MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 25, 2008
The minutes of the regularly scheduled Monticello City Council Meeting of February 25, 2008 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 (7:05) Attorney Tracy
Deputy Clerk McFarland Hayes Clerk Fruendt
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 McHale to approve the Claims Report of February 25, 2008, City Council Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2008, and the Budget Report for the period ended January 31, 2008. Motion carried.
Mayor Mitze congratulated the Monticello High School Varsity Boys Basketball team on their regional victory, and senior Kyle Dooley for his state wrestling 2nd place title. He stated that Ameren wants to raise delivery rates to municipalities up to 40%. Champaign is hiring an “expert” on the subject to go before the Illinois Commerce Commission. If several communities, including Bloomington, Urbana and Monticello were to band together, the $95,000 cost for this service would be broken down on a per capita basis, and Monticello would only have to pay approximately $2,800. Mayor Mitze asked the Alderman to think about whether they would be in support of this venture, and he would provide more information by the next meeting.
There was no old business.
Resolution 2008-06, Model Masters Road Project, allows for the City to enter into an agreement with W.E. Excavating in the amount of $109,836 for the construction of a road to the site, located northeast of the railway museum. Model Masters is the organization that puts on the J.R. Aerotow event every year. When negotiating for the site, they asked before purchasing the site if the City would build a road to the site, and they would provide parking. W. E. Excavating would be responsible for the excavation, shaping, compacting and the placement and compaction of CA6. Construction is expected to start once weather permits, and the new road would be a 27’ wide oil and chipped surface. The City of Monticello would not assume maintenance or repair on this roadway. This project is strictly tourism, as there are 3-5 planned events per year, bringing in hundreds of visitors across the country, and would be a good boost for the Piatt County Museum project and the Monticello Railway Museum. The City chose not to bid this project out for the sake of time and to keep the business local, which is allowed if there are 6 yes votes from the Council. Alderman Hayes made a motion to approve Resolution 2008-06, Model Masters Road Project- W. E. Excavating – Construction, and that the City waive the requirements to advertise and accept bids. Motion seconded by Alderman Brown, and carried.
Resolution 2008-07, Model Masters Road Project- Roger’s Trucking- Rock Hauling, allows for the City to enter into an agreement with Roger’s Trucking to haul the rock needed for the above mention project to the site, for the amount of $38,870. Alderman Hayes made a motion to approve Resolution 2008-07, Model Masters Road Project- Rogers’ Trucking- Rock Hauling, and that the City waive the requirements to advertise and accept bids. Motion seconded by Alderman Allman, and carried.
Linda Miller, Carol Hawkins and Chris Corrie gave a presentation on Monticello Main Street; 2007 events and the new events this year. The presentation included an introduction of the Board of Directors, reviews of the farmer’s market, flowers and design committee, holiday lights, murals, May market, Chocolate Fantasy, event signage, business resources guide, façade improvement matching grant program, free design services, alley improvement project, the Monticello Celebration, holiday TV promotion, website features, business promotion, and Artrain USA.
In the Alderman’s report, Alderman Hayes reported that summer ball registration went on the last two weeks, and at this point , over 540 youth had signed up, down from 620 last year. There is still open gym volleyball going on Wednesdays and Sundays for $1. The Recreation Department is accepting applications for summer employment. Applications are available at the Municipal Building. There is an Easter Coloring Contest going on for kids 12 and under, and the deadline is March 17. The Piatt County Child Care Association, Allerton Park and the City of Monticello will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt at Piatt County Forest Preserve Park on March 15th, for ages 12 and under. Registration begins at 9:30am and the event starts at 10:00am. They are still looking for volunteers and donations. Interested parties should contact Rhonda Buchanan or Angie McCabe with the Child Care Association.
Alderman Kuetemeyer reported that there are still houses with no visible numbers. Superintendent Allsop stated that this project was a priority.
Alderman Corrie responded to several callers regarding stormwater damage.
Student Advisor King reported that 3 Monticello High School wrestlers went to state, and Kyle Dooley won 2nd Place. He will be joining the U of I wrestling squad next year. The Boys Basketball team beat St. Joseph, winning regionals. They play again March 26th against Olney in Casey. There are three weeks until spring break and the solo/ensemble competition for the high school band and chorus will be held this weekend.
In the Superintendent’s Report, Mr. Allsop reported that the generator project is going well, but there was a setback today when Ameren came to switch to the new service and two control units blew. Everything is working now though. Terry is working at acquiring easements for the 600/700 East (Varner) drainage project. Letters went out Friday and there have already been two calls for further discussion. Brett Thompson is in Springfield for the Farm Bureau Government Affairs Conference, presenting the GIS systems and how municipalities can apply them to their advantage. Spring Clean Up Week is May 10 – 17. April 25, from 2-5pm is a “Shred Day,” where a professional shredding service will be on site for shredding of documents from the public. This event is sponsored by the City of Monticello Recreation Department. The Attorney General’s office will be present and provide information relevant to identity theft. Mr. Allsop reviewed the four general fund income producers of the fiscal year budget and the projections for the coming year. Recreation is increasing their fees for the year because of some anticipated but necessary equipment additions for the pool, as well as maintenance fees. Mr. Allsop also asked the council to look at the structure of fees for licensing and permits. These fees do not accurately reflect the amount of time and resources that go into issuing a permit or license.
There was no public participation.
Alderman Kuetemeyer made a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel and pending and probable litigation. Alderman Hayes seconded and the motion carried at 8:10pm.
A motion was made by Alderman Corrie to come out of closed session at 9:20pm. Motion seconded by Alderman Hayes and carried.
With no further business, a motion was made by Alderman Hayes, seconded by Alderman Corrie to adjourn at 9:20 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by,
Callie Jo McFarland, Deputy City Clerk
For the City of Monticello, Illinois
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