Sangamon Sun

City of Mount Pulaski City Council met April 28.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Present: Mayor Matthew Bobell, Alderman Emerick, Maxheimer, Neaville, Phillips, Rentmeister, Smock, Director of Public Works Matt Presswood, City Treasurer Tricia Aylesworth, Chief of Police Tony West

Recognition of Guests:

The City Council meeting was called to order, Mayor Matthew Bobell presided.

Public Comments – Agenda Items Only:

Police: Tony West stated when people are buying vehicles from one another you can go to the Illinois secretary of state website and get a new tag.

Water/ Sewer: Matt Presswood stated the committee met tonight and discussed a few items of business.

There is currently an insurance claim in the works for lift station #2 (down by The Farmers Restaurant). This lift station was damaged by the last storm. Matt is collecting different data and getting different options for the lift station.

The water tower is at the five (5) year inspection point.

Matt Presswood is ready to order a valve exerciser for $5,000.00-$7,000.00. This is in Matt’s budget. The council is in agreement that once the budget is approved and said item was in the approved budget, this does not need the council’s approval.

Alderman Smock stated Matt Presswood received a letter from the EPA granting the city a formal meeting to discuss the violation that accrued last December. Matt has sent City Attorney, Jordan Klein the documentation that he requested. Matt is still waiting on a response to get the meeting set up and will follow up.

The force main is still stalled, as the city is waiting on CN railroad.

The city is waiting on the pump for lift station #3. Matt Presswood has been in contact but no estimated delivery date was given.

Streets/Alleys: Matt Presswood stated the MFT resolution has been sent to The Farnsworth Group to be sent off.

Financing: deposits to date: $24, 531.83 - City Treasurer, Tricia Aylesworth stated she will send out last year’s budget and would like this year’s first run budget at the next meeting.

Public Comments – Non Agenda Items:

Approval of Consent Agenda: City Clerk, Kelly Cowan read the bills as presented.

Mayor Bobell stated the Frazier Park electrical service is needing to be improved and replaced. Business District appropriation of $8,444.00 can be used for this project. Alderman Neaville stated EATON does donate products for municipalities and will be in contact.

Mayor Bobell stated there is an ordinance of surplus authorizing the sale of personal property owned by the City of Mt. Pulaski. There are two (2) pickup trucks for sale.

Mayor Bobell stated Alderman Neaville sent an e-mail about different options for a sewer rate change. After a discussion the council feels this needs to be its own line item of business and will be added to the next meeting agenda for further discussion. Mayor Bobell stated this item of business will be removed from the consent agenda.

Mayor Bobell received a tax computation report from the county clerk, any errors need to be brought to attention by May 1, 2020. City treasurer, Tricia Aylesworth stated it looked okay to her.

A discussion about committee referral was discussed among the council and Mayor Bobell. Mayor Bobell stated this item of business will be removed from the consent agenda.

Mayor Bobell stated the city entered into a three (3) year contract with Comcast by the previous Mayor and this contract has expired. The current bill has increased. Alderman Phillips is looking into possibly transferring the city wireless to MR Wireless. This Comcast bill is okay to pay for the next 30 days until the council decides to re-enter a contract with Comcast or find service elsewhere. Mayor Bobell stated to have this item of business removed from the consent agenda.

A motion to approve the consent agenda is as follows; approval of bills, business district appropriation for Frazier Park electrical service, surplus ordinance and Logan County tax report was made by Alderman Smock and seconded by Alderman Neaville – Roll Call –All voting yea – the motion carried.

Miscellaneous: Mayor Bobell stated the city has received one (1) sealed bid for the pickup trucks that are for sale. Mayor Bobell opened the sealed bid to the council. John Jones placed a bid for the maroon pickup for $130.00. Mayor Bobell stated the city will continue to collect bids for the green pickup truck.

Alderman Neaville stated with the current COVID- 19 shelter in place order there should not be anyone who is not an employee working from city hall. Alderman Neaville stated if the city wants to continue this as an option once the shelter in place is lifted then it needs to be advertised. The council is in agreement that during this time only employee’s should be working at city hall. Mayor Bobell stated he will reach out to the full time employees and see if they feel their safety is affected and make a decision from there.

Executive Session:

Mayor Bobell stated the meeting was adjourned.

https://cityofmtpulaski.com/images/April_28_2020_minutes_-_google_meeting.pdf