Southern Illinois News

City of Anna City Council met Dec. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Anna City Council convened in regular session at Anna City Hall on December 17, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Mayor Steve Hartline called the meeting to order. Roll call was conducted, and the following members were present: Mayor Steve Hartline, Commissioner Michael Bigler, Commissioner Torie Carter, and Commissioner Martha Ann Webb. Commissioner Kathy Bryan was absent. Additional attendees included City Administrator Dori Bigler, Public Works Manager Jordan Chamness, Public Safety Director Bryan Watkins, and Treasurer Angela Webb.

Mayor Hartline opened the floor to the public communications portion of the agenda. Jim Bardwell, a recent transplant from Nashville, TN, addressed the council. He and his wife, Rebecca, expressed their appreciation for the City of Anna, praising the Police Department, Public Works, City Hall staff, and the Commissioners for their warm welcome.

City Administrator Dori Bigler provided updates on various projects:

· Welcomed Jordan Chamness to the team.

· Announced that the Davie Street Project is in pre-construction, with fencing, concept art, and a QR code linking to project details being prepared.

· Finalizing details for the PARC project.

· Advertisements have begun for a full-time police officer and two full-time laborers.

· Work on the FY26 budget will commence soon.

· The Awning Project has concluded, and the grant is being closed out, with potential for additional funds to extend the project on Lafayette and Davie Streets.

· The Zoning Board is scheduled to meet on January 6, 2025.

· The Union County Country Club is drafting an agreement to donate property to the City, with the condition that it remains as sports fields for children.

· Progress on the ITEP project grant is ongoing, with no budget impact expected until FY27.

Engineer Richard Howell addressed the council regarding Consent Agenda items F, G, and H.

Mayor Hartline asked if there were any Consent Agenda items the Council would like to pull for further discussion or a separate vote.

The following Consent Agenda items were presented for approval.

A. Minutes of the December 3, 2024 Regular Session

B. Minutes of the December 3, 2024 Closed Session

C. December 2024 Accounts Payable List

D. Authorization of Donation of $1,700.00 to Wreaths Across America

E. Authorization to Spend up to $15,000 for a Public Works Capital Equipment Purchase

F. Approve Engineering Invoice of $15,000 for the PARC Grant Project

G. Approve Engineering Invoice of $58,700 for the RB IL Grant Project

H. Resolution 2024-43; Approving an Agreement for Professional Services with Horner & Shifrin for Electronic Backup Scanning

I. Ordinance 2024-12; Declaring and Authorizing the Sale of Surplus, Personal Property

J. Ordinance 2024-13; Adopting and Approving the City’s Tax Levy for the Fiscal Year Beginning on May 1, 2024 and Ending on April 30, 2025, and Further Providing for Compliance with the Illinois Truth in Taxation Act

K. Ordinance 2024-14; Amending Section 38-3-79 of the Revised Code of Ordinances L. Approve Pay Request #2 of $3,275.00 for Phase 1 of the RB IL Grant Project

A motion was made by Commissioner Carter and Seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS AS PRESENTED. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Webb, and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Commissioner Bryan was not present. Nay-none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Webb and Seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2024-39; APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR UNION COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL AS PRESENTED UNDER OLD BUSINESS. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Webb, and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Commissioner Bryan was not present. Nay-none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

Auditor Scott Hickam’s presentation of the FY24 Audit was postponed as the audit is not yet complete. However, the auditor remains confident it will be submitted by the December 28, 2024 deadline.

Jessica Roberts proposed forming a Fire Department Auxiliary Committee. She presented bylaws, procedures, and policies modeled after similar committees in Illinois. The committee would focus on public relations and fundraising, handling the logistics of the Fire Department’s public presence. Volunteers would undergo background checks and adhere to a code of conduct. The Council agreed to review the materials for further discussion.

Mayor Hartline opened the floor to the Commissioners for reports. Commissioner Webb highlighted the success of Wreaths Across America and shared positive feedback regarding the Public Works and Police Departments.

Mayor Hartline opened the floor to the Department Heads for reports. Public Works Manager Jordan Chamness provided an update on his first 1.5 weeks in the role. The team has been decluttering the garage and collecting data on infrastructure issues requiring attention, including sewer drains and streets.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and Seconded by Commissioner Carter that it be RESOLVED THAT THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE ANNA CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 17th, 2024 BE ADJOURNED AT 5:38 p.m. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Webb, and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay-none. Commissioner Bryan was not present. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

https://cityofanna.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/12.17.2024-Approved-Minutes.pdf