West Central Reporter

City of Rushville City Council met April 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. ROLL CALL & CALL TO ORDER

The Rushville City Council met in the meeting room of the City Hall Building. Upon convening, Mayor Jeff Ervin directed City Clerk, Stacey Briney to call the roll. Upon ROLL CALL, the following answered present: Council Members: Susan Acker, Richard Davis, Terry Dodds, Bob Fishel, Bryan Matteson, Barry Rebman, and Paul Trimble. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Council Member, Mike Ryan was absent.

Others present included: City Clerk, Stacey Briney; City Attorney, Erin Wilson-Laegeler; Superintendent of Operations, Eric Thurman; Chief of Police, Rick Wright; Moe Billingsley of The Rushville Times; Stefanie Ballinger of Benton & Associates; Joan Sullivan and Cindy Hannant, representing PRIDE; Terri Belville and Evan Harrison, representing the Scripps Park Board; John Goddard, representing the Veterans Tiny Homes; Mark & Keli Schoonover and Sandy Bartlow; and Economic Development Director, Schuyler Isley (arrived at 7:02 p.m.).

2. OPENING PRAYER

The Opening Prayer was led by Mayor Jeff Ervin.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Ervin.

4. JOAN SULLIVAN TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL RE: PRIDE

Joan Sullivan reported that she and Cindy Hannant are part of the many people that take care of the flowers in and around square. Sullivan noted that PRIDE has been going for fifty-two (52) years. Sullivan stated PRIDE is requesting the city’s help with the flowers again this year. Sullivan said the city donated One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) last year. Sullivan noted things are very expensive but they will take whatever the city can do.

Sullivan stated, in the past, the city has hired a water person and wondered if that was still a thing, and Mayor Ervin said the person that did it last year was going to be approved later in the meeting. Parks & Recreation Committee Chairman, Terry Dodds asked if anyone was opposed to raising the donation to One Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($1,100), and Council Member, Bryan Matteson said he was thinking about One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200).

5. DISCUSS & CONSIDER DONATION TO PRIDE FOR FLOWERS ON THE SQUARE

Dodds MOVED TO APPROVE A DONATION OF ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($1,200) TO PRIDE FOR THE FLOWERS ON AND AROUND THE SQUARE. Fishel SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Acker, Davis, Dodds, Fishel, Matteson, Rebman, & Trimble; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Ryan.

Joan Sullivan and Cindy Hannant left the meeting at 7:04 p.m.

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS

John Goddard, representing the Veterans Tiny Homes reported they are in the process of raising funds to build the third (3rd) house on Franklin Street. Goddard noted he keeps hitting the same people up for donations and they need to find a different way to raise money. Goddard stated they are going to hold a virtual run, airplane rides on the first Sunday of June, and they have another project in the works but he cannot say much about it. Goddard said the city gave them One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) last year and he is asking for Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) this year. Mayor Ervin noted he is not sure the city has the money left in the appropriations and asked if he could wait until after May 1st. Goddard stated he was not sure but they can try to make that work. Consensus was to donate One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars for advertising for the Veterans Tiny Homes and they must bring in bills totaling this amount.

Keli Schoonover, owner of the Penney Event Venue reported she would like to be considered for a Class C liquor license. Schoonover said she knows the city laws say that they can only have one (1) per two thousand (2,000) people but that is not what the state law says so the council would just have to change their ordinance. Schoonover stated she has lost a lot of weddings because they do not have a liquor license and they could not participate in the Monkey Hill Bar to Bar Putt Putt for the same reason. Schoonover noted they cannot control the amount of alcohol being consumed when people can bring in their own. Mayor Ervin directed City Attorney, Erin Wilson-Laegeler to check into this and we will discuss it at the next meeting.

Terri Belville, President of the Scripps Park Board reported the swimming pool is drained, cleaned, and painted and the grates are ordered. Belville noted they are on point to have the pool filled by the first of May.

Belville said the irrigation at the golf course is working great.

Belville noted the floor in the sunroom at the Virginia has been poured and completed.

Belville stated the board is waiting on a price for rubber mulch so they can compare it to wood mulch because the playground is in need of new mulch. Belville noted she has also had a request for a handicap swing.

Belville reported she would like the council to think about what the lifeguards are worth when they go to approve the employees and wages for the pool. Belville stated the board felt paying a lifeguard One Dollar ($1) per hour more is worth it, especially since they have to have a certification, which costs about Three Hundred Dollars ($300) and the park only reimburses them One Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars ($125) if they stay.

7. CONSENT AGENDA

All items on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member so requests, in which event, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as the first item after approval of the Consent Agenda.

a) Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held April 1, 2024

b) Approve the Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting held March 21, 2024; Fire & Water Committee Meeting held March 21, 2024; Grievance & Personnel Committee Meeting held March 27, 2024; Economic Development Committee Meeting held April 4, 2024; & Police Committee Meeting held April 4, 2024

c) Approve “Claims for Council Approval Dated 04/15/24” & Accept Monthly Reports

d) Consider 2nd Reading of Ordinance No. 1375, Vacating Alleyway

e) Consider Suspending the Rules RE: Ordinance No. 1378, Supplemental Appropriation (Scripps Park)

f) Pass & Adopt Ordinance No. 1378, Supplemental Appropriation (Scripps Park)

g) Pass & Adopt Resolution No.1150, Dedication of New Ballfield from Rushville Little League

Rebman MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. Dodds SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Davis, Dodds, Fishel, Matteson, Rebman, Trimble, & Acker; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Ryan.

8. ITEMS TO BE REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA – IF APPLICABLE All items were approved on the Consent Agenda.

9. DISCUSS & CONSIDER ACCEPTING BID FOR WEST WASHINGTON STREET SIDEWALK PROJECT

Mayor Ervin reported the committee met earlier to open the bids for this sidewalk project. Mayor Ervin stated the city received two (2) bids and the lowest bid was from G M Sipes Construction in the amount of Two Hundred Twenty-Seven Thousand Five Hundred Sixty-Five Dollars and Fifty Cents ($227,565.50).

Dodds MOVED TO APPROVE A BID FROM G M SIPES CONSTRUCTION FOR THE WEST WASHINGTON STREET SIDEWALK PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS ($227,565.50). Fishel SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH A ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 6 YEAS – Dodds, Fishel, Matteson, Rebman, Acker, & Davis; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Ryan; 1 ABSTAIN – Trimble.

10. DISCUSS & CONSIDER APPROVING ESTIMATE OF MAINTENANCE COST FOR 2024 MFT

Stefanie Ballinger of Benton & Associates reported she has been working with Superintendent of Operations, Eric Thurman on what streets to oil and chip, etc. Ballinger noted the math on the backside of the map is the latest one. Said map is attached and a part of these minutes. Ballinger said the oil and chip at Schuy-Rush Park is not on the map. Ballinger stated the city might try to mill some of the streets down and then go back to sealcoat.

Ballinger reported the fairgrounds is not within the city limits so that amount will not come out of the city’s funds but will be included in the amounts. Ballinger stated the funds in the city’s Rebuild Illinois fund will be used for this year’s MFT so it can get used before the deadline.

Fishel MOVED TO APPROVE THE ESTIMATE OF MAINTENANCE FOR THE 2024 MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF THREE HUNDRED NINETY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($395,000). Davis SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Fishel, Matteson, Rebman, Trimble, Acker, Davis, & Dodds; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Ryan.

11. OPEN BIDS FOR DEMOLITION OF HOUSE LOCATED AT 147 E. LAFAYETTE STREET

Mayor Ervin opened the bids for the demolition of the house at 147 E. LaFayette Street. The bids are as follows:

• Doolin Enterprises - $56,687.50

• Edlin Construction - $28,000, with the addition of $1,800 for tree removal

• Hood Construction - $16,500

Mayor Ervin reported the successful bidder will have to provide the city with receipts from the landfill. Attorney Wilson-Laegeler stated the bidder will also have to submit a notice to EPA. Council Member, Bob Fishel asked if the city had a timeline of when the house needed to be demolished, and Mayor Ervin noted we have not set one yet but suggested ninety (90) days from signing the contract.

Sandy Bartlow asked if the bids included the big elm tree in the back, and Mayor Ervin stated that will have to be done by a tree service and the city will look at it once the house is gone. Bartlow stressed that the tree is on city property and she is pretty sure it was not included in Hood’s bid. Mayor Ervin reiterated that the tree will be looked at once the house is gone.

12. DISCUSS & CONSIDER ACCEPTING BID FOR DEMOLITION OF HOUSE LOCATED AT 147 E. LAFAYETTE STREET

Matteson MOVED TO APPROVE THE BID FROM HOOD CONSTRUCTION FOR DEMOLITION OF THE HOUSE LOCATED AT 147 E. LAFAYETTE STREET IN THE AMOUNT OF SIXTEEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($16,500). Fishel SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Matteson, Rebman, Trimble, Acker, Davis, Dodds, & Fishel; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Ryan.

Sandy Bartlow left the meeting at 7:25 p.m.

13. DISCUSS & CONSIDER 2ND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1376, ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE

Fishel MOVED TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 1376, ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE TO THE THIRD (3RD) READING. Matteson SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Rebman, Trimble, Acker, Davis, Dodds, Fishel, & Matteson; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Ryan.

14. DISCUSS & CONSIDER 1ST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1377, ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SALARIES, WAGES, AND BENEFITS FOR CITY DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENTS AND EMPLOYEES

Grievance & Personnel Committee Member, Bryan Matteson reported the committee had met on March 27th to discuss the salaries. Matteson stated the committee recommended giving the department heads a three percent (3%) increase which made the committee have to change some of the salary caps. Matteson noted the following: Superintendent of Operations - $69,253, adjusting the cap to $70,000; Cemetery Sexton - $58,582, adjusting the cap to $60,000; Chief of Police - $63,140, adjusting the cap to $64,000; and Golf Superintendent - $56,650, with no adjustment to the cap.

Matteson MOVED TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 1377, ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SALARIES, WAGES, AND BENEFITS FOR CITY DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENTS AND EMPLOYEES TO THE SECOND (2ND) READING. Davis SECONDED.

Grievance & Personnel Committee Member, Dodds stated that the committee put caps on the salaries for a reason and one of those salaries are close to what the City Clerk makes now. Mayor Ervin reminded Dodds that the clerk’s salary will come up in two (2) years. Dodds noted he is looking at one (1) employee and comparing the jobs to another.

THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Trimble, Acker, Davis, Dodds, Fishel, Matteson, & Rebman; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Ryan.

15. DISCUSS & CONSIDER AMENDING GOLF COURSE LIQUOR LICENSE TO ALLOW FOR THE SALE OF SPIRITS

Parks & Recreation Committee Chairman, Dodds reported the golf course wants to have a bar in the sunroom but their current liquor license only allows for beer and wine. Mayor Ervin stated that by state law, the golf course can sell spirits, but the city ordinance only allows them to sell beer and wine.

Dodds MOVED TO APPROVE AMENDING THE GOLF COURSE LIQUOR LICENSE TO INCLUDE SPIRITS. Matteson SECONDED.

Acker questioned if the spirits would only be served in the Pro Shop, and Clerk Briney noted the licenses allows for consumption on the golf course grounds and the parking lot. A discussion followed. Council Member, Richard Davis said he thinks selling spirits will bring in more people. Belville noted they have had a lot of requests for this. Belville stated they will be having another committee meeting to discuss the bar but they could not do that until they knew if they were going to be allowed to sell spirits. Acker asked how the board would know what type of spirits would be sold, and Belville said they did not know but they have talked about polling their guests to see what their requests would be. A discussion followed.

THE MOTION CARRIED WITH A ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 5 YEAS – Davis, Dodds, Matteson, Rebman, & Trimble; 2 NAYS – Acker & Fishel; 1 ABSENT – Ryan.

16. DISCUSS & CONSIDER APPROVING A RED GRANT FOR THE CAROL COTTAGE

Economic Development Committee Chair, Acker reported she received a TIF and RED Grant application from Susan Ashcraft for The Carol Cottage. Acker said the committee met and decided the RED Grant would be the best way to go. Acker stated the committee had approved a grant to a similar entity before.

Acker MOVED TO APPROVE A RED GRANT FOR THE CAROL COTTAGE IN THE AMOUNT OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000). Davis SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Davis, Dodds, Fishel, Matteson, Rebman, & Trimble; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Ryan.

Acker stated Ashcraft will need to be notified that she will have to pay hotel/motel tax as well. 17. DISCUSS & CONSIDER HIRING FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER

Police Committee Chairman, Mayor Ervin reported the committee interviewed Andrew Haas for a full-time officer position. Mayor Ervin noted Police Officer, Ted Eifert will be leaving in August so they are in need of a replacement. Mayor Ervin said Haas is already fully trained and he can start April 22nd.

Fishel MOVED TO APPROVE HIRING ANDREW HAAS AS FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER. Rebman SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Dodds, Fishel, Matteson, Rebman, Trimble, Acker, & Davis; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Ryan.

18. DISCUSS & CONSIDER HIRING PART-TIME EMPLOYEES AT THE PRO SHOP & POOL

Dodds reported the memo listing the part-time employees states Fourteen Dollars ($14) per hour for everyone but the Scripps Park Board would like to pay the lifeguards Fifteen Dollars ($15) per hour due to certifications, etc. and leave the snack shack employees at Fourteen Dollars ($14) per hour. Said memo is attached and a part of these minutes. Dodds noted there were two (2) employees listed under “Bar” and he was concerned about that. Belville stated those two (2) people are on an “as needed” basis and both have their baset license. Belville noted Pro Shop Manager, Jean Lane wanted to train them for the front counter so they could fill in there when needed. Belville said she would like to recommend the left side of the memo be at Fourteen Dollars ($14) per hour and the right side at Fifteen Dollars ($15) per hour.

Dodds MOVED TO APPROVE HIRING PART-TIME EMPLOYEES AT THE PRO SHOP AND POOL AS LISTED WITH THE LIFEGUARDS RECEIVING FIFTEEN DOLLARS ($15) PER HOUR. Fishel SECONDED.

Matteson stated he has a hard time with the lifeguards making Fifteen Dollars ($15) per hour. Matteson noted he has a daughter that works in the ER at the hospital and has had to do life-saving measures several times and only makes Fourteen Dollars ($14) per hour. Matteson stressed that he means no disrespect, he just does not agree with it. Acker asked if these guards are the ones that would not come in last year, and Belville said that she does not think those guards are even on the list.

AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH A ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 5 YEAS – Fishel, Rebman, Trimble, Acker, & Dodds; 2 NAYS – Davis & Matteson; 1 ABSENT – Ryan.

Terri Belville, Evan Harrison, and Mark & Keli Schoonover left the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

19. COUNCIL MEMBER & OFFICIALS’ REPORTS

City Clerk, Stacey Briney reported Becky Jones would like to set up on the square on Tuesday, May 7th to sell plants as a fundraiser for the Schuyler County Humane Society in memory of her sister, Angie Langner. Consensus of the council was to allow Jones to set up on the square.

Mayor Jeff Ervin reported the city is going to have to start doing inventory of any lead service lines and fittings on our water lines. Mayor Ervin said the city will have to dig up the services and do random checks on our lines. Mayor Ervin stated the committee has decided to rent a vac trailer because it will suck a hole and not tear up the streets or people’s yards. Mayor Ervin noted we are going to have to do quite a few of these but it will be a great benefit for the city. Matteson stated there are approximately one thousand seven hundred (1,700) services in town and there are possible grants available in the Thirty Thousand to Forty Thousand Dollar ($30,000-$40,000) range but the city would have to hire a third (3rd) party. Matteson noted this has to be done by September. Mayor Ervin noted he is hoping to start this in June.

Mayor Ervin also reported the city is going to have to have a survey done before we can vacate the alley. Attorney Wilson-Laegeler stated she will check into this.

20. ADJOURN

Dodds MOVED TO ADJOURN. Rebman SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Matteson, Rebman, Trimble, Acker, Davis, Dodds, & Fishel; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Ryan. THE MEETING STOOD ADJOURNED ACCORDINGLY AT 7:51 P.M.

https://rushvilleillinois.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24-04-15.pdf