Sangamon Sun

City of Mount Pulaski City Council met May 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Present: Mayor Bobell, City Attorney Jordan Klein, Alderman Maxheimer, Phillips and Smock, Director of Public Works Matt Presswood, City Treasurer Tricia Aylesworth, Chief of Police Tony West

Absent: Alderman Emrick & Rentmeister

Recognition of Guests:

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

A motion was made by Alderman Phillips and seconded by Alderman Maxheimer to approve the items of business under the consent agenda; Claims and accounts and the minutes from the previous meeting. Roll Call - voting yea, the motion carried.

Public Comments – Agenda Items Only: Reports by Officers:

• Police Chief Tony West: Working on ordinance violations with vehicles. City Attorney, Jordan Klein stated once the courts open back up we can move forward as needed.

• Director of Public Works Matt Presswood: Lift stations are being worked on. Water levels at the waste ponds are high due to the amount of rain. The City has obtained more patch, some patch work was done today. All documentation for the Motor Fuel Tax has been sent to the state of Illinois for approval.

• City Treasurer, Tricia Aylesworth: Deposits to date: $7,062.29

Old Business: Mayor Bobell stated the discussion is open whether to change the usage charge or change the base rate for a sewer rate change. City Treasurer, Tricia Aylesworth stated without the charge and spend everything that is proposed to be spent, without making any principal loan payments, there will be a deficient in the account. This matter of business is tabled at this time to wait for a full council to discuss.

Alderman Phillips is waiting on a response from Comcast. The city could cancel the internet service with Comcast and go with MR Wireless. There should not be any performance issues if the city purchases its own router for around $150.00 and uses MR wireless service.

City Treasure, Tricia Aylesworth has sent out the working FY 20-21 budget. The EAB will meet this Saturday to discuss the budget.

Mayor Bobell stated the council can change the chain of command as the city sees fit. A proposed ordinance change for a deputy public works director was previously sent out and discussed. This matter of business is tabled at this time to wait for a full council to discuss.

New Business: No business district appropriations at this time.

Mayor Bobell stated the city needs to find a solution for the issues with the water source and nitrates. The City could build its own water plant, join the united regional water co-op, or merge with Illinois American water. Mayor Bobell would like to schedule a special meeting to discuss this matter of business.

Mayor Bobell stated the yearly contract with JM Abbots is coming due. A motion was made by Alderman Maxheimer and seconded by Alderman Smock to approve the letter of engagement with JM Abbots. Roll call – all voting yea – the motion carried.

Mayor Bobell would like the council’s permission to engage with Estates, Bridgewater & Ogden to conduct the FY 19-20 audit. The council is in agreement to continue with Estates, Bridgewater & Ogden.

Lorah Hoe stated the EAB started a COVID-19 business relief grant allocating up to $60,000.00 from the community donation money. Each business can be granted up to $5,000.00. To find the application for this business relief grant go to the Economic advisory board website or on the first page of the City website.

A zoning board meeting is set for June 11, 2020 @6:30 pm at City Hall. This will be changed accordingly if needed. The committee will discuss the variance in regards to the 600 block of N. Marion St. and discuss zoning restrictions regarding recreational marijuana.

Mayor Bobell stated E3i Ventures/xtreme fireworks would like to sale fireworks again. They will have all their permits and insurance. A motion was made by Alderman Phillips and seconded by Alderman Maxheimer to approve the E3i Ventures/xtreme fireworks sale of fireworks. Roll call – all voting yea – the motion carried.

Other Business: Mayor Bobell stated an Alderman resigned from ward 1. This alderman will be missed as they worked hard and gave great incite. There will need to be an appointment made. This appointment will be until April 2021 to complete the seat term, then this seat will to be petitioned.

Mayor Bobell stated Hisdale is having a dinner at a distance. Streets will be blocked off and tables set up outside for restaurants to service dinner. Masks will be recommended. Mayor Bobell thinks this is a great idea and will present more information at the next meeting.

Public Comments – Non Agenda Items:

Executive Session:

With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Alderman Phillips and seconded by Alderman Maxheimer to adjourn the meeting. Roll Call- all voting yea—the motion carried.

https://cityofmtpulaski.com/images/May_12_2020_minutes.pdf