MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2007.
The minutes of the regularly scheduled Monticello City Council Meeting of October 9, 2007 held in Council Chambers of the Municipal Building in Monticello, Piatt County, Illinois.
Meeting convened at 7:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mayor Mitze Alderman: Allman Attorney Tracy
Clerk Fruendt Hayes Alderman Vanderkloot
McHale
Corrie
Brown
Kuetemeyer
Hiller
Student Advisor: King
Mayor Mitze led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Alderman Hiller seconded by Alderman Hayes to approve the Budget Report ending August 31, 2007, the Treasurers and Investment Reports of August 31, 2007, the Claims Report of October 9, 2007, the Monthly Permit Report for September, 2007 and the Police Report for September, 2007. Motion Carried
Mayor Mitze congratulated the city on its effort on behalf of the food pantry. He appreciated city staff for helping. Don’t forget the Fire Department open house on October 11th at 5:00 P.M. There will be a Farm/Truck Route meeting on October 11th at 6:00 P.M.
Alderman Hayes asked Superintendent Allsop if he has heard anything about the wireless. Allsop responded by saying no. Allsop did report the Media Com cable has been run out to Walden Pond and they will be hooking it up to interested residents. Also, EPA is needing more information from engineer Mike Streff regarding the Pepsin Building. They are trying to get a hold of Mr. Streff but he is on vacation.
Alderman Corrie asked about the Old Amoco Station again. Superintendent Allsop stated he had tracked down an attorney in St. Louis for the company owning the facility. Allsop called and spoke with the attorney and he asked for some information. Once Allsop had the information the attorney needed, he called him back and had to leave a message. He has not heard from the attorney.
A motion was made by Alderman Allman, seconded by Alderman Hayes to approve Resolution 2007-55, A Resolution Authorizing The Negotiation and Execution of a Contract Bypassing the Bidding Process. Motion Carried.
Regarding the swimming pool project, it was agreed to postpone the project until the fall referendum rather than next spring. At the study session, the city respected the public’s vote but we need the citizen’s input in greater detail than last time.
After the last meeting, the water rate adjustment was discussed at length at the study session. Superintendent Allsop prepared a chart illustrating the old bill totals and what the new bill totals would be. Allsop just wanted to make sure everyone was on board with this before the water bills were changed. The council discussed this again and the Mayor took a pole of the Alderman on whether they would like the raise all at once or only half. With the pole taken, it was decided to do the full proposal.
Student Advisor King stated the school had their homecoming dance on Saturday, September 29th and the football team won the homecoming game on Friday, September 28th. The Marching Band Invitational was held here last weekend. The golf team came in third at the sectionals but two golfers made it to state finals. Also, the volleyball team is doing very good. Sophomores and Junior’s are doing the PSE for practice for their ACT test. The teachers did not strike so we had school. A lot of vandalism is taking place at the schools for the last two weeks.
Alderman McHale commended Callie from the city and the residents for doing such a good job for the food pantry.
Alderman Corrie announced a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 12th at 2:00 P.M. for a new business called the Split Rail. It is located in the building formerly owned by Tureskis Photography. The Artrain will be here next week. There is a community sculpture located near the city parking lot. Alderman Corrie is not taking any credit or blame for the sculpture but anyone interested in adding to it they are welcome to do so.
Alderman Kuetemeyer announced that at the last council meeting him and Alderman Corrie made a challenge to the other wards in picking up items for the food pantry. Everything was picked up on Friday, October 5th and Ward Three won the challenge for the most food picked up in their ward. Alderman Kuetemeyer and Alderman Corrie asked Alderman Brown and Alderman McHale to come forward to receive their gifts. A presentation was made by Alderman Kuetemeyer to the Alderman.
Alderman Brown wanted to thank the entire community for their support of the food drive for the food pantry.
Alderman Hayes wanted to also thank the community and with the challenge it shows the city is interested in getting involved. The report for the JFL records is as follows: 8th grade 7 & 0, 7th grade 7 & 1, 6th grade 5 & 2, and 5th grade 5 & 2. JFL will finish up this Sunday. The driving range and landfill is still open with fall hours. Fall soccer will finish up on October 20th. Hayes reminded everyone of the Halloween coloring contest and the Trick or Treat party at Nick’s Park on October 31st from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
In Superintendent Allsop’s report, he reminded everyone the clean-up week ends this Saturday. Don’t forget the Trick or Treat hours are 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The Monticello Report made it last week. The city has completed the oil and chip program. Public works employees have been busy working on the parking lot out side here. They should be finished with that this week. The next project they will be heading out to is Grandview and work on that, then they will head to some of the downtown alleys and then the next area would be Chase to Buchanan project. The city received a replacement tax check and it is 20% more than last year. A memorial will be held on October 27th at 4:00 P.M. for Mary Jo Hettrick at the Crossroads Church. Mary Jo Hettrick was our former Economic Development Director. Just a reminder of the Farm/Truck Route meeting on October 11th at 6:00 P.M. This will be held at the Community Building. A suggestion of the Mayor for this meeting is to give the public three to five minutes to speak and they would have to sign a sheet when entering the meeting to be able to speak. Alderman Allman asked whom the city would get to do this. Mayor suggested possibly Callie could. Alderman McHale wanted to know how long this meeting would last. Mayor stated when people quit talking.
In the public participation, Derrick Peterson came forward and pleaded with the council if the meeting on October 11th for the Farm/Truck Route could be taped. In the past they have not been taped. The council stated it made no difference to them if the meeting was taped or not. Several comments from the council and the public were made during the public participation. The Mayor read the Statute 625 ILCS 5/15 116 during the discussion. Mayor Mitze made the comment at the end of the discussion that we need to work together on this project.
A motion was made by Alderman Hayes, seconded by Alderman McHale to adjourn at 9:19 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by,
RENÉE M. FRUENDT, City Clerk for
the City of Monticello, Illinois
