Macon Reporter

City of Decatur City Council met March 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of the City of Decatur, Illinois, met in Regular Meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, One Gary K. Anderson Plaza, Decatur, Illinois.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe presided, together with her being Council members Lisa Gregory, David Horn and Rodney Walker. Council Members Pat McDaniel, Bill Faber and Chuck Kuhle were absent. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared a quorum present.

City Manager Scot Wrighton attended the meeting as well.

Mayor Moore Wolfe led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Appearance of Citizens and the following individuals provided comments to the Council: Marc Girdler, John Phillips Jr., and Ana Taylor.

With no other Appearance of Citizens, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Approval of Minutes.

The minutes of the February 24, 2020 City Council meeting were presented. Councilwoman Lisa Gregory moved the minutes be approved as written; seconded by Councilman David Horn and on call of the roll, Council members Lisa Gregory, David Horn, Rodney Walker and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Unfinished Business.

With no Unfinished Business, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for New Business.

Finance Director Gregg Zientara presented the Treasurer’s Financial Report.

Motion Adopting City Council Policies, was presented. Councilwoman Lisa Gregory moved that the motion do pass, seconded by Councilman David Horn.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the following three City Council policies: Annexations, Disposition of Surplus Property and Voluntary Demolitions.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2020-51 Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance-Section XXI. Exceptions to Height and Area Requirements, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

City Manager Wrighton gave a brief overview of the Ordinance.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2020-52 Ordinance Rezoning Property from M-2 Heavy Industrial District to M-1 Intense Commercial/Light Industrial District – 500 to 800 Blocks of West Eldorado Street, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

City Manager Wrighton and Planning & Development Manager Greg Crowe gave a brief overview of the Ordinance.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2020-43 Resolution Authorizing an Amendment to the Services Agreement with Johnson Controls Inc., was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

City Manager Wrighton gave a brief overview of the Resolution.

Mr. Bruce Combs with Johnson Controls Inc. gave an update of the timeline of completing the project.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2020-44 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of 1980 North Brush College Road for Improvements of Brush College Road over Faries Parkway and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Tracks, City Project 2009-33, Section 09-0093, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the Resolution.

Public Works Director Matt Newell explained that this was the largest piece of property and the most expensive which was part of the Freight Grant the city received for this specific property.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Lisa Gregory, Rodney Walker and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2020-45 Resolution Authorizing Amendment #1 to the Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation for Design Services for the Improvement of Brush College Road over Faries Parkway and the Norfolk Railroad Tracks, City Project 2009-33 Section 09-00933-01-BR, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Lisa Gregory, Rodney Walker and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2020-46 Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Kinney Contractors Inc. for Decatur Public Transit System Concrete Bus Shelter Pad Improvement Project, City Project 2019-1, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Lisa Gregory, Rodney Walker and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried

R2020-47 Resolution to Approve Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement and Appropriate Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the Meadowlark Bridge/Caterpillar Ditch (SN 058-6022) City Project 2020-02 Section No. 20-00002-00-BR, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the Resolution. Items nine and ten on the agenda coincide together.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Lisa Gregory, Rodney Walker and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2020-48 Resolution Authorizing a Professional Engineering Services Agreement with Clark Dietz Inc. to perform Bridge Design Services for the Meadowlark Bridge/Caterpillar Ditch (SN 058-6022) City Project 2020-02 Section No. 20-00002-00BR, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Lisa Gregory, Rodney Walker and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2020-49 Resolution Authorizing Change Order No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Hanson Professional Services Inc. for Lake Decatur Dam Gates Evaluation City Project 2019-40, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass and be adopted seconded by Councilman Horn.

Public Works Director Matt Newell gave a brief overview of the Resolution.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Lisa Gregory, Rodney Walker and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Resolution Accepting the Bid Price of Schimmer Ford Lincoln Hyundai for the Purchase of Six (6) 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Vehicles, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the Resolution. City Manager Wrighton explained that this Resolution can be delayed. The bid is good until June.

Police Chief Getz agreed with City Manager Wrighton. It will take seven or eight months to receive the vehicles because of back log.

Motion to amend the Resolution to purchase three vehicles instead of six was made by Councilman Walker, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Council member Lisa Gregory voted nay. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion failed.

Councilwoman Lisa Gregory expressed that she would like to vote on the Resolution as presented.

Councilman David Horn made a motion to table the Resolution, seconded by Councilman Rodney Walker.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2020-50 Resolution Authorizing Weed Removal Contract Jandi Services, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the following four Resolutions as they all relate to authorizing weed removal.

Neighborhood Services Manager Susan Kretsinger explained the bidding process. The mowing process runs from April until October.

Councilman Horn questioned whether the City Council should table the Resolution until the effects of COVID-19 are known.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2020-51 Resolution Authorizing Weed Removal Contract Azuish Enterprise, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2020-52 Resolution Authorizing Weed Removal Contract Phillip Turner, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2020-53 Resolution Authorizing Weed Removal Contract Brad Franzen, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2020-53 Ordinance Annexing Territory Entirely Surrounded by the City Limits-2333, 2305, 2251 Captain Ln., 2294, 2278, 2242, 2263, Wilcox Ln, 3424, 3409, 3373, 3355, 3331 Sullivan Dr., was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the following four Ordinances as they all relate to annexations.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2020-54 Ordinance Annexing Territory Entirely Surrounded by the City Limits-2324 Dunes Dr., was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2020-55 Ordinance Annexing Territory Entirely Surrounded by the City Limits-3338, 3335, 3345 Desert Inn Rd., 2233, 2221 Sands Dr., was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2020-56 Ordinance Annexing Territory Entirely Surrounded by the City Limits-4115, 4116 N. Doneta Ave (AKA 4115, 4116 Doneta Ave., was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

With no other New Business, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Consent Calendar Items A. through K. and asked if any Council member wished to have an item removed from the Consent Calendar. Councilman Horn requested to remove Item A. from the Consent Calendar. The Clerk read items B. through K.

Item B. R2020-55 Resolution Receiving and Filing the 2019 Official Zoning Map Item C. R2020-56 Resolution Approving Appointment – Electrical Commission Item D. Receiving and Filing of Minutes of Boards and Commissions

Item E. 2020-57 Ordinance Annexing Territory 3290 Burt Drive.

Item F. 2020-58 Ordinance Annexing Territory 3322 Burt Drive.

Item G. 2020-59 Ordinance Annexing Territory 4160 Dean Drive

Item H. 2020-60 Ordinance Annexing Territory 3205 Las Vegas Drive

Item I. 2020-61 Ordinance Annexing Territory 4250 Needle Road

Item J. 2020-62 Ordinance Annexing Territory 3708 Ravina Park Road

Item K. 2020-63 Ordinance Authorizing Consumption of Alcoholic Liquor 2100 Block

East Cantrell Street Between 21st Street and 22nd Street-Wild Dog Saloon-Russ Garver Benefit

Councilwoman Gregory moved Items B. through K. be approved by Omnibus Vote; seconded by Councilman Horn, and on call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Item A. R2020-54 Resolution Regarding Temporary Closure of Certain Downtown Sidewalks-Decatur Celebration, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Council member Horn asked whether there would be any changes to the fencing in 2020 compared to 2019.

Mr. Jarrod Cox from the Decatur Celebration gave a brief overview of the changes.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Other Business.

City Manager Wrighton suggested that the Study Session should be cancelled on March 23rd due to the Coronavirus. There is a scheduled Study Session on April 13th where items can be pushed to that date. In attempting to comply with the direction of the White House and Governor, the Civic Center will be closed to the public beginning Thursday March 19, 2020. Press Releases addressing the temporary closure of the Civic Center to the general public and available resources to businesses will be issued. Between now and the next City Council meeting on April 6th, the city will wait on the directives from the state. Mayor Moore Wolfe expressed that she is in favor of supporting and helping small businesses during this time. City Manager Wrighton explained that functions and responsibilities of staff will continue.

Councilwoman Gregory thanked the Howard G. Buffet Foundation for committing up to one million dollars to help with supplies for COVID-19. She also thanked City Manager Wrighton, Interim Director of Community Development Richelle Irons and Deputy City Manager Jon Kindseth for the creation of the side lot program.

Mayor Moore Wolfe expressed condolences to Councilman McDaniel who lost his mother after a long illness.

With no Other Business, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Recess to Closed Executive Session Under Open Meetings Act Section 2 (c)(5) for the purpose of discussing the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body.

Councilwoman Gregory moved to Recess to Closed Executive session, seconded by Councilman Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council Members David Horn, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Council returned to the regular City meeting following Closed Executive Session. Councilwoman Lisa Gregory moved the regular meeting be adjourned; seconded by Councilman David Horn. All were in favor by voicing no objections.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe declared the regular Council meeting adjourned at 7:42 P.M.

https://www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council-meetings/