City of Oglesby City Council met July 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020 AT CITY HALL. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.
PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, MAYOR RIVARA, ATTORNEY JIM ANDREONI AND CITY CLERK EITUTIS.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIJEWSKI, SECONDED BY CULLINAN to approve the regular meeting minutes from June 15, 2020. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA
Public comments on agenda items only: Commissioner Curran reads a prepared statement in regards to the recent rate increase implementation. Mayor Rivara states the electric rates for the city are in the bottom 1/3 of the state and that the electric rates could no longer support the water rates.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIJEWSKI, SECONDED BY CURRAN to approve bills as presented. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA.
AIRGAS USA, LLC $ 5.89;
AMEREN IL $160.15;
AMEREN IP $ 1392.92;
ARKINS, WILLIAM $ 98.38;
BALLARD, JEFF & SYLVIA $165.78;
BECK OIL $ 20.90;
BPC $ 223.30;
BERRY, JIM $ 100.00;
BHMG ENGINEERS $ 1,131.50;
BOEHM BROS. $ 320.00;
BRADEN COUNSELING CNETER $ 400.00;
CALL ONE $ 2,996.05;
CARGILL, INC. $ 50,921.15;
CHAMLIN & ASSOCIATES $ 11,361.34;
CIVIC SYSTEMS, LLC $ 2867.00;
CLEGG-PERKINS ELECTRIC $ 1638.10;
COMCAST BUSINESS $ 834.07;
COMPLETE INTEGRATIONS & SEVICE $ 612.50;
CONNECTING POINT $ 183.75;
CORE & MAIN $ 862.00;
COUNTRY LIFE INSURANCE $ 54.21;
DE LAGE LANDEN FINANCIAL SERVICES $ 495.17;
DOUBLE M TRUCKING $ 440.00;
DRESBACH DISTRIBUTING $ 562.45;
EDENS, CATHIE $ 265.54;
ELECTRONIC SUPPLY $ 13.19;
EMERGENCY MEDICAL PRODUCTS INC. $ 313.64;
FASTENAL COMPANY $738.07;
GRAINCO FS INC. $ 313.10;
HALM’S AUTO PARTS $ 195.33;
HAWKINS, INC. $ 1611.66;
HEARTLAND BANK & TRUST CO. $ 51,631.25;
HY-VEE INC. $ 29.90;
IL ASSOC. OF CHIEFS $ 600.00;
IL DEPT OF INNOVATION AND TECH $ 539.30;
IL PUBLIC RISK FUND $ 4,480.00;
IV CELLULAR $ 1251.90;
IL VALLEY EXCAVATING, INC. $ 3565.50;
IVRD $5,865.00;
IMPACT NETWORKING LLC $ 155.94;
IMUA $ 630.00;
JW TURF, INC. $ 31.10;
JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL $ 150.53;
JOHN SENICA JR. $ 500.36;
JOHN’S SERVICE & SALES $5092.98;
KENDALL, MARY $ 200.45;
KENDRICK PEST CONTROL INC. $ 105.00;
KITTILSON’S GARAGE $ 1002.41;
KLEIN, THORPE &
JENKINS $1,863.00;
KUSTOM SIGNALS $ 90.90;
LAFARGE AGGREGATES ILLINOIS $ 667.00;
LASALLE COUNTY TREASURER $ 1,466.54;
MACHINERY MAINTENANCE, INC. $ 6,041.64;
MAUTINO DISTRIBUING CO. $ 49.39;
MAZE LUMBER $ 80.28;
MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT SERVICES $ 158.76;
MEDICARE PART B $212.50;
MENARDS $ 1549.28;
MOTION INDUSTRIES $ 189.20;
NATIONAL SEED $ 1493.00;
NCICG $ 1137.30;
NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS $ 16.00;
NORTHERN ILLINOIS AMBULANCE $ 1978.38;
WATER $ 584.25;
POWELL, SAMANTHA $ 69.46;
POWER LINE SUPPLY $ 12,750.00;
RESCUE DIRECT, INC. $ 323.00;
RUPPERT, LAWRENCE $ 26.55;
SCOTT, JOE $ 855.31;
SEICO, INC $ 913.00;
SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO $ 1340.14;
SIENZ, KRISTOPHER $ 350.00;
SMART SOURCE LLC $ 3269.04;
SMITH’S SALES & SERVICE $ 548.76;
SPRINGFIELD ELECTRIC $ 150.13;
STAPLES CREDIT PLAN $ 300.88;
TEST INC. $ 84.00;
THE PER GREENHOUSE $ 4900.00;
ULINE $ 510.42;
UNITED HEALTH CARE $ 275.16;
UNITED RENTALS $ 142.22;
USPS $ 743.36;
UNIVAR $ 176.00;
UNIVERSAL CHEMICAL LLC $ 109.64;
UNIVERSAL UTILITY SUPPLY $ 1698.62;
VALLEY APPLIANCE SALES $ 532.78;
VERIZON $ 167.99;
VORTEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. $ 720.00;
WATTS, DIANE $ 234.86;
WESTERN SAND & GRAVEL $ 2590.00;
WEX FLEET SERVICES $ 3739.27;
WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP $ 128.76
TOTALS $ 212,355.64
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY ARGUBRIGHT to approve quarterly building permits totaling $ 167,400.00. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIJEWSKI, SECONDED BY CURRAN to approve Ordinance 1117-070620 authorizing the city of Oglesby to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the central Illinois Police training center. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA. Commissioner Lijewski states that the training facility in Princeton is now closed and training will be done in Peoria.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIJEWSI, SECONDED BY CURRAN to approve Ordinance 1118-070620 adopting a policy prohibiting sexual harassment for the city of Oglesby. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA. Commissioner Lijewski asks if everyone has completed their training?
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT, SECONDED BY LIJEWSKI to place on file 1119-072020 an appropriations ordinance for the city of Oglesby for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2020 and ending April 30, 2021. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA. Attorney Andreoni states that the ordinance was prepared by the auditor Joel Hopkins and that adjustments were made to the ordinance should the city be awarded a grant for construction on Columbia Street. Attorney Andreoni reminds that the ordinance is not a budget, it sets the maximum amounts the city can spend on any line item. The ordinance is prepared once the audit is finished and will make adjustments accordingly. Attorney Andreoni states monies can move around however to different funds. The ordinance also has to be passed in the first quarter Attorney Andreoni states.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY ARGUBRIGHT to place on file 1120-072020 an ordinance authorizing the execution of an easement agreement between the city of Oglesby and Ameren Illinois Company d/b/a/ Ameren Illinois. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA. Mayor Rivara states Ameren wants to move their gas main an additional six feet away from the current spot. This agreement releases the city from any liability should there be an issue Mayor Rivara states. Attorney Andreoni states Ameren was contacted in regards to any cave in issues.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY LIJEWSKI to place on file 1121-072020 an ordinance amending Chapter 28, water service regulations of Title 13, public utilities of the Oglesby city code. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA. Commissioner Curran explains that an outside company contacted him in regards to the use of the city’s fire hydrant. Commissioner Curran states the ordinance establishes a higher rate (dual rate 1) to utilize the hydrant.
Mayor Rivara gives details about the status of the old fire department building in that the roof leaks and there are masonry repairs that need to be done. Brian Spelich, Just Masonry and McConnaughy Roofing gave estimates which total around $ 28,000.00. Mayor Rivara states that bocce ball will be eliminated from the building and that the building is an investment that shouldn’t be neglected. Commissioner Argubright asked if the bids were for the whole building or just their areas of expertise? Commissioner Argubright said he has not seen any numbers on the bid and feels it necessary to table voting on the matter. Commissioner Argubright makes the motion to table it and Commissioner Lijewski seconds the motion. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA.
Commissioner Cullinan begins a discussion about the addition to the Parks & Recreation building. He states that local contractors were contacted. Commissioner Argubright asks if it will add an additional lane to the building? Commissioner Curran feels there is value and convenience in the addition. Commissioner Argubright feels that there is a storage issue. Commissioner Curran was unaware of the shape of the old fire department building. Mayor Rivara gives specifics about the size of the fire department building and feels it should be maintained and he doesn’t feel he has the money to repair both buildings. Commissioner Curran states there is a convenience factor for the Parks & Recs. Department. Commissioner Curran states what city equipment/property is stored in the old fire department building. Commissioner Argubright has concerns about keeping the equipment running well and keeping it out of the elements. Mayor Rivara states he had spoken to the residents who used the bocce ball court. Drew Merriman gives his opinion about making repairs to the building. Commissioner Curran is in favor of repairing both buildings if there is money to do so. Mayor Rivara hopes to repair one building and then take a look at the next building.
Mayor Rivara discusses waiving the liquor license fees for those businesses that were forced to close during the COVID 19 pandemic. The cost is $5500 in fees. Commissioner Curran asks if the city is allowed to do so to which attorney Andreoni states they are, that they are city fees. Commissioner Lijewski questions if the council would be in favor of pro-rating the fees? Mayor Rivara is trying to help local businesses. Commissioner Lijewski asks if there are businesses that are struggling and possibly facing closure to which Mayor Rivara states there are a few. Commissioner Argubright makes a motion and Commissioner Curran seconds the motion. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, RIVARA. NAYS: LIJEWSKI.
Commissioner Curran initiates a discussion of billing software changes. Commissioner Curran cites examples of the different possible options available Commissioner Argubright states that residents can call in and ask for a breakdown; however, the number on the bill will not change no matter how much detail is on the utility bill. Commissioner Argubright feels it will create more work for the Clerk’s office. Commissioner Curran states that he feels more info should be on the utility bills. Commissioner Lijewski states she would have trouble explaining some of the line items on the utility bill examples.
Mayor Rivara explains the request from Dan Moore asking to put in a septic system within the city limits. Mr. Moore is building a new home on the Ed Hand Highway. Commissioner Curran states that he needs more time before casting his vote because he would like to look into where it will be located and would it cause a problem for nearby residents. Commissioner Argubright said that if the County approves it, it should not affect other residents. Commissioner Curran has not personally seen the properly and would like to make sure the authorization is ok first. Mayor Rivara suggests tabling the matter for further review. Attorney Andreoni reminds to add the item to the next agenda.
Old Business: none
Public Comments: Drew Merriman addresses the council. Drew Merriman gives his opinion about the flags that are displayed throughout town and his displeasure about seeing flags that do not reflect branches of the military/veterans. Merriman questions why nothing, in his opinion, is being done about fireworks that are being lit off in town. Commissioner Lijewski attempts to respond to Merriman’s complaint. Commissioner Lijewski asks Chief Hayse to respond to Drew Merriman’s complaint. Chief Hayse addresses the council and states that seven complaints were called in regarding fireworks; the department responded to them and were able to identify 5 of the 7 complaints. Chief Hayse states that a warning was given to those individuals.
Commissioner Curran addresses Drew Merriman’s complaint regarding the flags and states he has no issue with it and thinks that more recognition should be given to first responders. Drew Merriman responds in that it was set up for veterans. Greg Stein addresses the council that he does not have an issue with the flags that are displayed. Stein likes the idea of storing all of the equipment in one place. Stein suggests repurposing the old ambulance building into a visitor center. Stein asks if the billing software allows for entering notes on utility bills. Greg Stein questions the HVAC system within city hall and if it is favorable in regards to the COVID 19? Stein suggests a possible heppa filter be installed. Commissioner Curran questions Stein’s concern about the note portion of the utility bill.
Commissioner Reports:
Argubright: none.
Lijewski: Ambulance had 95 calls, 34 of them being transfers. Police department had 28 case reports for accidents, 60 traffic stops and 23 citations and non-citations. The police department has initiated a new program where they log their calls and the Officer with the most points will be awarded the Officer of the Month. For the month of June, Sergeant Valle was awarded that. Fire department had 21 calls, 3 were water rescues. Chief Popurella wanted it noted that the cement for the generator was poured and to thank the city employees for their help in doing so.
Curran: no date has been set for the painting of the new water tower; residents will not be affected by this. The Street department pulled out the rocks and bushes at the municipal pool and poured concrete to allow for tables and chairs. A portion of Mallick Road has buckled due to the extreme heat. Commissioner Curran asks residents to call dispatch if they see any issues with the roads. GTI is continuing to expand. There have 2 power outages recently Curran reports. Commissioner Curran discusses the 2 sub-stations within Oglesby and that the city has a second line available and is looking into obtaining access to the second line that would benefit the city. Curran reminds that there is an audio system in place and is looking into adding video streaming to the current system. An installation date for August is pending.
Cullinan the municipal pool is now open. Cullinan thanks the staff for their work in getting it open. Summer camps will be available as well. If anyone needs information it can be viewed on the city’s Facebook page.
Mayor’s report: IMEA is working with Ameren to allow access to the additional electric feed needed for the city; but it will come with a price. It will give the city electrical liability. Mayor Rivara discusses Ameren’s rates to increase 6% a year for the next six years. With GTI’s expansion revenue has increased approximately $30,000 per month. All of the upgrades, with the exception of boring, have been
A motion to enter into closed session was made by CURRAN, SECONDED by ARGUBRIGHT 7:58 p.m. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWKI, RIVARA.
A motion to return to regular session is made by ARGUBRIGHT, seconded CURRAN by at 8:37 p.m. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA.
A motion to adjourn was made by ARGUBRIGHT, seconded by CURRAN 8:38 at p.m. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA.
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