Regular Meeting
City Council
July 3, 2007
Mayor Roy Strong, presiding
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. with the pledge to the flag.
The clerk called the roll finding the following Aldermen physically present: Mietzner, Orr, Hall, Combes, Hermes, Hoppe, Studer and Gilmour.
Public Hearing - Budget:
Alderman Gilmour made a motion at 7:02 p.m. and Alderman Orr seconded to Open the Public Hearing for comments on the Budget. All yes. Motion passed. Alderman Orr had a few questions regarding the Police budget and needed explanation on a few fund amounts. He commented he thought the police department should manage their time and officers better and asked if there was anyway to come into check.
City Administrator Sheryl Puracchio stated that the salaries increased for the police officers this budget because of overtime, vacation time and some officers out due to legal matters and maternity leave. They had to have other officer’s cover for those who were out.
Finance Director Robin Theobald was present to answer questions. She stated that the biggest expense is salaries, fixing roads and sidewalks and that the maintenance budget went up this year because all of these items were being replaced. The miscellaneous license comes from cigarette machines, game machines and business and liquor licenses are separate.
There were no public comments.
Alderman Mietzner made a motion and Alderman Hermes seconded to Close the Public Hearing on the Budget at 7:24 p.m. All yes. Motion passed.
Alderman Orr made a motion and Alderman Hoppe seconded to Approve the minutes of June 19, 2007 meeting and have them placed on file. All yes. Motion passed.
Mayor’s Report: The Mayor thanked everyone who helped with the fireworks, the VFW volunteers for handling the ticket sales, the wrestling parents who helped out in the beer tent, the Lions Club for the food, Mr. Skole for the softball games. It turned out to be a wonderful day and night for the City. The car show happened to be the same night and also turned out to be a great event. The Police Department had no complaints and had all good comments from everyone. Thanks to Mr. Wielding for the use of the land for the firework display.
Citizen’s Comments: Mr. Ron Pinzak was present in the audience and stated that berm and the weeds behind his house was still not taken care of. Sheryl Puracchio stated that she made an appointment with Roy Surdej and he never showed up. Mr. Pinzak also stated that there are still golf carts driving around on the public streets and sidewalks. He contacted the police and nothing was done. He is afraid that someone will end up hurt and the City or a citizen will end up with a lawsuit. Alderman Gilmour stated he will contact the police and address this issue.
Dale Carlson was also present in the audience and stated he too has a problem with the golf carts. He almost hit a golf cart while backing out of his driveway. He went to the Police Department and was told to contact the Mayor regarding the issue.
Alderman Gilmour stated again that he will contact the Police Department. City Attorney Mahoney stated that if the citizens would sign a complaint against the drivers of the golf carts, then he would prosecute.
Planning and Zoning Committee: Attorney Tom Osterberger was present along with his client, Bob Briscoe regarding the Prairie Creek Zoning. Mr. Osterberger stated that the County was wanting to change his clients property from a I-1 to I-3 zoning because of truck violation and states that it is a truck terminal. Mr. Osterberger wants the Councils approval to keep it I-1. He stated there were safety concerns and that Mr. Briscoe plans to put up a berm so the trucks can not be seen from the roadway. Osterberger hopes there is no legal objections and his client wants to come into compliance with the County. The use of the land has not changed in 80 years, only the nature of the business.
Debbie Rozak was present in the audience and stated that the County wants a solution for everyone. The ordinance can be changed, but it would take about 60 days.
Attorney George Mahoney stated that if you vote with Mr. Briscoe, the property may change in the future and the City will be stuck. He stated there are a few options to consider and the County can amend the ordinance. Conditions can be put on the zoning.
Attorney Osterberger stated that he will continue the meeting with Will County and Sheryl is to do a letter stating the Council Board of Wilmington will not take action yet and will vote at the August 7, 2007 on a resolution.
The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Health, Safety, Buildings, Grounds & Parks Committee: Nothing to report at this time.
Water, Sewer, Streets & Alleys Committee: Alderman Gilmour made a motion and Alderman Mietzner seconded to Waive the bidding process and accept the proposed offer for a 2005 Ford Dump Truck at a cost not to exceed $30,068.48. All yes. Motion passed.
Next scheduled meeting is set for Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at 5:30 p.m.
Police and ESDA Committee: Nothing to report at this time.
Next scheduled meeting on Monday, July 9, 2007 at 5:30 p.m.
Finance/Administration/Land Acquisition Committee: Alderman Hermes made a motion and Alderman Studer seconded to Approve the June Payables in the amount of $105,999.80. All yes. Motion passed.
Alderman Hermes made a motion and Alderman Gilmour seconded to Approve Ordinance #07-07-03-01, an Ordinance Proposing the Establishment of a Special Service Area and calling for a Public Hearing with regard thereto. (Deer Ridge Park). All yes. Motion passed.
Next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.
Ordinance and License Committee: Alderman Orr made a motion and Alderman Studer seconded to Approve Resolution No. 2007 - 10, a Resolution Ascertaining and Adopting Prevailing Wages. All yes. Motion passed.
Alderman Orr made a motion and Alderman Hoppe seconded to Waive the Second Reading and Approve Ordinance #07-07-03-02, an Ordinance Regulating the Location and use of Cargo Container Facilities for Governmental Units within Will County. All yes. Motion passed.
Next scheduled meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
Personnel and Collective Bargaining Committee: Nothing to report at this time.
City Administrator Report: Sheryl Puracchio wanted to thank Joanne Wagge for her help with the fireworks. She stated that there were 57 applications for the position of Police Officer. 45 went through the orientation and 15 have passed the written and physical tests. The Operators Local 150 is having a Grand Opening and everyone is invited to attend. It will be on July 8, 2007. She also stated that the landfill project is moving forward. The concrete for the sewer plant should be done by October or November of 2007. Regarding the Ridge Port property, the City has hired a financial expert to do an education workshop which was for July 19 at 6:00 p.m., but is rescheduled to the first week in August. Sheryl stated that this will be a good financial education discussion.
Alderman Hoppe wanted to thank Careen Gordon on the repaving of the frontage roads.
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Attorney’s Report: Attorney George Mahoney had nothing to report at this time.
Executive Session: Nothing at this time.
Next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 17, 2007.
Alderman Gilmour made a motion and Alderman Hermes seconded to Adjourn the Meeting at 8:17 p.m. All yes. Motion passed.
Sheila Long,
City Clerk