City of Anna City Council met March 1.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Anna City Council met in regular session at Anna City Hall at 4:59 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.
A motion was made by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 1, 2022 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 Bryan, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. None were absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
The Mayor asked Administrator Bigler to give an update on the issue Randy Buelna was on the agenda to address. Ms. Bigler reported that Mr. Buelna purchased 101 Williams from Carol Sweet, the City then made him aware that we were in the process of getting a demolition order on the property. Mr. Buelna agreed to submit a timeline an directives to the city. Chief Watkins, City Attorney Foley and Administrator Bigler went to 101 Williams for an inspection on March 14, 2022. Mr. Buelna expressed an interest in fixing up 202 Chestnut, he was informed that the City has a demolition order and he must ask the council to see if this was a possibility. Chief Watkins reported that at this time, 202 Chestnut cannot be inspected due to the amount of personal belongings in the home.
Randy Buelna addressed the council. He stated that he was trying to help out Mr. Sweet. Commissioner Miller stated that the house can’t be fixed without tearing it down and all the neighbors will say the same thing. Mr. Buelna stated that he was here on Mr. Sweets behalf and that he can fix the house, but it will take time because he operates with cash. Commissioner Webb inquired if he was talking about fixing up the house or tearing it down. She stated that the rear of the home appears to have had some work done trying to fix it. Mr. Buelna stated that Mr. Sweet did that. Commissioner Webb stated that the foundation would need to be fixed. Mayor Hartline stated that he appreciated Mr. Buelna being here, but asked if he was sure
he wanted to take this on. Mr. Buelna honestly stated no, he doesn’t exactly want the project but was here to try to help. Mayor Hartline inquired what we would do with the court order to demolish the property if the council agreed to allowing renovations. City Attorney Foley stated that we would just hold it and see what work is done. Chief Watkins asked Attorney Foley if the property was demolished, would Mr. Sweet still be responsible for the lot? City Attorney Foley stated that yes, a lien would be placed on the property. He expressed that the City has not been unfair; we have given him time and opportunity. Mayor Hartline stated that with the amount of personal property in the house, would he send him a letter. Mr. Foley stated that the courts told Mr. Sweet two years ago that the city could demolish the property. But, we would inform Mr. Sweet of what date we would be starting the demolition so he would be aware. Mayor Hartline stated that it sounded like we need to move forward with the demolition process.
Mayor Hartline asked Terry Foster and Anthony Stein to address the council. The Mayor asked Administrator Bigler to catch everyone up to speed. Administrator Bigler reported that Mr. Foster met with Mayor Hartline, City Attorney Foley and Administrator Bigler regarding the liquor license application, which is on the agenda tonight. A second meeting was held with the same individuals plus Anthony Stein, who is buying the building contract for deed, and Mr. Vernon, who owns the building. Everyone met and were on the same page and in agreement on the business idea and the liquor license.
Anthony Stein addressed the council. He stated that he is buying Vernon’s Furniture and the other two buildingsto the south. He has a boutique moving in, which is close to being complete. The middle building doesn’t have a tenant at this time. Terry Foster will be putting in a billiards and bar and Mr. Stein plans to create an event center upstairs. Mayor Hartline asked if the address issue was cleared up. City Attorney Foley stated that an addition PIN number was discovered. The original COA plat was divided into thirds, all of the property is being sold to Mr. Stein. Mayor Hartline stated that he appreciates what Mr. Stein is doing to update Main Street. Commissioner Bryan inquired about the building without a tenant. Mr. Stein stated that he is currently looking for a small mom and pop restaurant to occupy the space. Commissioner Bryan asked if the space had a kitchen. Mr. Stein stated that no, it is very basic at the moment. Commissioner Webb asked about the event center. Mr. Stein stated that it will be upstairs and around 7,700 square feet. Commissioner Bryan asked if the billiards was only on the main level. Mr. Stein stated that yes, it will be on the main level and a foyer which separates the two levels. Commissioner Bryan asked about many square feet the billiards place will be. Mr. Foster stated that it is around 6,600 square feet. Mayor Hartline stated that Mr. Foster has requested a general retail liquor license; which the council will have questions regarding security.
Mr. Foster stated that his mission is to get kids off the streets. He would like to have an arcade on the right side of the building, eventually. He stated that there will be lots of security cameras. There will be high priced pool tables on the left side, and the kids will only be allowed to play on the right side, where the tables won’t be as expensive, along with darts and bags. He stated that if you have real nice pool tables, they will get people from all over coming to play. The bar will be in the back and the gaming machines will be past the bar, down a secure hallway. Commissioner Bryan asked what time they will begin serving alcohol. Mr. Foster stated that they will follow the laws set. Commissioner Webb asked if there will be a soda machine and candy. Mr. Foster said that yes, he is going to have a fountain soda machine.
A motion was made by Mayor Hartline and seconded by Commissioner Miller that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE GENERAL RETAIL LIQUOR LICENSE FOR TERRY FOSTER. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Commissioner Bryan abstained. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Administrator Dori Bigler reported on the following projects: (1) The IEPA asked for another extension on reviewing our permit modification. Just as a reminder this has to do with our request that we have exhausted our efforts on finding downgradient water and want to end our post-closure period. (2) We have had some inquiries on dates for our 2022 festivals. Administrator Bigler asked the council if the 4th of July would still be on the 4th this year, everyone agreed yes. (3) IML sent out a thank you for those who reached out to their Senators. SB 2298 failed to advance and is now dead, this was regarding TIF changes. (4) Administrator Bigler stated that she is still working on the sign ordinance, but it would be after the budget is complete. (5) A few job postings were in the paper, our pool positions and a PT clerk at city hall. (6) Commissioner Bigler, PW Manager Gary Dahmer and Administrator Bigler met to discuss the park project. Last November we received fencing for Denny and E Fields. Matt Denny has graciously offered to have his union crew install the fence and James
Dillow’s crew will level the fields and dig the post holes. The City will be installing a drain, and hopefully worked into the FY23 budget will be aluminum bleachers, concrete backstops and concrete for under the bleachers. Mr. Denny said that spring is very wet and they plan to begin the project immediately following SIBSA’s season. Commissioner Bigler stated that this gives us time to brainstorm other projects and work with the budget. Mayor Hartline said he appreciates that everyone met and to keep the council updated. (7) Administrator Bigler reported out on the downed traffic light at the corner of Main and E. Davie. A semi knocked it down in early February. We are working with their insurance to get the light replaced. Commissioner Bryan asked why it was taking so longer. Administrator Bigler stated that the accident happened on February 10th, we received the police report on March 2nd and immediately opened a claim with their insurance company. (8) Administrator Bigler discussed a deviation from the AP process for April. A few months ago, the process was changed to having an invoice cut off of the Friday before the 3rd Tuesday of each month. In April, this is the final month of the fiscal year and the last change for payment, the Friday before is a holiday and would push this date back to Thursday. Ms. Bigler requested for April 2022 the cutoff date be Tuesday, April 19, 2022. The Mayorsaid that would be fine. (9) The City was awarded a Trees Forever Illinois grant under the Recover, Replant & Restore! Program. We will receive $1,780 and it will go towards planting trees at the cemetery and park. (10) District 37 Art Club submitted more drawings for the picnic table project. A voting sheet has been handed out. (11) The City will be doing Hometown Heroes banners, like Cobden has for Veteran’s Day. This information will be posted on our Facebook page and is a first come, first serve as we only have 49 flags in town. (12) Ms. Bigler reported out on issues with Republic Trash Services. The city has been experiencing recurring issues with missed/skipped services and have received a ton of calls from upset residents. Ms. Bigler has sent our contract to City Attorney Foley to review and draft a letter to Republic, putting them on notice of breach of contract. (13) OSLAD awards were to be announced this Spring. IDNR sent a message out on March 15, stating that it is taking longer than expected. They requested photos since they cannot perform the pre-site inspections in person. Ms. Bigler compiled all the data requested and sent it to them same day. They anticipate an award being made in the fall of 2022 with executed agreements in Winter 2022.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Miller that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE TO PAY THE BILLS. 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. None were absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding whether or not a special event liquor license fee would be collected for city-sponsored events. Administrator Bigler explained that Starview Vineyards and Lincoln Heritage had applications on the agenda but no payment was submitted since it was a city-sponsored event. Commissioner Webb stated that we waived the fee for Colorfest. Commissioner Miller stated that if we continue to waive the fee, then the Elks will be asking us to waive. Administrator Bigler pointed out that the Elks events are not city sponsored.
A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR STARVIEW VINEYARDS. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Commissioner Bryan abstained. None were absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Miller that it be RESOLVED TO WAIVE THE SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FEE FOR STARVIEW VINEYARDS FOR ANNABELLE FESTIVAL. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Commissioner Bryan abstained. None were absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR LINCOLN HERITAGE WINERY. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Commissioner Bryan abstained. None were absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Miller that it be RESOLVED TO WAIVE THE SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FEE FOR LINCOLN HERITAGE WINERY FOR ANNABELLE FESTIVAL. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Miller,
Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Commissioner Bryan abstained. None were absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding interviewing candidates for the Full-Time/Part-Time Laborer positions. Administrator Bigler reported that Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and PW Manager Gary Dahmer conducted interviews and made the recommendation to hire Jordan Chamness, Keaton Busby, and Jacob Linton.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE FULL-TIME/PART-TIME HIRES OF JORDAN CHAMNESS, KEATON BUSBY AND JACOB LINTON EFFECTIVE MARCH 20, 2022. 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. None were absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE A FENCING APPLICATION FOR JEAN BULLOCK AT 303 SOUTH STREET. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Commissioner Bryan abstained. None were absent.
Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE A PARK USAGE APPLICATION FOR SIBSA FOR APRIL 1, 2022 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Commissioner Bryan abstained. None were absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Miller that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE A PARK USAGE APPLICATION FOR UCCCED’S FARMER’S MARKET FOR APRIL 5, 2022 THROUGH NOVEMBER 1, 2022. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay –none. Commissioner Bryan abstained. None were absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding the appointment of two more members to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Administrator Bigler reported that statutorily the city has to have seven members and the city of Anna only has five.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED THAT THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE ANNA CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 15, 2022 BE ADJOURNED AT 6:26 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. Nay – none. None were absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
https://cityofanna.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/MARCH-15-2022-MINUTES-REGULAR-SESSION.pdf
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