MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 13, 2007.
The minutes of the regularly scheduled Monticello City Council Meeting of November 13, 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
Deputy Clerk McFarland Hayes
Vanderkloot
Hiller
Brown
McHale
Corrie
Kuetemeyer
Student Advisor King
Mayor Mitze led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Alderman Hiller seconded by Alderman Brown to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2007, Claims Report of November 13, 2007, City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2007, Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2007, Farm/Truck Route Public Input Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2007, September 30, 2007 Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Permit Report for October 2007, Police Department Month End Report for October 2007. Motion Carried.
Mayor Mitze invited Kristen Lawson, librarian for Allerton Library to make a presentation. Ms. Lawson introduced the “One Book, One Community” reading program involving the communities of Cisco, Monticello and White Heath. Free copies of the book “Rules,” by Cynthia Lord are available at several local businesses and establishments. The public is invited to read the book and meet for discussions, as well as a chance to meet the author on January 14th, 2008. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the library.
Mayor Mitze commented that the 48th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade will be shown on Channel 2. He congratulated the recipients of the Citizen of the Year Award, Blanche Stoller and Tari Bricker. He was pleased to see the results of the PSAE tests, with Monticello schools ranked 19th in the state, 1st in the area.
There was no old business.
A motion was made by Alderman McHale to approve the 2008 meeting dates of the City Council and Planning Commission, and the City Holidays. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hayes and carried.
Resolution 2007-58 authorized the execution of the IMLRMA Minimum/Maximum contribution agreement. If the Council decided to go with this minimum/maximum program, the premium would be $129,529, including a 2% early payment. Alderman Hayes mentioned that by taking this route, the City is not only saving money by making the payment all at once, but lowering potential payments. Alderman Hayes made a motion to pass Resolution 2007-58, seconded by Alderman Corrie. Motion carried. Mayor Mitze requested Mr. Allsop compliment City staff on their safety habits.
Ordinance 2007-59 grants a variance at 905 S. Irving Street, owned by Mr. Terry Stoltey. Mr. Stoltey requests said variance to allow for sideyard setbacks at his residence to be reduced from 7.5 feet to 4.5 feet, because of construction of a garage. The previous vacation of an alley created an additional 5 feet to the property. There is a private sanitary sewer service line that serves both the properties of Mr. Stoltey and the adjacent neighbor to the east, Mr. Brown. Both agreed that there would be no problem with the proposed garage in accessing this line. Should they need to do so, the City would not be responsible for maintaining that line. The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the recommendation for the variance on November 5, 2007. A motion was made by Alderman Hayes and seconded by Alderman Brown to approve Ordinance 2007-59, an Ordinance granting a variance to 905 S. Irving Street. Motion carried.
Resolution 2007-60, a Resolution Authorizing the negotiation and execution of a contract, allows the City of Monticello to enter into an agreement with W. E. Excavating for the amount of $16.695.00. The downtown alley project consists of installing a drainage tile, connecting all downspouts into the tile, as well as install surface drains in the alley behind the East End Tavern building. The City of Monticello Public Works Department has already performed the above-mentioned work at the alley behind the East End Tavern Building. W. E. Excavating will color and pour concrete and stamp a brick pattern on the concrete in the finished alley. Alderman Vanderkloot requested the City keep salt off the new concrete the first year, if possible. A motion was made by Alderman Allman to accept Resolution 2007-60, seconded by Alderman Hayes. Motion carried.
Superintendent Allsop explained the Annual Tax Levy process. This is the legal process where the City asks taxpayers for money to spend. The monies incurred go for the general fund expense account. The tax levy must be filed with the Piatt County Clerk by December 26, 2007. If the levy asks for an increase of under 5%, the Council can merely adopt the ordinance and move forward. If the increase is greater than 5%, there must be a published notice in the paper and a public hearing. Mr. Allsop reminded the Council that only 10% of the total taxpayer’s tax bill goes to the City. Alderman Vanderkloot requested an illustration of the projected amount verses the actual amount for the previous two years. The Special Service Tax #2 was approved by the City Council, affecting only those residing in Appletree Subdivision. The SSA tax is a $0.50 tax. It was also requested to provide the Council with a breakdown of the Special Service #2.
Mayor Mitze commented on the first meeting of the Economic Advisory Council, that all members were present and enthusiastic about their task. The next meeting will be December 17, 2007 at 5pm. He requested an ordinance change from the Council, allowing for an increase in member numbers from 12 to 15, and the appointment be annual, changing from the original 5-year appointment. Alderman Kuetemeyer commented that he likes the idea of someone making a 5-year commitment for something he thinks of as a serious operation. Alderman Hiller felt that by 1 year appointments, the Council may be opening it up to someone who has more to give 1 year, as opposed to more years. The Council agreed to have the legal counsel draft an ordinance.
Alderman Corrie presented the possibility of purchasing the yellow Leiper Warehouse building from Ed Williams, to house Monticello Area Arts Council and a senior center. The City has recently purchased and paved the parking lot between the warehouse building and the City Municipal Building and he feels it would be a valuable asset to the house the Arts Council and seniors. Belinda Beccue and Marty Burgin, representing the Monticello Area Arts Council, and Edie Poling, representing the Seniors’ Peace Meals commented on the site. The Area Arts Council wishes to have some room for an exhibit of local artists’ works, as well as a classroom for demonstrations and lectures. The Peace Meals operation has budgeted funds for rent for a relocation of this program. The site would be ideal because there are no steps and parking is available. Alderman Kuetemeyer stated that his vision is to have many organizations use the space. He reminded everyone that this building is 98 years old. Alderman Hiller stated that he doesn’t think having Mr. Allsop negotiating a price for the purchase of this building is a good idea before knowing what the City is getting into. He feels it needs too much work and the City would be putting a lot of money into it. Alderman Hayes mentioned that the location is ideal and he doesn’t believe it will take as much money as Alderman Hiller led to. He has no concerns as long as there is a master plan. Mayor Mitze requested Mr. Allsop talk with Mr. Williams to discuss a potential price to sell or lease, but wanted to see a master plan before presenting this project to the Council.
Student Advisor King reported that Monticello ranked 1st in the area and 19th in the state in the PSAE tests. Progress reports would be distributed November 16th. Fall sports teams practices have started and the Monticello Soccer Club starts practices this month in the Decatur Center. The Band and Chorus students will be participating in the IMEA All District competition on November 17th and there is no school on November 20-22.
Alderman Corrie stated he enjoyed the Chamber banquet at the Allerton House, where over 90 people attended. He congratulated the Citizen of the Year Award recipients. Both he and Alderman Kuetemeyer will be meeting with David Monk and Heartland Pathways for one final meeting later in the week to discuss options.
Alderman Kuetemeyer received a thank you from residents to Gary Sebens and the Public Works department regarding the signage on Old Rte. 47. It was suggested that a sign directing to the business district be erected. Mr. Allsop said he would check with IDOT about attaching a sign onto the new Allerton sign.
Alderman Hayes reported that the new brush drop-off hours are Sunday through Friday, noon – 5pm, and Saturday 8-5pm. The last day for the landfill is scheduled for December 7th. He listed the Halloween coloring Contest winners; Maya Kaczor (4 and under), Sydney Romsos (5-8) and Audrie McCabe (9-12). The 2nd Annual Trick or Treat at Nick’s Park brought in over 400 kids, and there are plans for a bigger event next year. Adult recreation has open gym volleyball on Wednesdays, 6-8pm, and Sundays, 2-4pm. The cost is $1.00 and anyone can show up at Lincoln Gym and join in a game. There will be a holiday house decorating contest this December, entry forms can be picked up at the Municipal Building. The top 5 houses will be chosen by judges; then the public can vote for the winners on Enews. Youth are encouraged to participate in a Christmas Coloring Contest; forms are available at the Municipal Building.
In Superintendent Allsop’s report, Mr. Allsop reminded that the last brush pick-up was in October, and if anyone has brush still to be picked up, they need to call the Municipal Building quickly. Leaf pick-up will be going on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The landfill will be closing December 7th or until needed. The Leiper parking lot asphalt is completely done; he is unsure if the lot will be striped this year or next spring. The Grandview Estates project is done, this phase involving the replacement of 2/3 of the cul-de-sac and installing curbs and gutters. City engineers are working on a preliminary design for the Colfax to Chase drainage project. He is hopeful that the Nick’s Park detention basin project will begin soon. 6 of the 19 City of Monticello firefighters have recently completed their Firefighter II certification, making total soon to be 18 of the 19 firefighters with this certification. Callie McFarland and he have joined the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers), which allows for members to gain knowledge about commercial statistics, as well as use as an economic development tool. He stated he learned that retail sales are up 1.6% across the nation.
In the public participation, John Heider, a resident of Monticello, presented the City with a new airport plan. The design consisted of a minimal airport, less than 200 acres; 70 of which would be for the airport, and the remainder could be rented to the owners or adjacent property owners. 90% of the funding would be provided through federal dollars, which is assured. 5% of the funding would come from state dollars and the remaining 5% from local dollars. This project would create no increase in taxes. If approved, the dollars could be recouped through federal monies. Mr. Heider suggested that all community organizations get involved (Piatt County Farm Bureau, Chamber, etc.) and to view this project as another venue to the area. Mayor Mitze stated that the Council would consider the study because it involved minimal relocation and the current area is out of compliance. With the Council’s permission, he would like to see an airport study committee be created, and put on the agenda for the December 3, 2007 Study Session.
With no further business, a motion was made by Alderman Hayes, seconded by Alderman McHale to adjourn at 9:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by,
Callie Jo McFarland, Deputy City Clerk
For the City of Monticello, Illinois
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