Macon Reporter

City of Sullivan City Council met June 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. The City Council of the City of Sullivan, Illinois, met in regular session at 6: 00 p. m. at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, 16 E. Harrison Street, Sullivan. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Richard Glazebrook. A roll call was taken.

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood present

Commissioner Mike Fowler present

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth present

Commissioner Doug Booker present

Mayor Richard Glazebrook present

2. Lee Beckman gave an update on the status of grants and City projects. The City received a $ 550, 000 grant to replace the Main Street water main from Jackson Street to the school. Due to requirements from DCEO, it will probably be six months before construction can begin. The notice of funding opportunity for the ITEP grant will be issued in August. The engineering phase for this project has already been completed.

Water Plant improvements are scheduled to begin on July 1st. There could be delays in the delivery of materials.

The Bernius project is fully funded with EDP, TARP and the State Legislative Grant. They are hoping to begin this project in the fall. The resolutions to be passed this evening are for the additional MFT funds. Once those resolutions are approved, they will be sent to IDOT. The City was awarded a $ 250, 000 grant for the Safe Routes to School. Joint agreements for this project will need to be approved through IDOT.

The City is waiting to receive checks for ARPA funds. Those funds will be used to replace the Eastview and Main Street Lift Stations. When asked about adding a route across the railroad tracks to the Safe Routes to School project, Lee said this could possibly be done and would require a map amendment. He needs to know of any changes as soon as possible.

The notice of funding opportunity for the construction portion of the Unsewered Communities Grant has not been published as of this time.

3. Mayor Glazebrook recognized a City Police Officer and two Deputies from the Moultrie County Sheriff' s Office for their efforts following a shooting that occurred on Friday morning at 3: 00 a. m. Three people were arrested, and another individual was transported to the hospital. The Moultrie County Sheriff's Office and the Illinois State Police assisted in this incident.

Assistant Chief Josh Qualls introduced Deputy Brody Bickel, Officer Alec Ballinger and Deputy Bryce Farris. Chief of Police Andrew Pistorius was on scene following the incident. Officer Adam Collins and Deputy Brandon Beckwith located the third suspect at another property and found evidence crucial to the case. Assistant Chief Qualls stated that they couldn't have done anything without the help of the Illinois State Police. With their help, the case was completed by the end of the day on Friday. An officer from the Arthur Police Department also assisted. 

4. Mayor Glazebrook asked if there were any comments from the public. A citizen voiced concerns about the IBEW union contract. He asked the Council to consider tabling the contract until the items of concern could be addressed. He explained that the recognition section in Article 1 only covers Journeyman Linemen and Apprentice Linemen, not the Low Voltage Technical or the Groundsman. There was also concern about the lead man language due to the upcoming departure of the current foreman. He added that the contractors would now cover all on- call time, thus increasing the cost of the contract. A second citizen wanted to know the rate that linemen would receive with the new contract. He then asked how a decision to increase electric rates by 4% was made if a rate study hadn't been completed. A question was then asked if the article published in the newspaper stating that the BH contract would cost the City $ 638 per week was correct.

Another citizen addressed the increased cost of living in the City after rate increases and the possible passage of a school referendum. He added that he doesn't believe the increase in utilities is necessary, as the City has money in the bank. The citizen questioned the operational inflation adjustment language in Ordinance 22- 11. He asked if the Treasurer could determine the increase without Council approval. Clarification was requested for the language in section 11- 3- 1( E) of Ordinance 22- 12. A previous Council member explained that the language was passed years ago to offer discounted rates to all electric customers. The purpose of the discount was to encourage customers to choose all electric, as it was more cost effective at the time. The citizen then asked Commissioner Fowler to explain the electric cost adjustment and how it would be affected with the new rates.

A fourth citizen asked the Council why they would vote yes on the union contract if it would cause a liability issue. She then asked why there is a high turnover in the Electric Department.

5. Mayor Glazebrook read the items in the consent agenda:

Approval of minutes of regular meeting held May 23, 2022

Approval of claims except those in TIF funds

Appoint Kyle Price to the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library Board Appoint Kristi Hart as the City Planner and Zoning Administrator 

Approval of Resolution 22-J — A resolution for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway Code ( MFT) for Street Resurfacing

Approval of Resolution 22- K — A resolution for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway Code ( MFT) for Alley Improvements

Approval of Resolution 22- L — A resolution for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway Code ( MFT) adding funds for concrete

A motion was made by Commissioner Booker and seconded by

Commissioner Woodworth to accept the consent agenda. Upon a roll call being taken the results were as follows: 

Commissioner Doug Booker yea

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood abstain

Commissioner Mike Fowler yea

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

and the motion was declared carried by omnibus vote.

6. A motion was made by Commissioner Sherwood and seconded by Commissioner Woodworth to approve the TIF claims. Upon a roll call being taken, the results were as follows:

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood yea

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Commissioner Mike Fowler abstain

Commissioner Doug Booker yea

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

and the motion was declared carried

7. Commissioner Sherwood reported that the island project at Wyman Park was completed earlier today. Trees will be planted on the island in the fall. The Park Department has been mowing, spraying, completing maintenance, and installed a new slide at the playground. She explained that playground equipment is expensive and wasn't budgeted for this fiscal year. However, she is interested in new equipment and increasing the park. She is hopeful that the City will be able to build a new tennis court, basketball court and a splash pad in the future. Commissioner Sherwood is interested in reaching out to the school to see if they would like to contribute to the repair of the ball diamond lights. Park Rec started on Monday and Wendy Elzy is helping with that program. The cooling units at the Civic Center are scheduled for repair on Wednesday. The Moultrie County Historical Society submitted their second reimbursement to the City. The MCGHS has been reimbursed $ 196, 800 of the $200, 000 matching grant.

8. Commissioner Fowler reported that on June 6th he was notified by Kaleb Martin that he had turned in his two week notice.

9. Commissioner Woodworth reported that the water mains for the Tabeling project are installed and connected. The main will be disinfected this week. Once that is completed, the sewer line will be installed. Commissioner Woodworth thanked the Street Department for making the logos for the water plant truck. He handed out a rendering of the new water plant and explained that the overhead doors will be used for chemical deliveries. The City received a 550, 000 grant for the replacement of the Main Street water main from Jackson Street to the Armory.

10. Commissioner Booker gave an update of tasks completed by the Street Department. The crew cleaned the dump lots, picked up trash on the square, picked up lawn bags, loaded rock for sale, mowed, sprayed weeds, swept streets, put up flags and maintained them, repaired flag poles at the park, worked on equipment, cleared trees and undergrowth around the shop, installed a handicap sign by the senior center, hauled mulch to Tabor Park, completed brush pickup, installed a culvert and repaired a sinkhole. 

11. Mayor Glazebrook attended an IMEA conference. He added that it is unknown if they will be able to provide the city with electricity, which is why we may experience rolling blackouts. Grants have become available for the Gas and Electric Departments. Three hundred trees were planted in a nursery for future use in the city' s parks. The Cemetery personnel has been mowing and weed -eating, watering plants around the square and trimming shrubs at the Civic Center. The Gas Department has been testing valves, installed a new gas line and has been working on the tabeling project. They are having some issues locating the materials needed for that project.

12. A motion was made by Commissioner Sherwood and seconded by Commissioner Fowler to approve Ordinance 22- 12 - an ordinance amending Chapter 11 Article III - Electric rates of the revised Code of Ordinances of the City of Sullivan, Illinois with the following amendments: the language in 11- 3- 1

E) should be amended to Section 11- 3- 1( C) and 11- 3- 1( D) and 11- 3- 1 ( A) should be removed. The language in 11- 3- 2( c)( 4) should also be added to 11- 3- 2( D)( 3). Upon a roll call being taken, the results were as follows:

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood yea

Commissioner Mike Fowler yea

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Commissioner Doug Booker yea

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

and the motion was declared carried

13. A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler and seconded by Mayor Glazebrook to adopt the changes in the new contract between the City of Sullivan, Illinois Electric Department and the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers Local 51, it will be effective May 1, 2022 through April 03, 2027. The major change to the contract was the increase in the Journeyman scale. Upon a roll call being taken, the results were as follows:

Commissioner Mike Fowler yea

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood yea

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Commissioner Doug Booker yea

and the motion was declared carried

14. A motion was then made by Commissioner Booker and seconded

Commissioner Fowler to accept an Engineering Services Agreement for $8, 000 with Milano & Grunloh Engineers, LLC for the Design and Construction engineering for the street resurfacing project. Commissioner Booker added that this is for VanBuren Street by McDonald' s. Upon a roll call being taken, the results were as follows: 

Commissioner Doug Booker - yea

Commissioner Mike Fowler - yea

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood - yea

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth - yea

Mayor Richard Glazebrook - yea

and the motion was declared carried.

15. A motion was made by Commissioner Booker and seconded by Commissioner Woodworth to approve an Engineering Services Agreement for 8, 000 with Milano & Grunloh Engineers, LLC for the Design and Construction engineering for alley improvements. Commissioner Booker added that this is for the alleys behind the gym and QNS. The alleys will be torn out and replaced with concrete. The electric lines will also be buried while the alley is being reconstructed. Upon a roll call being taken, the results were as follows:

Commissioner Doug Booker yea

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood yea

Commissioner Mike Fowler yea

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

and the motion was declared carried

16. A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler and seconded by Commissioner Booker to approve a memorandum of agreement between the City of Sullivan and BHMG to do a rate study on the City of Sullivan electric system for $ 19, 600. Upon a roll call being taken, the results were as follows:

Commissioner Mike Fowler yea

Commissioner Doug Booker yea

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood yea

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

and the motion was declared carried

17. A motion was made by Commissioner Woodworth and seconded by Commissioner Booker to adjourn the meeting. Upon a roll call being taken, the results were as follows:

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth - yea

Commissioner Doug Booker - yea

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood - yea

Commissioner Mike Fowler - yea 

Mayor Richard Glazebrook - yea

and the motion was declared carried and the meeting was adjourned at 7: 26 p. m.

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