City Council Meeting Minutes--August 10, 2020

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE STAUNTON CITY COUNCIL, HELD IN THE RALPH & JOSEPHINE OLTMANN COMMUNITY CENTER, 101 W. PEARL ST., STAUNTON, ILLINOIS ON MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2020

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Mayor Craig Neuhaus called the Staunton City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, August 10, 2020

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Craig Neuhaus led the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.

III. ROLL CALL:

Prior to roll call being taken, City Clerk Stiegemeier announced that tonight’s City Council Meeting was being conducted remotely and was being recorded due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

City Clerk Stiegemeier called roll with the following persons:

ATTENDING: Aldermen Maria Bodner, Brooke Wallace, Rick Johnson, Randy Hanks, Ryan Machota, Chad Plenske, John Moore and Jeff Scanzoni, Mayor Craig Neuhaus, City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier, City Treasurer Cindy Pirok and Public Works Director Mike Kuethe.

ELECTRONIC ATTENDANCE: Police Chief Jeff Doerr and City Attorney Phil Lading.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA

Johnson moved, seconded by Bodner to approve Consent Agenda with the following items:

Minutes

Regular Meeting – 07/27/2020

Collector’s Report

Madison Communications (Franchise Fee)--$3,867.22

State of Illinois (Rebuild Illinois Bond Grant Installment #2)--$56,446.72

State of Illinois (Personal Property Replacement Tax)--$2,598.91

Staunton Police Department (Reports)--$10.00

Staunton Police Department (Finger Printing)--$20.00

Staunton Police Department (Ordinance Violations)--$300.00

Macoupin County Treasurer (Real Estate Taxes)--$261,219.15

Macoupin County Treasurer (Real Estate Taxes – Library)--$32,164.10

Macoupin County Treasurer (Downtown TIF Distribution)--$18,130.31

Macoupin County Treasurer (Interstate TIF Distribution)--$19,159.19

Ameren Illinois (Utility Tax)--$17,535.04

Ill. Counties Risk Management (City Hall Roof Insurance Reimbursement)--$20,252.55

Macoupin County Circuit Clerk (Fine Disbursement)--$418.97

Macoupin County Circuit Clerk (Arrest Agency Fee)--$164.00

Macoupin County Circuit Clerk (E-Citation Fee)--$10.00

Staunton Area Ambulance Service (July Dispatch Fee)--$500.00

Staunton Super 8 Motel (Hotel / Motel Tax)--$1,540.00

Applications

Rodney Hellinger (Any Public Works Department)

Ethan Martin (Street Department)

Monthly Reports

Distributed by Bookkeeper

Claims

August 10, 2020

Business Licenses Issued

Main Station Liquor & Wine (Video Gaming License)

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Wallace, Johnson, Hanks, Machota, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: Plenske

ABSENT: None.

Motion declared carried.

V. GUESTS

Jim Wallace addressed the Council regarding concerns with the Ginseng Creek drainage project on Main Street. Mr. Wallace is concerned that the contractor has not put any barricades in place to ensure the safety of the project area. There is only a safety tape up, and this does not make the job site very secure. The area looks bad and he would like to see the contractor to be held accountable in securing the project site and cleaning up the entire work area.

David Manning addressed the Council regarding his Zoning Variance request that is on the agenda tonight for approval. Mr. Manning is planning to open a Thrivent Financial business at his residence, which is located at 225 S. Hackman Street. This business would offer everything from insurance to financial planning. He just resigned from being principal at Zion Lutheran School for 10 years, and is looking forward to bringing this business to town. Alderman Hanks asked Mr. Manning if it would “make or break” his business if the Council didn’t waive the 1st reading on his request this evening and then pass the Ordinance in two weeks. Hanks understands the hearing process, but he feels that all city residents, not just the neighboring residents, should have the opportunity to voice their opinions on situations such as these. He felt that the Council was being made to hurry up and vote on the matter without having the first reading. Manning stated that he was at the mercy of the Council. Mayor Neuhaus called upon Zoning Administrator Ailee Taylor, who was attending tonight’s meeting, to give an explanation as to what has taken place with this particular Zoning Hearing. Mrs. Taylor stated that a Zoning Hearing was held on July 9th and there were no neighbors, who would have received a certified letter informing them of the hearing, present at the hearing. She explained that there is a 60 day process involved with these zoning requests, and due to the fact that the Zoning Hearing Attorney failed to get the Facts of Findings ready for the last City Council Meeting, this put a delay on the first reading of the ordinance. Ailee stresses that she was not trying to hurry the process, she was just trying to stay on the time line that have been set up regarding the zoning hearings. In the future, Mrs. Taylor will also make sure that Aldermen in the respective wards of the zoning hearings would be notified of the hearing taking place.

VI. CORRESPONDENCE

Received an email from Mt. Olive Turner Hall notifying the City of their intentions to plan an organized bike ride on Sunday, September 20, 2020. Due to IDPH guidelines, an exact route has not been finalized, but it is anticipated that the ride will go through part of the City limits of Staunton. As soon as final routes have been determined, they will be sharing that information with the City.

VII. TREASURER’S REPORT

The following investments were recently cashed in at Bank of Springfield. Original issue date was March 22, 2019 at 2.42% interest:

Bond/Interest Fund--$152,012.88 plus $4,950.35 interest

Telecommunications Fund--$101,341.94 plus $3,300.24 interest

Infrastructure Fund--$101,341.94 plus $3,300.24 interest

Reserve Fund--$50,670.94 plus $1,650.12 interest

VIII. CITY CLERK’S REPORT

It has been brought to the City’s attention that several local residents have not yet completed the 2020 Census registration form. If you need help completing the form, feel free to come to the City Clerk’s Office and we will be happy to supply you with the contact information, or we can walk you through the steps in completing the form.

Mayor Neuhaus also commented on this, stating that he met last week with a representative of the Census Bureau, and as of that time, only 74% of the town had registered. It is most important for residents to complete the census, as this would cost the City a sizeable amount of federal money, and this would be for the next 10 years. It would cost the City approximately $10,000.00 for every non-registered individual.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY -

Nothing to report.

PARK & CIVIC IMPROVEMENT –

Nothing to report.

FINANCE–

Motion by Moore, seconded by Bodner to spend up to $4,500.00 for additional Community Center items. Supporting documentation is attached. City Clerk Stiegemeier went through the list of needs and gave a brief explanation on each of them. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Johnson, Hanks, Machota, Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner, Wallace. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

WATER-

Motion by Hanks, seconded by Johnson to approve repairs on the reservoir spillway at a cost of $15,000.00, as budgeted. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Hanks, Machota, Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner, Wallace, Johnson. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Hanks, seconded by Plenske to approve Bid Proposal #5004962 from Midwest Municipal Supply for stock water line materials in the amount of $5,418.02. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Machota, Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner, Wallace, Johnson, Hanks. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Hanks, seconded by Johnson to approve Bid Proposal #5004961 from Midwest Municipal Supply for materials to be used on the Koko Lane watermain replacement project in the amount of $3,286.36. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner, Wallace, Johnson, Hanks, Machota. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

STREET / SEWER

Motion by Machota, seconded by Hanks to approve quote for lagoon chemicals for one year treatment package from 4G Environmental at an estimated cost of $14,235.00. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner, Wallace, Johnson, Hanks, Machota, Plenske. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Machota, seconded by Bodner to approve proceeding with Bunker Hill Road / Myrtle Street pressure sewer project in the estimated amount of $40,000.00. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Scanzoni, Bodner, Wallace, Johnson, Hanks, Machota, Plenske, Moore. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Machota, seconded by Hanks to approve estimate from John H. Crawford & Associates for Design Engineering for the Bunker Hill Road / Myrtle Street pressure sewer project in the amount of $22,106.00. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Bodner, Wallace, Johnson, Hanks, Machota, Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Machota, seconded by Hanks to approve materials for sewer repair on East Macoupin Street from Laurel Street, going 401’ east, at a cost estimate of $17,230.00. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Wallace, Johnson, Hanks, Machota, Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Machota, seconded by Hanks to accept low bid from Metal Culverts, Inc. for stock steel culverts in the amount of $13,475.55. Other bids received were from Schulte Supply, Inc. ($16,060.00) and Coady Supply Co., Inc. ($16,456.00). At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Johnson, Hanks, Machota, Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner, Wallace. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

PUBLIC GROUNDS-

Nothing to report.

TOURISM –

Nothing to report.

PERSONNEL –

Nothing to report.

ANNEXATION –

Nothing to report.

SPECIAL COMMITTEES –

Nothing to report.

JUDICIARY—

Motion by Bodner, seconded by Moore to waive 1st reading of Ordinance #2070 Adopting Recommendations And Findings Of Fact Of The Zoning Hearing Officer And Granting A Special Use Permit For Property Located At 225 South Hackman Street, Staunton, Illinois. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Machota, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner, Wallace, Johnson. Alderman Johnson stated that he would vote yes since this was not a fault of the residents and they shouldn’t have to wait on the process due to the fault of the Zoning Hearing Attorney. Nayes: Hank, Plenske. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Bodner, seconded by Machota to approve Ordinance #2070 Adopting Recommendations And Findings Of Fact Of The Zoning Hearing Officer And Granting A Special Use Permit For Property Located At 225 South Hackman Street, Staunton, Illinois. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Bodner, Wallace, Johnson, Hanks, Machota, Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried 6 Ayes; 2 Nayes.

Motion by Bodner, seconded by Moore to waive 1st reading of Ordinance #2071 Adopting Recommendations And Findings Of Fact Of The Zoning Hearing Officer And Granting A Special Use Permit For Property Located At 20257 Tall Timber Road, Staunton, Illinois. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Wallace, Johnson, Machota, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner. Nayes: Hanks, Plenske. Absent: None. Motion carried 6 Ayes; 2 Nayes.

Motion by Bodner, seconded by Johnson to approve Ordinance #2071 Adopting Recommendations And Findings Of Fact Of The Zoning Hearing Officer And Granting A Special Use Permit For Property Located At 20257 Tall Timber Road, Staunton, Illinois. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Johnson, Hanks, Machota, Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner, Wallace. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

1st reading of Ordinance #2072 Annexing Certain Territory To The City Of

Staunton, Macoupin County, Illinois (17394 VFW Road)

1st reading of Ordinance #2073 Approving A Pre-Annexation Agreement With

John & Amy Milcic Regarding Property Located At 9251 Renken Road,

Staunton, Illinois But Not Physically Annexing The Property To The City’s

Corporate Boundaries At This Time

1st reading of Ordinance #2074 Approving A Pre-Annexation Agreement With

Tammy McBride & Doug Guennewig Regarding Property Located At 2320

Route 4, Staunton, Illinois But Not Physically Annexing The Property To The

City’s Corporate Boundaries At This Time

1st reading of Ordinance #2075 Approving A Pre-Annexation Agreement With

Michael Wofford Regarding Property Located At 2216 Parksville Lane, Staunton,

Illinois But Not Physically Annexing The Property To The City’s Corporate

Boundaries At This Time

1st reading of Ordinance #2076 An Ordinance To Install Stop Signs On East First

Street And East Second Street At Their Intersections With South Laurel Street,

And East Second Street At Its Intersection With South Maple Street

1st reading of Ordinance #2077 Modifying Traffic And Parking On Hoxsey Street

From Panhorst To West Henry Street

1st reading of Ordinance #2078 Amending Chapter 33, Article II Of The City

Code Adding Regulations Regarding Grass Mowing Between Property Lines And

Adjoining Street Surfaces Within The City

1st reading of Ordinance #2079 Amending Chapter 24, Article II Of The City

Code To Add Regulations Regarding The Covering Of Motor Vehicles, Boats,

Trailers, Recreational Vehicles And Commercial Vehicles Within The City

X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS—

Nothing to report.

XI. NEW BUSINESS-

Alderman Wallace requested to address Mayor Neuhaus with some issues that have been brought to her attention. She stated that she has been contacted by several residents informing her that the Mayor had contacted them, telling them that he had promised projects to them in future years and trading services for votes in the upcoming election. Wallace also said she was told that the Mayor used vulgar explicitives in describing women on the Council. Mayor Neuhaus denied that accusation. He did say that he has gone door to door and visited some residents regarding easement acquisition for upcoming projects. After a brief discussion, Alderman Johnson requested a point of order and stated that this was not the time nor the place for this discussion, and he would be calling a Personnel Committee Meeting to discuss this situation.

XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION—

Motion by Johnson, seconded by Bodner to go in to Executive Session at 7:37 to

discuss Potential Real Estate Acquisition – Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (5). At Roll

Call Vote – Ayes: Hanks, Machota, Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner, Wallace,

Johnson. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Johnson, seconded by Bodner to return to regular order of business at

7:42 P.M. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Machota, Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner,

Wallace, Johnson, Hanks. Nayes: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

XIII. MOTIONS FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION –

.

No motions were made from Executive Session.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to discuss, Councilmember Plenske, seconded by Councilmember Bodner to adjourn at 7:43 P.M. At Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Plenske, Moore, Scanzoni, Bodner, Wallace, Johnson, Hanks, Machota. Nayes: None. Absent: None.Motion carried.

Prepared by:

Dennis K. Stiegemeier, City Clerk