City of Columbia City Council Met Nov. 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Hutchinson called the City Council of Columbia, Illinois to order at 7:00 PM.
B. Roll Call
Present: Aldermen Ebersohl, Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp*, Martens, and Riddle.
Absent: None.
Quorum present.
Administrative Staff present:
City Clerk Wes Hoeffken
City Attorney Luke Behme*
City Engineer Chris Smith
Accounting Manager Nicole Guile*
IT Manager James Mitchell*
City Administrator Douglas Brimm
Deputy City Clerk Kelly Mathews
Deputy Chief of Police Jason Donjon
Dir. of Community Dev. Scott Dunakey
EMS Chief Kim Lamprecht*
C. Pledge of Allegiance
Those in attendance recited the pledge of Allegiance.
D. Proclamations/Recognitions/Presentations
1. Small Business Saturday
Mayor Hutchinson read a proclamation declaring November 28, 2020 as Small Business Saturday.
E. Public Input
There was no public input.
F. Comments & Announcements - Mayor
There were no Mayor Comments & Announcements
G. Comments & Announcements - Aldermen
There were no Aldermen Comments & Announcements.
H. Comments & Announcements - Department Directors
Doug Brimm informed the Council that the City received a notification from the Illinois Attorney General indicating the City has not violated the Open Meetings Act as alleged by Natalie Lorenz with regards to the drafting of the ordinance that amended the Zoning Code.
Doug Brimm informed the Council that the City has received renewal bids from four vendors for general and liability insurance coverage. Mr. Brimm stated he would be reviewing the bids and providing a summary at a future Council meeting.
Chris Smith informed the Council that while planning work continues on the Creekside Park the timeline is very tight and does not allow for any delays that might occur due to logistic issues. Mr. Smith stated that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has notified municipalities that they have three options for any existing grants, proceed as originally submitted, return the grant funds, or modify the scope of the project and resubmit for approval. Mr. Smith then explained that if the City were to proceed as initially submitted, any project delays that cause the deadline to be missed would result in the City having to return the $200,000.00 grant, as well as having to pay for any of the project costs incurred. Mr. Smith then suggested the Council consider a change in the project scope by initiating a phased approach. Alderman Roessler requested clarification on the term "completion". Mr. Smith stated the project, as submitted, would have to be 100% complete. Alderman Niemietz stated the letter from DNR is the current catalyst to change scope since there is no grace allowed because of COVID-19. Alderman Niemietz then suggested the project scope be changed to connect Rueck Road to the railroad right-of-way as a way to keep the grant. Mayor Hutchinson stated that do to unknowns for contractors and supplies the best solution would be to take a phased approach. It was agreed by the Council to proceed with a phased approach and submit a change in scope to DNR.
I. Consent Agenda City Clerk
Hoeffken read the Consent Agenda.
1. Motion to approve minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held Monday, October 19, 2020
2. Motion to approve a Special Event Permit Application for City Visit with Santa Event as submitted and on file at City Hall.
3. Motion to authorize the payment of vouchers for the period from October 15, 2020 through October 29, 2020 in the amount of $226,501.80.
Mayor Hutchinson inquired if the Council wished to remove any items prior to a motion.
There were none.
Motion: It was moved by Alderman Huch, and seconded by Alderman Riddle, to approve the Consent Agenda as read.
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Ebersohl, Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, and Riddle
0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
J. Unfinished Business
1. Ordinance No. 3539 - Compensation of Elected Officials
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Martens, and seconded by Alderman Roessler, to pass and approve Ordinance No. 3539, an ordinance setting the compensation to be paid to City of Columbia, Illinois Municipal Officers who are elected at the next Regular Municipal Election held in April 2021.
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Ebersohl, Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, and Riddle
0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
2. Resolution No 2020-24 - Quarry Road Improvement
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Ebersohl, and seconded by Alderman Huch, to pass and approve Resolution No. 2020-24, a resolution for improvement under the Illinois Highway Code (Quarry Road).
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Ebersohl, Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, and Riddle
0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
3. Discussion of Drat Regulations for Domestic Chickens
Scott Dunakey provided a summary of the process that resulted in the proposed domestic chicken ordinance, including the regulations for each zoned district and the definition of nuisance. Alderman Agne inquired if chickens are allowed to be moved inside the home in inclement weather. Mr. Dunakey stated that is not permitted under the proposed ordinance. Alderman Roessler inquired about clarification for chickens with the R-7 (Multi-family) and C-2 (Neighborhood Business) zoned districts. Mr. Dunakey stated that single family homes are permitted in both districts. Alderman Martens inquired about HOA regulations. Mr. Dunakey the explained that HOA regulations can identify stricter rules that would supersede the City's ordinance.
Mayor Hutchinson inquired if the Council wanted to move forward with the ordinance.
Alderman Huch stated this is a minority request and that most of the people he has talked to are not in favor of allowing residents to have domestic chickens. A show of hands indicated that Aldermen Agne and Holtkamp were the only Aldermen supporting the proposal. Alderman Roessler stated that at one time the City allowed homeowners to raise both chickens and pigeons and for whatever reason they were outlawed and then inquired as to why you would want to revert back.
4. Discussion of Draft Municipal Code Revisions Regarding Video Gaming
Scott Dunakey provided a summary of the process that resulted in the proposed gaming license ordinance, including the elimination of the 50% rules and changes to liquor license regulations. Mr. Dunakey explained there will be two classifications of liquor licenses for gaming facilities with A1 being the liquor license for onsite sale/consumption and A2 the liquor license for both onsite sale/consumption and the sale of package liquor for offsite consumption. Alderman Niemietz inquired if the criteria for liquor licenses is reviewed annually. Mayor Hutchinson stated all liquor licenses are reviewed to some extent and reminded the Council that a state liquor license is also required. Mr. Dunakey then stated each existing gaming facility would be reissued a revised liquor license using the new classification and would not impact their existing operations. It was agreed by the Council to proceed with the proposed changes.
K. New Business
1. Discussion of Refuse Collection Contract Renewal
Mr. Brimm provided a summary of contract negotiations between the City and Reliable Sanitation including the elimination of the $0.60 per month recycling surcharge, a additional $0.10 per month rate reduction, a five year contract, and annual increases equal to the consumer price index or 3% whichever is greater. Mr. Brimm stated unless there were concerns from the Council he would proceed with drafting the proper documents to approve the proposed agreement. There were no objections from the Council.
L. Closed Session
There was no business addressed in Closed Session.
Mayor Hutchinson informed the Council that he would entertain a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Public Body.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Martens, and seconded by Alderman Holtkamp, to direct the Mayor to go into Closed Session at 7:52 PM to discuss 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Public Body.
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Ebersohl, Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, and Riddle
0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Martens, and seconded by Alderman Riddle, to return to Regular Session of the City Council at 8:45 PM.
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Ebersohl, Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, and Riddle
0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
Upon return to Regular Session, Aldermen Ebersohl, Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, Riddle, and Mayor Hutchinson were present.
M. Announcements
There were no announcements.
N. Adjournment
Motion: It was moved by Alderman Martens, and seconded by Alderman Agne, to adjourn the Regular City Council meeting held Monday, November 02, 2020 at 8:46 PM.
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Ebersohl, Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, and Riddle
0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
https://www.columbiaillinois.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11022020-132
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