City of Virginia City Council Met Dec. 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Brunk started the meeting at 7:03 pm. Roll was called. Alderman French, Pratt, Bowman, Wulf, Behrends and Cox all answered present. This month’s agenda was presented to the council. Alderman Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda and Alderman French seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Alderman Cox made a motion to approve the November minutes and Alderman Pratt seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Monthly bills were reviewed and Alderman Behrends made a motion to approve monthly bills, Alderman Bowman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Barrett stated we are still down in several categories such as the replacement tax and the sales tax. He also stated that the video gaming is down year over year. All of these are related to COVID. There has been a lot of activity with VRWS and city water. A big payment on the loan was made per the agreement with Ashland with the extra money that they pay for debt service. Treasurer Barrett stated that the water meter loan has been paid off in full, there is also still money there to purchase water meters. This ordinance ends September 1st, 2021. We have opened up two new CD’s for VRWS what is a part of our savings plan. Sales tax for the month was $10008.70 and video gaming was $4436.17. Treasurer Barrett also mentioned that video gaming has been shut down again due to COVID so there will be a delay again when we receive income from that. Overall, the general budget is in good shape. Treasurer Barrett also stated that income is above expectations and expenses are below so we should be in good standing.
Attorneys Report
No attorneys report this month
City Clerks Report
Clerk Cox reminded everyone that the election petition deadline is December 21st, 2020 for those who are wanting to run for a seat in the April 2021 election.
Mayors Report
Mayor Brunk encouraged business to get with the economic development director to discuss the assistance that is available to them. He also stated that there is a bicycle at city hall and asked if anyone had any ideas on a family that could use it? Alderman Cox stated to put it on facebook and see if someone would like it. Mayor Brunk replied that was a good idea and that he will do that. Mayor Brunk also stated that COVID cases keep getting worse in the county and he cautions everyone to be safe over the holidays. He stated that hopefully we can get the number of viruses down soon in the county.
Aldermanic Report
Behrends: Alderman Behrends stated that he wanted to make sure that everyone gets their budgets ready for the next fiscal year. He would like to set up a financial committee meeting January 8th so that it can be presented at the council meeting the following Monday. Alderman Behrends stated that he would like to get it done before the next council meeting. Alderman French asked if a couple of dates and times could be put together and decide from there.
French: Alderman French stated that he had talked to Attorney Veith in regards to some city/street stuff. He also stated that the building looks like some major headway has been done. He stated during the bid process, Shireman’s had to prove they were a legal organization. He stated that one ordinance that Public Works Director, McClure, and I were discussing was that when property owners goes through the process of getting their property disposed of that they go to the zoning committee. When they come in and get their permit, Alderman French states that the organization doing it should have to provide insurance on not only the organization but the vehicles they are using as well. Alderman French stated that possibly we could impose a small fee to cover liability if they leave a mess after they are done. Attorney Veith stated that he could put something together for us to review and modify if needed. Alderman French stated that Shireman’s had to have a checklist of things to be approved and we do not do that for anyone else in the city and he thinks we should. He stated this way if anyone is going to get a permit to do any demolition, we would need to have their business license and insurance in case something were to happen they would be liable. Mayor Brunk said that he does not see a problem with pursuing this. Alderman French said if council members were in agreement to move forward with that then he would get the ordinance updated, it needs updated anyways. Alderman Cox stated that sounded good to him. Alderman Behrends also agreed that he didn’t have a problem with it either. Alderman French said he would get with Attorney Veith and we can discuss more next month.
Pratt: Alderman Pratt commented that since the bars cant sell liquor in house right now, could we refund some, if not all, of their liquor license fee? He stated they are losing quite a bit of money due to mitigations. Mayor Brunk stated he would give it some thought. He said last time we gave them an extension on their renewal. Alderman Pratt stated he was just wanting to do something to help them since they cant sell anything right now. Mayor Brunk stated that he took that into consideration last summer but we will see what we can do.
Cox: Alderman Cox would like to thank Randy and his guys for decorating the square.
Unfinished Business
Tax Levy (2nd reading)
With nothing further to discuss, Alderman Behrends made a motion to approve the tax levy. Alderman Bowman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business
Personnel
Christmas Incentive time for city employees. Mayor Brunk stated that it is the same as it was last year. There was no increases. With nothing further to discuss, Alderman Cox made a motion to approve the Christmas Incentive for city employees. Alderman French seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Brunk addressed the council in regards to giving the part time employees a Christmas Incentive as well. He stated that it would not be as much as the full time but wanted to give them a little something. With nothing further to discuss, Alderman French made a motion to approve the Christmas Incentive to part time city employees. Alderman Cox seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
With nothing further to discuss at 723pm, Alderman Wulf made a motion to adjourn the council meeting. Alderman Bowman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
http://virginiaillinois.net/minutes/december-14th-2020/
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