City of Macomb Committee of the Whole met Nov. 14.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
The Committee of the Whole, of the Macomb City Council, met in the City Council Chambers on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 5:22 p.m. located in City Hall at 232 East Jackson Street, Macomb, IL.
Mayor Michael Inman called the meeting to order and roll call was taken, Deputy City Clerk Renee Lotz called the roll and the following were present: Aldermen Mike Wayland, John Vigezzi, Don Wynn, Tom Koch, Ashley Katz, Tammie Leigh Brown-Edwards, and Dennis Moon.
In addition to the Mayor, Deputy City Clerk and Aldermen, City Administrator Scott Coker, and City Attorney Lisa Scalf, were present. Police Chief Jerel Jones and Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann were in attendance.
PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Inman opened the public hearing at 5:15 p.m., providing opportunity for public input regarding the proposed Water Treatment Facility, and discussion on the planning and design of the Treatment Facility.
Mayor Inman explained the city’s Application Project Loan L174231, to the ILEPA for the Water Supply Loan for construction of a new facility to include; 5 wells, 4 Reverse Osmosis units, 1.5 million gallons of ground storage, garage/storage building, 2 pre-flush storage tanks, 3 high service pumps, standby generator and all related appurtenances and restoration. The public hearing is a part of the required process, and an assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed water supply project. The city received a project summary and a preliminary environmental impact report from IEPA which is posted on the city website, there is also a map of the proposed site at the northwest corner of Grant and Ward Streets.
Public Works Director Ohrtmann provided information on the in-depth studies and guidelines that must be conducted on site concerning environmental, economic, and social impacts.
She explained the project has been reviewed by the Department of Natural Resources for compliance with the Endangered Species Act, Illinois Natural Preservation Act, Illinois Wetlands Act, and no negative impacts are expected due to the project. It was also reviewed by the States Historic Preservation Office, and no negative impacts to historical or archaeological resources due to the project.
Due to the project being located on undisturbed land and having potential to affect properties that have religious or cultural significance to Indian Tribes previously residing in Illinois, Macomb submitted information to all Federally recognized Indian Tribes. The Osage Nation has requested a Cultural Resource Survey be completed; it is currently underway. This project does not require sign-off by Army Corps of Engineers, or Illinois Department of Agriculture. She stated all information was reviewable in the City Clerk’s Office from now until November 28, 2022, at which time it would be closed and any comments from the public would be sent to Illinois EPA for consideration.
Public Works Director Ohrtmann reported the estimated cost of the Treatment Facility is $23 million. The city qualifies with IEPA who offers low interest loan of 0.93%, there is some principal forgiveness available, up to $1.5 million.
Mr. Dana Walker resident of Macomb, was present to express his concern, requesting on behalf of citizens to do away with the debt service fees, being already too high for individual households.
Public Works Director Ohrtmann explained that during the budget process, an enacted schedule for a 5-year increase to the debt service was set, setting the rates to position us to be able to make the payments.
There were no other comments for or against the Water Treatment Facility, and Mayor Inman closed the public hearing at 5:21 p.m.
PROCLAMATION: Mayor Inman read a proclamation to commemorate November 12, 2022 as the 100th anniversary of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a non-profit collegiate sorority with more than 100,000 members, 500-plus U.S. and global chapters, and many organizational partnerships. Celebrating Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Week, November 6 through 12, 2022.
The Sorority’s Epsilon Beta Chapter of Western Illinois University also celebrates 50 years on Western’s campus, first being chartered in 1972. Present to receive the proclamation, Amaya Jones President of Epsilon Beta Chapter, Kiara Newsome of the WIU Black Student Association, and Alderman Tammie Leigh Brown-Edwards.
Ms. Amaya Jones stated their Chapter has served locally for 50 years, and internationally 100 years, and were looking forward to service on and off campus for many more years to come.
Ms. Kiara Newsome thanked their local partnerships, Macomb Police Department, WIU Food Pantry, YMCA, Housing Authority McDonough County, WIU Rec Center, Macomb CUSD #185, McDonough District Hospital, Office of the City Clerk, WIU Women’s Center, and Samaritan Well.
Alderman Brown-Edwards stated she was very proud of the young ladies, having done great work within the city, creating an initiative with the McDonough District Hospital, giving baby gifts to children born on November 12th.
Public Comment: none
The first item on the agenda for discussion was on consideration of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $6,500,000 Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2022A of the City of Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois, providing the details of such bonds and for an Alternate Revenue Source and the Levy of Direct Annual Taxes sufficient to pay the principal and interest on such Bonds, and Related Matters. This ordinance had first read last Monday night.
CA Coker explained the Fire Pension fund was approximately 52% funded and, Police Pension 66%. The money would be borrowed through the bonds, paying both funds up to 90% funding, saving over the next 15 years approximately $4.7 million dollars, by utilizing a lower bond rate than what is currently being paid in interest.
There was no discussion and Mayor Inman stated it would be placed on the agenda for second reading and final action at Monday night’s meeting.
The second item on the agenda for discussion was on consideration of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $10,000,000 Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2022B of the City of Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois, providing the details of such bonds and for an Alternate Revenue Source and the Levy of Direct Annual Taxes sufficient to pay the principal and interest on such Bonds, and Related Matters. This ordinance had first read last Monday night.
There was no discussion and Mayor Inman stated it would be placed on the agenda for second reading and final action at Monday night’s meeting.
CA Coker stated the next step in the process would be a bond call, getting a rating from Moody’s, then the actual call for the bonds, and know then, the actual percentage we would be paying, then onto council for approval.
There was no further business.
Alderman Vigezzi moved, seconded by Alderman Koch to move into executive session to consider information relative to: a.) Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of an employee of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, pursuant to Sec. 2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act., on question being put, Aldermen Wayland, Vigezzi, Wynn, Koch, Katz, Brown-Edwards, and Moon being all Aldermen voting “Aye” on roll call and no “Nay” votes, Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and they adjourned into executive session at 5:31 p.m.
Alderman Vigezzi moved, seconded by Alderman Wayland to move back into open session, all Aldermen voting “Aye” by voice vote, and no “Nay” votes, Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and the moved back into open session at 6:09 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Alderman Vigezzi moved, seconded by Alderman Wayland to adjourn the meeting, all Aldermen voting “Aye” by voice vote, and no “Nay” votes, Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and they adjourned the meeting at 6:09 p.m.
https://cityofmacomb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/11-14-2022.pdf
Alerts Sign-up