CITY OF OLNEY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 22, 2009


AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The June 22, 2009 meeting of the Olney City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Olney City Hall located at 300 S. Whittle Avenue, Olney, Illinois, with Mayor Mark Lambird presiding.

AGENDA #2 “PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG-PRAYER” Council members and visitors joined in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Mayor Lambird led the group in a prayer.

AGENDA #3 “ROLL CALL” The following Council members were present: Gary Foster, Brad Brown, Pete Weber, Bob Ferguson and Mark Lambird. Also present were City Manager Randy Bukas, City Attorney Larry Taylor, City Treasurer Brad Yockey and City Clerk Belinda Henton.

AGENDA #4 “APPROVE MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING ON JUNE 8, 2009” Councilman Weber moved to approve the minutes of the June 8, 2009 Council meeting, seconded by Councilman Brown. Councilmen Foster, Brown, Weber, Ferguson and Mayor Lambird voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #5 “PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.”

5-A “Recognition: Swimming Pool Employees” Mr. Bukas recognized Vicki Lobacz, Sierra Combs, Jonathan Kuenstler, Tyler Miller and Matthew Powell for their efforts rescuing and helping revive a young person who had a seizure while swimming at Musgrove Aquatic Center.

Mayor Lambird presented certificates to these employees.

5-B “Update: East Fork Arena Project” Al Zellmer addressed the Council concerning the White Squirrel Saddle Club’s arena project. Weather has held up progress on the construction of the arena. The heavy rains have also caused large ruts in the entrance road. Something will need to be done to prevent this from continuing. Mr. Zellmer suggested making the ditches deeper to avert the flow of water from the road.

Mr. Zellmer also requested that the City purchase signs, that the club would install, around the boundary of the property designating the property as city-owned. There are several deer stands on the property.

Iron Horse Pipe & Steel is donating all the pipe needed to build a fence with a gate for the entrance. Mr. Zellmer will make sure everyone that needs a key has one.

The water well on the property has been inspected and determined to be good, but the electric service to the water pump needs to be improved. The wiring may have ruined the pump motor. They will try to use a generator to see if the motor can be salvaged. The club has volunteers willing to do the electrical work.

The bulldozer work has been completed. When the ground is dry, the arena will be installed. The club has requested bids for portable restrooms. They have also applied for a grant from the Carrie Winter Trust Fund. The grant was denied because the facility is not up and working. They can reapply when all work is completed and the arena is useable. They have also applied for several other grants.

Mr. Zellmer questioned if anyone knew where the Musgrove’s dinner bell went. It is missing from the Musgrove house.

Mr. Zellmer will keep the City advised of their progress.

Councilman Brown felt it was a good idea to mark the City’s property perimeter.
Mr. Zellmer commented the club has already purchased small signs to mark the trails.

5-C “Resolution: Certification for Local Approval of Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program” Linda Bookwalter from SWAN requested the Council’s approval of the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program project. SWAN is applying for a grant through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act for social services. This grant would be used to help pay rent and utilities for people that would possibly be losing their place of residence. SWAN recently had to lay off 11 of their 25 employees due to budget cuts. They are not taking any homeless applications at this time and do not plan to reopen their facility until possibly October.

Mrs. Bookwalter explained the grant will be for three years. SWAN has recently lost funding from several different sources totaling $450,000.

Councilman Ferguson moved to approved Resolution 2009-R-41, seconded by Councilman Foster. Councilmen Brown, Weber, Ferguson, Mayor Lambird and Councilman Foster voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

5-D “Discussion: Water Rates” The Council was provided with a memo and supporting documentation with three scenarios for water rate adjustments. The Council discussed the various scenarios.

Councilman Ferguson questioned the one million gallon clear well included in the capital improvements during the 2012-2013 budget year. Mr. Bukas explained due to changing regulations the City will be mandated by EPA to have a clear well. Hopefully, there will be some type of funding mechanism available for this purchase.

Councilman Brown believed the proposed 23% increase was higher than necessary, and proposed a 10% increase for the next 3 years.

Mr. Yockey pointed out the water rate at the end of three years with a 10% increase each year would be higher than a 23% increase in the first year.

The Council discussed the moving of the water tower from the Radio Tower Industrial Park to the East Industrial Park. Mr. Bukas assured the Council that all aspects of this proposal would be considered before a decision is made.

Mr. Yockey commented no rate increase was built into the budget and consumption is under budget.

Councilman Weber suggested a 10% water rate increase this year and 15% the second year.

When considering water rate increases, Councilman Ferguson preferred to take it year by year. Next year the Council may have a better idea of what will happen in the East Industrial Park and see if any stimulus money will be available.

Councilman Foster moved to increase the water rates by 10% this year with the possibility of increasing it again next year after the City sees if any stimulus money is received and what the City might end up doing with the East Industrial Park, seconded Councilman Weber. Councilmen Weber, Ferguson, Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Foster and Brown voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried. Ordinance 2009-13 will be prepared.

5-E “Resolution: Accept Bids for Demolition of 1229 S. Oak and Girl Scout House in City Park” Six sets of specifications were sent out to potential bidders for the demolition of 1229 S. Oak and the Girl Scout House in the Olney City Park. Three bids were received. Wilson Farms was the lowest bidder on both locations. Mr. Bukas recommended accepting the low bid from Wilson Farms.

Councilman Ferguson moved to approve Resolution 2009-R-42, seconded by Councilman Weber. Councilman Ferguson, Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Foster, Brown and Weber voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

5-F “Request: Raffle Application” City Clerk Henton received raffle license applications from the Desk and Derrick Club of Olney and the Olney Quilt Guild.

Councilman Brown moved to approve the raffle license applications, seconded by Councilman Foster. Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Foster, Brown, Weber and Ferguson voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

5-G “Update: Status Report” Mr. Bukas recognized Derrick Novak for his Eagle Scout project which was landscaping at Musgrove Park. Mr. Novak thanked the Council for the opportunity to do the project. Mr. Bukas also recognized AM Transport and RCRC for their help with the project.

Mr. Bukas reported that the March sales tax received in June increased .83% from the same period last year. Prior to this month, the last four consecutive months have been down. The year to date receipts are down 2.51%.

The telecommunications tax received in June was $15,000 more than the same period last year. This is the fifth month in a row for a large increase.

The Fire Department trained at 1229 S. Oak and hopes to get one more training session in before this property is demolished.

Curb ramps are being installed for the East Street project. Grinding and milling will start in a couple of weeks. Richland Memorial Hospital will be advised when traffic in that area is affected. The project should be completed by the first of August.

Work will begin on the sidewalk in Musgrove Park within the next couple of weeks. After that project is completed, the Street Department will begin on the annual oil and chip program. The second half of the Hunley Drive resurfacing project will start when both of these project are completed. Hunley Drive will take three weeks of non stop work. At this time the Street Department is still working on storm water issues.

Contracts for the painting of the oil derrick have been signed, but the City is still waiting on certificates of insurance from the contractors.

5-H “Resolution: Authorizing Letter of Engagement for Audit” The Council was provided with a resolution authorizing Kemper & Associates to conduct the City’s annual audit. Kemper has already started the audit process.

Councilman Ferguson moved to approve Resolution 2009-R-43, seconded by Councilman Brown. Councilmen Foster, Brown, Weber, Ferguson and Mayor Lambird voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

5-I “Request: Waive Swimming Pool Fees for ARC Day Camp” ARC has requested the City waive swimming pool entrance fees for 19 campers and 7 adults at their Day Camp on June 25.

Councilman Ferguson moved to approve the request, seconded by Councilman Brown. Councilmen Brown, Weber, Ferguson, Mayor Lambird and Councilman Foster voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

Councilman Ferguson pointed out ARC is losing approximately $1,500,000 of state funding. The state of Illinois is 51st in funding for developmentally disabled. He felt that was an embarrassment. In the past ARC has requested letters of support. He felt continued letters of support are needed because losing 23% of their budget is going to be devastating for the developmentally disabled in the state of Illinois.

5-J “Discussion: Purchase Utility Vehicle With Dump Bed” Mr. Bukas explained it has been proposed that the Park Department purchase a 4x4 utility vehicle with a dump bed through state purchasing from German Bliss Equipment Co. from Princeville, Illinois in the amount of $8,620. Included in the budget for this purchase is $9,000.

Councilman Brown moved to approve Resolution 2009-R-44, seconded by Councilman Foster. Councilmen Weber, Ferguson, Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Foster and Brown voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

5-K “Resolution: Clean Up of 2008/2009 Budget” Mr. Yockey provided a memo to the Council concerning an end of the year budget clean up.

Councilman Brown moved to approve Resolution 2009-R-45, seconded by Councilman Foster. Councilman Ferguson, Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Foster, Brown and Weber voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

5-L “Presentation: Boone/Morgan Street Storm Water Issues” Russell Hammond told the Council he contacted three real estate agents to list his house. He was told his house has no value and if sold it could cause a law suit because of flooding.

Mr. Hammond stated he purchased his house in 2002, but was not told about any flooding problems. He did not know there was a problem until the City installed the culvert. Councilman Ferguson stated that was not true.

Councilman Ferguson believes there are areas that the City can look at for storm water detention. He feels a serious effort should be made as soon as possible to detain the storm water to make an impact downstream. Mr. Bukas reported the City is looking at one property for water detention.

Mary Spillman submitted pictures to the City Manager of water problems in her area. She felt there was a collapsing culvert that may need to be repaired which may help the problems on Boone Street.

Councilman Ferguson pointed out this year has been an extremely wet year with large amounts of rainfall, but the City should continue to work on problem areas.

John Rohr gave his opinion of the route the water is taking before it reaches his neighborhood. He stated the flooding problems have been occurring for 15 years. He attributed the commercial development in the downtown area for causing some of the problems.

Sue Rohr read the following statement: Homeowners and citizens of the 700 blocks of N. Boone, N. Morgan and N. Fair and other affected areas feel the problem of flooding has been discussed long enough. We are here to ask for a resolution from the Olney City Council that will bring this lingering problem to a satisfactory conclusion for all homeowners and city officials.

Mr. Rohr asked what can be done to expedite a process and move this along quickly.
Mr. Bukas understood the Council wants to do a completed storm water plan that will look at the entire city. Specifications will be sent out this week. Once proposals are received, then the Council will need to decide what they want to do.

Mr. Rohr asked to be put on the agenda again at the next meeting.

5-M “Presentation: Storm Water and Sanitary Sewer Issues” Brian O’Neill invited Richland County Board member Mary Spillman to attend the Council meeting. He has been talking with the Judge, County Clerk, County Board and the Probation Officer concerning a joint meeting to discuss the flooding problems and how to get everyone working together. He pointed out money could be saved by using community service workers. He asked the Council to cooperate and meet with a group of officials to discuss this issue and find a solution.

Mr. O’Neill will be addressing the County Board requesting the same cooperation at their next meeting.

Mary Spillman explained Mr. O’Neill has called her numerous times concerning the flooding problems. Greg Amerman from the Richland County Board initiated the process to consider flood insurance for the county. A special county board meeting was held in April to allow citizens an opportunity to voice their opinions about the flood insurance. No citizens attended the meeting. The Richland County Board Chairman asked Mrs. Spillman to let the Council know the County Board is on board with this project and they are willing to do whatever they can do to help the City with this flooding problem.

AGENDA #6 “APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE JUNE 23, 2009” Councilman Weber moved to approve and authorize payment of accounts payable for June 23, 2009 for Pooled Cash $68,056.36, seconded by Councilman Brown. Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Foster, Brown, Weber and Ferguson voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #7 “EXECUTIVE SESSION: COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATING MATTERS” Councilman Weber moved to adjourn to executive session to discuss collective negotiating matters, seconded by Councilman Brown. Councilmen Foster, Brown, Weber, Ferguson and Mayor Lambird voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

Councilmen Foster, Brown, Weber, Ferguson, Mayor Lambird, City Manager Bukas, City Attorney Taylor and City Clerk Henton left the Council Chambers at 8:36 p.m.

Upon the return of those who were in executive session to the Council Chambers, Councilman Brown moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilman Weber. A unanimous voice vote was received Open session resumed at 9:37 p.m.

AGENDA #8 “POSSIBLE ACTION ON ITEMS DISCUSSED DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION” Mayor Lambird announced no action was taken as a result of the executive session.

AGENDA #9 “REPORT: ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS” Councilman Brown has been receiving calls concerning the widening of the ditch near Locust and Mill. The residents believe it is becoming a safety hazard. He asked that this area be inspected for possible improvements. During snow storms it is hard to see where the road ends and the ditch begins.

Councilman Weber questioned the policy for caution slow children playing signs. He was told residents request a sign and the area is considered. Mr. Bukas’ experience is that the signs become routine and are ignored by motorists. Mr. Bukas will check the policies of other municipalities.

AGENDA #10 “CITY MANAGER” Mr. Bukas reported that the East Richland county coaches will be at Kiwanis/Rotary Park on Friday doing a community service project of painting playground equipment, staining picnic tables and doing clean up work.

9-A “Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions” Mayor Lambird recommended appointing Gary Foster as the Council representative to the EDA Revolving Loan Fund and Katie Zuber to the Board of Appeals. Ms. Zuber is employed at the University of Illinois Extension Service as an educator. She expressed an interest in being a part of city government.

Councilman Brown moved to approve the recommended appointments, seconded by Councilman Ferguson. Councilmen Weber, Ferguson, Mayor Lambird and Councilman Brown voted yes. Councilman Foster abstained. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #11 “ADJOURN” Councilman Brown moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Weber. A unanimous voice vote was received.

The meeting of the City Council adjourned at 9:46 p.m.


Belinda C. Henton
City Clerk