City of Fairfield City Council met May 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Meeting called to order by Mayor Brent Maguire at 6:00 P.M.
Prayer led by Mayor Maguire followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
City Clerk Tina Hutchcraft called the roll:
Mayor: Brent Maguire
City Clerk: Tina Hutchcraft
City Treasurer: Julie Duncan
City Attorney: Darrin Rice
Aldermen: Ralph Barbre; Mike Pottorff; Jim Griffith; Tyler Lampley; Eugene McGill; Jerry Lisenbee; Terry Stahl; Ed Prince
Also Present: Amanda White, Wayne County Press; Ken Otey, WFIW Radio; Keith Colclasure, Police Chief; Silas Eckleberry, Assistant Police Chief; Andrew Miller, Fire Chief; Wade Gregory, Assistant Fire Chief; Tyler Lashbrook, Electric Department; Kevin Leonard, Water Distribution; Jon Colclasure, Wastewater; Rick Doty, Gas Department; Carroll Dugger, Cemetery Department; D.E. Young, Garage Department; Terry Weedman; DiElle Rogers; Scott England; Tim Wilson; Colin Dunn; Jason Woolard; Dian Downs; Flo Simpson, FADC; and other citizens from the community.
The minutes of the meeting of April 23, 2019, agendas and bills of May 14, 2019 were sent out to those entitled to receive them. Mayor Maguire asked for approval of the minutes for the April 23, 2019 meeting. Motion by Alderman Stahl, seconded by Alderman Lisenbee to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 23, 2019.
Vote yes: McGill; Pottorff; Prince; Stahl; Barbre; Griffith; Lampley; Lisenbee
Vote no: none
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried.
Mayor Maguire asked for approval to pay the bills for the May 14, 2019 meeting. A motion was made by Alderman Pottorff, seconded by Alderman Barbre to approve the bills for payment.
Vote yes: Pottorff; Prince; Stahl; Barbre; Griffith; Lampley; Lisenbee; McGill
Vote no: none
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried.
Resolution No. 19-0514-303 – Certification of Election Results – City Clerk Tina Hutchcraft received the abstract of votes from County Clerk Liz Ann Woodrow declaring the results of the consolidated election held April 2, 2019. A motion was made by Alderman McGill, seconded by Alderman Griffith to approve Resolution No. 19-0514-303 certifying the election results.
Vote yes: Prince; Stahl; Barbre; Griffith; Lampley; Lisenbee; McGill; Pottorff
Vote no: none
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried and Resolution No. 19-0514-303 approved and duly adopted.
Awards of Appreciation – Awards of appreciation were presented to Alderman Mike Pottorff and Alderman Ed Prince. Mayor Maguire thanked them for their service to the community.
Adjournment of Meeting – Motion by Alderman Pottorff, seconded by Alderman Prince to adjourn this meeting.
Vote yes: Stahl; Barbre; Griffith; Lampley; Lisenbee; McGill; Pottorff; Prince
Vote no: none
Mayor Maguire declared motion.
Meeting called to order by Mayor Maguire.
Swearing in of Newly Elected Officials – City Attorney Darrin Rice administered the oath of office to Aldermen Brett Coale, Alderman Tyler Lampley, Alderman Jerry Lisenbee, and Alderman Gary Moore.
Meeting called to order by Mayor Brent Maguire at 6:16 p.m.
City Clerk Tina Hutchcraft called the roll:
Mayor: Brent Maguire
City Clerk: Tina Hutchcraft
City Treasurer: Julie Duncan
Aldermen: Ralph Barbre; Brett Coale; Jim Griffith; Tyler Lampley; Eugene McGill; Jerry Lisenbee; Terry Stahl; Gary Moore
Public Comments – Dr. Scott England addressed the Council on behalf of Fairfield District #112 about his frustrations and disappointment concerning the TIF issues. He feels the City should honor the agreement to give 40% of the TIF money back to the schools. He disagrees with the City hiring an outside lawyer who has done nothing but cause strife between the City and the taxing bodies. Someone should have had the courage to tell the outside lawyer that this is an agreement we had with the taxing bodies and that the City intends to keep that agreement. He also disagrees with the City using TIF monies for the water line replacement project and doesn’t understand how new lines will boost the economy.
Public Comments – Timothy Wilson addressed the Council about issues he is having with his landlords. There are several problems with the property and they refuse to make any repairs. He also experienced a problem with bed bugs and he had to hire an exterminator and pay for it himself because the landlords wouldn’t. As a landlord they have a reasonable expectation that rent will be paid on time in full every month and as a tenant there is a reasonable expectation to believe that landlords will make necessary repairs. He asked who is responsible for monitoring landlords and enforcing building codes and seeing to it that they live up to their legal obligations. The Mayor stated the City does have certain ordinances that deal with dilapidated or dangerous buildings and tall weeds or grass but we do not have any ordinances in place to oversee the landlords. Mr. Wilson asked what he could do to get those types of ordinances in place. He will contact the Mayor to continue these discussions.
Resolution No. 19-0514-304 and Resolution No. 19-0514-305 – Appointment of Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief – A motion was made by Alderman Lampley, seconded by Alderman Coale to approve the appointment of Andrew Miller as Fire Chief and Wade Gregory as Assistant Fire Chief.
Vote yes: Barbre; Coale; Griffith; Lampley; Lisenbee; Moore
Vote no: Stahl
Abstain: McGill
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried and Resolution No. 19-0514-304 and Resolution No. 19-0514-305 approved and duly adopted.
Resolution No. 19-0514-306 and Resolution No. 19-0514-307 – Appointment of Police Chief and Assistant Police Chief – A motion was made by Alderman Barbre, seconded by Alderman McGillto approve the appointment of Keith Colclasure as Police Chief and Silas Eckleberry as Assistant Police Chief.
Vote yes: Lampley; Lisenbee; McGill; Barbre; Coale; Griffith
Vote no: Moore; Stahl
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried and Resolution No. 19-0514-306 and Resolution No. 19-0514-307 approved and duly adopted.
Resolutions – The following resolutions were presented to Council for approval.
Resolution No. 19-0514-308City Collector appointment
DiElle Rogers
Resolution No. 19-0514-309 City Treasurer appointment
Julie Duncan
Resolution No. 19-0514-310Board of Fire & Police Commissioner 3 yr. appointment
Stan Phelps
Resolution No. 19-0514-311Police Pension Board 2 yr. appointment
Bryan Williams
Resolution No. 19-0514-312Library Board 3 yr. appointment
David Land
Diane Robinson
Julie Duncan
Resolution No. 19-0514-313Recreation Committee 3 yr. appointment
Tyler Lampley
Resolution No. 19-0514-314 Recertification of Elected Officials’ Participation
in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.
Resolution No. 19-0514-315 – Setting City Council Meeting Dates
Alderman Moore made a motion, seconded by Alderman Griffith to approve the above resolutions.
Vote yes: Lisenbee; McGill; Moore; Stahl; Barbre; Coale; Griffith; Lampley
Vote no: none
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried and Resolution No. 19-0514-308 through
19-0514-315 approved and duly adopted.
Committee Assignments – Committee assignments were distributed to the Aldermen.
Award Bids for Water Filter Chemicals – Bids were opened for chemicals for the water filtration plant and we received bids from five different companies. Motion by Alderman Griffith, seconded by Alderman Lampley to accept the bids for chemicals at the Filter Plant as recommended by Bruce McKibben.
Vote yes: Lampley; Lisenbee; McGill; Moore; Stahl; Barbre; Coale; Griffith
Vote no: none
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried.
Trailer Ordinance Discussion – The revisions to the trailer ordinance was discussed. A draft of the changes was made available to the Council. Alderman Barbre asked that language concerning the foundation and skirting be addressed. Alderman Moore questioned whether or not an age restriction needs to be made. The current ordinance states that in order for a mobile home to be moved into the city it cannot be older than five years. Alderman Griffith feels the five year limitation has proven to be beneficial by preventing junk trailers being moved into the city. Mayor Maguire and Alderman Barbre feel the age of the mobile home is the wrong standard to use but we need to come up with the proper standard to use. Alderman Lisenbee mentioned that when the committee first met their thoughts were to have no age limit at all but inspections would be put in place to make sure they were being properly maintained. The Council was asked to review the draft and direct any questions or suggested changes to the Mayor, City Attorney or the trailer committee which consists of Alderman Lampley, Alderman McGill, and Alderman Lisenbee.
Appointment of Temporary Leadman in Gas Department – Mayor Maguire told the Council that Rick Doty will be retiring after 43 years with the City. He will be leaving in July. Mayor Maguire would like to appoint DuWayne Nobles as temporary leadman in the Gas Department to begin training to replace Rick when he retires. Nobles will be appointed as leadman in training and then he will automatically assume the leadperson responsibility upon Rick’s retirement. A motion was made by Alderman Lampley, seconded by Alderman Coale to approve this appointment.
Vote yes: Lisenbee; Moore; Stahl; Coale; Griffith; Lampley
Vote no: none
Abstain: McGill
Present: Barbre
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried.
Ordinance No. 19-0514-171 – Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Property – Attorney Rice told the Council that we have acquired property and would like to offer it for sale. The bid to sell this property will be opened at the Council meeting on June 25th. The City will observe the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Tract 1 is Lot 114 in Rinard’s Third Addition (600 West College Street). The minimum bid for this tract is $1,000. Sealed bids must be submitted on or before June 24th to the City Clerk. Each bidder must be present at the June 25th Council meeting to explain his or her intention on the development of the tract bid on. The City Council may accept the bid or any other bid determined to be in the best interest of the City by a vote of ¾ of the aldermen holding office. A motion was made by Alderman Griffith, seconded by Alderman Lisenbee to approve Ordinance No. 19-0514-171 to authorize the sale of municipal property.
Vote yes: McGill; Moore; Stahl; Barbre; Coale; Griffith; Lampley; Lisenbee
Vote no: none
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried and Ordinance No. 19-0514-171 approved and duly adopted.
Seek Bids for Wastewater Energy Efficiency Grant Project – We applied for and were successful in receiving an energy efficiency grant from the IEPA to do some automation at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The total cost of the project is approximately $163,000 and the city’s portion would be 10% of the project ($16,300). Colin Dunn, project engineer with HLR, explained that we will be upgrading equipment as well as installing new equipment to help make the plant more energy efficient. We should see a huge savings on our utility bill. A motion was made by Alderman Griffith, seconded by Alderman Lampley to approve seeking bids for the Wastewater energy efficiency grant project.
Vote yes: McGill; Moore; Stahl; Barbre; Coale; Griffith; Lampley; Lisenbee
Vote no: none
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried.
Flooding Issues – Mayor Maguire discussed the possibility of hiring an engineer to examine the cause of the flooding issues we have been having throughout the city. He would like to have Colin Dunn put together a proposal to examine the issue and put together a plan of action to remedy the flooding problems. A motion was made by Alderman Barbre, seconded by Alderman Lisenbee to have Colin Dunn with HLR prepare a proposal to examine the flooding issues. The Council will then vote on the agreement with the engineering firm at the next Council meeting.
Vote yes: Moore; Stahl; Barbre; Coale; Griffith; Lampley; Lisenbee; McGill
Vote no: none
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried.
Discussion of Policy Regarding Non-Employees in City Vehicles & Equipment – Mayor Maguire apologized for not bringing this topic back for discussion earlier. The police department has a policy prohibiting non-employees from riding in city owned vehicles. A resident was very upset because she was not allowed to ride in a police vehicle with her son in the Veteran’s Parade as the officer was leading the parade. Chief Colclasure explained that prior to 2016 there was no policy in place and he did allow non-employees to ride in the vehicles during a parade. But after one of the parades he was questioned by an alderman about non-authorized passengers in vehicles and about the liability to the city. After that conversation is when Chief Colclasure implemented the new policy of no more riding. The airport also has a policy in place concerning use of the courtesy vehicle for pilots. Mayor Maguire asked the Council for direction as to whether or not they feel we should or should not allow any non-employees in city vehicles or equipment. The Illinois Municipal League stated there is no exclusion for anyone that is in our vehicles or equipment. They would cover any claim regardless of their employee status. The issue then becomes how much liability the city wants to incur. IML stated it is completely up to the city as to whether or not we allow non-employees to ride in vehicles but if we do we should have guidelines in place in order to minimize the liability. The college recently had a lineman rodeo and the electric department did take some people up in the bucket truck which brought this issue back up to the forefront.
Alderman Griffith stated that when this was discussed previously it was the consensus of the Council then to not allow non-employees in city vehicles. He does not think we should allow non-employees to ride in vehicles due to the liability to the city. Alderman Lisenbee said we should look at the policies other cities have in place. Alderman Moore feels the city should allow non-employees to ride in the city vehicles but to have guidelines in place. At this time it was the consensus of most of the aldermen that non-employees be allowed in vehicles as long as a ride along policy is put into place. Mayor Maguire turned the matter over to the legislative committee, consisting of Alderman Coale, Alderman Griffith, and Alderman Lampley to come back to the Council with a recommendation concerning this matter.
IBEW Union Contract – The major changes in the proposed union contract are: 2.75% increase in wages; an increase of $25 in insurance premiums per pay for all employees (whether single or family coverage); change in residency to allow employees to live within five miles of the city limits from a fixed point such as 7th Street and Main; and random drug testing. Alderman Griffith stated he did not agree with allowing employees to live outside of the city limits. He feels the city taxpayers are paying the city employee’s wages and he feels they should live inside city limits, use city services, and pay city property taxes. Alderman Barbre stated that no one supports the idea that employees should live inside city limits more than him but things change and times change and he will support this contract. Even though he doesn’t agree with everything in the contract he will still support it. A motion was made by Alderman McGill, seconded by Alderman Moore to approve the IBEW contract.
Vote yes: Stahl; Barbre; Coale; Lampley; Lisenbee; McGill; Moore
Vote no: Griffith
Mayor Maguire declared motion carried.
Mayor Maguire reminded everyone that this will affect IBEW employees only. We will still have to consider the FOP contract and will have to consider raises, etc. for the non-union employees.
Miscellaneous – Alderman McGill thanked the city employees for all their dedicated work they are getting done throughout the city.
Miscellaneous – Alderman Moore mentioned problems in the Kincaid Acres area with the street resurfacing that was done recently. Dave Connor, our city engineer, is aware of the problems and the company that did the street resurfacing has plans to fix the problems in this area.
Adjourn Meeting – Motion by Alderman Barbre, seconded by Alderman McGill to adjourn the meeting.
Vote yes: 8
Vote no: 0
Mayor Maguire declared meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
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