West Central Reporter

City of Macomb Committee of the Whole met Feb. 26.

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, February 26, 2024 at 5:15 p.m. located in City Hall at 232 East Jackson Street, Macomb, IL.

Mayor Inman called the meeting to order and roll call was taken, Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Cerven called the roll and the following were present: Aldermen Justin Schuch, John Vigezzi, Byron Shabazz, Dave Dorsett, Don Wynn, and Dennis Moon. Alderman Ashley Katz was absent.

Also, in attendance were, City Administrator Scott Coker, City Attorney Lisa Scalf, and Police Chief Jeff Hamer Public Comment: none

The first item on the agenda for discussion was on a contract agreement between the City of Macomb and the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office for purchase of a 2019 Dodge Charger. Chief Hamer presented a memorandum highlighting the contract agreement. He stated the vehicle has served its purpose as a K-9 vehicle for Detective Severs and Mac who has been retired; and Officer Seavers moving to a detective.

Chief Hamer stated he considered having Detective Sever use the 2019 Charger, but the plan would cost several thousand dollars in decommissioning K9 patrol equipment. They also considered taking out the K9 equipment, rotate the car to patrol, and use the next car as the detective car. This plan would take a long time to enact and is not the most financially sound.

Sheriff Petitgout is enacting a K9 program and needs an outfitted car, ordering a car, waiting for delivery, and equipping costly and timely. Chief Hamer stated he and Sheriff Petitgout, with advice from legal counsel, have approached a deal for the 2019 Charger; sell the car to the Sheriff’s Department for $40,000.00. The proceeds would be used to purchase an F150 extended cab truck and equipment for around $43,200.00. Both agencies would avoid long delays, while making the best use of the tax payer dollars. Essentially, the city would end up with a purpose-built detective vehicle, almost 5 years newer, for $3,200.00.

Alderman Dorsett asked what fund did this come from.

Chief Hamer stated Police Protection Tax.

Alderman Wynn asked why we negotiated high to the Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Hamer stated he felt it was fair market value.

There was no further discussion and Mayor Inman stated the item would be placed on the agenda for final action at next Monday night’s meeting.

The second item on the agenda for discussion was on an Annexation Agreement with Georgetown Subdivision. City Attorney Scalf stated first and foremost, the city is not taking over the lagoon, that will remain the Homeowners Association obligation. If at some point the lagoon is abandon, the city would be a financial partner with that association to construct a lift station, and at that time, take over mains to the inlet.

City Attorney Scalf stated the city would be taking over watermains, but not service lines. The city will discontinue its $24.00 surcharge per household. Upon annexation, commence payment of the debt service fees assessed by the city for each unit being annexed. They would retain a single meter water meter, waste disposal would remain the same; and remain the obligation of the Homeowners Association.

City Attorney Scalf stated owner will dedicate all streets, storm sewers, cross streets culverts, and street lights located on the street right-of-way to the city. The Association would retain obligation related to the off-street parking and any driveways. The Association would retain the pool and any common areas, including maintenance.

City Attorney Scalf stated rental registration of any rental property within the territory would be effective immediately. However, fees would not be due until the end of 2024 with the next billing cycle. For the 3 years following annexation, those would only incur complaint-based inspections, then at that point, they would begin the triannual inspections that follow with all of our other rental properties.

Alderman Vigezzi stated there had been a recent publication stating taxes would increase by 50%. He asked City Attorney Scalf to address council for clarification.

City Attorney Scalf stated that is incorrect. She believes the current rate for properties outside the city is north of 9%, and in city rate is north of 11%. This would be a about a 2% increase.

City Attorney Scalf explained how they were currently billed for water usage. They receive one bill for the entire area, the Homeowners Association pays and collects the money through dues.

Alderman Moon asked in the future would there be individual meters.

City Attorney Scalf stated it would be very costly. Once they’re annexed, it would be at the discretion of the city.

City Administrator Coker stated if there was ever a need for a main replacement project, that would be the time to put in meter pits.

Alderman Dorsett asked for clarification on the burning portion of the ordinance.

City Attorney Scalf stated that portion is not part of the annexation.

Alderman Schuch asked why now for the annexation change and what would the cost benefit be for the city.

Mayor Inman stated this has been a desire from the city’s perspective for at least 15 years or more. Since that time, this was the third attempt that successfully passed through the Homeowners Association and membership of the community to seek annexation. At this moment, it is a mutually agreed upon issue. The benefits to the city would be to assume population giving the city $140.00 per capita, per year, in shared revenue. We estimate the population to be 500 more, less. There would be a slight increase of property tax from the city, but would be offset by a 10-year period to make the Township whole, and a 5-year period for the Fire Protection to be made whole. The city will be acquiring some infrastructure that will need to be maintained.

There was no further discussion and Mayor Inman stated the item would be placed on the agenda for final action at next Monday night’s meeting.

Alderman Dorsett moved, seconded by Alderman Vigezzi to adjourn into executive session to discuss 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 Schuch, Vigezzi, Shabazz, Dorsett, Wynn, and Moon being all Aldermen voting “Aye” on roll call and no “Nay” votes on roll call Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and they adjourned into executive session at 5:31 p.m.

Alderman Dorsett moved, seconded by Alderman Moon to move back into open session, all Aldermen voting “Aye” by voice vote and no “Nay” votes, Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and they adjourned back into open session at 6:16 p.m.

There being no further business to come before Council, Alderman Vigezzi moved, seconded by Alderman Dorsett 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 6:16 p.m.

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