Sangamon Sun

City of Auburn City Council met July 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Berola called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Tom Berola, Julie Barnhill, Chris Warwick, Jason Garrett, Larry Hemmerle, Rod Johnson, Bill Karhliker, Joe Powell, Ben Royer, Tracy Sheppard and Attorney Greg Moredock.

Absent: Lori Basiewicz

Department Heads: Chief Dave Campbell, Assistant Superintendent TJ Henson

Department Heads Absent: Superintendent Mike McCarthy and City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler

I. Mayor’s Comments

A. Appointment to EDC

Mayor Berola informed the Council that he would recommend appointing Chris Warwick to the Economic Development Committee.

Motion by Sheppard second by Powell to approve the appointment of Chris Warwick to the Economic Development Committee. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

B. Burn Ban

Mayor Berola addressed the moratorium on the burn ban of grass and leaves that the City of Auburn had in place. Henson indicated that they would like the Council to consider continuing the access of leaves being able to be dropped off at the Lost Caboose. Alderman Royer asked Henson how the burn worked. Henson said that he and Superintendent McCarthy talked it over and they would like to continue offering the service and would do smaller fires instead of waiting so long. Alderman Powell stressed that he is concerned of all the leaves that are piled up around town. Alderman Hemmerle indicated from his point being a resident next to the location of the drop off, it felt that it all was smooth from drop off to burn. Alderman Karhliker indicated that residents in his ward wanted to be able to burn again. Alderman Royer suggested allowing burn on certain days of the week. Mayor Berola did indicate that burning is now allowed as the moratorium has been lifted and the Lost Caboose is still open for drop off. Alderman Garrett wanted to make sure that we are clear on the issue. The ordinance is in place and the Lost Caboose landscape pile being kept open. Hemmerle indicated that policing the burn around town is the most important thing.

C. Sangamon County Animal Control Agreement

Mayor Berola informed the Council that Sangamon County has provided an invoice for the 2020 animal control fees in the amount of $1323.11 and the agreement for the FY2021. In 2019 the amount was $1821.82.

Motion by Garrett second by Johnson to approve the Sangamon County 2020 animal control fees in the amount of $1323.11 and the FY2021 animal control agreement with the Sangamon County. (6-1-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell and Sheppard 

NAYES: Royer 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

II. Visitors/Public Comments

Barb Stamer and John Narmont Mayor Emeritus Barb Stamer addressed the Council regarding the matter of placing benches on the Auburn Square. Stamer indicated that she was not aware that she or the Friends of the Auburn Parks Committee had to ask permission to place benches. Mayor Berola indicated that it not standard practice just to allow people to pour concrete pads and set up a bench without letting the City of Auburn know. Communication is the key. Stamer apologized and shared information regarding the bench, In Memory of Austin Dubois, that they would like to install. Alderman Hemmerle indicated that the Parks Committee will work with the Friends of Auburn Parks and the DuBois family to get the bench installed in the appropriate place. Barb Stamer also shared that they are running out of room to install benches and bricks on the square. Hemmerle also indicated that the Parks Committee would work with them on that too; as the City does have some ideas near the new micro-library.

Although he was on the agenda, John Narmont was not present.

Darrell Adcock and Rhonda Shelton - Graffiti Darrell Adcock addressed the Council informing them that the graffiti that was on his building has been painted over. Adcock also shared with the Council that he didn’t appreciate the way the Aldermen Garrett went about it on social media prior to him receiving a formal letter from the City. Adcock indicated that he felt it was cyber bullying and that it was in poor taste coming from an elected official. He stated that

they should have just come to him and discussed it. Alderman Royer indicated that he and Alderman Garrett informed Mr. Adcock about the graffiti a year previously, when they were installing additional cameras at 4th and Madison.

III. Zoning

Alderman Sheppard indicated that the Zoning Commission will be meeting on Wednesday, July 8, 2020.

IV. City Clerk’s Report – Barnhill

A. June 15, 2020 Meeting Minutes Clerk Barnhill presented the Council the June 15, 2020 meeting minutes for their review and approval.

Motion by Garrett second by Royer to approve the June 15, 2020 minutes. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

B. Amendment to June 1, 2020 meeting minutes

Clerk Barnhill informed the Council that Officer Manager Ponsler would like to amend the June 1, 2020 meeting minutes. Mayor Berola read what Ponsler would like to amend. Hemmerle and Garrett indicated that it was not correct. Barnhill indicated to the Council that she would go back to the minutes and type up the section verbatim and share with the Council for their review at the next meeting.

Motion by Garrett second by Hemmerle to table the Amendment to June 1, 2020 meeting minutes. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

Clerk Barnhill also informed the Mayor and Council that she would be absent from the July 20, 2020 meeting. Barnhill also indicated that she would be setting a Bi- Annual Review of the Executive Minutes for August 2020.

V. City Treasurer’s Report – Warwick

A. Public Hearing for Appropriations Ordinance, 1482-20

Treasurer Warwick informed the Council that the Public Hearing for Appropriations Ordinance, 1482-20 was held prior to the Council meeting tonight. With no objections, Warwick indicated that the Appropriations Ordinance, 1482- 20 is ready for approval.

Motion by Royer second by Johnson to approve the Appropriations Ordinance, 1482-20. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

B. Bills List June 16, 2020 to July 6, 2020 Warwick presented the Bill List June 16, 2020 to July 6, 2020 for the Council’s review and approval.

Motion by Sheppard second Karhliker to approve the Bill’s List from June 16, 2020 to July 6, 2020. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

VI. Attorney – Moredock

A. Second Reading: 1481-20 – Establishing System for Vacant Property

Attorney Moredock shared with the Council the Second Reading of 1481-20 Establishing System for Vacant Property

Attorney Moredock presented the Second Reading – 1481-20 Establishing System for Vacant Property for the Council’s approval. Moredock indicated that changes were made to allow the Health & Housing Chairperson to over see the process. Health & Housing Chairperson would hear appeal regarding the vacant property and then recommend to the City Council.

Motion by Royer second by Johnson to approve 1481-20 – Establishing System for Vacant Property. (6-0-1-1)

AYES: Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

PRESENT: Garrett

ABSENT: Basiewicz

B. Second Reading, 1482-20 Appropriations Ordinance

Attorney Moredock informed the Council that this was already approved early in the meeting. C. Local Debt Recovery Program

Attorney Moredock shared with the Council the program, Local Debt Recovery Program, that was previously discussed. This program allows units of local government to collect unpaid debt through the Illinois Office of the Comptroller. Moredock indicated that we are hoping to accomplish this with the municipal court. We are not moving forward. D. Municipal Court

Attorney Moredock indicated that Municipal Court is getting closer to reality. They are setting fees and working out details of hiring judges, etc. E. Dept of Labor

Attorney Moredock shared with the Council the information regarding the Department of Labor ruling. The Governor of Illinois is stating that 90% of the work force should be residents of Illinois. With the contract for the Project Award bid for Phase 1 of water main project MB Construction out of Monticello, Missouri being awarded prior to the Governor mandating this rule, the City of Auburn should be good.

VII. Department Heads

A. Police Department – Campbell

Chief Campbell informed the Council that Officer Marquis needs to be reimbursed for his mileage that he incurred attending school. There was some questions due to the age of the reimbursement.

Motion by Garrett second by Sheppard to reimburse Officer Marquis mileage paid @ rate of travel when travel incurred, to be paid immediately. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

Chief Campbell also informed the Council that he is working with Adock Auctions for the auctioning of the vehicles previously discussed. Auction will be from July13 through July 23 and Adcock Auctions is not charging the City of Auburn fees associated with auctioning these items off.

B. Public Works – McCarthy

Superintendent Mike McCarthy was absent and Assistant TJ Henson provided an update. Henson indicated that bids were sought for the repair of the Auburn square bandstand. Only one bid was received and that was for Craig Ladage in the amount of $8180 with prevailing wage.

Motion by Hemmerle second by Royer to approve the repair of the Auburn square bandstand not to exceed $8200. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

Alderman Royer did indicate that he flew his drone over the top of the bandstand and it needs some additional repairs.

City Office – Ponsler

City Office Manager Kristy Ponsler was not in attendance.

VIII. Committee Reports

A. Administration – Johnson

Alderman Johnson indicated that he did not have a report at this time.

B. Public Works – Karhliker

Engineer’s estimate on Van Buren Street Sidewalk Alderman Karhliker presented information regarding the cost estimate and design sidewalk placement on southside of VanBuren between Fourth and Fifth Street from Benton’s. Alderman Karhliker informed Benton’s that Royer recommended outside of poles. Royer asked if we can pay for engineering and the work is done by the city garage employees. Alderwoman Sheppard shared her thoughts regarding setting a precedent regarding ADA sidewalks throughout the entire City. Alderman Garrett indicated that most cities have an ADA plan in place and the City of Auburn does not. After a lengthy discussion of installing new sidewalks and the lack of an ADA plan, the Council decided to table the discussion again for additional information. Alderman Garrett suggested a meeting with the residents that would be impacted by the sidewalk on VanBuren. Alderman Kahrliker stated that he could have a meeting specifically to address the residents impacted by the sidewalk and the potential loss of parking.

Motion by Garrett second by Karhliker to table the Van Buren Street Sidewalk project. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

2020 MFT Seal Coat Bids and Acceptance of Proposal/Approval of Award Alderman Karhliker also informed the Council that the oil and chip bid was received and opened on June 23. Two bids were received, and PH Broughton & Sons is the recommended in the amount of $33,549.00.

Motion by Karhliker second by Powell to accept the bid of $33,600 from PH Broughton & Sons for the 2020 MFT Seal Coat Bid for oil and chip. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

C. Public Utilities – Johnson

Alderman Johnson shared with the Council the update status of the IEPA Loan. D. Health & Safety – Sheppard

1) Committee Meeting – June 23, 2020.

Alderwoman Sheppard provided an attaboy to Officer Kissel for remaining with the downed powerline until the crew was able to get it fixed. Sheppard also provided an attaboy to Officer Nick Todd for the great job that he does.

Police Software Alderwoman Sheppard shared with the Council the need for new police software. Chief Campbell informed the Council that the software will have to be compliant with the FBI by January of 2021. The current software that the Auburn Police Department uses is dispatch software. The new software is cloud based and can be used in the cars and that would allow them more time in their cars rather than in office doing paperwork. Prior to the vote, Alderman Garrett asked Mayor Berola if the software was a “like to have” or a “need to have.” Mayor Berola stated that software was soon to be a requirement for interfacing with other law enforcement agencies and therefore would be required. The fees associate with the new software are: $2500 startup, $180 per computer, $1800 after initial update per year.

Motion by Sheppard second by Royer to approve the purchase of new software for the Auburn Police Department not to exceed $4300.

(7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

Pay Scale for PT Police Officers Alderwoman Sheppard provided information to the Council for the need to be competitive within the police departments to raise the part-time police officer pay scale up to $19 per hour.

Motion by Sheppard second by Royer to approve the increase in part-time police officer pay scale up to $19 per hours. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

Recommendation for Sergeant Alderwoman Sheppard is recommending to the Council for their review and approval to promote Officer Jay Winkleman to Sergeant with the City of Auburn Police Department.

Motion by Hemmerle second by Sheppard to promote Office Jay Winkleman to Sergeant with the City of Auburn Police Department based on wage scale effective July 7, 2020. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

Alderman Royer asked Chief Campbell if Auburn Police Department had a recommended drug addiction program. Campbell informed Royer that Gateway is his preference.

Executive Session – Personnel (5 ILCS 120(c)(1) Alderwoman Sheppard indicated that an Executive Session pertaining to Personnel 5 ILCS 120(c)(1) is needed at the end of the meeting.

E. Health & Housing – Sheppard

Alderwoman Sheppard indicated that she did not have a report at this time.

F. Parks – Hemmerle

Alderman Hemmerle indicated the Parks Committee is meeting on July 14, 6:30 p.m.

G. Economic Development Committee – Basiewicz

Alderwoman Basiewicz was absent and the only business was to appoint Chris Warwick to the Economic Development Committee.

IX. Other Business

X. Adjournment

Motion by Sheppard second by Royer to adjourn to executive session to discuss Personnel 5 ILCS 120(c)(1) at 9:04 p.m. (7-0-0-1)

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

Motion by Garrett second by Royer to adjourn from executive session to discuss Personnel 5 ILCS 120(c)(1) at 9:57 p.m.

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

Motion by Garrett second by Royer to come back in to meeting at 9:58 p.m.

AYES: Garrett, Hemmerle, Johnson, Karhliker, Powell, Royer and Sheppard 

NAYES: None 

ABSENT: Basiewicz

Motion by Garrett second by Royer to adjourn the meeting at 9:59 p.m. Passed by voice vote.

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