Harrisburg City Council met May 4.
Here is the minutes as provided by the council:
The Harrisburg City Council met on May 4, 2017 at 6:00 pm in the Council Room of City Hall
Harrisburg, Illinois.
Mayor John McPeek presided over the meeting with Commissioners Beth Montfort, Richard Harper and
Mike Weirauch answering roll call. Commissioner Natalie Miller was absent.
Pastor Paul Taylor from the Land Street Church of God led the group in prayer and the pledge.
Mayor McPeek made the following statement:
I would like to say something about the recent flooding situation in Harrisburg. However, I don’t know
that there are enough words to fully express how proud I am and how much I appreciate everyone’s
efforts. The Street and Alley employees, the Water/Sewer employees, the Fire Department employees
and our Commissioners all stepped forward to help fill and load sandbags and assist in any way possible
during what could have been another disaster for Harrisburg. Not only did the City’s employees step up
to the plate but many citizens and students came out to help and work till everything that could be done,
was done. It was simply amazing! This is what makes me so very proud to live in Harrisburg! This is
what it means to be a part of your community. This is what we all can point to and say this is what we’re
about!
And, I want to have two people step up here to be recognized for their heroics. We hear about this type
of situation on the news in other places but these are our heroes! Fire Chief John Gunning and
Superintendent Kelly Hefner please come forward. For those of you who have been on another planet
the last few days and haven’t heard, both of these men performed rescues to people who were trapped in
their vehicles in flooded areas. They acted with spontaneous courage and selflessness and they deserve
not only our thanks and congratulations but our respect for what they did. Everyone please join me in a
round of well-earned applause.
Commissioner Montfort stated that about 50 volunteers showed up when she put the word out that help
was needed as well as people who brought water, pizzas and food. She thanked everyone for their
support and assistance. Commissioner Weirauch thanked Commissioner Montfort for rallying the
volunteers and expressed his thanks also.
Commissioner Harper made a motion to approve the following items under Consent Agenda:
1. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 20, 2017.
2. Minutes from the Special Meeting of April 28, 2017.
3. Harrisburg Lake:
Lease Renewals:
Marshall Lane - Second Addition, Block 1, Lot 8
Ryan and Stephanie Prather - Fourth Addition, Lot 15,
Timothy and Lisa Bass - Second Addition, Block 2, Lot 15
Terry and Barbara Littell - First Addition, Block 1, Lot 15
Jeff and Jessica Rone - Fourth Addition, Lot 3
Commissioner Montfort seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried.
Superintendent Kelly Hefner stated he had been working with some numbers to determine how the
Saline Valley water rate increase could best be handled. He presented some options with one being the
Consumer Price Index of 4.1% as an overall increase for the minimum charge which is what would have
normally happened. However, he stated that would not cover the cost of the increase from Saline Valley.
He also presented a 10% increase and a 14.9% increase for the water rate both with a 4.1% sewer rate
increase. He compared how much more the bill for the last twelve months would have been using the
Saline Valley rate increase. The 14.9% increase would have given the City a $20,539.81 increase in
revenue. The 4.1% increase would have only covered $5,646.09 of a $12,812.46 Saline Valley bill and
require some budget cutting. The 10% increase would have been about a break-even point. He stated
that Marion’s rate is about when Harrisburg’s is but they are paying about a third less for water than
Harrisburg is paying and getting their water from Rend Lake. Mayor McPeek stated Council would vote
on an increase at the next meeting and the increase would be only because of Saline Valley Water
Conservancy District. Superintendent Hefner stated that there had to be a 13% increase last year because
of Saline Valley. Commissioner Montfort asked if Rend Lake increased their rate each year.
Superintendent Hefner stated that Rend Lake increases 3% every year. Mayor McPeek stated it would be
a very big deal to get water from Rend Lake but he had been talking with them as an option.
Superintendent Hefner stated that some people pay more in a year for their water/sewer bill than they do
in property taxes. Superintendent Hefner asked Council for a recommendation as to how much an
increase would be.
Jim Brown of Brown & Roberts stated there used to be a Coastal gas station at the East corner of Church
Street and Rt. 45. The property itself had been vacated, remediated and sold. Two years ago Chase
Environmental approached Brown & Roberts requesting a Highway Authority Agreement and a
Groundwater Ordinance be passed by the City. He had brought it before Council, as reflected in the
March 19, 2015 City Council Minutes. At that point, he had no longer been involved. There were letters
from Chase, who works for an LLC environmental company named Golightly & Long, dated October
16, 2015 and November 9, 2015 sent to then-Mayor Fowler. No action was taken. Mayor McPeek
received a phone call from the IEPA on April 27 of this year wanting to resolve the issue. Brown stated
Coastal had admitted their underground storage tanks had leaked. However, the right-of-way
contamination remains. The last letter was requesting that they be allowed to remediate the
contamination. Brown stated that, if they do, the City still has utilities in that area and Church Street to
put back. Attorney Todd Bittle stated there had been some discussion after the initial letter but no
decision had been made for a response. He had reviewed the three letters and commented that they
changed their mind each time. Mayor McPeek stated it should be tabled at this time and he would
discuss the issue with Brown to bring up at the next meeting.
Jonathan Gericke wanted to clarify that, when he addressed Council at the March 16 meeting, he was
not acting in an official capacity for the Pension Board nor was he speaking on behalf of the Board. He
was offering a personal opinion, which he has not changed, regarding the many issues. He stated the
Pension Board attorneys state there is no problem and everything will work out in the end but he
disagrees with them. He stated it is the responsibility of the Board to monitor the investments, not the
City Council’s. It is the Council’s responsibility to negotiate the contract to clarify the validity of the
language regarding the pay raises during the last year of the employee’s employment and whether or not
that amount is pensionable. He tried to make it clear in his presentation that the problems were multifaceted
and it would require combined efforts between the Police, the City and the Pension Board to
solve. He stated that people who were not in attendance at the meeting believe that he was trying to
assign responsibility to inappropriate parties. He stated he hoped his statement tonight clarified his
position beyond any shadow of a doubt that he was stating a personal opinion and not acting in an
official capacity for the Pension Board.
Keith Moran from Moran Economic Development gave a brief history of the Downtown TIF created in
2013 explaining the area and stating that the area is slowly gaining steam. It recently generated about
$70,000.00 by comparison to the original TIF that has generated about $700,000.00. The original TIF
funds were responsible for fixing a lot of problems including the levee system, storm water control and
flood prevention as well as providing grant matching funds. Once the original TIF was retired, the
additional tax monies were distributed back to the taxing bodies, including the City.
He explained how applications were done for the Downtown TIF funds and what expenses would be
eligible for funding. He explained how the funds are applied for, what is included in an analysis of the
project and the City may or may not make an award. He stated that typical awards are 60% tax rebate.
Moran went on to introduce a Façade Improvement Program as a consideration for Council that would
benefit businesses in the Downtown area. He explained that a certain amount of money from the TIF
funds would be allocated toward the program which would be a matching grant for up to $2,500.00 to
the business for their facades. He stated that this type of program has been successful in Herrin and West
Frankfort. The program would be administered by the City. He added that it is not done for residential or
not-for-profits. The amount of $20,000.00 has been proposed as a pilot program for a year. He stated
that amount and the exact applicable area of the TIF could be changed.
His third item was a potential TIF II, by and large in the same area as the original TIF, which no longer
exists. A TIF in that area could be a revenue stream toward a new sewer plant as well continue to fix
some of the flooding issues in that area and contribute toward business development. He explained that
it is a six month process to get a TIF established which is controlled by statutes. An Agreement for
Services from his company was in Council’s packets. There were some projects forthcoming that TIF II
would benefit from and he knew the Mayor is working hard on them. Mayor McPeek stated that he
wanted Council to consider the idea and the boundaries could be modified or expanded as needed.
Moran stated there were some annexations that may be needed or that have occurred. Mayor McPeek
stated a TIF was needed in that area to encourage new businesses. Commissioner Harper moved to enter
into an agreement with Moran Economic Development to establish a Tax Increment Financing Area.
Commissioner Montfort seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried.
Moran did a rundown on what has to actually happen before the TIF is established. Mayor McPeek
stated that a lot of towns have multiple TIF’s, giving Marion as an example with 14 or 15 TIF’s. Moran
asked Council to think of a name for this TIF.
Commissioner Harper moved the City of Harrisburg establish a Façade Improvement Grant Program for
2017 with a maximum amount of $20,000.00 with $2,500.00 matching grants for just the Downtown
area. Commissioner Weirauch seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried.
Attorney Bittle presented Council with the Petition to Vacate from Raben Tire. He briefly described the
area indicated on the map in the packet which he stated had buildings on the property. He noted an old
Quit Claim deed to NORAB (original name) which he believed involved some of the old railroad
property. He stated the procedure for a vacation was a notice published fifteen days before a Public
Hearing and consideration at a Council Meeting. He stated it appears the street and alleys they are
asking to be vacated have never been developed but do show up on a plat map and are east of the bike
path. The company is being sold and the title company is involved in trying to clear up and clean up the
title. Commissioner Weirauch asked for clarification on the actual location and Commissioner Montfort
confirmed it did not involve anyone’s home. Commissioner Harper moved that Attorney Bittle proceed
with the necessary procedure for Council to consider the Petition. Commissioner Weirauch seconded.
By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried.
Attorney Bittle asked Council to consider the draft of a lease agreement with the Saline County
Chamber of Commerce for a room in City Hall. The plan is for them to move in June 1. Mayor McPeek
asked for the lease agreement to be tabled till next meeting so the Chamber could review it also.
Fire Chief John Gunning stated the mobile home permit for 1205 McHaney Road had passed the preinspection
and asked the permit be approved. Commissioner Harper moved to approve the Mobile Home
Permit Application for 1205 McHaney Road. Commissioner Montfort seconded. By roll call vote, all
voted yes. Motion carried.
Superintendent Rick Brown stated the Leaf and Limb pickup would be ending May 15.
Commissioner Montfort extended her thanks again for the ones who helped on Sunday.
Commissioner Montfort stated the Police have all received NEMS certification for the first time since
2013.
Commissioner Montfort stated all of the Police have received Tazer training and this was this first time
in two years that all had received it.
Commissioner Montfort stated she had received recommendations from the Merit Board for a new hire
in both the Police and Fire Departments. She moved to hire Dustin Gunning in the Fire Department
based on the Merit Board findings and pending physical and drug testing from the City effective June 1
at the contractual rate of a new hire. Commissioner Weirauch seconded. By roll call vote,
Commissioners Montfort and Weirauch and Mayor McPeek voted yes. Commissioner Harper abstained
stating it was not a no vote or anything negative toward the candidate but he believed the Fire contract
should be settled before hiring a new fireman. He stated that hiring a floater was part of the negotiations
and the City is currently under binding arbitration. Motion carried.
Commissioner Montfort stated the person considered for the Police Department had declined the offer so
a second person was being contacted.
Commissioner Harper moved to accept the contract to do pre-employment exams with Harrisburg
Medical Center through Dr. Jim Alexander. Commissioner Weirauch seconded. By roll call vote, all
voted yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Harper moved to accept the quote from Karpet Korner for the carpet and installation in
the room to be leased to the Chamber in the amount of $637.50. Commissioner Weirauch seconded. By
roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Harper stated there were two air conditioning units needed for the upstairs rooms and
Congressman Shimkus’ office. He outlined the items on the bid from Sharp’s Heating & Air which
asked for a $5,000.00 deposit. Commissioner Harper moved to accept the $11,460.00 bid from Sharp’s
for two air conditioners. Commissioner Weirauch seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion
carried.
Commissioner Weirauch moved to hire Christian Williams and Nicolas Reel as summer help in the
Street and Alley Department beginning June 1 through August 15 at $8.25 per hour, pending the passing
of a physical and drug screen. Commissioner Harper seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion
carried.
Commissioner Weirauch moved to hire Noah Lambert, Carver Gregg and Garrett Jenkins as summer
help in the Water/Sewer Department beginning June 1 through August 15 at $8.25 per hour, pending the
passing of a physical and drug screen. Commissioner Montfort seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes.
Motion carried.
Commissioner Weirauch moved to hire Nathan Horn and Walker Bishop as summer help in the Public
Property Department beginning June 1 through August 15 at $8.25 per hour, pending the passing of a
physical and drug screen. Commissioner Montfort seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion
carried.
Commissioner Weirauch moved to hire Steve Dardeen as summer help Crew Leader in the Public
Property Department beginning June 1 through August 15 at $14.00 per hour, pending the passing of a
physical and drug screen. Commissioner Harper seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion
carried.
Commissioner Weirauch stated for transparency reasons he was asking Superintendent Rick Brown to
explain the purchase of equipment even though the purchase would be under the amount that would
require advertising for bids and Council approval. Superintendent Brown stated he wanted to replace an
older, smaller tractor with a larger one and to purchase a new zero turn mower for the cemetery.
Commissioner Weirauch moved to authorize Superintendent Brown to seek bids for tractors and mowers
for the Public Property Department. Commissioner Harper seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes.
Motion carried.
Citizen Jonathan Gericke addressed Council, with his repeated suggestion, which was highlighted by the
recent possible flooding event, that the City embark on a long term plan of maybe 100 years to relocate
the City to higher area.
Commissioner Harper moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss Collective Bargaining and
Personnel. Commissioner Montfort seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried.
Adjourned: 6:55 pm.
Reconvened: 8:13 pm.
Mayor John McPeek presided over the reconvened meeting with Commissioners Beth Montfort, Richard
Harper and Mike Weirauch answering roll call. Commissioner Miller was absent.
Mayor McPeek stated there was no action to be taken on Collective Bargaining.
Commissioner Montfort moved to discontinue the ILEAS officer participation effective immediately.
Commissioner Weirauch seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Harper wanted to clarify that the carpet and air conditioners for City Hall would be paid
for out of the Downtown TIF.
Commissioner Montfort moved to adjourn. Commissioner Weirauch seconded. By roll call vote, all
voted yes. Motion carried.
Adjourned 8:15 pm.
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