Decatur City Council amends video gaming license fee

By Lhalie Castillo

Feb 10, 2017

Decatur City Council met Monday, Nov. 21.

Here are the minutes as provided by Decatur:

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Monday, November 21, 2016

On Monday, November 21, 2016, the City Council of the City of Decatur, Illinois, met in Regular Meeting at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, One Gary K. Anderson Plaza, Decatur, Illinois.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe presided, together with her being Councilmen Dana Ray, Jerry Dawson, Bill Faber, Chris Funk, Lisa Gregory and Pat McDaniel. Seven members present. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe declared a quorum present.

City Manager Tim Gleason attended the meeting as well.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

This being the time for Appearance of Citizen, the following citizens appeared:

Karen Hawkins shared that she thought it was unfair to impose an additional financial burden on 182 Decatur residents by increasing the liquor license fee. The bars and restaurants are the first to make donations in the City and if they have to have fee increases it will cut into their charitable giving.

Miranda Rothrock, President of the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, stated the downtown area has been transformed to welcome the holidays thanks to several local sponsors. The annual downtown Christmas walk will be held on December 7, 2016 and Small Business Saturday is November 26, 2016. President Miranda Rothrock invited the community to come and support the upcoming events.

Russell Shulke read a statement regarding the establishment of gaming parlors and the increased license fee.

James Taylor requested that before houses are demolished, the City take Building and Trades through the houses to see if they could fix them up so somebody could live in the houses.

The minutes of the November 7, 2016 Special City Council meeting and the Regular City Council meeting were presented. Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the minutes be approved as written; seconded by Councilman Pat McDaniel, and on call of the roll, Councilmen Dana Ray, Jerry Dawson, Bill Faber, Chris Funk, Lisa Gregory, Pat McDaniel and Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

This being the time set aside for Unfinished Business and there being none, Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe called for New Business.

Proclamations and Recognitions:

City Manager Tim Gleason shared that Assistant City Manager Jerry Bauer was recently awarded the Credential Manager’s Certification through the International City Manager’s Association.

Tim Stone, President and CEO of Decatur Memorial Hospital, read a Proclamation declaring November 2016 as Decatur Memorial Hospital recognition month in acknowledgement of the care provided to citizens for 100 years.

Miranda Rothrock, President of Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, read a Proclamation proclaiming Saturday, November 26, 2016 as Small Business Saturday; stating the Mayor urged the residents of our community and communities across the country to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.

R2016-136 Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Agreement with BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois for Administration of the City Group Health Benefit Plan for Calendar 2017, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Resolution do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

Councilman Chris Funk asked if the administration cost included the payment of claims or was the cost just for the services to administer the program. Finance Director Gregg Zientara explained the administration cost does not include the claim expense. Councilman Chris Funk asked if the City received competitive bids or quotes. Finance Director Gregg Zientara stated the City did not go out and get bids. It has been the opinion of the City that moving away from BlueCross BlueShield would be disadvantageous to our employees and covered dependents because it would present less network opportunities and less discounts for services than we can obtain from BlueCross BlueShield.

Upon call of the roll, Councilmen Dana Ray, Jerry Dawson, Bill Faber, Chris Funk, Lisa Gregory, Pat McDaniel and Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2016-137 Resolution Authorizing City of Decatur to Enter into Purchase Agreement for Purchase of a Pierce Saber Pumper Fire Apparatus and Agreement for Debt Financing of Apparatus, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Resolution do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Lisa Gregory.

R2016-138 Resolution Authorizing Bid and Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Felmley-Dickerson Co. for Fire Facility Renovation Initiative City Project 2016-11, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Resolution do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Lisa Gregory.

Councilman Bill Faber asked how the contract was going to be paid for. City Manager Tim Gleason explained that City secured the revenue stream going forward in the property tax increase approval from last year. Councilman Bill Faber asked what the approval of a promissory note in the amount of $2.2 million related to. City Manager stated that was the not to exceed number for the Phase I maintenance and repair to the fire facilities. Councilman Bill Faber asked if this project was going to be done through debt financing. City Manager Tim Gleason stated that was correct.

2016-79 Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Groundwater Former Mobil Services Station, 3002 North Water Street, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

R2016-139 Resolution Approving Change Order #1 to the 2016 Water Main Replacement Project Lake Ridge Addition Contract with Burdick Plumbing & Heating Company, Inc., for a Time Extension – City Project 2016-10, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Resolution do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

R2016-140 Resolution Approving the Budget for the City of Decatur for the Fiscal Period Beginning January 1, 2017 and Ending December 31, 2017, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman Pat McDaniel.

Councilman Bill Faber stated that he and Councilman Chris Funk suggested projecting a decline in revenue of 1% or 2%. Councilman Bill Faber asked if those suggestions were incorporated in the proposed budget. Councilman Bill Faber affirmed that the City was proposing a flat projection. City Manager Tim Gleason stated that was correct. Councilman Bill Faber asked what the Legal expense projection in 2017 in the amount $50,000.00 was for. City Manager Tim Gleason explained the City sees an increase in annexations and legal costs that the City will probably outsource. City Manager Bill Faber inquired about the Civic Center Security projected budget of $70,000.00. City Manager Tim Gleason stated that City Hall is wide open and he believes there are security concerns. In response to those concerns, the City has offered off duty Police Officers to patrol the building. Councilman Bill Faber asked about the small decline in building inspections salaries and if that signaled there was going to be less inspections. City Manager Tim Gleason stated there was no reductions in head count in that line item. City Councilman Bill Faber would like to see a larger effort in this community to plant more trees. City Manager Tim Gleason shared information about the logging project and the revenue that will be secured in the future to take care of trees in our community. City Manager Tim Gleason responded to Council budget comments.

Bill Miller, owner of Curly’s Bar and Grill, read a statement regarding the proposed increase of liquor license fees and video gaming machine fees.

Kevin Watkins read a statement concerning the proposed video gaming license and amusement device fee increases. He thought the building and fire inspections were redundant and suggested the City combine them. Mr. Watkins stated the efforts for the reapplication of liquor licenses is a needless cost to the City and is an undue burden to its staff. Mr. Watkins asked the Council to protect the small businesses that will continue to support Decatur with their taxes.

Councilman Chris Funk asked what the total revenue would be from the proposed fee increases. City Manager Tim Gleason stated the total cumulative amount is around $250,000.00. Councilman Chris Funk asked when the last time was the liquor license fee was modified. City Manager Tim Gleason shared liquor fees have not been changed since 2002.

Richard Cairns said he sponsors a lot of VFW programs and if the Council raises the gaming machine fees it will hurt them and he would appreciate the Council thinking about them.

2016-80 Ordinance Adding City Code Chapter 54.1 Video Gaming License, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

Councilman Bill Faber asked when the City gave notice of the proposed fee increase. City Manager Tim Gleason said the $375.00 fee increase would have been two weeks ago and subsequently in the two public sessions.

Councilman Pat McDaniel motioned to amend the Ordinance and lower the Video Gaming License fee to $250.00 per machine instead of $375.00; seconded by Councilman Chris Funk.

Council discussed what other communities are charging for video machines and combining licensing processes.

Mayor asked roll be called for the Ordinance Adding City Code Chapter 54.1 Video Gaming License as amended.

Upon Call of the roll, Councilmen Dana Ray, Jerry Dawson, Chris Funk, Lisa Gregory, Pat McDaniel and Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe voted aye. Councilman Bill Faber voted nay. Six ayes and one nay. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2016-81 Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 37 – Construction and Excavation in Streets, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

2016-82 Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 44 - Fire Prevention and Hazardous Materials, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

2016-83 Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 51.5 Hotel Use Tax, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

2016-84 Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 50.1 – Transient Merchants, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 52.1 – Places of Amusement was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

Councilman Chris Funk asked what Places of Amusement are. Corporation Counsel Wendy Morthland stated Places of Amusement are places, clubs, and billiard halls that do not have liquor licenses.

Councilman Bill Faber motioned to table the item; seconded by Councilman Chris Funk.

Upon call of the roll, Councilmen Dana Ray, Jerry Dawson, Bill Faber, Chris Funk, Lisa Gregory, Pat McDaniel voted aye. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe voted nay. Six ayes and one nay. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe declared the motion to table the item carried.

2016-85 Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 54 – Amusement Devices, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

Kim Miller, owner and operator of the Bourbon Barrel Bar and Grill, stated this would be a triple fee increase for them.

Upon call of the roll, Councilmen Dana Ray, Jerry Dawson, Bill Faber, Lisa Gregory, and Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe voted aye. Councilmen Chris Funk and Pat McDaniel voted nay. Five ayes and two nays. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 58 – Secondhand Stores, Auction Houses and Rummage Rooms, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

Councilman Pat McDaniel stated that the City doesn’t have this fee on other retail stores and he couldn’t support this item. Councilman Chris Funk asked if the Ordinance was unique to the City of Decatur.

Corporation Counsel Wendy Morthland said it was not unusual and it was a long standing Ordinance. Finance Director Gregg Zientara shared Fire and Building inspections are required and that is some of what drives the price of this license. These licensing requirements sometimes serve as protection for the public because the goods are secondhand.

John Phillips requested Council not approve the Ordinance.

Upon call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry Dawson, Bill Faber, and Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe voted aye. Councilmen Dana Ray, Chris Funk, Lisa Gregory, and Pat McDaniel voted nay. Three ayes and four nays. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe declared the motion failed.

2016-86 Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 59 – Sign Hangers, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

2016-87 Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 60 – Vehicles for Hire, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

2016-88 Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 63 – Mobile Home Parks, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

2016-89 Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 53 – Ambulance Service, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

2016-90 Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 52 – Alcoholic Liquor, was presented.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

Councilman Bill Faber asked what liquor licenses F, N, and P were that are being exempted from the liquor license fee increase. Councilman Jerry Dawson said Class P is the gaming parlors and F is seasonal and N is a festival. Corporation Counsel Wendy Morthland shared the definition of liquor licenses F, N, and P provided in City Code Chapter 52. City Manager Tim Gleason addressed Council’s questions regarding liquor licenses F, N, and P.

Richard Cairns asked Council to look hard at these taxes and considered the impact on the citizens.

Upon call of the roll, Councilmen Dana Ray, Jerry Dawson, Chris Funk, Lisa Gregory, and Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe voted aye. Councilmen Bill Faber and Pat McDaniel voted nay. Five ayes and two nays. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe called for Other Business. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe congratulated St. Teresa Bulldogs for making a return visit to the State Football Championship and wished them well.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe called for Study Session for the Treasurer’s Financial Report and the Sanitary Sewer Utility Proposed Rate Increase.

Councilman Jerry Dawson moved to recess to Study Session; seconded by Councilwoman Dana Ray.

Finance Director Gregg Zientara gave a brief financial report. Finance Director Gregg Zientara reported that slowly but surely the City is making progress. The City continues to increase their cash reserve position.

Public Works Director Rick Marley gave a presentation on the Sanitary Sewer Utility proposed rate increase. He reviewed the US EPA Consent Order and the Sanitary Sewer Rate increase. Public Works Director Rick Marley answered Council’s questions regarding the fee increases. Councilman Pat McDaniel wanted the Public to know that when they look at their water bill that the bill is not all for the City; a portion of the bill is for the Sanitary District.

Councilwoman Dana Ray moved the regular Council meeting be adjourned; seconded by Councilman Chris Funk. Upon call of the roll, Councilmen Dana Ray, Jerry Dawson, Bill Faber, Chris Funk, Lisa Gregory, Pat McDaniel and Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe declared the Council meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

Approved December 5, 2016 Debra G. Bright, City Clerk

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