City of Winchester City Council Met June 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Winchester City Council held their monthly meeting at City Hall.
Mayor McIntire called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with the following council in attendance: Lawrence Coultas, Terry Gregory, Bill Jacquot, Sandy Long, Jeff Pittman, and City Clerk Teri Little
Also, in attendance were Wanda Cody, City Treasurer; Caleb Handy, Police Chief; John Paul Coonrod, City Attorney; Greg Hillis, Benton & Associates; John Simmons City Supt of Public Works
Sandy Long led those attending meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 May 5 meeting, and few were noted.
MOTION: Terry Gregory moved, and Jeff Pittman seconded to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the regular May 5 meeting. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Greg Hillis, Benton & Associates stated that NATARE had finished the install of the pool liner and requested that the final payment be issued in the amount of $18,158.00
MOTION: Bill Jacquot moved, and Sandy Long seconded to approve the final installment to NATARE for $18,158.00. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Il. Dept. of Public Health has approved the opening of the pool and the Dept of Natural Resources will be here in mid-June to approve. Benton & Associates has submitted digital copies of the library to IHPA for review. New regulations were posted for July Grants. Will be waiting to take water samples when it warms up and water is setting in area.
Wanda Cody, City treasurer asked approval to pay IRWA (Illinois Rural Water Association) as she is unaware what this would be for. Per John Simmons we need to be a part of this as they supply training and updates for Trevor Cawthon. The fee for the yearly renewal is $398.84.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Terry Gregory seconded to approve renewal of IRWA for amount of $398.84. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Wanda passed out the new payable sheet from QuickBooks to be reviewed.
She is trying to get all the loans lined out and not able to get some info through the bank. It was agreed to type a letter that states she has access to all financial information for the City.
An account was found that is with the Farmers State Bank. It is an interest-bearing account that has $11,779. This was opened January 15, 2009. Not sure what this account is for. Library is wanting to sell bricks as a fundraiser and wanting an account to hold the money in so they can keep track of how much collected. Bill Jacquot is suggesting we not use this account until we find out what it is for and why it was opened. City Clerk will do research for the bank statements and minutes to try and locate documentation as to what the money was originally for. Invoice was received from Pike County Concrete and Wanda is wanting to know where to take the money from. It was decided on Streets and Alleys as it was for pool and playground work.
Caleb Handy, Police Chief passed out his monthly report. His report is as follows: Animal complaints – 1; Arrests – 1; Assist EMS – 8; Clear Roadway (obstructions) - 1; DCFS – 2; Domestic disturbance – 4; Gas station drive off – 1; Golf cart inspection – 1; Juvenile - 1; Paper Service – 10; Property damage - 1; Property exchange - 2; Prowler – 1; Speak to officer – 14; Suspicious Person - 3; Suspicious vehicle – 2; Traffic accident – 2; Traffic stops - citation -3; Traffic stops – verbal warning - 7; Trespassing - 1; Well-being checks - 3. He did also add a topic that lists mileage for the month of 1641 miles. Chief Handy passed out the copies of 8 used vehicles to be considered for 2 requested police vehicles.
Mayor McIntire stated that Marshalls Chevrolet has a 4WD 2021 Silverado crew cab that was part of a fleet order. They are offering for $37,129.00 and outfit for $8785.00.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Jeff Pittman seconded to approve the purchase of a 4WD 2021 Silverado Crew Cab truck from Marshall Chevrolet for $37,129.00 and outfit it for $8785.00. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Decision on 2nd vehicle needs to go back to the purchasing committee since Alderman Bell was absent. Council agreed to let the committee make the decision on the 2nd vehicle.
MOTION: Jeff Pittman moved, and Sandy Long seconded to approve to allow the purchasing committee to decide on purchase of second police vehicle. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
John Simmons, Supt of Public Works report as follows: Meter reading(still in progress); Brush pick-up; Locate tickets - 17 (2 called by city); Work orders-23 (4 grave openings); Several weeks working on pool; Several days working on playground equipment; New trash cans installed on square; Water leaks -2; Cold patching; Poured 61/2 yards of concrete(park and pool); Durapatcher, city crew helped out; Put up flags for Memorial Day; New gas meter set up, built at Logan Ag, U.S.D.I; Lots of landscaping at pool.
Reggie Benton will be here June 15th for ride along to check streets and make recommendations. Mayor McIntire mentioned a few areas that needed to be milled.
Pool update there are a few bugs that are being worked out but all in all going well and pool is up and running. John stated how appreciative the city crew was for all the time and work that Alderman Bill Jacquot put in on the pool work. Alderman Jacquot also commended the city crew for all their hard work.
Mayor McIntire; An application was received for Rural Life, LLC located at 21 S Main St for Roof Improvement Plan. This is for roof Resolution 2021-6-1 for assistance totaling $4875.00. Work will be completed by Abe Kunz.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Sandy Long seconded to approve Rural Life, LLC application $4875.00 for the Roof improvement program for 21 S Main St. from the TIF fund upon completion. Resolution 2021-06-01. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
An application was received for Outreach Center located at 31 S Main St for Roof Improvement Plan. This is for roof Resolution 2021-6-2 for assistance totaling $5000.00. Work will be completed by Abe Kunz.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Sandy Long seconded to approve Outreach Center application $5000.00 for the Roof improvement program for 31 S Main St. from the TIF fund upon completion. Resolution 2021-06-02. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Mayor Rex McIntire opened the only bid received for the surplus truck beds. The bid was from Stacey Mitchell for $220.00 for both the red and white bed. This bid was very low and not accepted. It was decided to keep them in case needed for other vehicles.
The dedication for the new playground will be Saturday 06/12/2021 at 10 AM. He requested as many council members be present as possible.
The calculations for the mulch were off and a new load had to be ordered. It was requested the city pay on a portion of this. It was agreed to wait till next meeting to decide on this topic.
Discussion is needed on the attorney invoices for Day Pitney. We had an agreement to pay only up to a certain amount. They are billing for almost $7000.00. Attorney Coonrod advised not to pay at this time.
Dollar General is wanting to purchase 2.05 acres at the corner of Highway 106 and Commercial for a new store. Amount of $15,000 was suggested and Coultas stated $32,500 for 2.05 acres. Jeff Pittman will give Rex the lawyers phone number. Will make a motion once all info collected.
Addressing the letter from Panhandle Eastern Pipeline for natural gas increase. City was misinformed on who the supplier actually was. PEP just transports the national gas they do not set the price. Sent a letter to USDI contacts with no response at this time to see whom sets the gas price. The city has responded to the Attorney General letter and no further action is needed at this time.
Discussion of fuel adjustment for Rick Willis for cemetery mowing. Council needs numbers supplied before discussing and also reviewing the contract.
McIntire addressed the peddler's ordinance that is on record. Leo's Pizza on Wheels is wanting to start coming weekly to town. Options were discussed and Attorney Coonrod stated that we cannot ban them from setting up in town according to Dillon's Rule. Options are check zoning codes, increase fee's (within reason). Ordinance 916 will adjust the new fees for application fees to $200.00 and a daily fee of $20.00 for each day they operate.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Terry Gregory seconded to approve the Ordinance 916 to adjust the initial application fee for Peddlers to $200.00 and $20.00 per day. Roll call resulted in all yeas with Jeff Pittman Abstaining. Motion carried.
A gaming license request was received from Duane Crockett to open a gaming establishment. This was denied as the council feels that the city is already saturated with gaming machines at this time. There is also no additional liquor license available.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Terry Gregory seconded to deny Duane Crockett's gaming request. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
John Paul Coonrod; City Attorney distributed paperwork on the UDAP program (Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program) that is set up for energy assistance to customers that qualify. Nothing we need to do as we qualify for this program and customers would apply for assistance thru MCS and they would then forward paperwork to us to show members that qualify.
Coonrod supplied the Annual Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and the Ordinance Authorizing Routine and Anticipated Purchases for Fiscal year 2021-2022. Advised to review and note any questions. We will go over and approve in July meeting.
Coonrod submitted Ordinance 917 this will allow certified golf carts to drive and park on the square.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Jeff Pittman seconded to pass Ordinance 917 to allow golf carts access to drive and park on the square. Roll call resulted in all yeas except Terry Gregory abstained. Motion carried. Intergovernmental Agreement by and between SCHA (Scott County Housing Authority) presented. This agreement keeps the city from disconnecting a housing unit that has been vacated due to non-payment. The bill would be submitted to the SCHA after 90 days and they would pay and pursue. This enables them to be able to rent the unit and the city receive payment. This is for vacated units only. Normal procedures would still be followed for disconnect for existing customers.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Bill Jacquot seconded to approve the Scott County Housing Authority Intergovernmental Agreement. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Coonrod discussed the request from Tower North for cell tower. According to the contract they will pay $500.00 up front to hold the spot for 3 years. If they decide not to move forward in those 3 years the city would still keep the money. If they agree to move forward it would be located at the top of the hill at the lagoons requiring 12 acre. There will be no guy wires and be 5625 sq feet. Will be used as a communications facility. They will build and maintain fence and gravel inside. The contract will be for 5 years and auto renew every 5 years. They do require 24-hour access. If denied access or unable to gain access we have 24 hours from notification to grant access otherwise will be subject to $500.00 day fine. They will be responsible for all removal and restoration of the tower and equipment. They do have the right to assign the contract to a 3rd party. They do have a performance bond that acts as removal insurance in the amount to remove. They will pay the money to remove and then collect from the 3rd party.
MOTION: Bill Jacquot moved, and Lawrence Coultas second to approve agreement between Tower North Cell Tower and City of Winchester. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried John P. Coonrod, City Attorney ask for council to approve the municipal court ordinance violations for four (4) violations as follows:
1. Elenbeck, Main St - Accumulation of trash and debris
2. Mike and Debbie Anslyn, S Maple St – Weeds, lawn and snakes
3. Tyler Weckman, 223 E Jefferson - Weeds, grass and pool in back(black)
4. Angie Combs, 35 Broadway – Inoperable Vehicle
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Bill Jacquot second to file the 4 Municipal Citations. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
ALDERMEN REPORTS:
Lawrence Coultas provided figures on loan from Governmental Capitol for the purchase of gas and water meters from Core and Main. The best deal is 84 months at $4193.28 per month on loan amount $317,000.00. Total cost for meters and installation is $320,524.66. Will split the remaining $3524.66 between water and gas.
MOTION: Lawrence Coultas moved, and Terry Gregory second to approve the purchase of meters thru Core and Main for $320,524.66 with financing thru Governmental Capitol 84 monthly payments $4193.28 for total of $352,235.52(pending financing in writing and allow Rex to execute approval) and additional $3524.66 to be split between water and gas funds. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Alderman Coultas stated will go over Chief Handy budget for the police department in July Meeting
Bill Jacquot gave pool update. Pool is up and going with a few minor issues that are being worked thru. Commended the city employees for all their hard work in the renovations and the removal of the pool liner.
Jeff Pittman gave update that windows are installed and painted. New blinds have been installed. The overhang on the building has been installed.
Peters will be here week of 06-14-2021 to install new air conditioning.
Roof has leaks in break room, John's office and council room. Sandy Creek Construction gave bid of $7550.00 to do a temporary fix for all roofs needing attention. This should last 5-10 years. Leo Anslyn was asked but no estimate received. If not fixed will cause major issues to the building in the long run.
MOTION: Jeff Pittman moved, and Terry Gregory second to approve the bid from sandy Creek Construction for temporary roof repair not to exceed $8000.00. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Replacement of lights for the pool to LED is not recommended as they distort the view of the depth in the pool. Thru Ameren grant for new lights to install all LED at fire department, old city hall and the water plant total is $4048.00 (1312.00 FD and 76.00 water plant). Our part will be $1352.00. This will save money on lighting by replacing.
MOTION: Jeff Pittman moved, and Terry Gregory second to approve the light replacement thru Ameren not to exceed $1400.00. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
No public comments. Moved to closed session.
MOTION: Bill Jacquot moved, and Lawrence Coultas second to move to closed session. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14PM8OpW3AVNrs0SYj5lspnoEmlN8BjtLzOjpCDUpjro/edit
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