City of Winchester City Council met April 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor McIntire called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with the following council in attendance: Ron Bell, Lawrence Coultas, Terry Gregory, Bill Jacquot, Sandy Long, Jeff Pittman, and City Clerk Brenda Robinson.
Also, in attendance were Wanda Cody, City Treasurer; Caleb Handy, Police Chief; John Paul Coonrod, City Attorney; Greg Hillis & David Hays, Benton & Associates; Teri Little, Linda & Scott McCleery and Brenda Pollard.
Mayor McIntire congratulated all the elected officials who won in the election. He said Steve Hoots ran a good race. He said he wasn't running again; his wife won't let him. He said there were only 465 registered voters who voted. He urged everyone to get their COVID shots if they haven't received them yet.
Mayor McIntire reminded all council members they needed to fill out the Ethic's paperwork by May 1.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Jeff Pittman seconded to pay the bills as presented. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Mayor McIntire asked for any corrections about the March 3 meeting, and none were noted.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Terry Gregory seconded to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the regular March 3 meeting. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Mayor McIntire asked for any corrections about the March 8 meeting, and none were noted.
MOTION: Terry Gregory moved, and Bill Jacquot seconded to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the special meeting March 8. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Greg Hillis, Benton & Associates gave an update on the swimming pool. They should be done by April 30 weather permitting. April 19 the pool liner is set to be installed, hopefully the old liner will be removed by then. Lawrence Coultas asked about the gas line running in the finished ceiling. Hillis said they had left an opening for that and if there was any additional charge it would not be on the city.
Hillis gave an update and pay request of $32,726.70 to Rouland Trucking for the emergency water connection. This is contingent on the water test from EPA.
MOTION: Bill Jacquot moved, and Terry Gregory seconded to approve the contractor Rouland Trucking's invoice of $32,726.70 contingent upon the test from EPA on the water test. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Dave Hays, Benton & Associates gave an update on the North West Sewer grant. They found out March 11 Winchester did not get the grant. They can apply again in September for the next four years. The City already has the construction permit. They need to collect water samples in the ditches south of the Daws Funeral Home and any other standing water in the area. That can gain the City 350 points. They will work with the sewer department. There is possibly money coming as Rebuild money and potentially federally, from LaHood's office about sanitation projects and water tower projects. Hillis will look into this and contact the mayor when he hears something.
Caleb Handy, Police Chief passed out his monthly report. He noted citation have gone up. His report is as follows: Animal complaints -4; Arrests – 2; Assist EMS - 6; Assist fire department - 1; Assist Repo Agency - 1; Attempt to locate (warrant) – 5; Burglary - 2; Building alarms – 2; Child endangerment - 1; Domestic disturbance - 1; Fight -1; Gas leak - 1; Harassment - 2; Juvenile - 8; Property damage - 1; Property exchange - 1; Pursuit - 1; Scam alert – 2; School drug search - 1; Speak to officer - 19; Suicidal Subject -2; Suspicious vehicle – 2; Theft - 1; Traffic accident – 3; Traffic control – 5; Traffic stops - citation -5; Traffic stops - verbal warning -9; Vandalism – 2; Well-being checks – 4. Sandy Long talked about the traffic on Elm St from Cherry to Jefferson. She asked about a 20-mph speed limit on the street and said they couldn't do that but could patrol more. Long said there are several small children in the neighborhood and would hate to see someone get hit or killed.
Scott & Linda McCleery and Brenda Pollard were complaining about the dogs of Denny & Chris Savage on High Street. They have three (3) big dogs that run loose, and they bark all the time and when someone pulls into their house the dogs are right there. They have a small pen for them but it's not too sturdy. The smell is awful and will get worse as the summer comes on.
John P Coonrod said the city could cite the Savages and take them to municipal court April 16 and have the dogs declared dangerous and maybe have a dangerous dog sign posted. They could be imposed $100 a day and cited for not complying. Let them know their dogs running loose will not be tolerated. If they see the dogs loose, they can have them impounded by calling the city police department. They will have to pay a fine if the dogs are impounded. MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Terry Gregory seconded to cite Dennis Savage for violating Ordinance 3-1-7B, three (3) counts for having three (3) dogs at large. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Wanda Cody, City Treasurer asked if everyone had their financial report and said there are charges against the pool that shouldn't be there but didn't have time to get them changed. Right now, there shouldn't be a negative in the pool fund. One should be zero and the other negative. Ron Bell asked how are we keeping track of the gas money from the loan. It is going to be a payable. It has been deposited into the gas fund there will be a surplus in there. Almost 200 people have a 100% of their bill and a lot of that will be going back to the customers. One bill was paid out of the library fund. There was a meeting yesterday at the library. The materials have skyrocketed with flooring going from $6 to $42. They are going to go ahead and bid it out and look at areas to cut corners. The bids might come in so high we may not be able to do the project. They are going to bid it out with an alternate bid. They are going to bid it out next month. Mayor pointed out the infrastructure fee balance is $122,001.76. It is time to transfer money from the general fund to the library fund so there is no negative balance at the end of the fiscal year.
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Jeff Pittman seconded to make a permanent transfer from the general fund to the library fund in the amount of $25,000. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Mayor McIntire said Ron Reagan sent him some information everyone had been bent out of shape over the gas and rightly so, Panhandle Eastern pipeline had been ruled against on the transport charges. Panhandle is going to have to pay back $150,000,000 in overcharges, so the city will be getting a substantial amount of credit money back. Reagan also thinks this gouging thing will result in a large refund. He thought this might show up on the May invoice. The city received the rate for March gas, and it was a little over $5 per therm.
Mayor McIntire brought up that earlier we entered into an agreement with Day Pitney to pay $7,000 in legal fee for the $4,850. It was decided to send them a letter stating that when we receive money from the lawsuit, we will pay the remainder of the $7,000.
Mayor McIntire said he received a letter from Benton & Associates about the CCR permit. This has to do with the drinking water.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Sandy Long seconded to hire Benton & Associates to fill out the Consumer Confidence Report at a fee of $350 not to exceed $500. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Mayor McIntire said Rural Cyclery located at 121 S Main is requesting a Class D liquor license. This license allows for consumption onsite or the sale of packaged beer or wine. The license fee is $400. They will have to pass a background check then bring back to council for approval, then apply for a state license. They plan be open June 1.
McIntire appointed the following three (3) to the library board; Gina Glossop, Alice Ballard and Merrilyn Fedder.
MOTION: Bill Jacquot moved, and Terry Gregory seconded to appoint Gina Glossop, Alice Ballard and Merrilyn Fedder to the library board for a three (3) year term. Merrilyn Fedder will serve as board chair. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
McIntire stated Mike Matthews is eligible for a tax rebate on a house to be built in Valley Tree Estates. Two (2) years of property taxes will be rebated once a house is constructed.
McIntire stated the city handbook does not have a maternity or paternity leave policy. Jozy DeGroot is pregnant and decide the time was right to implement the policy. It must include a family leave policy (FLMA). Two things come up with the policy, 12 weeks unpaid leave or short-term disability policy that mirrors the state. City Attorney Coonrod will look at federal and state guidelines to come up with a policy for the next meeting.
McIntire asked for a computer for the Mayor's office and two (2) for public works office.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Jeff Pittman seconded to purchase three (3) laptop computers, two (2) for the public works office and one (1) for mayor's office, not to exceed $2,700. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Lawrence Coultas suggested purchasing a printer for Jozy's cubicle and requested a cordless phone for the office.
McIntire passed out water samples taken from homes on Hardin from Green to High, a short run needs replaced. There is $122,000 in infrastructure fund so will use that money. Give Benton's permission to do 500-600 feet of water line. Put it out for bids and use a 4-inch main, will need an IEPA permit.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Bill Jacquot seconded to hire Benton's to address the water issue on Hardin St at Dick Scott's house. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
McIntire passed out John Simmons report as follows: Meter reading by foot, took 5-full time employees and 3 days to complete; Brush pick-up - 2 days; Odorant reading and monthly test; 19 work orders, 5 were grave openings; 21 Julie locate tickets, two called in by city crews; Ordered and received 2020-2021 road salt; Shut offs and notices, collecting past due payments; Put new water service for new house being built in Valley Tree Estates; Put in new water service at pool; Pool parts and chemicals ordered; Finished gas line to Brown's grain bins for dryer; Clean up old flowers at cemetery and work on settled graves; Several days working on pool liner; Exercise emergency gas valves (done yearly); Patching potholes on N Main, Commercial, Square, S Main, E Jefferson, Coultas Rd, Pearl St, Etc.; Repair water service at Tipsord's Lawn Care.
McIntire the city wants to sell surplus items such as truck bed, receiver hitch and bumper, truck bed from fire department, an 8-foot bed from fire truck, Sold a black bumper to Marshall's for $500. The rest will be sold by sealed bids to be opened at the May meeting. MOTION: Bill Jacquot moved, and Sandy Long seconded to approve Ordinar Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Personal Property. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
It was noted Randy Ford and Trevor Cawthon replace 8 – 3’valves at the softener plant saving the city $1,136.
A tree at the swimming pool needs to be removed. A bid from Danny Powell was accepted for $800 to remove the tree and grind out stump.
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Sandy Long seconded to approve the bid of $800 from Danny Powell to remove the tree and stump at the swimming pool parking lot. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
John Simmons left a message the Jim Dobson would be out for 2-months after surgery. Simmons would like to bring back Jeremy Bruen and Jeff McIntire as temporary help not to exceed 1,000 hours. Bruen will start at $11.50 an hour and McIntire will start at $17.50 an hour.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Sandy Long seconded to rehire Jeremy Bruen at $11.50 per hour and Jeff McIntire at $17.50 per hour as temporary help beginning immediately. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
John P. Coonrod, City Attorney ask for council to approve the municipal court ordinance for eight (8) inoperable vehicles violations as follows:
1. Jerry Stocker - black BMW - at W Cherry St
2. Mike Elliott - silver truck on Cross St
3. Larry Vortman - white car and green truck at W Cherry St
4. Steve Angenent – 3 vehicles a silver cougar, black car and black ranger on High St. (currently the vehicles are gone)
5. 120 E Lewis St - a grey Taurus, white Ford F150 belonging to Abby Thompson
6. 126 S Walnut - green dodge truck and 2 motorcycles
7. Mike Brockhouse - white Taurus on Walnut St 8. George Lindsey - old police car on Arch St.
MOTION: Bill Jacquot moved, and Sandy Long seconded to cite the eight (8) inoperable vehicles as follows: Jerry Stocker - black BMW - at W Cherry St; Mike Elliott - silver truck on Cross St; Larry Vortman - white car and green truck at w Cherry St: Steve An vehicles a silver cougar, black car and black ranger on High St. (currently the vehicles are gone); 120 E Lewis St - a grey Taurus, white Ford F150 belonging to Abby Thompson;126 S Walnut - green dodge truck and 2 motorcycles; Mike Brockhouse - white Taurus on Walnut St; George Lindsey - old police car on Arch St. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Coonrod said he received a letter from Anthony McNetty saying there is a $17,400 out there they want him to follow up on this? He will make a phone call to find out.
Wanda Cody said she is trying to get the books in line. She spoke to Mike Hurrelbrink and auditor Robin Malloy about getting Quickbook 2021 desktop. There will be 3 user licenses (update every 3 years) cost $900; payroll annual cost $450; Additional payroll cost per month $2 per employee $40; Installation & sharing cost $200; Pehlman & Dold (Robin Malloy CPA and certified QB Pro Advisor) cost $1,025. Total cost for this is $2575.
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Terry Gregory seconded to purchase Quickbooks Pro 2021 as presented for $2575. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
ALDERMEN REPORTS:
Bill Jacquot said there would be a pool board meeting April 28 at 6 p.m. to discuss hiring at the pool and the grand re-opening for Saturday, May 29 time to be determined. Jacquot said the summer cookouts will be begin April 10 east of Scotties. Jacquot passed out paper on the upcoming special joint meeting for Scott County School No.1 and Scott-Morgan No. 2 on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. This is a consolidation feasibility study.
Jeff Pittman gave an update on the windows. The windows have been ordered and should be shipped the end of next week. Roger VanMeter will let him know when he can start should take about 2/2 weeks to complete. There is a ceiling leak in the council chambers. Bob Howard and Leo Anslyn will look at this.
Pittman said he would like to get LED lights to fix lighting. Ameren is going to help fix this. Pool is most expensive $3,276 for lights; $40 administration fee for light bulbs, parking lot $3,316 project (will save us $134 month). Police & fire - $3,972 project and Ameren will pay $2,660.32 ($1,312 cost to us). Should be able to save enough the first year to pay for itself. He suggested getting 20-8-foot bulbs and 64 – 4-foot bulbs, will need 36 – 4-foot for the sewer plant and need to wait until the pool lights are decided.
NO PUBLIC COMMENTS
Did not go into closed session because no public was in attendance.
Lawrence Coultas and the personnel committee met and discussed the yearly raises. His suggestion was as follows: Tristan Lashmett -$11 an hour; Amanda Howerton & Jozy DeGroot $15 an hour (this will be their probation increase but will be on probation until the middle of May); Jim Dobson - $18.20 an hour; Derek Evans - $16 an hour; Leland Evans - $20.80 an hour;
Jim Simmons - $26 an hour; Herschel White - $17.60 an hour; Trevor Cawthon - $18.20 an hour; Caleb Handy - $21 an hour; Matt Watson - $16.50 an hour; Jacob Bettis - $16.50 an hour; Darlene Smith - $14.30 an hour; Reba Witwer - $11.20 an hour and Barb Prather - $11.50 an hour.
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Lawrence Coultas seconded to give raises as presented: Tristan Lashmett - $11 an hour; Amanda Howerton & Jozy DeGroot $15 an hour; Jim Dobson - $18.20 an hour; Derek Evans - $16 an hour; Leland Evans - $20.80 an hour; Jim Simmons - $26 an hour; Herschel White - $17.60 an hour; Trevor Cawthon - $18.20 an hour; Caleb Handy - $21 an hour; Matt Watson - $16.50 an hour; Jacob Bettis - $16.50 an hour; Darlene Smith - $14.30 an hour; Reba Witwer - $11.20 an hour and Barb Prather - $11.50 an hour effective May 1. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
MOTION: Bill Jacquot moved, and Terry Gregory seconded to re-appointment Jeff Pittman as project manager at $2,000 a year or $400 a month for 5 months. Roll call resulted in 5 yeas and 1 abstention. Jeff Pittman abstained. Motion carried.
MOTION: Bill Jacquot moved, and Sandy Long seconded to adjourn the meeting. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 11:05 pm
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aMPXUBRuXz2rqaW5bAG3K_krl6yuicVNmByKcp9nxK0/edit
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