Macon Reporter

City of Decatur City Council met Dec. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe presided, together with her being Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper and Lisa Gregory. 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 recognized Mr. Brandon Kurecki, a three-time state champion for the Future Business Leaders of America. Mayor Moore Wolfe presented Mr. Kurecki with a Stephen Decatur medallion.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Appearance of Citizens and the following citizens provided comments to the Council: Abeer Motan.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Approval of the Minutes.

The minutes of the December 6, 2021, City Council meeting were presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the minutes be approved as written; seconded by Councilman Kuhle and on call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

With no Unfinished Business, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for New Business. City Manager Wrighton presented the Treasurer’s Financial Report.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for a Public Hearing at 5:39 p.m. in the matter of the 2021 Property Tax Levy.

There being no public comments, Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the Public Hearing closed at 5:40 p.m.

2021-52 An Ordinance Levying Property Taxes for the City of Decatur, Illinois for the Purpose of Raising Revenue to Meet Certain Necessary Expenses of the City for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2022, and Ending December 31, 2022, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the Ordinance.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-53 An Ordinance Abating the Property Tax Levy for the City of Decatur, Illinois for General Obligation 2010 Series C Bonds, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Councilman Faber exited the Council Chambers at 5:43 p.m.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Councilman Bill Faber was absent. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-54 An Ordinance Abating the Property Tax Levy for the City of Decatur, Illinois for General Obligation 2012 Series Bonds, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Councilman Bill Faber was absent. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-55 An Ordinance Abating the Property Tax Levy for the City of Decatur, Illinois for General Obligation 2013 Series Bonds, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Councilman Bill Faber was absent. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-56 An Ordinance Abating the Property Tax Levy for the City of Decatur, Illinois for General Obligation 2014 Series Bonds, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Councilman Bill Faber was absent. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-57 An Ordinance Abating the Property Tax Levy for the City of Decatur, Illinois for General Obligation 2015 Series Bonds, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Councilman Faber returned to the Council Chambers at 5:46 p.m.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-58 An Ordinance Abating the Property Tax Levy for the City of Decatur, Illinois for General Obligation 2016 Series Bonds, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-59 An Ordinance Abating the Property Tax Levy for the City of Decatur, Illinois for General Obligation 2017 Series Bonds, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-60 An Ordinance Abating the Property Tax Levy for the City of Decatur, Illinois for General Obligation 2018 Series Bonds, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-61 An Ordinance Abating the Property Tax Levy for the City of Decatur, Illinois for General Obligation 2019 Series Bonds, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-62 An Ordinance Abating the Property Tax Levy for the City of Decatur, Illinois for General Obligation 2019 Series B Bonds, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-63 An Ordinance Abating the Property Tax Levy for the City of Decatur, Illinois for General Obligation 2020 Series Bonds, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-64 Budget Reconciliation Ordinance Appropriating Additional Monies for the Purpose of Defraying the Expenses for Certain Funds of the City of Decatur, Illinois for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2021, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Finance Director Gregg Zientara answered questions from Council regarding the Equipment Replacement Fund.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2021-232 Resolution Authorizing the City of Decatur to Provide an Interfund Cash Advance to Certain Funds to Affect a Positive Cash Position as of the Close of Business December 31, 2021, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the Resolution.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2021-233 Resolution Authorizing Consulting Services Agreement - Ann L. Schneider and Associates LLC, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the Resolution.

Ms. Ann Schneider presented an overview of projects she has been working on and answered questions from Council about the creation of a quiet zone relating to railroad crossings.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2021-65 Ordinance Rezoning Property from M-1 Intense Commercial - Light Industrial District to M-2 Heavy Industrial District - 3696 Greenswitch Road, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Mr. Greg Crowe, Assistant Director of Economic and Community Development, gave an overview of the Ordinance and answered questions from Council about the operations of the business.

Police Chief Shane Brandel answered questions from Council regarding the length of time the petitioner has occupied the property.

Mr. Joe Devereaux voiced concerns about the petitioner not meeting certain requirements of the Illinois Vehicle Code.

Councilman Faber made a motion to table the item, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Corporation Counsel Wendy Morthland clarified that the only question before Council was whether it is an appropriate land use for the property.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Chuck Kuhle and Bill Faber voted aye. Council members David Horn, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted nay. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion failed.

Upon call of the roll of the original motion, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to Allow for an Automotive Salvage Operations at 3696 Greenswitch Road, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Mr. William McNutt, representative for Walston Auto Wrecking, LLC, Mr. Lyn Walston and Mr. Shane Walston spoke about state regulations that must be followed for an auto salvage yard.

Mr. Crowe spoke about the conditions that must be met for the Conditional Use Permit and answered questions from Council about aesthetics and the site break fence.

Councilman Faber made a motion to table the item, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Corporation Counsel Wendy Morthland answered questions from Council regarding the petitioner being compliant with state and local laws.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber and Ed Culp voted aye. Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted nay. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion tabled.

R2021-234 Resolution Authorizing Payment of the 2022 Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center Invoice - User Fees for the Decatur Police Department and Decatur Fire Department, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Police Chief Shane Brandel gave an overview of the Resolution.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2021-235 Resolution Authorizing Amendment Number 2 to an Agreement with Clark Dietz Inc. to Provide Professional Engineering Services for Water and Sewer Projects to the City of Decatur City Project 2020-13, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the Resolution.

Public Works Director Matt Newell answered questions from Council about the salary structure of Clark Dietz.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Councilman David Horn voted nay. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2021-236 Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Plocher Construction Inc. for Clarifier Conversion Project City Project 2016-03, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

Public Works Director Matt Newell gave an overview of the Resolution and answered questions from Council about Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) requirements.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Councilman David Horn abstained from the vote. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2021-237 Resolution Authorizing Amendment No. 1 for Professional Engineering Services Agreement with Crawford, Murphy, Tilly, Inc. for South Water Treatment Plant East Clarifiers Conversion City Project 2016-03, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the Resolution.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 54.1, Video Gaming License, Section 4, Video Gaming License Fees, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the Ordinance.

Corporation Counsel Wendy Morthland answered questions from Council regarding new legislation that was passed requiring the annual fee of video gaming terminals to be shared equally between the terminal operator and the licensed establishment.

Councilman Cooper made a motion to table the Ordinance giving the establishments time to be notified; seconded by Councilwoman Gregory.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion tabled.

R2021-238 Resolution Authorizing the Payment for Street Lighting Services for the Johns Hill Neighborhood, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Kuhle.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the Resolution.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Consent Calendar Items A. and B. and asked if any Council wished to remove an item from the Consent Agenda. No Council member wished to remove an item from the Consent Agenda. The Clerk read items A. and B.:

2021-68 Item A. Ordinance Annexing Territory 3441 Ferris Drive

Item B. Receiving and Filing of Minutes of Boards and Commissions

Councilwoman Gregory moved Items A. through B. be approved by Omnibus Vote; seconded by Councilman Kuhle, and on call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, 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 Other Business.

Council held a discussion regarding growth in video gaming, quiet zones related to railroad crossings, protocols of the Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center (CIRDC) and the number of COVID cases.

With no Other Business, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for adjournment. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Council meeting be adjourned; seconded by Councilman Kuhle and on call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber, Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the regular Council meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

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