MECHANICAL COMMITTEE
OF CANTON CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, December 22nd 2009
Historic Depot 50 N. 4th Avenue
Those in attendance: Aldermen Jim Hartford, Craig West, Eric Schenck, Larry Sarff, Gerald Ellis, Jorge Rivero, Rick Reed Others in attendance: Mayor Kevin Meade, Deputy City Clerk Diana Tucker, City Treasurer Aaron Anderson, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, City Administrator Jim Snider, Police Chief Dan Taylor, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, WWTP Supt. Joe Carruthers, WTP Supt. Greg Pollitt, System Maint. Supt. Bill Terry, Keith Plavec, Joe Ginger Video Service. In the audience from the Daily Ledger John Froehling, Channel 31 news reporter Bret Lamonine, Joe Berardi, Debbie Berardi, Melanie Sepich, Harold Jump, Heather Kumer, Ketra Murphy, Floyd Spotser, Kathy Spotser, Lee Puleo, Keith Grant, Barb Bryant, Dave Pickle, Harold Rose, Jasper Brown, Rick Nichols, Phil Fleming, Betsy Taylor, Maggie Taylor, and various other citizens of Canton.
Mayor Meade called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
COMMENTS FROM MAYOR MEADE
The meeting will be conducted in the format outlined in the agenda. Three people requested to speak at tonight’s meeting. Those individuals will each have 5 minutes to speak according to the guidelines established for public participation. The Mayor read the guidelines to those attending the meeting.
Public Safety & Traffic
Alderman Jim Hartford, Chairman
WIRC: TECHNICAL SERVICES AGREEMENT-CDAP HOUSING REHAB GRANT
Kevin Wiehardt stated the technical services agreement was approved in September 2009; however an agreement was not signed. He is requesting a formal agreement be signed. Approximately 2300 surveys were sent out to determine a target area. Now that a target area was determined, a door to door survey is being conducted. The purpose of the program is to have grant funds to do rehab on homes. These grants would be provided to the home owners to have repair work done on homes. The Technical Assistance Agreement will cost $3,100.00 for preparation of the application. This amount was previously approved by Council; this is just a formal agreement that needs to be executed.
Motion and second was made by Alderman Ellis/West to send the Technical Assistance Agreement to Council for approval. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
WIRC: RESOLUTION COMMITTING LOCAL FUNDS CDAP HOUSING REHAB GRANT.
A Resolution was prepared to commit funds for use in conjunction with an Illinois Community Development Assistance Program grant, such funds to be in the amount of $9,000.00.
Motion and second was made by Alderman Ellis/ Reed to send the request to Council for approval of the $9,000.00 commitment of local funds. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
WIRC: RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT CDAP HOUSING REHAB GRANT
A Resolution was prepared so the City of Canton could apply for a grant under the terms and conditions of the State of Illinois and enter into and agree to the understandings and assurances contained in the application.
Motion and seconded was made by Alderman Ellis/West to send the request to Council for approval of The Council Resolution of Support. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
FULTON COUNTY ESDA PROPOSAL
City Administrator Jim Snider stated that the proposal basically is to outsource the ESDA agency with the county. The county would use the facility at the fire department. The total cost would be $3,600.00/year. The current operating budget for the ESDA program is $15,000.00/year for the in-house operations.
Chris Helle discussed the proposal of the county which is directed by Chris Helle and assisted by Howard Williams. The agency is fully credited with a full team of workers. If approved for the agency to occupy the firehouse it would be possible to be reimbursed for the cost of the utilities for their portion of the building. This would cost an additional savings for the city.
Phil Fleming ESDA coordinator stated that he feels outsourcing with the county is not in the best interest of the City of Canton. Canton, as the largest city in Fulton County, needs to have its own agency. Phil also raised some concerns regarding an emergency operations plan, training, education and experience credentials of the director and subordinates.
Alderman Larry Sarff stated that it would be a responsible action for the Council to look at ways of sharing expenses with the County; however he and Chairman Alderman Hartford asked that Chris Helle bring information back to next month’s meeting on the concerns stated by Phil Fleming.
Mayor Kevin Meade commented that the goal of the City is to find a way to save money by not duplicating work being done by both the city and the county.
RENTAL PROPERTY REGISTRATION
City Administrator Jim Snider stated that he feels there is a need for rental property registration. This was discussed at the staff level. The best approach would be to contact the largest landlords in the community, and see what concerns they have. This would provide the feedback that is needed by the city staff. Jim Snider stated that if any landlords or property owners have concerns, they are asked to contact Jim Snider.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Debbie Spotser stated that she is at the meeting to speak on behalf of friends, relatives, and citizens of the community. She began by stating the difficulty she encountered when trying to be placed on the agenda. She called one of the Aldermen, but was told she would need to contact the head of the Clerical Committee. Debbie stated that she tried to call the Mayor multiple times, but the Mayor did not return her phone calls. Lee Puleo called his Aldermen and was told that he would meet Mr. Puleo at the city building the next morning, but the Aldermen did not show up. Mr. Puleo called the chairman of the committee, but was told he would need to check with his boss. Debbie Spotser stated that the citizens of Canton elect these Aldermen to work on their behalf- they do not have a boss. Debbie read an Ordinance dated 1986 that states “appointed City Administrators are to investigate and respond to residence inquiries and complaints that relate to the operations of the city.” Debbie further stated that she is concerned about the operations of the City, and questioned if the City is being managed- or being mismanaged. Debbie Spotser stated that she is speaking out about the racism in the community, and the elected officials are covering up the racism. These issues are of great concern, and action needs to be taken to end this type of racism. Racial slurs are never an accident or a mistake- they are deliberate, hateful, and cruel remarks made with the intent to hurt and show superiority over people they slander. Debbie further stated that the community is dying because of the racist attitude that exists today. A lawsuit filed with the EEOC could cost the city a substantial amount of money. The leaders of the city need to take action to stop this downward path that we are on. Debbie is asking the leaders to make a moral and ethical decision and take care of the matters at hand.
Reverend Jim Offutt pastor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church began with “Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” You can call it a “mistake”. Outrageousracial comments can be labeled mistakes if you want to minimize it. The case can be closed by thinking “everyone does it”. Reverend Offutt explained that not everyone is a Police Chief, a Mayor, an Alderman, or an Elected Official serving the public. Although this “mistake” was made some time ago, it was just recently brought to the public attention. Attempts were made to cover up the issue- what a missed opportunity for a teachable moment for our children and youth. The lesson being that you can’t attain moral ends by immoral means. The mistake was taken to a level of conspiracy. This conspiracy is a conspiracy of willing and able people who are not blindsided by events, but have walked right into the conspiracy of silence with their eyes wide opened. What we now need in Canton is a fresh new start, with new people who are ready and capable of leading us out of the darkness of this conspiracy and into the sunlight and promise of a brand new day.
Nicole Wilder stated that when she speaks out of line, there are consequences for her words, and when she is wrong she will apologize. If an apology is not enough, she may need to take further action. As a citizen of Canton she believes the community should be embarrassed. The statements made- attacked her personally and are very heartbreaking. “Those that have done something wrong needs to stand up or step down--- this is the bottom line” Nicole further commented that those that did nothing about the issue- should be ashamed.
Chief Dan Taylor requested a statement be made on his behalf. In 2006 while serving as a Lieutenant a claim was filed against him by Officer Rusty Graham. This complaint came one day after a reprimand was placed on him for violating direct orders. The claim was that Dan Taylor made a racist comment about one of the employee’s children. The claim was investigated and determined that Rusty Graham had been dishonest about the incident. Dan Taylor further explained that the incident with Rusty Graham was a personnel matter and further information will not be made public. If Rusty Graham’s attorney files a lawsuit against the city, they will defend against it. Once all of the information is revealed in court, he feels the city will prevail. He further commented that he is a man of dignity, honor and high values towards family. Dan asked to please reserve your judgment and the outcome will speak for itself.
Mayor Kevin Meade stated that concerned citizens have the right to speak up, and look at the leaders of the community for answers. The Mayor stated that his concern is that all of the discussion regarding this issue was through the media. The Mayor is prepared to sit down with any group or individual to discuss any issue or concern. The door to the office of the Mayor is always opened, and would welcome any person with concerns, ideas, suggestions or solutions.
Mayor Meade further stated that Chief Taylor has his complete support, and would not accept a resignation if one was presented to him. He is fully confident with his ability as a Chief, and supports him.
POLICE REPORT
Channel 31, Joe Berardi, Debbie Berardi, Debbie Spotser, Lee Puleo, Rev. Offutt, Nicole Wilder, and other citizens interested in the discussion of the racial slurs left the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Chief Dan Taylor stated that an armed robbery took place Sunday, December 20,2009 at the USGO gas station in Canton. Two suspects were arrested for the crime. Chief Taylor complimented the dispatcher- Erin Slack, the officers of the Canton Police Department, the Fulton County Sheriff Department
Santa Cops Program- was conducted December 12th and 13th. This program began approximately 8 years ago. The police officers help under privileged children in the community by shopping with them. Over the past 8 year 330 kids in the community have participated, and $16,000.00 spent in the program.
High School and Ingersoll Middle School K-9 searches revealed a small amount of cannibals in a car at the high school, and a drug pipe at the middle school. Chief Taylor stated that the DARE program is proving to be helpful in the schools.
A subject was arrested for Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault/Crim. Transmission of HIV to an 11 year old victim.
Chief Taylor and Detective Grant spoke to the Rotary club about narcotics.
Through November 2009 the police department has used approximately 48.5% of the budget.
FIRE REPORT
Chief Bonnie Cremer stated that during the month of November fire personnel responded to one mobile fire and one reported vehicle fire. Fire personnel responded to 1648 East Chestnut Street on a report of smoke coming from a furnace. Upon arrival a small area of the wall next to the furnace was found to be smoldering. The area was cooled down, and the wall opened up to make sure there was no extension in the wall. No damage loss was listed on the report. The reported vehicle fire was found to be a fire in the bed of a truck caused by a battery starting the fire.
Fire alarms increased by 11.4% while EMS alarms increased by 9.0% compared to the responses in November 2008. An analysis of the NFPA 1710 response time compliance report shows that 96 (64.9%) of the alarms required compliance.
Chief’s Reports:
The special operations vehicle, a 1995 freightliner from Reliance Hose Company No 1 contract has been finalized. The contract was reviewed by the Reliance Hose Company’s attorney and the $5,000.00 down payment has been sent to them.
At the November 3rd Council meeting the agreement with Canton Firefighters was signed. The contract is in effect May 1, 2008 through April 30, 2011. The back pay was paid.
Arrangements were made to schedule two Canton firefighters for Texas A & M flammable liquids training. This training is part of the agreement between Riverland Biofuels and the City. The ethanol plant is paying for the training.
James M. Woods a retired Canton Fire Department Chief’s funeral was Thursday, November 29th, 2009. He retired after 27 years of service.
The fire department responded to a hazardous material incident to assist Buckheart Fire Department with a vehicle accident that occurred on U.S. Route 24 between Little America and the turn off to Liverpool.
Chief Cremer stated that the response time during the past few months was more difficult do to the construction on the north end of town.
The Public Safety & Traffic Committee adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Streets & Garbage
Alderman Craig West, Chairman
Alderman Craig West stated he received questions from some citizens about the street signs on North Main. Clif O’Brien stated that now that the construction is completed on North Main the department plans to put the signs up.
Clif O’Brien plans on visiting Galva regarding the setup of their recycling program. More action will be taken after the beginning of the New Year.
The Streets & Garbage Committee adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Lake, Buildings & Grounds
Alderman Rick Reed, Chairman
Alderman Ellis commented that he would like to see the campground stay as a primary focus of the committee.
The Lake, Buildings & Grounds Committee adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Public Works, Water & Sewer
Alderman Gerald Ellis, Chairman
Cook Canton Unsuitable Soil Reimbursement Request
Keith Plavec stated that this is part of the development agreement and is relevant to the Cook Project. A list was put together to show the items that are seeking reimbursement for the developer related expenses in the amount of $34,971.00. Some of this is due to the soil that has material that must be cleared away before footings were being put in.
The disposal and transportation costs were covered by the escrow account. The cost to excavate the material and load into the trucks were not covered by the escrow account. These are developer related costs that are seeking reimbursement. This expense will come from the TIF account.
Motion and second was made by Alderman Hartford/Reed to send the unsuitable soil reimbursement request to Council for approval. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
61 EAST SIDE SQUARE- AMEREN/CIPS INVOICE FOR ELECTRICAL SERVICE $9232.36
Keith explained the two options of putting a transformer on the east side of 1stAvenue, and then run underground to the Drow lot. The other option was to put a transformer on the site. Keith decided to go with the lower priced of the two options which are to put the transformer on the east side of 1stAvenue rather than have the transformer on the site. This would be a TIF related cost, and hopefully would get some reimbursement back from selling the building.
Motion and second was made by Alderman Ellis/Hartford to send to Council for approval the payment in the amount of $9,232.36 to Ameren/CIPS. The motion was carried by unanimous voice vote.
61 EAST SIDE SQUARE- AMEREN/CIPS INVOICE FOR GAS SERVICES $195.00
Keith Plavec explained that this is for the gas main in the amount of $195.00.
Motion and seconded was made by Alderman Ellis/Reed to send to Council for approval of the payment in the amount of $195.00 to Ameren/CIPS. The motion was carried by unanimous voice vote.
61 EAST SIDE SQUARE- APPLICATION FOR PAYMENT NO. 3 FROM LEANDER CONSTRUCTION INC $57,396.60
Keith Plavec explained that this payment makes the project at 24% complete. The walls are now visible, and the east wall will be the final wall to be put up.