South West Illinois News

Carbondale Mayor and City Council met Tuesday, Feb. 9.

The mission of the Mayor and City Council is to serve as the legislative and policy body of the city government. The Mayor serves as the official head of the government.

Here are the minutes as provided by Carbondale:

City Council of the City of Carbondale, Illinois Regular Meeting of February 9, 2016

The City Council of the City of Carbondale, Illinois, held a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, in City Council Chambers, 200 South Illinois Avenue. Mayor Henry called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following members of the Council present/absent:

1. Roll Call

Present: Councilman Adam Loos, Councilman Navreet Kang, Councilwoman Jessica Bradshaw, Councilwoman Carolin Harvey, Councilman Lee Fronabarger, Councilman Tom Grant, and Mayor John M. Henry

Absent: None

Also present were City Clerk Jennifer Sorrell, Interim City Manager Gary Williams, and various members of the City's administrative staff.

2. General Announcements and Proclamations

Councilman Kang announced that webinars would be held at John A. Logan College for the Southern Illinois Farming Alliance on February 10 and February 24 to discuss food hub models.

Councilwoman Bradshaw announced that on Saturday, February 13, the Carbondale Public Library will hold a viewing of a movie about the Black Panthers.

Councilwoman Harvey reminded the community that February is Black History Month and encouraged citizens to take advantage of the multitude of available activities.

Councilman Fronabarger announced that early voting is now available for the March primary at the Jackson County Courthouse. Early voting will be held at the Carbondale Civic Center on Tuesday, March 1, Thursday, March 3, and Tuesday, March 8.

Councilman Loos announced the Jackson Williamson Counties Sunset Rotary Club is hosting an event “Night at the Races: The Southern Illinois Run for the Roses” at Black Diamond Harley- Davidson on February 20.

Interim City Manager Williams announced the annual Carbondale Chamber of Commerce banquet on Friday, February 19, and that refuse routes will be delayed next week due to the federal holiday.

Mayor Henry noted the passing of Eric McMillan who served on the Human Relations Commission. A moment of silence was observed.

3. Citizens’ Comments and Questions

Kathy Renfro expressed thanks on behalf of the Park District for the temporary skating rink, support for upcoming events in the Communique and with the Boat Regatta. She asked for continued support during another event, “April Pools Day,” which will benefit the Splash Park.

Rodney Morris, 521 East Knight Street, read prepared questions from the Concerned Citizens of Carbondale pertaining to Brightfields’ Special Use Permit. He noted that he would provide a copy to the Council as he expected it would take time to acquire responses. Mr. Morris asked the City Council to contact the E.P.A. to request information as to when the public meeting would be scheduled.

4. Public Hearings and Special Reports

None.

5. Consent Agenda

1. Approval of minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting of January 26, 2016.

Recommendation: Approve. 

2. Warrant for the Period Ending 01/18/2016 FY 2016 Warrant # 1263 in the amount of $1,618,622.09. Recommendation: Approve Warrant #1263. (Exhibit A-02-09-2016) 

3. Warrant for the Period Ending 12/31/2015 FY 2016 Warrant # WF12/2015 in the amount of $187,362.61. Recommendation: Approve Warrant #WF12/2015. (Exhibit B-02-09-2016) 

4. Acceptance of Minutes of Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Recommendation: Accept and place on file the minutes of the Sustainability Commission from September 17 and November 19, 2015 and the Police Pension Board from September 22, October 27, December 1, and December 22, 2015. 

5. Appointments and Reappointments to Boards and Commissions. Recommendation: Concur with the Mayor’s recommended appointments and reappointments of Nathan Stephens to a term ending May 1, 2019, Kerry Braswell and Harvey Welch Jr. to terms expiring May 1, 2019, and John Whitlock, as an associate member, to a term expiring May 1, 2017, to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, and Becky Applegate to serve an indefinite term to the Firefighters’ Pension Fund Board of Trustees. 

6. Ordinance Adopting a Labor Agreement between the City of Carbondale, Illinois, and General Teamsters, Automotive, Petroleum, and Allied Trades Local Union No. 50 affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for Fiscal Years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Recommendation: Approve the Contract running through the end of Fiscal Year 2019. (Ordinance 2016-04; Exhibit C-02-09-2016) 

7. Ordinance Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to Increase the FY2016 Budget for a Department of Agriculture Grant. Recommendation: Approve the Ordinance authorizing a budget adjustment to provide fund into the Economic Development department. (Ordinance 2016-05; Exhibit D-02-09- 2016) 

8. Ordinance Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to Increase the FY2016 Budget for a grant from the American Planning Association. Recommendation: Approve the Ordinance authorizing a budget adjustment to provide funds into the Development Services department. (Ordinance 2016-06; Exhibit E-02-09-2016) 

9. Ordinance Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to Transfer the FY2016 Budget Authorization for an IPRF Grant. Recommendation: Approve the Ordinance authorizing a Budget Adjustment to provide funds in the appropriate departments. (Ordinance 2016-07; Exhibit F-02-09-2016) 

10. Ordinance Authorizing a Budget Adjustment Establishing FY 2016 Police Department Contingency Account. Recommendation: Approve the Ordinance authorizing a Budget Adjustment establishing the Police Contingency Account. (Ordinance 2016-08; Exhibit G-02-09- 2016) 

11. Pulled by L. Fronabarger 

12. Resolution Appropriating $152,050 from the Local Improvement Fund for the Construction of the Downtown Bicycle/Pedestrian Path (OS 20012). Recommendation: Approve a Resolution appropriating funds for the Bicycle/Pedestrian Path. (Resolution 2016-R-06; Exhibit I-02-09- 2016) 13. Award of Contract for the West Main Street Sanitary Sewer Relocation (SA 1602) to Dean Bush Construction Company of Carbondale, Illinois, in the amount of $12,500.00. Recommendation: Award the Contract to Dean Bush Construction Company.

MOTION: C. Harvey moved, L. Fronabarger seconded, to approve Consent Agenda Items 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.12, and 5.13. VOTE: Ayes: A. Loos, N. Kang, J. Bradshaw, C. Harvey,

L. Fronabarger, T. Grant, and J. Henry. Nays: None. Motion declared carried.

5.11 Ordinance Amending the FY2016 Five-Year Community Investment Program (CIP) to Include Additional Projects

L. Fronabarger moved, J. Bradshaw seconded, to approve an Ordinance adding the recommended programs to the FY 2016 Five-Year Community Investment Program. DISCUSSION: Interim City Manager Williams responded to questions regarding items included in the Five-Year CIP. Donald Monty, 418 South Giant City Road, questioned whether the City or the Park District was responsible for a project near Piles Creek. Elius Reed, 2012 South Illinois Avenue, asked a question about another matter.

VOTE: Ayes: A. Loos, N. Kang, J. Bradshaw, C. Harvey, L. Fronabarger, T. Grant, and J. Henry. Nays: None. Motion declared carried. (Ordinance 2016-09; Exhibit H-02-09-2016)

6. General Business

1. Ordinance Approving a Text Amendment Relative to the Sale of Used Vehicles and Recreational Equipment on Commercially Zoned Property

The Council discussed modifications to the second Exhibit “B” and it was determined that sales of recreational vehicles would not be permitted, that the language would indicate a “licensed, operable motor vehicle”, not more than one vehicle sale in any given four- month period, and not to exceed three total vehicles in a twelve-month period.

Barry Cupp, owner of Midwest Cash, noted his concern about the elimination of the term “recreational vehicle,” particularly as it relates to non-motorized outdoor recreational equipment. There followed general discussion regarding whether the prohibition would extend to bicycles and canoes.

Curran Bishop, 1005 West Willow Street, remarked that watercraft in Illinois must be licensed.

Catherine Field, 610 Tower Road, noted the reason for her “no” vote at the Planning Commission meeting.

Chandrakant Patel, 1075 Park Street, indicated his approval for the amendment and added additional comments regarding differing understanding as it relates to common sense.

MOTION: T. Grant moved, N. Kang seconded, to approve the Ordinance adopting the language submitted by Councilman Kang in Exhibit B, as amended. VOTE: Ayes: A. Loos, N. Kang, J. Bradshaw, C. Harvey, L. Fronabarger, T. Grant, and J. Henry. Nays: None. Motion declared carried. (Ordinance 2016-10; Exhibit J-02-09-2016)

7. Council Comments

Councilman Fronabarger requested that a response be provided to Mr. Reed regarding the bicycle/pedestrian path and commented on the costs for SIU’s welcome signs.

Councilwoman Bradshaw asked if Sustainability received updates from the EPA regarding Brightfields. Interim City Manager Williams responded.

8. Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was declared adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Jennifer R. Sorrell, City Clerk