City Council Minutes Archives

Decatur City Council Minutes - June 16, 2008  05:30PM

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            On Monday, June 16, 2008, the City Council of the City of Decatur, Illinois, met in Regular Meeting at 5:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, One Gary K. Anderson Plaza, Decatur, Illinois.  Mayor Pro Tem Carrigan presided; together with him being Councilmen Dan Caulkins, Shad L. Edwards, Patrick S. Laegeler, Mike McElroy, and Betsy Stockard.  Six members were present.   Mayor Pro Tem Carrigan declared a quorum present. 

            Acting City Manager John A. Smith attended the meeting. 

            Mayor Pro Tem Carrigan led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Invocation was given by Greg Sullivan, Deacon of St. Pat’s and St. James’ Catholic Church.

            The minutes of the meeting of June 2, 2008, were presented.  Councilman Edwards moved the minutes be approved as written; seconded by Councilwoman Stockard, and on call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Caulkins, Edwards, and Carrigan voted aye.  Mayor Pro Tem Carrigan declared the motion carried. 

            Mayor Pro Tem Carrigan called for New Business. 

            This being the time set for Proclamations and Recognitions, proclamations were read declaring June 16-21, 2008 as “Small Business Week” and recognizing the Riverside Baptist Church on the celebration of its 100th Anniversary on Sunday, June 22, 2008.

            Resolution R2008-93, appointing Michael T. Carrigan as Mayor of the City of Decatur for a term expiring April 30, 2009, was presented. 

            Councilwoman Stockard moved the resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman Laegeler, and on call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Caulkins, and Edwards voted aye.  Mayor Pro Tem Carrigan abstained.  Mayor Pro Tem Carrigan declared the motion carried. 

            Mayor Carrigan was sworn into office by the City Clerk. 

            Mayor Carrigan distributed to the City Clerk and members of City Council his resignation as City Councilman effective this date.  

            Mayor Carrigan called for Nominations for Mayor Pro Tem.  Councilman Edwards moved that Ordinance No. 2008-41, appointing Betsy Stockard as Mayor Pro Tem, be adopted; seconded by Councilman Laegeler, and on call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Caulkins, Edwards, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  Councilwoman Stockard abstained.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.  

            Councilman Edwards moved the Council recess to Study Session for the purpose of a Discussion regarding a Proposed Water Rate Increase; seconded by Councilman McElroy, and on call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Caulkins, Edwards, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  The Mayor declared the motion carried. 

            The only item of business was a discussion regarding a Proposed Water Rate Increase.  Keith Alexander, Director of Water Management, reviewed the material with City Council.  Mr. Alexander informed the Council that the city faces a $1  million deficit if water rates are not increased.  Although staff has no recommendation, any of the four suggested ordinances for consideration this evening will help.  

            Mayor Carrigan and members of Council discussed the four suggested ordinances, which include (1) a Water Rate Increase of 25% + CPI + CPI; (2) 25% + 15% + 10%; (3) 25% + 15% + 15%; and, (4) 25% + 20%, the first rate increase immediately upon passage, the second rate increase effective May 1, 2009, and the third rate increase effective May 1, 2010; as well as the need for a bond issue, positive impact of a rate increase on operating expenses, the effect a rate increase will have on the business community; what, if any, impact the decision made by Council and staff in 2004 to transfer debt service has had;  if Council should agree to transfer the bond issue/debt service then citizens might be faced with a property tax increase rather than a water rate increase; whether the Water Fund is paying for infrastructure improvements; as well as other related topics such as ADM and their potential assistance.   Councilman Laegeler has expressed a concern that 25%  will not be adequate.   

            John Smith, Acting City Manager, and Keith Alexander, Director of Water Management, stated that a majority of projects paid through the Water Fund were for water projects and were recommended by Speer Financial; the meeting with ADM was rescheduled from June 26 to July 16th; ADM executives believe the water rate increase is justified; and CPI is not automatic and can return to Council for a change.   

            Robert Freeman addressed Council with a concern that a 25% rate increase will be a burden on businesses and that no one would argue that a water rate increase is needed but urged Council and staff to spread the initial rate increase over a three month period to allow citizens to find ways to spread costs. 

            John Phillips stated that each one of these decisions affects one group or another and his opinion is that we are not dealing with solutions but problems, which includes a shrinking population and economic base, and whether to significantly reduce services or impose a rate increase.

            A poll of Council was conducted relative to a water rate increase.  

            No formal action was taken.  

            Councilman Laegeler moved the Council recess to Regular Meeting; seconded by Councilman McElroy, and on call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Caulkins, Edwards, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  The Mayor declared the motion carried. 

            Ordinance No. 2008-42, amending City Code Chapter 64, Water Service, regarding a Water Rate Increase of 25% + 15% + 15%, was presented. 

            Councilman Edwards moved the ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilman Caulkins. 

            Councilman Caulkins moved the ordinance be amended and that said ordinance reflect a 15% increase upon passage and 15% effective May 1, 2009 and 15% effective May 1, 2010; seconded by Councilman Laegeler. 

            City staff responded to Council’s questions stating that the fee for a water tap is covered in a separate city code chapter; the presumption of a bond issue is a separate matter; and a future City Council could rescind a water rate increase. 

            Upon call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Caulkins, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  Councilmen Stockard and Edwards voted nay.  The Mayor declared the motion carried. 

            Upon call of the roll to approve Ordinance No. 2008-42 as amended, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Caulkins, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  Councilmen Stockard and Edwards voted nay.  The Mayor declared the motion carried. 

            Resolution R2008-94, accepting Proposal and authorizing User Agreement, System Management Agreement and Communications Agreement with Motorola, Inc. for Starcom 21 Add-On Equipment, was presented.

            Councilman Edwards moved the resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman McElroy.

            Deputy Chief Ed Smith responded to Council’s questions relative to discussions with the County of Macon and that final figures were higher than anticipated and that the County has declined to partner; city staff may consider a subscription fee if other government agencies use the city’s frequency; the city will own the radios; and city staff will continue to seek additional funding.

            Upon call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Caulkins, Edwards, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  The Mayor declared the motion carried. 

            Resolution R2008-95, authorizing Amendment to Agreement with AOK Travel Network Inc. regarding Rate Increase for Operation Uplift Program for the Disabled, Decatur Public Transit System, was presented. 

            Councilwoman Stockard moved the resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman Caulkins, and on call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Caulkins, Edwards, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  The Mayor declared the motion carried. 

            Mayor Carrigan called for Consent Calendar Items A through G and asked if any Member of Council wished to remove an item from Consent Calendar.  Items B, C, and E were removed from Consent Calendar and considered separately. 

            Councilman Edwards moved that Consent Calendar Item A, Item D, and Items F and G, be approved by Omnibus Vote; seconded by Councilman McElroy, and on call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Caulkins, Edwards, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.  

A.      Receiving and Filing Minutes of the City Plan Commission meetings of April 3 and May 1, 2008; and the Civil Service Commission meetings of May 6 and May 21, 2008.

D.     Resolution R2008-96 authorizing Transfer of Real Estate located at 446 East Grand Avenue to Consuelo Cruz for the Green Light Garden Project.

F.      Ordinance No. 2008-43 amending City Code Chapter 25, Electrical Commissions, Electrical Contractors and Licensed Electricians, regarding Applicant and Application Process.

G.     Receiving and Filing Major Final Plat for The Meadows at Greenlake.
 

            Resolution R2008-97, authorizing Agreement with Blank, Wesselink, Cook and Associates for Inspection Services for the Garfield Avenue Overpass, was presented.

            Councilman Edwards moved the resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman Laegeler. 

            Richard Marley, Director of Engineering and Infrastructure, responded to Council’s question stating that the overpass appears to be safe, there are no truck weight limits for the overpass, and staff would like to verify that the bridge (overpass) can wait another five years (2013) for inclusion in a capital projects list.  

            Upon call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Caulkins, Edwards, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  The Mayor declared the motion carried. 

            Resolution R2008-98, ascertaining Prevailing Rate of Wages for Construction of Public Works by Contract, was presented. 

            Councilman Laegeler moved the resolution do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Stockard. 

            Corporation Counsel Morthland responded to Council’s question stating that if a member of Council believes the prevailing wage is less that must be addressed through the State because the statute requires the adoption of a prevailing wage document annually.

            Upon call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Edwards, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  Councilman Caulkins voted nay.  The Mayor declared the motion carried. 

            Resolution R2008-99, authorizing Agreement with Neighborhood Housing Development Corporation (NHDC)  for FY 2007/2008 HOME Program Funds for Affordable Green Housing Initiative, was presented. 

            Councilwoman Stockard moved the resolution do pass; seconded  by Councilman Laegeler. 

            Mary Walker, Executive Director of  NHDC, responded to Council’s questions stating that NHDC received approval to acquire three (3) homes for rehabilitation.  However, two (2) homes were not purchased and the third home acquired required additional funds in order to properly rehabilitate.  Ms. Walker informed Council that NHDC is currently working on homes located on the city’s southeast side in an effort to make them more energy efficient.  NHDC continues to target the low to moderate income market.  In response to Council’s question, Ms. Walker responded that there is no increase in the funding amount but that the project is for two homes rather than three. 

            Following discussion, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Caulkins, Edwards, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  The Mayor declared the motion carried. 

            This being the time set for Other Business, Councilwoman Stockard thanked the Decatur Police Department for their work in the area of Marietta and Pine Streets and Maffit and Johns Streets and urged them to continue their work.  Councilman Edwards stated that on May 21 the city manager prepared a memorandum regarding federal aid funding and requested an update.   Councilman McElroy thanked the Lake Patrol personnel for their excellent work in clearing the lake of debris resulting from the recent heavy rainfall.  Richard Marley, Director of Engineering and Infrastructure, commented on flooded ravines etc. and flooding which occurred on private property and what authority the city has.  Mr. Marley commented on the inadequate drainage systems in some older parts of the city and what needs to be done.  Councilman Laegeler expressed his interest in receiving a tentative calendar for budget purposes which would outline when things might be done.  Councilman Caulkins stated he would like to move forward with the Council composition discussion.  Councilman Laegeler would like that information to include  pros and cons, how maps would be drawn, and an understanding of the process relative to ballot.  Mayor Carrigan commented on the time frame to appoint a citizen to fill the open seat on the City Council.

            This being the time set for Appearance of Citizens, Jeff Bigelow, Council 31 Regional Director, commented on the city’s refusal to return to the bargaining table, the imposition of  a contract on employees represented by General Services, and the need to look at the savings in health care costs.  Jeff Perkins, President of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), stated the inner city is a dumping ground for trash, etc. and expressed opposition to redistricting with any lack of representation.  Stacy Hill, Local 268  General Services employee, commented that her income is shrinking yet demands for gas and food continue to grow, and how the health needs of her family are important and questioned why the health insurance coverage for all city employees is not equal when we work for the same employer. Patricia Huisinga owns property on East Mound Road and remarked on the combination of events which played a role in recent flooding and questioned why the city does not have a flood management program.  Delbert Cearlock expressed his disappointment with the refuse (garbage) services provided by Veolia and that he has not received service in three weeks but he has talked with city staff in Neighborhood Services.  

            Councilman McElroy moved the Council recess to Closed, Executive Session for the purpose of a Discussion regarding Collective Negotiating Matters and the Appointment of an Officer, specifically, the Appointment of a City Councilman; seconded by Councilman Laegeler, and on call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Caulkins, Edwards, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  The Mayor declared the motion carried. 

            Following Closed Session the meeting was reopened to the public.

            There being no further business, Councilman Caulkins moved the meeting be adjourned; seconded by Councilman McElroy, and on call of the roll, Councilmen Laegeler, McElroy, Stockard, Caulkins, Edwards, and Mayor Carrigan voted aye.  The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 9:25 P.M. 

 

Celeste F. Harris, City Clerk
Approved:  July 7, 2008