Southern Illinois News

City of Anna City Council met July 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Anna City Council met in regular session at Anna City Hall at 5:01 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Steve Hartline. The roll call went as follows: Present were Commissioner Michael Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Bryan Miller, Commissioner Martha Ann Webb and Mayor Steve Hartline.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 15, 2021 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.

Mayor Hartline thanked the community and all involved in the Fourth of July at the Park. He stated he had received a great deal of positive comments from various individuals throughout the community. He appreciates the support from local vendors, Brad Dawson for the fabulous firework show and all of the hard work put into the event. Mayor Hartline said he would like for the city to start working on next year’s event and getting things lined up.

Heather Casner introduced herself and handed out information to the council regarding her idea to build a child development center in Anna. Ms. Casner explained the need for childcare in our area and her interest in building this center at the Anna Business Park. She stated the project would provide a number of jobs in the area with the idea of a future addition, therefore offering additional services for an additional number of children. Mayor Hartline informed Ms. Casner he would like her to set up a meeting with herself, City Administrator Bigler and Public Works Manager Dahmer to review plots at the Business Park. Ms. Casner thanked the council for their time.

City Administrator Dori Bigler submitted project updatesto the council. (1) Thanking all those involved in the Fourth of July at the Park event. She asked that all council members contact her with feedback and/or concerns so that revisions can be made next year. (2) There was recently a water planning meeting with the Anna Jonesboro Water Commission, engineers, Administrator Bigler, Public Works Manager Dahmer and Steve Bundy regarding the work at Wellness Pharms. They are all working together and things are going smoothly. (3) Commissioner Bigler’s idea of free swim day sponsorships are thriving. Currently nine businesses are signed up to sponsor a day. (4) We have begun conducting monthly budget meetings with department heads as well as City Administrator Bigler and Treasurer Dodd. (5) The codifying of ordinances is underway; currently City Administrator Bigler is reviewing. Administrator Bigler is also going through the policy manual draft and ensuring it complements the union contracts. (6) In the past the city has advertised for park concession bids in March, City Administrator Bigler would like to begin this process soon. She asked all commissioners to let her know if they are contacted with any inquiries. She is putting an ad in the paper and will reach out to those who have expressed an interest.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE A GENERAL RETAIL LIQUOR LICENSE FOR XO NAIL BAR. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Commissioner Bryan abstained. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

City Administrator Bigler opened sealed bids received for 413 W. High St. Bid one was for $501 from Herman Dahlberg; bid two was for $1,001 from Anna District 37; and bid three was for $401 from Phillip McGrath, Garrett Stearns and Robert Scott Finders.

A motion was made by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Miller that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE AWARDING BID FOR 413 W. HIGH STREET TO ANNA DISTRICT 37 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1001.00. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

City Administrator Bigler informed the council there was a bid opening for the 2021 MFT projects on June 30, 2021. For the Dogwalk Road project one bid was received from Illini Asphalt in the amount of $28,705.00. The estimate for the project was $26,000.00. For the Casey, Kohler and Keller Street projects one bid was received from ET Simonds in the amount of $159,829.52. The estimate for the project was $226,00.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE AWARDING BID TO ILLINI ASPHALT FOR $28,705.00. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Miller that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE AWARDING BID TO ET SIMONDS FOR $159,829.52. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

City Administrator Bigler informed the council that she reached out to Richard Howell, with Clarida & Ziegler Engineering, to check when the Route 146 project will officially begin. He will be getting the information to us. Mayor Hartline reminded those that the flow of traffic will not stop during the project, two lanes will always be open. Administrator Bigler confirmed that all businesses will have alternate entrances and that the turnaround time was two weeks for the project. The city will advertise on social media and in the local paper.

Mayor Hartline asked the council if they could go ahead and address Resolution 2021-30. City Administrator Bigler gave the council the following update on the situation; The property being discussed is off of E. Davie Street and that part of the land is in Anna, but the residence is in Jonesboro, Illinois; however, the property can only be accessed by a City of Anna Road. By the City of Anna granting this street address, the property can be put in the 911 system. John Foley requested a document be drawn up stating the City of Anna can give the street address, however, the City of Anna is held harmless. Mayor Hartline stated that in the future if the land is subdivided, the address may be changed. Commissioner Bigler asked if the area is being annexed in. Administrator Bigler explained that the owners at this time have not asked to be annexed in.

A motion was made by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2021-30; AGREEMENT WITH THE

IRON HELIX TRUST, CHRIS POULOS AND ALISON POULOS. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

The Poulos family thanked the council for helping to resolve the ongoing issue. City Administrator Bigler stated she would contact the Poulos’ family with the official address tomorrow.

A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2021-27; ADOPTING THE PREVAILING RATE OF WAGE. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

City Administrator Bigler informed the council that unfortunately Mr. Moran was unable to attend the meeting tonight. However, included in the council packet is a memo prepared by Mr. Moran. The first item regarding the TIF on the agenda gives the city the option to receive reimbursement of the $30,000.00 fee.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Miller that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2021-28; INTENT TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT COSTS. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

City Administrator Dori Bigler stated the second item is to inform taxing districts of the TIF.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Miller that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2021-29; FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE DESIGNATION OF AREAS AS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREAS. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

City Administrator Bigler stated the third item is required by TIF statue to create an interested parties registry which allows all individuals who reside, or have places of business, within the City to receive all necessary information regarding the TIF district.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 2021-10; AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING “INTERESTED PARTIES” REGISTRIES AND ADOPTING REGISTRATION RULES FOR THESE REGISTRIES. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

Discussion was held regarding the finalization of the TIF area. Commissioner Webb stated she would like to include the Union County Hospital and Lincoln School, including N. Green to Kohler St. to N. Main Street. Commissioner Bigler stated he would like to see this as well. Mayor Hartline informed he liked this idea as well. Administrator Bigler states this would allow city to demolish vacant homes in this area; this area would include Rural Health as well. Discussion regarding land around Wal-Mart and whether this area is in City limits. Administrator Bigler states she will reach out to Mr. Moran tomorrow and run the ideas and possible changes to the map by him. Ms. Bigler also reminded council that none of the TIF funds can be spent without council approval; Mr. Moran simply provides the council with suggestions and recommendations. Mr. Moran charges hourly service charges for this service. Commissioner Bryan stated it could be several years before we have money built up from the TIF. She also stated she looked at buildings that could be improved as well as vacant lots when considering the map area. Mayor Hartline stated we need to try to advocate for new business’ but we need to improve areas in town as well. Administrator Bigler stated she will send the map out to council after she reviews and discusses with Mr. Moran.

City Administrator Bigler informed the council that Ordinance 2021-11 is an update from the Ordinance passed in 1992. Revisions include removing the requirement that customer information be provided, the insurance amount required was

updated, as well as the service charge. She informed the council that the application would be updated, if ordinance is approved.

A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 2021-11; PROVIDING METHODS OF DISPOSITION OF WASTE. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

Police Chief Watkins informed the council that Commissioner Miller was involved in the interview process of the new full-time patrolman. He stated the feedback he received from fellow officers was positive. Chief Watkins stated if the new hire is approved tonight, this will put him one officer shy of his original number. He discussed his current two part time officers and his idea to send one to PTI training.

A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE AUTHORIZATION OF HIRE OF CALEB CLOVER FOR FULL-TIME PATROLMAN EFFECTIVE JULY 11, 2021. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

Mayor Hartline stated he spoke with City Administrator Bigler regarding the Illinois Municipal League Conference and the many benefits and knowledge offered by seminars.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO AUTHORIZE CITY ADMINISTRATOR DORI BIGLER TO ATTEND THE 2021 ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE.A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Miller that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR ANNA JONESBORO ELKS LODGE #1641 FOR JULY 24TH, 2021. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Commissioner Bryan abstained. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

Commissioner Bryan brought up public comments and that perhaps we should allow the public to discuss items on the agenda without a request form. She emphasized the fact that the agenda request form must be turned in on Friday before the agenda is published; therefore, items may be discussed at the meeting without the ability for the public to comment. Administrator Bigler stated that the agenda was updated from ‘permitted public comments’ to ‘public comments’ and that the OMA was amended in 2011 which allows any person the opportunity to address the council. She explained we can set our agenda up many different ways, one example is Murphysboro has a discussion section under each item on the agenda; therefore, the public can comment on the item listed on the agenda; However, for any item not listed on the agenda, a request form will still be needed.

Commissioner Miller stated that a new tattoo salon and boutique will be moving in to his building on Main Street. He also stated he will be retiring from his tile business effective December 31, 2021 and will be joining his wife working at H&R block.

Commissioner Bigler thanked Public Works Manager Gary Dahmer for installing the new PA system at the city pool. Mayor Hartline thanked Public Works Manager Gary Dahmer for how clean the park has been. He also stated how nice it is to see the community utilizing the disc golf course at the city park. Commissioner Bigler stated he would like to see shade trees planted by the amphitheater in the park. City Administrator Bigler read a thank you card received by the Blue Dolphin Swim Team and thanked them for the thoughtful artwork dropped off by the swimmers. Mayor Hartline spoke highly of the lifeguards at the city pool.

A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF CORY MILLER TO THE ZONING BOARD FOR A TERM OF FIVE YEARS.A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL ISSUES AT 6:25 PM. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO EXIT CLOSED SESSION AT 6:51 PM. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES OF JULY 6TH, 2021 AS PREVIOUSLY READ AS THE OFFICAL CLOSED SESSION 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. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED THAT THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE ANNA CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 6TH, 2021 BE ADJOURNED AT 6:54 P.M.

https://cityofanna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/JULY-6-2021-MINUTES-REGULAR-SESSION.pdf