City of Anna City Council met June 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Anna City Council met in regular session by teleconference at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Steve Hartline. The roll call went as follows: Present were Commissioner Michael Bigler, Commissioner Kathy Bryan, Commissioner Bryan Miller, Commissioner Martha Ann Webb and Mayor Steve Hartline. None were absent.
Mayor Hartline requested that everyone on the teleconference state their name. Present was City Administrator Dori Bigler, City Attorney John Foley, Police Chief Brian Watkins, Richard Howell with Clarida & Ziegler and Billy Abernathy with Shawnee Survey.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 19, 2020 ANNA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS THE OFFICIAL MINUTES OF SAID MEETING. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding communication on new projects. Mayor Hartline suggests that any gas, water, sewer or annexation with utilities project needs to have Commissioner Bigler and Commissioner Bryan involved. They will be point people on these projects and work directly with City Administrator Bigler. Commissioner Webb said she wants all commissioners to be involved and that the citizens did not elect certain commissioners to be over different departments but they elected us all to work together. Mayor Hartline said yes, the council will still be involved but he wishes for these councilmen to be involved from the very start and know the details and data to bring to the council. Commissioner Bryan agreed. Commissioner Bigler said it is important for Public Works and the City Administrator to involve the commissioners and he agrees. Commissioner Miller said it is a great idea. Commissioner Webb said that it sounds like it is taking jobs away from the Public Works Manager. Mayor Hartline said it isn't taking the job away, just sometimes the authority lies with the council and they should be involved sooner. Mayor Hartline stated that Commissioner Webb could ask City Administrator Dori Bigler if she wanted to know any information.
Billy Abernathy with Shawnee Survey was invited to speak to talk about the Rebuild Illinois grant. First, Billy wanted to thank the Council, Mayor, City Administrator Dori Bigler, and Public Works Manager Gary Dahmer for letting him present tonight and for the opportunity to expand his relationship with the city. Billy explained that Shawnee Survey has done Survey work and housing block grants over the years for the City. He is hopeful for a shot at the engineering work for the city. Billy discussed the Rebuild Illinois project, which would focus on the on 'hospital district' to Old Route 51, to McKinley. There have been reports of brown water issues in this area and it has a variety of sizes and type of water lines in this area. He feels it is a good target neighborhood, as it is a low-income area. Also covered in this are is the Anna VA, Lincoln School, several Union County Housing complexes, Rural Health and the Union County Hospital. This project would benefit almost 1/3 of the population. Mayor Hartline reminded Billy to send to Commissioner Bryan, City Administrator Dori Bigler and Commissioner Michael Bigler any information in regards to this project.
Commissioner Webb said she would still like to receive the emails. Billy asked if there were any questions. Commissioner Bryan said she likes the idea of doing work in this area, as it is a low-profile area with not a lot of businesses. She believes it is nice to make improvements in places where the residents haven't been asking for improvements. Billy said water studies were done 20 years ago and no work has been done since and it definitely needs upgrades. The Rebuild Illinois Grant pays for the design but not the administration of the grant. The City will only be required to pay for around 6% of the entire project, the rest is grant funded. Billy explained that Rebuild Illinois is a brand-new program that was announced this spring. He is not applying for the fast track, as he does not have permits or design complete. June 30th is the deadline on the grant application. Commissioner Bigler says thanks for the work on this Billy. Billy says he is a native of Anna and he thanks us for this opportunity.
Richard Howell with Clarida & Ziegler was invited to speak in regards to the Fast Track Rebuild Illinois Grant Application. Clarida & Ziegler looked into Rebuild Illinois project and had discussion with Gary Dahmer and Dori Bigler in April on the scoring of projects. The first project idea was to replace all the water meters in town with automatic meters, but after looking at the grant this would not be allowed. In May, Governor Pritzker announced the Fast Track program. Clarida & Ziegler made a quick 180 and looked into water main extensions that we could do that qualified for the program. We lumped several together to create this project and to apply for the fast track program. May18th Richard started the process and on May 29th submitted the application. The fast track money is first come, first serve, so Clarida got the City of Anna's application in with first wave of applicants. Richard says we should be hearing over the next 2-3 weeks. Businesses included with the application include Cooks Portable Warehouse, Anna Nursery, the City of Anna's Professional Park, and Wellness Group Pharms. This grant also replaces all of the old asbestos pipes around Baker Street, which feed all the water lines to the town of Anna. This gave the application a boost in the health and safety category. Other points are based on creating jobs and getting people back to work, which is the reason those other areas were chosen. One criterion for fast track is shovel ready in 60 days, which is why we have separate projects listed.
Richard also gave a brief update on the Sidewalk Grant and Business Park Road Grant. A change order sent over today for Mayor Hartline to sign for the sidewalk grant. There was a slight change in scope for sidewalk project at AJCHS entrance.
City Administrator Dori Bigler stated that the Financial Report will be submitted at the next meeting
City Administrator Dori Bigler previously submitted project updates to the council but had a few updates to note. First, the Union County Fair Board sent a letter to the council outlining their security plan for the 2020 Fair. City Administrator Dori Bigler would like to acknowledge and thank the Union County Commissioners for signing off on documents for the City's Rebuild Illinois grant application.
City Administrator Dori Bigler informed the council of a conversation she had with an organizer for a peaceful protest on Thursday, June 4th at 4:30. The organizer called the city to coordinate this event with local leaders, City Administrator Dori Bigler and Police Chief Bryan Watkins both had very nice conversations with the organizer and are forming a plan together to ensure the safety of the residents, protesters and businesses in town.
City Administrator Dori Bigler informed the council that the City of Anna has been awarded a $125,000 grant through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) which was applied for in March 2020. This is a 3-year grant and is for a School Resource Officer. She will be working with both District 37 and District 81 and Chief Watkins on a model and plan for this role.
Mayor Hartline invited City Attorney John Foley to give an update on the AJ Water Commission. Foley stated that he has been in contact with the Commission's attorney. In 2016 the City entered into an extension of our agreement and it is in effect through 2056. With the vacancy in the City's Commissioner seat, the appointment will need to be made for the remainder of the 6 year term, which would expire 04/30/2021. Mayor Hartline stated that he will make that appointment at the next meeting and for the commissioners to send him their recommendations.
Discussion was held regarding the available liquor licenses in the City. Mayor Hartline stated that we could amend the liquor ordinance if needed. Commissioner Bigler inquired if we could make changes based on what the council feels is necessary rather than based on requests. It was determined that the council needed to know more information on the type of license Tapan Parekh was seeking.
A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 2020-10: AUTHORIZING TO SELL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 213B GRAND AVE. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding the appointments to the Fire Department. Commissioner Miller felt it was more appropriate to recommend a Fire Chief and have the new Chief recommend his staff. Commissioner Miller recommended Mike Dammerman for Fire Chief, Todd Harris for Assistant Fire Chief, Brandon Craig and Jessica Roberts for Lieutenant. Commissioner Bigler inquired why the Commissioner over fire would get to appoint this and not involve the city administrator. Commissioner Miller pointed out that at the last meeting the PT Salary Resolution was updated to include these positions and set this up. He noted that these are all part time positions.
A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPOINT MIKE DAMMERMAN AS FIRE CHIEF. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – Commissioner Bigler. Abstain - Commissioner Webb. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Discussion was held on recommendations for Assistant Fire Chief. Commissioner Miller stated he asked the new chief for his recommendations. Commissioner Bigler slaled he did not understand what was going on, as we didn't have a chies in place to ask for recommendations. Commissioner Bryan inquired if we needed these appointments to be listed separately on the agenda in order to vote on them. Mayor Hartline says they updated the resolution and gave authority to Commissioner Miller to make these recommendations. Commissioner Bigler says this is a personnel issue. City Attorney John Foley stated that these are already employees of the Fire Department and Commissioner Miller is only recommending certain positions within their department. Commissioner Bigler inquired if there were interviews for these positions. Commissioner Miller said these are based on the recommendation of Mike Dammerman. Mayor Hartline pointed out that these positions are part time and included no benefits other than the monthly compensation amount.
A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPOINT TODD HARRIS AS ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Abstain - Commissioner Bigler and Commissioner Webb. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPOINT BRANDON CRAIG AS LIEUTENANT. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Abstain - Commissioner Bigler and Commissioner Webb. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPOINT JESSICA ROBERTS AS LIEUTENANT. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Abstain - Commissioner Bigler and Commissioner Webb. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding hiring a full-time police officer. City Administrator Dori Bigler mentioned that this was discussed at the previous council meeting.
They are recommending Jake Sanders, who has worked for the Anna PD part time since last year. Chief Watkins said Jake Sanders is an excellent employee, a real go getter and he plans to stay in the area.
A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO HIRE JAKE SANDERS AS A FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2020-24; AUTHORIZE AND APPROVE AN AGREEMENT TO EMPLOYE GARY DAHMER AS THE ANNA PUBLIC WORKS MANAGER. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Mayor Hartline and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2020-25; AUTHORIZE AND APPROVE AN AGREEMENT TO EMPLOYE DORI BIGLER AS THE ANNA CITY ADMINISTRATOR. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2020-26; AUTHORIZE AND APPROVE AN AGREEMENT TO EMPLOYE BRYAN WATKINS AS THE ANNA CHIEF OF POLICE. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE A BUILDING PERMIT AT 501 MORGAN STREET. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding the building permit for 426 East Jefferson Street. City Administrator Dori Bigler mentioned she talked with Jerry Sayers today to inform him that we need more information before we can approve the building permit. Mr. Sayers will gather information. Mayor Hartline tabled the building permit at this time.
Discussion was held regarding an application for Steve Hornbeak Productions for a 4th of July concert at the park. Kathy Bryan spoke on behalf of Steve Hornbeak as he was out of town. The plan is to rope off the area early on the 4th so no vehicles are parking in the area. The band will begin set up at 1:00 and practicing around 4:00. The concert would be from 7 to 9 until the fireworks begin.
Discussion was held on social distancing, placing signs, the governor's order and it was determined we are still up in the air on if we can host this event. Mayor Hartline determined that a final decision will be made at the next council meeting in regards to our 4th of July festivities.
Discussion was held regarding outdoor dining for restaurants. Commissioner Bryan mentioned that other towns are allowing restaurants to mark off areas for outdoor dining that don't normally have an outdoor area. Commissioner Bryan talked with downtown restaurants that do not have parking lots to utilize, to see if there were other options. She mentioned the alley between Annabelle Market and King's Wok as a potential site. She told the Main Street businesses that she would pass along the message to the council, Mayor Hartline stated that he was contacted by the Elk's with questions as well. It was determined that we would look into the rules and regulations on this and discuss it further.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED THAT THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE ANNA CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 2, 2020 BE ADJOURNED AT 7:08 P.M. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline, voted yea. Nay - none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried
https://cityofanna.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Anna-City-Council-Meeting-June-2-2020.pdf
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