The City Council of the City of Du Quoin met March 27.
Here is the minutes as provided by the council:
Call to Order:
Mayor Alongi called the meeting to order at 6 pm with the following individuals present:
Commissioners Michael Ward, Dale Spencer, Charles Genesio, and Gerald Whitley. City staff
included City Attorney Aaron Atkins, City Treasurer Stephanie Cravens, and City Clerk
Andrew Croessman.
Previous Meeting Minutes:
The Council reviewed the minutes of the regular meeting held on the 13th day of March.
Commissioner Ward moved, Commissioner Whitley seconded a motion to approve the regular
minutes. Motion passed; all ayes.
The Council reviewed the minutes of the special meeting held on the 15th day of March.
Commissioner Genesio moved, Commissioner Spencer seconded a motion to approve the
special minutes. Motion passed; all ayes.
Treasurer’s Report:
Monthly Treasurer’s Report for February 2017: City Treasurer Stephanie Cravens said that the
opening balance for the General Fund was $437,520 and the closing balance was $520,826. Total
General Fund income was $431,575, with expenses of $346,560. In regards to the Water/Sewer
Fund, she said that the opening balance was $364,616, and the closing balance was $198,929.
Water/Sewer Fund income was $186,404, with expenses of $347,834. She said that total cash for
all the City’s funds decreased from $1.69 million to $1.63 million, resulting in a net income of
($58,241) for February. Commissioner Spencer moved, Commissioner Ward seconded a motion
to approve the Monthly Treasurer’s Report for February 2017. Motion passed; all ayes.
Approval of Bills:
Commissioner Spencer moved, Commissioner Whitley seconded a motion to approve the bill
list for March 27, 2017. Motion passed; all ayes.
Guests:
Ms. Abby Ancell addressed the Council regarding a Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce “Farm to
Table” event on June 15th. She said the purpose of the event was to promote local farmers and
foods, showcase businesses, and raise money for the Chamber. The event would require that
one block of Main Street be closed from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. The Council supported the event as
long as no Main Street businesses were affected and they obtained appropriate liquor licenses.
Appointments:
Commissioner Ward moved, Commissioner Whitley seconded a motion to appoint Mr. Michael
Haege to the Du Quoin Tourism Commission. Motion passed; all ayes.
Ordinances:
A. 2017-O03-03: An Ordinance Authorizing Purchase of Truck. Commissioner Genesio moved,
Commissioner Spencer seconded a motion that 2017-O03-03 be approved. Motion passed; all
ayes.
B. 2017-O03-04: An Ordinance Approving Professional Service/Consultant Agreement with
Jeffrey Ashauer. This is a two year contract for $2,700 per month, which is the same as existing.
Commissioner Spencer moved, Commissioner Genesio seconded a motion that 2017-O03-04 be
put on public display. Motion passed; all ayes.
C. 2017-O03-05: An Ordinance Authorizing Purchase of Pool Chlorination System. Mayor
Alongi said that this is the last piece of equipment that needs replaced in the City Pool pump
house as the motor has been rewound and new valves have been ordered. The chlorination
system will be purchased from Midwest Pool and Court Company at a cost of $5,965.
Commissioner Genesio moved, Commissioner Whitley seconded a motion that 2017-O03-05 be
put on public display. Motion passed; all ayes.
D. 2017-O03-06: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 29 of the Ordinances of the City of Du Quoin
(pertaining to Real Property Inspections). Mayor Alongi said that this Ordinance was on the
table to create some dialogue with all the vested interests. City Attorney Aaron Atkins said that
the Committee dealing with this got slowed down and it is now the beginning of real estate
season. He said that this proposed Ordinance would require the seller/owner of a
residence/apartment to have it inspected before it could transact and have utilities turned on.
Commissioner Spencer was concerned with spoiling real estate sales and older houses that were
never designed and built to be in compliance with current building codes. Commissioner
Genesio was concerned with the scope of inspections. Commissioner Genesio moved,
Commissioner Spencer seconded a motion that 2017-O03-06 be tabled. Motion passed; all ayes.
City Economic Developer Jeff Ashauer addressed the Council regarding the next two
Ordinances. He said that the Water Department has been battling grease in the Southtowne
Shopping Center sewer system. They have pinpointed the origination of the grease and wants
to use Business District Funds to install grease interceptors. This will ensure that the sewer is
moving for the opening of the new Taco Bell restaurant.
E. 2017-O03-07: An Ordinance Pursuant to Section 1-2-43 (B) of the Ordinances of the City of Du
Quoin Waiving the Necessity of Bidding for Making Emergency Sewer Line Improvements that
serve the China Buffet and portions of the Southtowne Shopping Center. Commissioner
Whitley moved, Commissioner Ward seconded a motion that 2017-O03-07 be put on public
display. Motion passed; all ayes.
F. 2017-O03-08: An Ordinance Authorizing Making Emergency Sewer Line Improvements that
serve the China Buffet and portions of the Southtowne Shopping Center. Commissioner
Whitley moved, Commissioner Spencer seconded a motion that 2017-O03-08 be put on public
display. Motion passed; all ayes.
Resolutions:
A. 2017-R03-01: A Resolution Recertifying Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Eligibility
for Elected Positions. Commissioner Ward moved, Commissioner Genesio seconded a motion
that 2017-R03-01 be approved. Motion passed; all ayes.
Public Agenda:
A. Discussion of City’s Need/Use for Text Message Marketing to Notify Residents. Mayor
Alongi said that the City needs to provide a service to its residents to notify them when there is
a boil order, road closure, or other emergency related matters. He said that there is a text
messaging service called Textedly that will send everyone enrolled a notification when an event
happens. The service costs $55 per month.
B. Commissioner Spencer moved, Commissioner Genesio seconded a motion to provide such
service. Motion passed; all ayes.
Other Business:
None.
Commissioners’ Comments:
Commissioner Spencer said that donations keep coming in for Christmas decorations. He also
said that Arbor Day was coming up and the City would be planting trees around town and
provide a lesson to Du Quoin Elementary School kids.
Mayor Alongi said that the Downtown street lights would be blue in April for Autism Month.
He also said the City hit the $8,000 mark in Christmas decoration donations.
Adjournment:
The City Council adjourned at 7:11 p.m., motion by Commissioner Spencer, seconded by
Commissioner Whitley; all ayes
http://duquoin.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Council-Minutes-03-27-2017.pdf
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