Southern Illinois News

City of Metropolis City Council met Feb. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the City Council, City of Metropolis, Illinois was held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025, in Council Chambers of City Hall at 106 West 5th Street, Metropolis, Illinois. Upon roll call the following Council members were present: Alderwoman Michele Longworth, Aldermen Chuck Short, Dylan Chambers, Brian Anderson, Darryl Neill, Al Wagner, Jeremy Holley, Chad Lewis, Corporate Counsel Andrew Leonard, Mayor Don Canada, City Clerk Jan Adams and concerned citizens of Metropolis.

ROLL CALL:

Anderson Present Longworth Present

Chambers Present Neill Present

Holley Present Short Present

Lewis Present Wagner Present

Moved by Alderman Jeremy Holley and second by Alderwomen Darryl Neill to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held meeting on 1-27-2025 as presented

MOTION CARRIED:

Anderson Yea    Longworth Yea

Chambers Yea   Neill Yea

Holley Yea          Short Yea

Lewis Yea           Wagner Yea

CITIZENS REQUEST:

Michael Schmidt, Jennifer Paro, and Joe Mounce representing the Baseball/Softball Association Board ask the council for additional funding. The association has been taking care of the fields for the past several years along with coaching and other association duties, the board has decided to hire a maintenance crew to take care of the fields. We need to make repairs to the building as well as purchase a new air conditioner. The budgeted amount is $13,000 and requested $20,000 for the annual budget amount. They asked for an extra $10,000 this year to complete the repairs, order dirt for seven fields and purchase a mini split unit for the concession stand. Alderman Holley raised the question if the new money generated from increasing the second trash tote could be used. Comptroller Cortney Bremer stated any money generated from a particular fund must stay in that fund. Mayor Canada explained the line item cannot be increased until the upcoming budget which begins in July.

Ericca Arthur proposed to the council to hire a consulting park and recreation position. She commented over the past few years she’s been working on numerous ideas to provide more activities for residents, especially those in the 40 to 45 range. She felt there was a need for the position and asked if funding could be provided in the upcoming budget. The mayor noted that a parks and recreation director position is not part of the city budget. She inquired about the online survey and are the responses going to be shared with the public. Mayor Canada stated the survey results are still being processed.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Moved by Alderman Chuck Short and second by Alderman Jeremy Holley to approve partial payment to H.E. Mitchell Construction Co, Inc in the amount of $156,997.80

MOTION CARRIED:

Anderson Yea    Longworth Yea

Chambers Yea   Neill Yea

Holley Yea          Short Yea

Lewis Yea           Wagner Yea

Moved by Alderman Brian Anderson and second by Alderman Jeremy Holley to approve the calculated and updated recommended Fair Solar Credit amount, for all approved onsite generating facilities, including currently existing facilities, for Metropolis as calculated by IMUA to be $0.0388/kWh 

MOTION CARRIED:

Anderson Yea    Longworth Yea

Chambers Yea   Neill Yea

Holley Yea          Short Yea

Lewis Yea           Wagner Yea

CORPORATE COUNSEL:

DEPARTMENT HEADS:

OLD BUSINESS:

Alderman Holley inquired about the status on the Happy Hearts building. The mayor informed him that the heating and air conditioning is installed, we need to replace the lighting under the exhaust fan, the compression system is hooked up, we need a meeting with the health department and set a date with the moving company so we can plan our opening date.

The bid opening for the Hope Lane Sewer project was left off the agenda. We need to accept the bid from Quint Utilities and Excavating, Inc in the amount of $73,360.00

Moved by Alderman Jeremy Holley and second by Alderman Al Wagner to accept the bid from Quint Utilities and Excavating, Inc in the amount of $73,360.00 for the Hope Lane Storm Sewer project

MOTION CARRIED:

Anderson Yea    Longworth Yea

Chambers Yea   Neill Yea

Holley Yea          Short Yea

Lewis Yea           Wagner Yea

NEW BUSINESS:

Alderman Holley asked how we create more awareness about the one-way street located at the intersection at 10th and Market. The pavement markings could be confusing for out-of-towners coming from North Avenue or using the services in one of Tom Reed’s office buildings. We have a one-way sign at the intersection and need one at 11th and North Avenue. Public Director Harris stated she would look into the matter.

MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS:

FINANCIAL REPORT:

Moved by Alderman Jeremy Holley and second by Alderman Darryl Neill to approve the Finance Report be received and approved and that the orders be drawn on the Treasurer for the different amounts mentioned therein and that the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to make necessary arrangements for payment of current Salaries, Payroll and Contract bills.

MOTION CARRIED:

Anderson Yea    Longworth Yea

Chambers Yea   Neill Yea

Holley Yea          Short Yea

Lewis Yea           Wagner Yea

Moved by Alderman Chad Lewis and second by Alderman Jeremy Holley to approve the Finance Report be received and approved and that the orders be drawn on the Treasurer for the different amounts mentioned therein and that the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to make necessary arrangements for payment of miscellaneous bills.

MOTION CARRIED:

Anderson Yea    Longworth Yea

Chambers Yea   Neill Yea

Holley Yea          Short Yea

Lewis Yea           Wagner Yea

Moved by Alderwoman Michele Longworth and seconded by Chad Lewis to adjourn. TIME: 7:37

MOTION CARRIED:

Anderson Yea    Longworth Yea

Chambers Yea   Neill Yea

Holley Yea          Short Yea

Lewis Yea           Wagner Yea

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