City of Zion City Council Met Feb. 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor McKinney called the meeting to order.
On call of the roll the following answered present: Commissioners McDowell, Holmes, Frierson, Fischer, and Mayor McKinney. A quorum was present.
Also present: Police Chief Kirk Henderson, Fire/Rescue Chief Justin Stried, Building & Zoning Director Richard Ianson, Public Works Director Ray Roberts, City Administrator David Knabel and City Attorney Jimmy Vasselli.
William Bremner led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Mayor McKinney asked for a moment of silence for all First Responders and those people who lost their lives to the pandemic along with those who continue to heal from the virus.
AGENDA CHANGES
It was moved by Commissioner Frierson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes to accept the City Council meeting agenda as presented.
The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Holmes, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye and Mayor McKinney aye. Motion carried.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
W.C. Bremner, Zion, stated he received two letters in the mail from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). These letters were apparently fraudulent. He contacted Commissioner Fischer who gave him the phone number for the IDES. He spoke with them and discovered an unemployment claim was filed in his name. He wanted to bring this scam to the public’s attention. He provided the phone number for fraudulent reporting at the IDES, 800- 814-0513.
Kathy Champine, Zion, stated two weeks ago ZBTHS hosted a “Looking Back on 2020” Event. She thought the event was very good touching on the challenges that each taxing body face. When she saw the photos of the event she was very disappointed to see people were not wearing masks. She stated the pandemic has caused death to many people, caused lifelong disabilities to some survivors and destroyed many small businesses. She feels the recent decline in cases is the result of the severe lockdown, sanitizing, mask wearing and social distancing. A new stronger variance of the virus is appearing worldwide and some predict the worst is yet to come. She stated science shows that the pandemic can be managed if we all take the simple precautions.
Denise Lear, Zion, thanked the Building Department for their assistance with the garbage problem in their building. They now have cameras set up. She asked if the tenant/landlord meetings would be resuming. Mayor McKinney stated with the pandemic they have not been able to meet but may consider moving to Zoom meetings. They will be forming a plan in the next month or two.
CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Commissioner Frierson, seconded by Commissioner Fischer that the Minutes be approved as follows:
(a) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: a Regular Meeting held on January 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. and approval but not release of Closed Session Minutes of a meeting held on January 19, 2021 at 7:41 p.m.
The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Holmes, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Frierson that the Bills be approved as follows:
(b) BILLS: Vouchers 136634 through 136701 drawn on Huntington National Bank, N.A. Total: $262,726.93
The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Holmes, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
PROPOSAL/ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES
A memo (21-DOC-9) was received from Director Roberts regarding a quote for engineering services from the City’s environmental consultant, Deigan and Associates, for the City’s closed landfills. Director Roberts stated thegroundwater analysis, inspections and quarterly reporting to the IEPA is required as part of city's post closure permit. Deigan and Associates was successful in FY21 with the permit modifications resulting in the reduction of monitoring and reporting requirements for landfill 1. They are confident that the same monitoring requirements will be reduced in FY22 for landfill 2. He stated Staff requests and recommends approval of the proposal for the environmental services from Deigan and Associates of Libertyville, Illinois in the amount of $30,000.00. The proposed contract is for the FY22 and will be a budgeted item within the Waste Fund. Commissioner Fischer asked how much longer we will have to continue to monitor the landfills. Director Roberts stated the IEPA is being very vague. He feels it will be for at least another 15 years. Deigan has been instrumental in reducing the annual costs for monitoring. Once landfill 2 is reduced, they will want to close the monitoring of the wells which will cut the costs in half. Administrator Knabel stated six or seven years ago the costs were $50,000 - $60,000 and Deigan has brought the costs down.
It was moved by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner Fischer to accept the quote of Deigan and Associates of Libertyville, Illinois for engineering services related to Zion’s closed landfills in the amount of $30,000. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Holmes, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
MOTOR FUEL TAX BUDGET
A memo (21-DOC-10) was received from Administrative Knabel requesting approval of the FY21 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Budget. Administrator Knabel stated since the Motor Fuel Tax fund is a standalone fund for budgeting purposes, he would like to present approval as soon as possible. This will help to plan for upcoming projects as well as obtain the best possible pricing when going out to bid for services. The highlights for the proposed MFT budget are as follows:
• Monthly allocations are slightly down due to reduced gas usage during the pandemic as well as gas prices remaining relatively low during the year.
• Beginning fund balance is larger than expected due to the Rebuild IL Bond fund payments that were not budgeted for ($536,304). This revenue will be recurring in FY22.
• Planning on a $1,000,000 road project in FY22, of which $536,304 will be paid with the Rebuild IL Bond fund revenue.
It was moved by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner Fischer to approve the Motor Fuel Tax Fund Budget for Fiscal Year May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022 as presented. The vote on the roll: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Holmes, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
APPOINTMENTS/ FIRE PENSION BOARD/E-911 JETSB BOARD
Mayor McKinney stated with the appointment of Justin Stried as the new Fire Chief, it is necessary that he be appointed to the Fire Pension Board and E-911 JETSB Board to replace Chief Lewis.
It was moved by Commissioner Frierson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes, that Chief Stried be appointed to the Fire Pension Board and the E-911 JETSB Board. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Holmes, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
DEPARTMENTAL COMMENTARY
Director Ianson stated he has received a few inquiries on how to apply for a permit. He stated forms can be found on the website or on the table in the entryway of City Hall. The completed forms can be emailed, dropped off or mailed. Once the information is received and payment arrangements are made the permit will be issued.
Director Roberts stated he has received phone calls regarding the recent snow storms. The first storm produced 5 inches while the second one produced 13 inches over an 18-19 hour period. The crews were out for 17 1/2 hours and plowed the streets and alleys four times. He explained that the plow blades are tilted to the right for safety reasons. The main objective is to clear the road and unfortunately they do not have the time to go back and clear the driveways. Many callers claimed that a plow never went down their street or alley. He re-stated that each street and alley was plowed up to four times. He reminded citizens that downtown area parking is the last thing they plow. Most of the parking is cleared but the only way to clean up the excess is to remove it and take it elsewhere. They are expecting another storm on Friday and Saturday and will start the clean up after that. Mayor McKinney stated the Public Works crews have done a remarkable job and thanked them for all they do. Director Roberts stated it is the Business owner’s responsibility to plow the sidewalks downtown. They have used Public Service in the past but due to COVID they have not had a lot of people showing up for the program. The Public Service Supervisor has used the trackless machine when he can to help clear the sidewalks.
Administrator Knabel reminded residents that current City stickers expire on April 30th. They will be putting the forms inside the water bills. The forms are also available on the City’s website. He stated water shutoffs have been suspended for over a year along with a stay on evictions. Beginning May 1st they will be putting shut-off notices inside the water bills if residents are shut-off eligible. A letter will be sent to the resident 3 months prior to the shut- off so they may work on bringing their bill current. This will bring the reinstatement of late fees and penalties.
Chief Henderson stated this will be his last City Council meeting. He will be retiring on February 12th after 29 years with the City. His reason for retirement is a second career opportunity that came up recently. He stated he is grateful for this job and it has been both a passion and a blessing. Mayor McKinney wished Chief Henderson well in his retirement.
Chief Stried reminded residents that they still have carbon monoxide detectors available. He invited residents to stop by Station 1 to receive their free detector.
Commissioner McDowell praised the Public Works crews for their plowing efforts as they have done a great job.
Commissioner Frierson congratulated Chief Henderson on his retirement. He stated he has learned a lot from the Chief and the Department and thanked him for welcoming him in. He wished Chief Henderson the best of luck in retirement. He also welcomed new Fire/Rescue Chief Justin Stried.
Commissioner Fischer congratulated both Chiefs on their endeavors. He reminded residents that they are continuing to push for the nuclear waste compensation. He stated even during the pandemic they are trying to do what’s best for the City. He reminded residents to support local businesses.
Mayor McKinney shared comments on the following subjects:
It is important to come together as a community for all the challenges they face. He has lived in the community since 1962. This past storm he watched his neighbors come together to help each other out by shoveling driveways and sidewalks. He asked that residents do welfare checks on their neighbors as some are going through tough times both physically and emotionally.
The City continues to do things behind the scenes to make the City a better place.
Seniors are being subjected to scams and being taken advantage of during the pandemic. Staff is trying to point citizens in the right direction to be sure they get to the right resources.
Recognition of Black History month. He reminded citizens of Ms. Sadie Watts who passed away at 101 years old. Ms. Watts started the first food pantry and was the founder of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She was committed to making Zion a better place and her spirit continues to live on.
It was moved by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Fischer that the Council recess to Closed Session at 7:56 p.m., pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 “Open Meetings”, for the discussion of filed, pending and/or probable or imminent litigation, collective bargaining and personnel. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Holmes, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
It was moved by Commissioner Frierson, seconded by Commissioner Fischer to reconvene the Regular Council meeting at 8:14 p.m. with all members present. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Holmes, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
APPROVAL/COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT/IUOE LOCAL 150/ BUILDING DEPARTMENT
It was moved Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner McDowell to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Zion and Zion Building Department and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, from May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2024. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Holmes, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Frierson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes and unanimously approved the meeting be adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Motion carried.
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