City of Oglesby City Council met Aug. 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A Regular Meeting Of The Oglesby City Council Was Called To Order At 7:00 P.M.
Present: Commissioners Argubright, Cullinan, Curran, Lijewski, Mayor Rivara, Attorney Jim Andreoni And City Clerk Eitutis.
Mayor Rivara reads a statement in regards to the electric bills. Mayor Rivara gives figures in regards to what the city has paid in electric purchases for the city. The Mayor also gives information as to what the electric rates are for the city. The Mayor also gives explanation as to why the electric bills increased dramatically in the month of July.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIJEWSKI, SECONDED BY ARGUBRIGHT to approve the regular meeting minutes from July 20, 2020. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA. Commissioner Lijewski states that the minutes for July 20, 2020 are correct but would like it noted that she misspoke in regards to the proposed ordinance regarding the Ambulance Department.
Public comments on agenda items only: none.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT, SECONDED BY CURRAN to approve bills as presented for payment. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA.
AAA Tree Service $ 5,050.00; Ameren IP $ 838.34; Anixter $ 1,784.00; Asani, Shyrete $ 15.00; Benefit Planning Consultants Inc. $ 223.30; Call One $ 2,929.95; Chadwick Mfg $ 831.54; Clegg-Perkins $ 260.00; Comcast Business $178.35; De Lage Landen Financial Services $ 335.56; Double M Trucking $ 440.00; Eichelkraut, Patty $ 15.00; Emergency Medical Products $ 568.96; Fastenal Company $ 138.49; Feece Oil $ 1,611.85; Hale, Shelby $ 15.00; Hawkins Inc. $ 1,379.74; Humana Insurance $ 32,367.37; Il Dept. of Innovation & Tech $ 583.55; Il Valley Fence & Pool $ 6,200.0; IVCH $ 154.21; Jack’s Gas & Service $ 80.00; John Deere Financial $ 104.29; Kamnikar, Andy $ 30.00; Kendrick Pest Control $ 255.00; King Tire $ 517.00; Klein, Thorpe and Jenkins $ 4,158.00; Lafarge Aggregates Il $ 348.24; Mautino Distributing $ 26.00; Maze Lumber $ 40.14; MCS Advertising $ 480.00; Menards $ 1,294.14; Mertel Gravel $ 2,365.45; Midwest Mailing & Shipping $ 78.06; Nighthawk Total Control $ 15,937.42; OSF Saint Francis Medical Center $ 10.00; Peru Greenhouse Landscaping $ 600.00; Pescetto, Rachel $ 15.00; Pointcore Inc. $ 562.50; Republic Services $ 28,309.80; Sherwin Williams $ 343.20; Smart Source LLC $ 6,228.40; Standard Life Insurance $ 806.52; Superior Lighting $ 307.60; TEST Inc. $ 84.00; USPS $ 739.68; universal utility Supply $ 2,348.46; Utility Asset Management Inc. $ 14,000.00; Wahlstrom, Donna $ 50.00; Western Aggregates LLC $ 444.59; Western Sand & Gravel $ 1,7378.97; WEX Fleet Services $ 3,467.72; Zavsza, Shawn $ 15.00; Zimmerman, Amy $ 15.00. TOTALS: $ 144,829.39
A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIJEWSKI SECONDED BY ARGUBRIGHT to place on file 1123-081720 an ordinance authorizing the execution of the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Oglesby and the Fraternal Order of Police AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA. Commissioner Lijewski explains that the memorandum will allow for the officers to go to a 12-hour shift and will also allow for part time police officers. Switching to a 12-hour shift we provide for more coverage for the city. It will also allow for a better work life for the officer (allowing to have two days off in a arow). Hiring part time officers will not take the place of any of the current officers.
Shelby Pellino is sworn in and given the oath of office as the newest Oglesby Police Department’s patrolman. From Commissioner Lijewski.
A motion was made by ARGUBRIGHT, SECONDED BY CURRAN, to approve re-rating the bonds from Bernardi Securities. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA. Commissioner Argubright explains that the rate will change from to 3.5% to 1.5%. In doing so, it will save the city approximately $41,000.00 per year. Commissioner Curran questions how long is left to pay on the bonds? Mayor Rivara states one ends in 2029. Commissioner Curran asks if in doing so would it effect the city’s credit rating? Commissioner Argubright states it does not.
Commissioner Lijewski explains what the Hazard and Mitigation plan is. Commissioner Lijewski states it is a basic response to emergencies. Commissioner Lijewski gives examples of emergency, weather related instances. The Mitigation Plan shows how to handle such situations. Commissioner Lijewski states the council should read through the plan, gives their suggestions and then approve it once satisfied. Attorney Andreoni said that it needs to be adopted because some grants require it. Commissioner Curran asks if the Hazard and Outage plan can be combined with it or if it should be separate? Attorney Andreoni advises it should be separate.
A discussion is held amongst the council and city attorney in regards to setting a date for the working meeting. The date was to be August 10, 2020; however, the city attorney cannot attend. Commissioner Curran explains why he feels it may important. Examples he gives are possible changes to streets donations, social media policy and vehicle maintenance replacement. Attorney Andreoni states he can brief whatever attorney would be attending.
Old Business: Commissioner Curran discusses the canoe landing. The landing is checked daily by city workers and cleaned up as needed.
Public Comments: Drew Merriman calls in to discuss the rates and asks Commissioner Curran if he intends to raise electric rates for the city? Drew gives his opinion about the rates and states that at one point the city did not charge sewer rates and feels it is getting expensive to live in Oglesby. Commissioner Curran states there is an electric rate being conducted right now and states that he is hoping the results lean towards not raising the rates. Commissioner Argubright asks if the study suggests rates need to be raised would Commissioner Curran consider doing so? Commissioner Curran states that is not what he has planned and is hopeful for favorable results.
A resident calls in (unidentified) with concerns about the high utility bill for water and electric. Commissioner Curran states water rates did go up because of the passing of the ordinance. A discussion goes back and forth between the resident and Commissioner Curran. The resident states that she has spoken to several residents who have high bills and are not happy about it.
Commissioner Curran and Mayor Rivara encourage the resident to call city hall to discuss her bill to see if there is an error. Commissioner Curran states that Nighthawk meters are being installed to help get more accurate readings. The resident states she will call city hall to discuss her bill. Commissioner Argubright asks where the city is with the water treatment plant and Commissioner Curran states he will get him an update.
Commissioner Reports:
Argubright: none.
Lijewski: Ambulance had 79 calls with 24 being transfers. Fire department had 28 calls, 3 were water rescues. Police department had no information. Seargeant Padilla was awarded Officer of the Month for July. In regards to old business, Commissioner Lijewski discusses the ratio of officers needed in a community. Commissioner Lijewski gives details in regards to the needs for officers in the community. Commissioner Lijewski discusses the dynamics within the Police Department and states she feels comfortable with the number of officers employed.
Curran: Putnam County Painting is behind on the painting and is hoping to start by the end of the month. The well pump #4 was shutting down but was able to be repaired for $9,000 as opposed to a much higher cost. The audio installation for city hall has been delayed,
Cullinan: none
Mayor’s report: reminds all residents to wear a mask when entering City Hall. Phase III of GTI is to be completed by March 2021. 164 jobs will add when Phase III is finished. Oglesby has requested a second delivery point at the Mallick Substation due to the increased load. A 2nd delivery point would allow to back feed and will improve reliability. Talk of electric rates increase has been rumored and the Mayor it is not in the works but addresses the fact that 32% of the fossil generation has been shut down which forces to buy off the grid and is in part why residents bills increased. In Illinois there is 8% renewables the goal is to have 30% and reliable and efficient energy is needed.
A motion to enter into closed session was made by CURRAN, seconded by ARGUBRIGHT 7:47 at p.m. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA
A motion to return to regular session is made by CURRAN, seconded LIJEWSKI by at 8:30 p.m. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA.
A motion to adjourn was made by ARGUBRIGHT, seconded by CURRAN 8:32 at p.m. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, LIJEWSKI, RIVARA.
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