $500 from Miscellaneous to Continuing Education).

4. Possibility of a deficit budget.

Deadline for approving the FY2021 budget is May.

Mayor Bangert asked Aldermen to contact either Alderman Sharp or City Administrator Lanier with questions or input.

Sump Pump Drainage – Alderman Weichert reported because there was nothing more to report on this item, which may be taken off the next meeting agenda.

Leland Grove 70th Birthday – Mayor Bangert reported all plans are on hold. The 4th of July Banana Split Gathering has been canceled.

Past Mayors Recognition – Same as preceding item. The City still plans to provide names of previous mayors and possibly other city council members on its Website.

Ordinance Authorizing State of Emergency and Declaration of Emergency

City Council discussed items affected by the virus emergency.

Mayor Bangert will check whether the City of Springfield is extending liquor licenses so that we may follow them when Illini Country Club’s license comes up for renewal. Illini also requests a fireworks permit which cannot be extended because the permit is for a one time use. City Council discussed changes needed in the ordinance approved in March. City Attorney Morse had made two changes in the previous version. The first change added “consultation with the Council” to the authorization authority of the Mayor. The second change deleted the authority to close bars and liquor sales locations since Leland Grove does not have any. Alderman Moll and Alderman LoBue made suggestions concerning the extent of Mayor’s powers and the need for term limits.

Alderman LoBue made a motion, seconded by Alderman Moll, to make the changes to clarify the Mayor’s powers and the need for City Council’s approval for extensions after 30 days.

Motion carried unanimously.

City Attorney Morse will make the changes approved in the meeting and share a new version of the ordinance to ensure all approved changes were included.

NEW BUSINESS - None

Alderman LoBue moved, seconded by Alderman Moll, to adjourn the regular meeting.

Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.

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