West Central Reporter

City of Macomb Committee of the Whole met May 28.

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 Tuesday, May 28, 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, City Clerk Renee Lotz called the roll and the following were present: Aldermen Justin Schuch, Dave Dorsett, Don Wynn, and Dennis Moon. Aldermen John Vigezzi, Byron Shabazz, and Ashley Katz were absent.

Also, in attendance were, City Administrator Scott Coker, City Attorney Lisa Scalf, Fire Chief Dan Meyer, Police Chief Jeff Hamer, CDD Miranda Lambert, Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann, MDD Savannah Ballard, and Business Office Director Melissa Worley.

Public Comment: None

The first item on the agenda for discussion was on an ordinance to Authorize Rezoning of 207 Wear Avenue in the City of Macomb, McDonough County, From AG-1 Agriculture and R-1 Single Family to AG-1 Agriculture. This ordinance had first reading May 20, 2024.

Alderman Moon asked if there had been a request for the zoning change and for what purpose.

City Attorney Scalf stated this was combined with agenda item No. 2, so with the rezoning, they are asking for a Special Use Permit to allow for large scale solar.

Mayor Inman stated items one and two, (which both had first reading May 20) may be combined in the discussion, Ordinance requesting Issuance of a Special Use for a Large-Scale Solar Energy Facility in an AG-1 Agriculture Zoning District at 207 Wear Avenue. Mr. Greg Crowe was present to speak on behalf of MSA Professional Services who is working with the applicant.

This application is a "behind the meter" solar farm, BTB Energy and other entities; this is their primary for projects. He stated for this application they are looking at 2500 square feet of building use that the solar ray would provide power to, and any power above that use could be sold back to the utility company. He stated there were (4) four, 2500 square feet buildings, total of 10,000 square feet of building use, with the remainder in solar farm.

He stated the Planning Commission requested buffer plantings on the site plan for screening around the entire site, we have submitted a new site plan showing that and in place of gravel, a paved drive/parking lot.

Alderman Dorsett asked CDD Lambert how much was AG-1, and R-1.

CDD Lambert stated it was pretty much split in half.

Mayor Inman asked if the 4 buildings were restricted in their ultimate end use.

CDD Lambert stated to her understanding, no.

There was no further discussion and Mayor Inman stated the items 1 and 2 would be placed on the agenda for second reading and final action at next Monday night's council meeting.

The third item for discussion was on an Ordinance Annexing Certain Territory Located at 10905 E. 1200th Street, Macomb, Illinois 61455 McDonough County, Illinois. This ordinance had first reading May 20th. Mayor Inman explained there were no improvements on this parcel, the owner only wished to supply water to a barn for horses.

There was no discussion and Mayor Inman stated it would be placed on the agenda for second reading and final action at next Monday night's council meeting.

The fourth item on the agenda for discussion was on the Special Event Liquor License for the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for the 2024 Heritage Days Event to be held on June 27, 28, 29, 2024. This ordinance had first reading May 20th. There was no discussion.

Mayor Inman stated it would be placed on the agenda for second reading and final action at next Monday night's council meeting.

The fifth item on the agenda for discussion was on the Special Event Liquor License for St. Paul's Raising Saints Block Party Event to be held July 20, 2024. This ordinance had first reading May 20th. There was no discussion.

Mayor Inman stated this would be placed on the agenda for second reading and final action at next Monday night's council meeting.

The sixth item on the agenda for discussion was on Macomb Police Department making application for Taser Grant through the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) partners. Police Chief Jeff Hamer explained the grant. He stated the Less Lethal Alternatives for Law Enforcement grant was a method to upgrade and expand the existing less lethal program. This grant requires no match by the city. The design is to increase less lethal tools for the Police Department, through Axon/Taser. Currently used is an aging Generation X2, which need battery replacement and taser failure. The grant would allow for purchase of state-of-the art Taser 7's. The total of tasers are 18-unit packages with batteries, cartridges, and needed peripherals. He explained application are due June 7th

Alderman Wynn asked if the officers would have to go through the taser effect themselves.

Chief Hamer stated that was not part of the certification for use, it is now optional to take the lightning. He explained how the taser could be deployed.

Alderman Dorsett moved, seconded by Alderman Moon to approve the ILEAS Grant Application, and recommend it be placed on the consent agenda for Monday night's council meeting, all Aldermen voting "Aye" by voice vote, Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and stated it would be placed on the consent agenda.

The seventh item on the agenda for discussion was on Renewal of Electric and Gas contract. CA Coker explained that it was time to renew, and the city's energy advisor Becky Thompson provided prices which he passed out to council. He explained the prices were only good for 24 hours. He and the Mayor met with Ms. Thompson to discuss energy for April of 2025. He referenced the slides provided in the packet, the city pays 5.38 cents per kwh for our energy, it is fixes and expires in April 2025. We use 5.5 million kwh per year, estimated costs $296,000.

CA Coker's recommendation was to lock in pricing for 36 months for electric, he explained that we would get new pricing next Monday night and that may change, Becky will join us next Monday night to explain and will have final recommendation. He stated when we know what the percentages are, we can lock in and budget for it.

He stated the plan was to put solar panels at the wastewater plant within the next year, and the new water plant when it is operating.

He explained 48.9 cents per thurm is what the city pays now for gas. We are not projecting any certain amount of use, we can swing 100% giving us flexibility, as we are not a huge user of natural gas. $40,000 is the size of our gas contract. He believes this is favorable to lock in for a four-year period with the final numbers next Monday.

The eighth item on the agenda for discussion was for quarterly reports from Department Heads; Police Chief Hamer, Fire Chief Meyer, Public Works Director Ohrtmann, City Attorney Scalf, Business Office Director Worley, Community Development Director Lambert, and Downtown Marketing & Development Director Ballard.

Attached are their individual reports presented.

There being no further business to come before Council, Alderman Dorsett moved, seconded by Alderman Wynn 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 6:03 p.m.

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