The Canton City Council Mechanical Committee was held on January 27, 2009 in Council Chambers, at the Historic Depot, 50 North 4th Avenue, Canton, Illinois.
Those in attendance – Aldermen Eric Schenck, Joe Berardi, Craig West, Larry Sarff, Jerry Ellis, Sonya Lewis. Absent –Pamela Ihnes, Jason Strandberg.
Others in attendance – Mayor Kevin R. Meade, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City Treasurer Aaron Anderson, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Police Chief W. Dan Taylor, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, City Engineer Keith Plavec, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water Treatment Plant Supt. Greg Pollitt, System Maintenance Supt Bill Terry, Street Supt. George Spahn, Video Services by Joe Ginger.
In the audience was News media of John Froehling from the Daily Ledger, Mark Bixler from WBYS Radio, Police Officer Gerald Foreman, Lee Puelo, Assistant Fire Chief Dan Oaks.
PUBLIC SAFETY & TRAFFIC – ALDERMAN JOE BERARDI, CHAIRMAN
Police Report.
Police Chief W. Dan Taylor highlighted his report with the following –
Myself along with several of the Canton Police Department Union members participated in the Santa Cops Program. Approximately 30 underprivileged children were given the opportunity to eat lunch with Police personnel, tour the Police Department, and shop with Police personnel at Wal-Mart.
Officer Josh Wages graduated from the Police Training Institute on December 4th, and is currently in the Field Training Officer program. Officer Jarrod Smith and Officer Brett Butler have both competed the Field training Officer program and are currently assigned on their own to a patrol shift.
Lieutenant Dean Putman will retire on February 6th and there will be a retirement party for him on Saturday, February 7th at 3:00 p.m. at the Canton VFW. Everyone is welcome.
The Police Department is putting on a 9-week Citizens Police Academy beginning Thursday, February 19th and every Thursday thereafter at the Historic Depot. Applications can be picked up at the Canton Police Department. Anyone from the public is encouraged to apply as well as any interested Aldermen.
Alderman Berardi ask the chief about the next promotion for an officer.
Police Chief W. Dan Taylor commented that Dustin Pollitt who is now the Animal Control Officer is the next name in line to be called, and Dustin is in the final testing at this time.
Fire Report.
Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer highlighted her report with the following –
The December weather created multiple calls. The Ice Storm brought tree limbs and power lines down throughout the City of Canton. Icy conditions made response difficult and activities at the scene dangerous. These dangerous conditions require diligence by the firefighters in maintaining safe incident scene conditions.
We attended the announcement of the Cook Medical facility development coming to Canton’s former International Harvester site. The event was held at the First Baptist Church. The facilities exits were check to assure proper egress and the conditions were monitored as those attending filled the building.
The State of Illinois Truck Revolving Loan was submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshall. This zero interest loan is designed to assist with the purchase of fire apparatus.
An officers meeting was held December 3, 2008. The status of multiple projects was discussed. The priories for the coming year are being determined as are items to be included in the 2009-2010 budget year.
Mark Hanlin completed his last week of class for Arson Investigator Certification. The five week class is an extensive department and personal commitment. The department now has three investigators certified to the Arson Investigator which included arrest powers and one investigator with fire investigator certification.
The fire department spouses organized a Christmas party at the fire house. Current firefighter, retired firefighters and paid on call firefighters along with their families attended this event. This is the second year the spouses arranged this event. Santa attended and presented toys to the youngsters as everyone enjoyed excellent food.
Kayma Duncan completed 30 years of service with the City of Canton, December 1, 2008.
Firefighter Robert Moravek and his wife Tammy welcomed their son, Ryan Thomas into the world on December 1, 2008.
Annual Ladder Testing.
Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer memo states they are required annually to have the ground and aerial ladders tested. American Test Center performs these ladder tests each year. The testing will be done in March or April.
The testing will cost $1,590.00. This is $535.00 per Aerial Apparatus and thirteen ground ladders at $40.00 each.
This is a budgeted expense in category 412.
Alderman West made the motion to allow the expense and forward on to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Berardi. The motion was by unanimous voice vote.
Purchase of Stalker Radar unit.
Police Chief W. Dan Taylor memo states they are requesting approval to purchase a Stalker Radar Unit. The cost of the radar unit is $2,010. The Police Department’s IDOT Grant will cover $1,700 through reimbursement, leaving the remainder of $310.00 which I would like to take out of the DUI Fund (15). This was a budgeted expense when applying for the IDOT Grant. With Council approval the radar unit will be ordered from Stalker Radar Applied Concepts.
Alderman West made the motion to allow the purchase, and forward to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Schenck. The motion was by unanimous voice vote.
Cellular Telephones.
Police Chief W. Dan Taylor memo states they are requesting the police department to be allowed to switch over cellular telephones from Nextel to Verizon. The present cell phones are approximately six years old and as a result the batteries are wearing out as are the phones themselves and related accessories. The Nextel reception is poor at best when west of Canton. The main reason the Police Department has stayed with Nextel is due to the direct connect and group talk functions of the phone which are vital to covert operations.
Verizon has recently updated to the direct connect and group talk functions and the reception in our area is expected to be better. I have spoken with Kathrine Stoefen who handles the State and Government Verizon accounts for our area. If we were to switch over to Verizon we would get a package that includes a military ruggedized and waterproof phone that is replaced every ten months with a new battery, 4000 peak minutes, unlimited Verizon to Verizon calling, unlimited Nights & Weekends, and Nationwide No Roaming. The monthly fee would be $354.00 plus tax which would be approximately $390.00. the Police Department is currently budgeted for $387.00 for cellular telephones per month. There is a onetime fee of $379.00 for the car chargers and the holders.
Mayor Kevin R. Meade said this could be for city wide use, and we would have to check on current contracts, and have someone give a presentation. No action taken.
Alderman Berardi brought up the following that was not on the agenda.
Alderman Berardi ask Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer why Dan Netune, the fire investigator was not at this meeting when Joe had asked for him to be here by e-mail. The chief answered, Dan had other plans for this evening.
Alderman Berardi then asked Water Treatment Plant Supt Greg Pollitt why meter reader Mark Bugos was not here? Greg answered, he did not receive any e-mails or any other request to have him attend this meeting.
Alderman Berardi said he wants a written report why they were not here.
Alderman Berardi then asked Fire Chief of notifying a business before coming to someone’s establishment for inspections. Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer answered, she does notify some of the time, but not all of the time. At times they are working in a area where they may do the whole block.
Alderman Berardi said it is not some of the time.
Then Alderman Berardi ask why Dustin Pollitt was there, and Tony Farhenbruch, and the water Department, and Dan Neptune?
Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer said she had invited them to the former Café Europe, as a smell of carbon monoxide was in the building. Because of that it caused a follow up later on. The building was not safe. And we checked the building from top to bottom.
Water Supt Greg Pollitt said he ask to be at the building by a request from the fire chief and took the meter reader Mark Bugos with him.
Lee Puelo was asked to speak by Alderman Berardi.
Lee Puelo said the fire chief was right, there were fumes in the building. Came back twice, had two water department people with her. Things became weird. I am a professional person and it was wrong of suggesting I am stealing water, you should be ashamed thinking about it. I treated the Fire Chief in a professional manner. It’s insulting to me they get to much money, and they should not. Lee said he was losing a lot of water, so he went to the city.
The Public Safety & Traffic committee adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
STREETS & GARBAGE – ALDERMAN CRAIG WEST, CHAIRMAN
City of Canton Health Insurance.
Dan Oaks reported the Insurance Committee met on January 23, 2009 to go over Health Alliance claims report and to discuss the upcoming premium renewal. The committee after discussion voted to recommend that the City contract once again with Rick Semonis of SBSI Semonis to negotiate the renewal with Health Alliance. The fee for this is the same as last year at $1,500.00, which was more than recouped in the eventual savings of over $140,000 from their initial quote.
Alderman Lewis made the motion to allow hiring Rick Semonis to negotiate with Health Alliance, and forward on to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Berardi. Discussion. Alderman Sarff mentioned the City has used Rick Semonis in the past and he done good work for us. Alderman Ellis said he knows Rick and he did an excellent job for him in the past year. The motion was by unanimous voice vote.
Alderman Schenck mentioned to Cliff the tree limbs are disappearing and told Cliff the street crews are doing a good job.
The Streets & Garbage Committee adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
LAKE, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS – ALDERMAN SONYA LEWIS, CHAIRMAN
Proposed increase in rates at the camp site for the Lake Area.
The current rates are $8.00, and $10.00 with camper and electricity, and $9.00 with tent and electricity.
Alderman Lewis presented the current rates, with proposed increases as follows:
Proposed Increase
Campers or tents without electricity$8.00/night$9.00/night
Tents with electricity$9.00/night$10.00/night
RV’s with electricity$10.00/night$12.00/night
Alderman Lewis made the motion to increase the rates as outlined, and forward to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Berardi. Discussion. The shape the camp ground is in we would have to add water and electricity. This area was part of the Master Plan. The electricity would be a big cost.
Alderman Sarff asked if this area is over our goal for self sub staining or will the tax payers continue to subsidize?
Alderman Berardi asked if her committee make a decision of what they want to do first? Alderman Lewis said there was a lot of interest in the old boat dock being more accessible. Alderman Berardi asked how would that help the site? Alderman Lewis commented they don’t coincide, and this is a 20 year Master Plan.
Keith Plavec city engineer said he would e-mail everyone tomorrow of the cost for the boat dock.
Mayor Kevin R. Meade said has this been compared to other camp grounds? Alderman Lewis said no! You can’t have too big of a raise. You have to figure cost for those in town and those from out of town, and does the rate go up?
Alderman Sarff said people will pay a reasonable rate if they feel their getting value for the dollar. We don’t have a first class facility out there. If charging a low rate, you have a low rate facility.
Alderman Berardi said my priority would be to do the camp ground rather than build a boat dock. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
The Lake, Building & Grounds Committee adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
PUBLIC WORKS, WATER & SEWER – ALDERMAN ERIC SCHENCK, CHAIRMAN
Cost of equipment to TV City Sewers.
Public Works Director Cliff O’Brien mentioned that we will have two guys running the jetter truck and we could add one more employee and have them rotate their jobs. We could have our money back by doing in house. Should get 10 years out of that equipment. You’ll be doing this work from now on.
Alderman Berardi ask Keith Plavec if this could be used for Bonding funds? Keith said he would check with the bonding firm first.
Alderman Schenck made the motion to forward this to the Finance Committee for the need to put in next year’s Budget. Was duly seconded by Alderman Berardi. Discussion. Alderman Schenck said for Cliff O’Brien, Keith Plavec to be included for options, and checking for the use of bonding funds. The motion was by unanimous voice vote.
Downtown Parking & Streetscape Plan.
Keith Plavec gave out a hand out of Option 1 and Option 2 of the White Court and Pine Street improvements Cost Opinion from Maurer Stutz Inc. Total estimated cost $196,173.00. Keith said we could lose 5 parking spaces in option 2. You would want to upgrade the surface of the parking lot. We never put in those cost in the totals. We’re still waiting to see if we get the grant. Mark Rothert is checking on the TIF dollars.
Alderman Schenck wanted to know if it would be cheaper leaving out the bump outs and do more on the parking lot surface?
Keith Plavec said the cost would be more.
Alderman Berardi stated to meet with the Coleman Clinic and ask what they can do on South Main Street.
Alderman Schenck said one thing that needs to be done in our Budget on this $800,000, we can’t continue to borrow out of the General Fund. Kathy Luker the former City Treasurer and Budget Director created a sinking fund. We need a finance plan for our TIF items of a short one and a long one.
Alderman Berardi said we have never done anything for the citizens of Canton, not even a new sidewalk. If we coordinate with other people, we give back to our neighborhoods more.
Alderman Schenck commented we have borrowed $453,000 out of the General Fund. Alderman Schenck asked for the mayor and Aaron Anderson, City Treasurer of having a stimulus formulated plan on our loan and general fund obligation.
Alderman Berardi ask for Aaron Anderson to give idea of our debt limit next week.
24’ Raw Water Transmission Main, Application #7 from Reynolds Inc. for $98,707.34.
Alderman Schenck made the motion to accept the request from Reynolds Inc. for payment #7 of the 24’ Raw Water Transmission Main, in the amount of $98,707.34, and forward on to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. The motion was by unanimous voice vote.
Radial Collector Well payment #2, from Reynolds, Inc. for $10,156.50.
Alderman Schenck made the motion to allow payment #2 from Reynolds Inc. for the Radial Collector Well in the amount of $10,156.50, and paid from Bonding funds, and forwardon to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Berardi. Discussion. Keith Plavec said the date for water from the acquafier is January 1st, 2010. The motion was by unanimous voice vote.
Bradley Corner Sewage Pumping Station, application #3 from Leander Construction Inc. for $42,257.21.
Alderman Schenck made the motion to allow application #3 from Leander Construction Inc. for the Bradley Corner Sewage Pumping Station in the amount of $42,257.21, and forward to council and paid from Bonding funds. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. The motion was by unanimous voice vote.
Secondary Clarifier #1, payment #5 from Leander Construction Inc., for $108,485.10.
Alderman Schenck made the motion to allow payment #5 from Leander Construction Inc. for the Secondary Clarifier #1 in the amount of $108,485.10, using Bonding funds, and forward to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Berardi. The motion was by unanimous voice vote.
Bradley Corner Sewage Pumping Station – Change Order #2 for $32,666.17.
Alderman Schenck made the motion to allow for (2)Change Order #2 for Bradley Corner Sewage Pumping Station in the amount of $34,837.57, using Bonding funds, and forward to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. Alderman Schenck said this is two Change Orders, one is for the generator at $32,666.17 and the second request is electrical for $2,171. Keith Plavec said the full amount is $34,837.57. The motion was by unanimous voice vote.