City of Virginia Council met April 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
Mayor Brunk opened the regular meeting at 7:33pm. Roll was called French, Anderson, Bowman, Wulf and Cox answered present. Alderman Behrends was not present. The minutes of the March meeting were presented. Alderman Cox made a motion that the meeting minutes be approved and Alderman Cox seconded. Motion carried unanimously. The monthly treasurer’s report was in the council’s monthly packet, the council reviewed. The video gaming revenue for the month of March was $2583.10. The sales tax figures for the month of March were $13786.20. There was no transfer of funds this month. Monthly bills were presented. Alderman Wulf made a motion and Alderman Bowman seconded that the bills be paid as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Treasurer Barrett stated that the fiscal year is coming to an end and the city is still on track. All funds have been appropriated.
Guests: Ashley Reese, Leigh Morris, Brad Leigel, Addison Evans, Jeanette Lacy, Stephanie Hobrock
Public Comment:
No public comment
Students of the month:
Mayor Brunk presented Addison Evans with her student of the month certificate for being respectful.
Public Works (McClure): McClure stated that he has been working on EPA paperwork. Due to the weather not much was about to get done lately.
Police Chief (Helmich): 160 calls, 22 service, 12 arrests. Chief Helmich presented the council with a packet that was Springfield, IL’s Cannabis Control Ordinance. He asked the council to review and take in consideration to implement a similar ordinance in Virginia. Alderman Anderson asked if the fine money would go to the city. Chief Helmich stated that the money from the fines would go into the police account and be used for purchasing drug kits to continue the program and help tackle this issue. Mayor Brunk stated that he would meet with the Attorney to draft an ordinance. Attorney Veith asked if the States Attorney would have an issue with this? Chief Helmich stated that he would not. The Illinois State Statute changed and anything under 10g is now a civil citation which imposes a fine, prior to this change, the individual would have went to jail. Chief Helmich also stated that he may need to purchase a computer since we no longer have one of the computers we have been using. Chief Helmich says he should know by the end of the month of it is needed and would like the approval of the council to go ahead and purchase one if need be. Alderman Cox stated he is fine with that as well as Alderman French. The rest of the council was also in favor.
Fire Chief (Reynolds): 4 calls: 03/13 field fire, 03/14 field fire, 03/15 called out then called off, and 03/23 field fire. Recently the fire department burned the prairie. The fire department also presented MECCA employees with a plaque in recognition of their years of service and dedication to this community.
Board Reports
Zoning (Merriman): nothing to report at this time
Park (Cox): As of right now, repair on the manhole will but postponed. There are 9 lights out on the big diamond. The park will be replacing some concrete around the pool and taking down the high dive and replacing it with a second low dive. The park has purchased new carpet and new nets for the batting cages. It was proposed in last meeting that a new pavilion will be built near the big diamond.
Library: The attorney prepared the requested draft back in February that the Library needed.
Economic Development (Anderson): nothing to report at this time
Cemetery (Behrends): nothing to report at this time
Attorney’s Report: Attorney Veith received and reviewed the Resolution Authorizing First Amendment to Cass Rural Water Contract. Basically, this resolution restarts the contract made with Cass Rural Water. In order for CRWD to secure a loan, the USDA and Rural Development Association is mandating a 40-year contract. Attorney Veith also mentioned that there was something similar done in Jacksonville, IL with the Cannabis Control ordinance and that he didn’t see a problem drafting an ordinance for Virginia. Attorney Veith informed the council that Alderman Anderson approached him in regards to drafting an ordinance in regards to social media for the city employees. Basically, this would entail implementing a policy for city employees that they are not to be posting on social media anything regarding city business along with no sexual predation or illegal contact.
Aldermanic Reports
Cox: Alderman Cox asked if all the street lights have been replaced. Mayor Brunk responded that he was not sure. Chief Helmich stated that he marks down each one that is not working.
Behrends: not present
Wulf: Alderman Wulf thanked the chief on his pursuit on a stop that involved cannabis. Chief Helmich stated that he pulled over a car and it resulted in several charges which included 3.5 pounds of cannabis. Alderman Wulf stated that he is still working on the TIF application for the crosswalks. He thinks it will be around $4000-$5000 after all is finalized. He also has received some complaints from people in regards to the street closure. Ambulance services has also expressed complaints in regards to this.
Bowman: nothing to report at this time
Anderson: A letter was given to Mayor Brunk in regards to the clean up of the damaged building on the square. Alderman Anderson stated that he had an engineer come and look at it and it is going to cost too much to repair. Congressman has been contacted to request a grant to assist in the clean-up.
French: Alderman French stated while out of state they had small signs in the streets that were bolted in the ground. They bent back and forth. Alderman French didn’t know if that was something that would be approved in the state of Illinois.
Clerks Report: nothing to report at this time
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Brunk stated that he received an update from Hamann electric. The report stated that materials and labor have been implemented. Two new ground fields implemented. The work is not finished yet, 75% of the allotted budget has been spent. Mayor Brunk also thanked the council for giving him their confidence to handle the aggregate agreement.
Unfinished Business:
FY 2018/2019 City Budget (Second Reading):
With no changes made and after final review, Alderman Wulf made a motion to approve the FY 2018/2019 City Budget. Alderman Cox seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business:
Commerical Energy Costs
Brad Leigel spoke with the council in regards to the commercial energy costs for the city. He informed the city of the current rate of.6299/kw that is being charged. He told the council that at renewal they have two options. The first option would be to sign a 2-year contract at.5299/kw/hr which would be a total savings of $10140 for two years. The second option would be to sign a 3-year contract at.5399/kw/hr which would be total savings of around $13000 based on the current usage. Mr. Leigel suggested the city to consider the 3-year contract as it is unknown what the rates will be in two years and this way the low rate is guaranteed for longer. He stated that currently commercial usage in the city of Virginia is about 507812 kw hours which doesn’t include street lights. In order to lock in these rates a contract must be signed. Mayor Brunk expressed concern as to what the rates would be like in 2 years as electrical costs raise daily. All Alderman agree to go with the 3-year contract for commercial energy.
FY 2017/2018 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance (First Reading)
Treasurer Barrett stated the changes made:
TIF increased of $3000.00
TIF audit increase dof $300.00
Forrestry Fund increased $800.00
Garbage Fund had an increase of $3800.00 due to the city wide clean up being more expensive.
Liability Insurance increased $18500
Workers Compensation increased $750
Treasurer Barrett also stated that the new appropriations are coming in at $27,100 more than last year.
The old appropriation total was $2,779,533.73 and the new total is now $2,806,633.73 which is an increase of $27,100.00. Alderman Wulf made a motion to approve the first reading of the Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance for FY 2017/2018, Alderman Bowman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
FY 2018/2019 Appropriations Ordinance (First Reading)
Treasurer Barrett stated that this is basically the exact same as the budget. This is the final version of the appropriations. Alderman Cox made a motion to approve the first reading of the FY 2018/2019 Appropriations Ordinance, Alderman French seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution Adopting the 1st amendment to the CRWD Water Purchase Contract
Alderman French made a motion to approve the contract, Alderman Anderson seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
TIF Funds for Finney Enterprises/McCauslands
Mayor Brunk stated that the TIF amount was up to $50,000 for roof and electrical repairs. Alderman Wulf made a motion to approve, Alderman Cox seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Stephanie Hobrock thanked the council for the approval of the TIF funds to help the store.
Bill Merriman also added an update to the ambulance service. He stated he was not sure if they have been able to re-establish with Walker Nursing home yet though. Mayor Brunk said he was going to introduce them to the White’s.
With nothing further to discuss at 8:27pm, Alderman French made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Alderman Bowman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
http://virginiaillinois.net/minutes/april-9th-2018/
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