City of Winchester City Council met May 4.
Here are 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, Ron Bell, Bill Jacquot, Terry Gregory, Sandy Long, Jeff Pittman, and City Clerk Teri Little
Also, in attendance were Wanda Cody, City Treasurer; Caleb Handy, Police Chief; Nate White, Assistant Police Chief; John Simmons, Supt of Public Works; John Paul Coonrod, City Attorney; Greg Hillis and Drew Ruholl, Benton & Associates; Carmen Ensinger, Scott County Times; Leigh Winner, Jill Cox, Ron Howard, Barb Hoots, Bryan Taylor, Steve Grainger
Sandy Long led those attending meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Wanda Cody, City Treasurer presented bills for approval. MOTION: Bill Jacquot 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 for the minutes April 6, 2022 meeting.
MOTION: Terry Gregory moved, and Jeff Pittman seconded to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the regular April 6, 2022 meeting. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Bryan Taylor, Stine Seeds is purchasing land from Logans to build a new building. He is currently renting property in Roodhouse and Griggsville and wanting to bring that inventory to Winchester. He is requesting the city purchase the culvert and he will pay to install. He is also requesting to participate in the 2-year tax abatement as this is a new and separate property from the original building. Wanting to also get the address straightened out. It is either Nicole Lane or Drive. It needs to be clarified so that the 911 address and be corrected as right now when you type it into google it takes you someplace completely away from here.
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Jeff Pittman seconded to approve the purchase of culvert for new Stine building 90 Ft long 15” diameter. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Terry Gregory seconded to approve 2-year tax rebatement for new Stine Building Property. Roll call resulted all yeas. Motion carried.
The Winchester United Methodist Men recently approved a donation of $500.00 to the City Swimming Pool toward undesignated improvements at the pool.
Bill Jacquot, secretary/treasurer of WUMM, presented Jill Cox, Pool Board Chairperson, with a check for $500.00. Jill Cox, Pool Board reported the following recommendations for positions for the pool.
Manager: Lucy Phelps $13.00/hr.
Head lifeguards: Tristan Lashmett and Eli Brown $12.50/hr.
Lifeguards: $12.00/hr.
Rian Neff; Anna Sellers; Laura Garrett; Elise Brown; Karson Wardlow; Cole Meyer;
Jr Lifeguards:
Marissa Galloway;
Pending Certification; London Adams, Emyliette Martinez, Olivia Bingeman; Kaylee Hamilton Swimming Instructors: Tristan Lashmett and Eli Brown. It is expected to have 2-3 additional swim instructors. One lifeguard is needed on deck during swim lessons Planning to open on Memorial Day Weekend Saturday May 28th and closing August 14th with a clean-up day on August 15th. The pool board rejected all bids for a sound system. Bids were too high ranging from $1700 to $2900. The board will continue to search for a sound system that is more affordable.
It was recommended by the council that they can use the cities sound system for now unless it is needed for a city event.
Also looking to purchase some lounge chairs and/or Adirondack chairs with money that has been donated to the pool. We will also be using some of the Marylin Scott memorial funds for pool improvements and would like to have a plaque of some kind in her memory.
The pool will be participating in the Spring Fling event on June 4th. The board agreed not to honor pool passes on this day. Admission will be $1.00 per person. The official name of the pool is City Swimming Pool according to John Paul Coonrod. They are anxiously awaiting the pool liner to be repaired along with the slide, diving board and having the AED and Sun shades hung.
Natare has been contacted about the liner and hope to have repaired in time to fill.
Greg Hillis, Benton & Associates presented update on library progress. Progress is going well. Still waiting on approval of windows. They have requested $56,475.00 from the Secretary of State Grant and after 30 days of that request will ask for $64,842.80 from the USDA Grant.
Equipment and Furnishings are thru council are already budgeted.
Trotter Construction has submitted application for payment for April in the sum of $91,722.15.
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Lawrence Coultas seconded to approve application of payment #5 for Trotter Construction in the amount of $91,722.15. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Other updates to report. The second round for the non-sewered area is still not showing available to submit. They are keeping an eye on that so they are able to apply as soon as showing hopefully by end of June. Still no information on the Downtown Beautification grant. It has been submitted.
For the Water Main PER water was needed and this was provided by Alderman Coultas. The PER did not include BABA-all materials have to be purchased in the USA which will be a 10 to 20 percent increase.
Drew Ruholl, Benton and Associates presented the annual MFT report from the previous month ride along. The total cost is $67,400.00 with engineer fees total would be $70,900.00. Price of oil has gone up about 25% and rock 10%. It was suggested that we allot for $75,000.00 to cover any additional increases.
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Lawrence Coultas seconded to approve annual MFT fund of $75,000.00. Roll call resulted all yeas. Motion carried.
Leah Winner, Animal Control Officer requested that the council revisit the issue of animals on the square during events. She advised during large events such as the carnival animals pose a great risk of hurting others. The loud noises, nights and crowds can make animals very nervous and anxious. She has seen this in the past as she has walked around the carnival. It is dangerous for the public as well as the animals.
Council agreed with her but it is hard to enforce such an ordinance during these events. It was recommended instead of an ordinance that we post signs on the square during large events, where the square is blocked off, stating no animals allowed. This will also be posted on the City Website and Facebook page. This does not include certified service animals as those are always allowed. She will also advise citizens to please take their animals back home if seen at the events and showing signs of nervousness and anxiousness.
Jeanette Wallace, Librarian was not present for library report.
Mayor McIntire stated that the library has requested a mop sink be installed for cleaning purposes. Brian Schafer has been asked to supply a quote on what it will cost to install. Bill Jacquot, Alderman asked the council if we should put the request for bids on the cemetery headstone repairs that were marked last year. The council agreed to send out for bids. Wanda Cody, City Treasurer passed out the profit/loss statement for the month and the expenses.
John Simmons, Supt of Public Works requested approval to get bids to replace missing shingles on blower building and salt shed. He will put out for bid.
Mayor McIntire opened bids for electrical work on the old pump house for the pool. Had 2 bids. One from Gregory Family Electric, Winchester IL for $3500.00 and one from Scott Brothers Electric, Jacksonville IL for $3200.00.
MOTION: Bill Jacquot moved, and Jeff Pittman seconded to accept the bid from Scott Brothers
Electric for $3200.00 for the work to the old pump house at the Winchester Pool. Roll call resulted all yeas. Motion carried.
Monthly report - Locate Tickets – 33; Work Orders – 12; Funerals/Grave Openings – 4; Replaced Blower Motor; Brush Pickup – 3 Days; Monthly Meter Reading - 3 Days; Monthly Odorant Report - Yes; Lots of Cold Patching; Zoning Permits – 3; Gas Leak Survey – 3 Days; Water Leaks – 1; Ordinance Violations – 30(4 Cleaned Up); Street Ride w/Benton and Associates for MFT; Stocked up on Rock; Cut A lot of Brush.
Caleb Handy, Police Chief passed out his monthly report. His report is as follows: Animal Complaints – 2; Arrests – 2; Assist EMS – 2; Assist Outside Agency (Police) – 2; Burglary - 1; Building Alarm – 1; Domestic Disturbance – 5; Extra Patrol Requests – 1; Gas Leak - 1; Juvenile – 1; Noise Complaints – 2; Paper Service – 2; Property Damage – 1; Property Exchange - 1; Scam Alert -2; Speak to Officer – 22; Suicidal Subject/Mental Health – 1; Suspicious Person – 3; Suspicious Vehicle – 2; Traffic Accidents – 1; Traffic Control – 1; Traffic Stops Citations - 3; Traffic Stops-Verbal Warnings – 3; Vehicle Complaint – 3; Well-Being Checks – 3. Total Vehicle Miles – 1324.
Lawrence Coultas, Alderman presented the water rate increase that the water committee recommends. It has been 7-8 years since we have raised rates. There are currently 604 customers that use 4000 gallons or less a month. The increase on 4000 gallons is $10.20. To be able to upgrade/replace outdated water mains this is something that is necessary. The city loses hundred or thousands of gallons of water a year. Rate increase will go into effect for May readings and June bill.
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Lawrence Coultas second to approve Ordinance 933 for water rate increase. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Mayor McIntire wanted to advise on the CEO Trade Show that was held at the park pavilion on April 29th. This was a very impressive display of what the group has been working on. A big asset to the community.
Jim Dobson has received his past his test for his water license. He now has to complete training.
The Leiner family has requested that a plaque of some sort be placed at the library for the Grout/Leiner Family contributions to the library.
The subject of Cheryl Thomas Drive was discussed and it is stated, after research done by John Paul Coonrod, that this property is not city property, therefore, the city is not responsible for any repairs or upkeep.
John Paul Coonrod, City Attorney presented Ordinance 934 for budget billing. This starts in May and was wanting to amend the timing or residence. At the request of the mayor this has been changed to a minimum of 3 months from 1 year of residence.
MOTION: Bill Jacquot moved, and Ron Bell second to approve Ordinance 934 for Budget Billing Length of Residence. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Ordinance 935 was presented. This is to amend the minimum gas rate from $3.00 to $3.50
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Jeff Pittman second to approve Ordinance 935 for minimum gas rate increase from $3.00 to $3.15. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Ordinance 936 was presented to specify that after the 25th of the month a customer will be charged 10% or 10.00 as a late fee and that can be disconnected after the 25th of the month for nonpayment.
MOTION: Terry Gregory moved, and Jeff Pittman second to approve Ordinance 936 for amendments to utility shut-off. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
Resolution 2022-5-01 was presented for the JREDC Intergovernmental Ordinance.
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Jeff Pittman second to approve Resolution 2022-5-01 for the
JREDC Intergovernmental Ordinance. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
There were 22 Municipal Citations presented as follows.
1. Ashley Graham, Elm Street – Weeds
2. John Nott, Railroad St - junk, trash, weeds
3. Cheryl Thomas, S Main St - Junk, Trash
4. Jessie Pittman - Junk, trash
5. Crystal Elliott – inoperable vehicle
6. Tim Fearneyhough - Junk, trash, weeds, inoperable vehicle, tires
7. Toby Hammond - junk, trash, rodents, inoperable vehicles
8. Lloyd Camerer – Junk, trash, rodents, weeds
9. Debbie Elliott – inoperable vehicle
10. Brooke Ford - junk, trash, indoor furniture
11. Cindy McKinley - junk, trash, weeds
12. Eric Patterson – inoperable vehicle
13. Carrie Lipcoman - inoperable vehicle
14. Larry Vortman - weeds, trash, rodents
15. Denny Savage, High St – Junk, trash
16. Denny Savage, Cross St - junk, trash
17. Daryll Thompson - junk, trash
18. George Lindsey – inoperable vehicle
19. James Mackey - weeds
20. Brayton Smith - junk, trash
21. Brittany Kaufman - junk, trash
22. Robert Waid – trash, weeds, indoor furniture
MOTION: Terry Gregory moved, and Sandy Long second to approve 21 citations for municipal court. Roll call resulted in 5 yeas and 1 no. Motion carried.
Public Comments- Barb Hoots wanted to bring to the council's attention that the gas rates are not being billed correctly. She has been comparing her bill to her mothers for a few months and the rates are different and should be the same. Seems that there is a gas fee of $3.15 being charged twice. She is requesting that the rates are reviewed and make sure that it is being billed correctly across the board for all. She states she would not have noticed it except she had one month that was unusually higher than expected to started checking her rates with her mother's bill. Council advised that this will be looked into. We were not aware there was an issue but will be checking into it further. She was very appreciative that the council will have it reviewed.
Mayor McIntire wanted to bring a certain bill to the council attention. Seems that there was a water leak at the Old Chiropractic office that is owned by Gary Garcia. The leak was not known until the realtor went in to show the building and was sprayed with water. It is unknown how long it was running. Seems to have run about 835,800+ gallon. The bill was $8107.00 for water and $5181.00 for sewer for a total of $13,288.00. When contacted Mr. Garcia did not know this had happened. The council was agreeable to cutting the bill in half. Mayor McIntire will contact Mr. Garcia and discuss this with him.
MOTION: Ron Bell moved, and Terry Gregory second to adjourn at 11:30 pm. Roll call resulted in all yeas. Motion carried.
http://www.winchesteril.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/May-2022-Agenda-minutes.pdf
Alerts Sign-up