CITY OF OLNEY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 27, 2009


AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The July 27, 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. Mark 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 JULY 13, 2009” Councilman Foster moved to approve the minutes of the July 13, 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 “Presentation: Musgrove Park Concession Stand” Misty Slover submitted a written request to operate a concession stand at Musgrove Park, but was not present to discuss her proposal with the Council.

5-B “Discussion: Storm Water Management Plan Study” Mr. Bukas gave a brief report on the storm water management plan proposals received. Fourteen requests for proposals were mailed and five plans were received. He was pleased with what has been received. Mr. Bukas did not have a recommendation for a consultant at this time. Mr. Bukas plans to interview a couple of the consultants before he makes a final recommendation to the Council. As previously planned, Mr. Bukas expects to present his recommendation at the August 10 meeting.

Councilman Ferguson clarified once a consultant is chosen a price will be negotiated. Mr. Bukas agreed and added a price cannot be requested during the request for proposal process.

5-C “Discussion: Richland County Animal Control” Larry Weidner was late so this mater was discussed later in the meeting.

5-D “Resolution: Purchase Utility Vehicle With Dump Bed” Prior to the meeting Travco Motorsports presented a quote for a 2009 Yamaha Rhino 450 4x4 with a hitch at the cost of $8,100 which was more than $500 less than the original state bid proposal from German Bliss Equipment Co. Mr. Yockey recommended repealing Resolution 2009-R-44, waive the bidding procedures and accept the quote from Travco Motorsports.

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

Councilman Brown moved to approve Resolution 2009-R-52, seconded by Councilman Foster. Councilmen Weber, Ferguson, Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Foster and Brown voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

5-E “Update: Status Report” Mr. Bukas reviewed the status report. The EDA revolving loan to Dr. David Eckiss was closed last week. The loan was for $30,000 for 20 years at 4% interest.

The July income tax receipts of $56,129.84 were $14,132.61 less than last year. This is a decrease of 20.11%. The City has experienced 7 months in a row where the income tax has been lower than the same month last year. The year to date receipts are down 17%.

The June Motor Fuel Tax receipts of $12,523.17 are $4,554.56 less than the same period last year. The year to date receipts are down 9.5%. The State had forecasted an 8% decrease for the year.

The April sales tax receipts received in July were down by $4,355.04 from the same period last year. The year to date sales tax receipts are down 2.85%.

The telecommunications tax receipts are starting to stabilize. Even though they have been up for 6 months in a row, the July receipts increase is not as large as the increases over the last 5 months.

The use tax received in July was down $712.50. The year to date use tax is down approximately 11%.

There have been two workmen’s compensation claims in 2009. Currently, there is one employee on limited duty.

Mr. Bukas, Police Chief Chaplin and Richland County Sheriff Hires recently met concerning the temporary dispatch center the county will be needing to set up at the Police station. The temporary dispatch center will be needed for nine months during the construction of the new dispatch center. The County Board will act on the construction bids on August 23. The City should know next month if they plan to proceed with the project.

Last week 1,200 lineal feet of sidewalk were installed at the south end of the Musgrove Park. The City used Doll’s box behind the concrete truck to lay the concrete and it worked nicely. RCRC is helping pay for the sidewalk they are laying this week along East Street from the south side of Musgrove Park to Mack Avenue.

IEPA has approved the bidding of the City Park lift station. The bids will be due on August 24. The City’s chances of receiving the stimulus money looks promising, but no decision will be made until about the time bids are opened. The City could receive $1,050,000 from IEPA as a loan, with $262,500 as a grant and the remaining $787,500 as a zero percent interest loan.

Contractors were grinding East Street today. Laying of the pavement will start tomorrow and be completed by August 5 depending on weather. Grindings from the project will be used for the oil and chip program. Approximately 3 miles of streets will be included in this program. The oil and chip program should start as soon as the sidewalk project is completed and will be completed around the middle of September.

The painting of the oil derrick has been completed. The contractors also painted the chain link fence at no charge to the City. The Desk and Derrick Club has also done some landscaping work around the derrick and will be placing rock underneath the derrick so it does not have to be mowed.

5-F “Presentation: Boone/Morgan Street Storm Water Issues” John Rohr commented that several different areas in town have complained about water problems, and the City has taken care of their problems. He asked how the storm water management plan study will take place. Mayor Lambird explained the Council will have to determine who will do the best job. A city wide plan is needed so other areas are not negatively affected.

Mr. Rohr asked when the firm will be hired. Mayor Lambird indicated before the first of next year. Mr. Rohr asked how long the plan will take to develop. Mr. Bukas expected nine months. Mr. Rohr asked if the City will take the recommendations and follow through with them. Mayor Lambird explained it would be up to the Council what action is taken.

Mr. Rohr asked if the City has acquired any property for water retention. Mayor Lambird answered no. Mr. Rohr asked if the City has any plans to acquire property. Mayor Lambird answered it depends if the storm water management plan recommends the creation of storm water detention areas. Mayor Lambird understood it would take a massive detention area to help the existing problem.

Mr. Rohr asked if the rest of the Council has the same feelings as the Mayor. Councilman Foster answered yes. Councilman Ferguson believed the City needs to go ahead with the study, but there are some issues that the City needs to be working on.

Rita Zeisset wants the ditch opened.

Mr. Rohr told the Council how water comes from the First Christian Church area. Councilman Ferguson felt the City should look into creating a water detention area if that would help the Boone Street area.

Councilman Brown asked if detaining water near the church would help. Mr. Charleston did think it would help, but would not detain that much water. Councilman Ferguson explained the City has considered acquiring a piece of property in the Sycamore/Locust Street area for water detention.

Mrs. Zeisset stated the ditches are full of trees, garbage and miscellaneous debris that holds the water back.

Councilman Weber is opposed to building detention areas if they are not useful.
Mr. Charleston stated the major obstacles to getting the water out of this area quicker is the restricted flow under the railroad and Fair Street. The water way behind Sunshine Village also needs straightened out. Richland County Housing Authority has not been contacted concerning an easement.

Mr. Charleston stated the culverts could be increased, but something needs to be done downstream to prevent damage. Of all of things that could be done now that would make a difference, Mr. Charleston felt cleaning out the culverts and ditches would make the biggest difference.

Councilman Weber wants to see the easements obtained as soon as possible and work out something with Sunshine Village. Councilman Weber stated if it is their water architecture causing the flooding of the residents upstream there could be some legal recourse.

Mr. Taylor commented there are no easements between Fair and Walnut except for the City property at Walnut. There is an easement between Boone and Fair.

Councilman Ferguson noticed the N. Jefferson Street storm water problem was no longer on Mr. Bukas’ status report. Councilman Ferguson understood there are water issues caused by the improvements. The problems were just moved further west. Mr. Bukas explained the Washington Street project will need to be done. It has been discussed to take a storm sewer down Washington to Orchard and to the ditch.

Councilman Foster asked if the ditch between Boone and Fair can be cleaned. Mr. Bukas has asked the Street Department what it will take to clean out the ditch between Ludlow and the railroad tracks. The Street Department has been working on other projects the Council wanted done and has not had time to respond to this request.

Councilman Weber questioned easements west of Walnut Street. Mr. Bukas commented there are no easements between Walnut Street and the old railroad. The last time this ditch was cleaned, the City obtained the property owners’ permission to go on their property and that is what he has planned to do this time.

5-G “Presentation: Storm Water and Sanitary Sewer Issues” Brian O’Neill agreed with doing a storm water management plan. He pointed out the City will have to decide on the best proposal, but that decision should not be based solely on the price. Mr. O’Neill also thought the ditches need to be widened and made deeper. Mr. O’Neill wanted to make sure when citizens call for help due to a flood the Police and Fire Departments need to respond immediately. He also asked that the City provide him and John Rohr a copy of all proposals and all work that is going to be done in the future so he can keep track of the money flow.

5-H “Request: Raffle Licenses” City Clerk Henton received raffle license applications from the Sons of American Legion and the RMH Foundation.

Councilman Brown moved to approve the raffle license applications, seconded by Councilman Weber. A unanimous voice vote was received.

5-C “Discussion: Richland County Animal Control” Larry Weidner explained to the Council that the citizens of Olney are paying approximately 75% of the animal control costs, but not receiving adequate services. Feral cats seem to be a wide spread problem. When he called Animal Control he was told he could pick up a trap for a $40 deposit. He would have to take care of the trap, call them and they would come and get it when they had a chance. He understands Animal Control is under the jurisdiction of County, but he wanted the City Council to know. He will also meet with the County on August 13.

Mr. Weidner asked that the residents in the 1200 block of E. Cherry and E. North be contacted concerning the vacation of an alley which is a ditch.

AGENDA #6 “APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE JULY 27, 2009” Councilman Weber moved to approve and authorize payment of accounts payable for July 27, 2009 for Pooled Cash $97,031.07, seconded by Councilman Brown. A unanimous voice vote was received.

AGENDA #7 “EXECUTIVE SESSION: COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATING MATTERS, HIRING AND COMPENSATION OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES, LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY” Councilman Weber moved to adjourn to executive session to discuss collective negotiating matters, hiring and compensation of specific employees, lease of real property and acquisition of real property, seconded by Councilman Brown. A unanimous voice vote was received.

Councilmen Foster, Brown, Weber, Ferguson, Mayor Lambird, City Manager Bukas, City Attorney Taylor and City Clerk Henton left the Council Chambers at 8:14 p.m.

Upon the return of those who were in executive session to the Council Chambers, Councilman Weber moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilman Brown. A unanimous voice vote was received Open session resumed at 10:22 p.m.

AGENDA #8 “POSSIBLE ACTION ON ITEMS DISCUSSED DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION”

8-A “Ordinance: Full Time Salaries” Councilman Weber moved to pass Ordinance 2009-15, seconded by Councilman Brown. Councilmen Weber, Ferguson, Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Foster and Brown voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

8-B “Resolution: FOP Telecommunicators Contract” Councilman Weber moved to approve Resolution 2009-R-53, seconded by Councilman Foster. Councilman Ferguson, Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Foster, Brown and Weber voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

8-C “Discussion: East Industrial Park Financing” Mr. Yockey prepared five different scenarios for the financing of the East Industrial Park. Mr. Bukas explained there are three more funding sources not included in the presented scenarios; the City has an outstanding amendment with EDA for an additional $350,000, $300,000 from the capital program for water main extensions and the pending $280,000 grant for the Baird Street sewer line and lift station. Mr. Bukas advised that EDA will not act upon the $350,000 amendment until after October 1 so the City will be requesting an extension for the project.

Mr. Bukas reviewed the five scenarios. The estimated cost of the project is $4,574,805. The EDA grant is $1,825,000 so the net cost of the project is $2,749,805. Mr. Bukas suggested scenario #3 which proposes using $1,500,000 from the General Corporate funds and obtain $1,249,805 through alternate revenue bonds. The annual bond payment would be $57,266.00 based on 4.25% for 20 years.

Councilman Ferguson questioned what revenue would be pledged toward bond payments. Mr. Bukas explained sales tax or telecommunications tax could be used. Mr. Yockey commented the telecommunications tax could be increased from 3% to 6% to help finance the bonds.

Mr. Taylor explained EDA requires evidence of the City’s ability to fund the project. Mr. Bukas added that the bonds would not be purchased until the project cost is known.

No action was taken, but the Council will consider the options.

8-D “Resolution: Lease with First National Bank in Olney” Councilman Foster moved to approve Resolution 2009-R-54, seconded by Councilman Weber. Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Foster, Weber and Ferguson voted yes. Councilman Brown abstained. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #9 “REPORT: ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS” Councilman Foster received a request from a resident for a street light at the corner of E. South Avenue and S. Fair Street. Mr. Bukas explained the City’s policy is to place street lights only at intersections. Mr. Bukas will check into this location.

Mayor Lambird brought to the Council’s attention the need for surface repairs on the docks between the boat launching area and Kiwanis/Rotary Park. Mr. Bukas was aware of this condition and will take care of the matter.

Mayor Lambird also brought to the Council’s attention the house located at 1012 W. Butler. This house has maintenance issues. Councilman Brown asked for the staff to evaluate the house.

9-A “Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions” Mayor Lambird recommended the appointment of Brandt Patterson to replace Julie Hearing on the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Mr. Patterson is a veteran and is currently a staff sergeant in the Army serving as a career counselor.

Councilman Brown moved to approve the appointment of Brandt Patterson to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, seconded by Councilman Foster. Councilmen Foster, Brown, Ferguson and Mayor Lambird voted yes. Councilman Weber abstained. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #10 “CITY MANAGER” Mr. Bukas had nothing further to report.

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

The meeting of the City Council adjourned at 10:41 p.m.


Belinda C. Henton
City Clerk