City of Columbia City Council met Oct. 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
1. Call to Order
Chairman Ebersohl called the Committee of the Whole committee meeting of the City Council of the City of Columbia, Illinois to order at 7:00 p.m.
Upon Roll Call, the following members were:
Present: Committee Members - Chairman Ebersohl and Aldermen Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch (arrived at 7:15 P.M.), Holtkamp, and Martens. Mayor Hutchinson was also present.
Absent: Alderman Riddle.
Quorum present.
Administrative Staff Present: City Administrator Doug Brimm, City Attorney Terry Bruckert, Director of Community Development Scott Dunakey, Accounting Manager/Treasurer Linda Sharp (left at 7:04 P.M.), Chief of Police Jerry Paul, Deputy Chief of Police Jason Donjon, City Engineer Chris Smith, Accounting Specialist Kristen Schaefer (left at 7:04 P.M.), and Deputy Clerk Kelly Mathews.
Accounting Manager/City Treasurer Linda Sharp introduced the newly hired Accounting Specialist, Kristen Schaefer, to the Committee.
2. Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Approval of Minutes from the September 23, 2019 Committee of the Whole Meeting
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Martens and seconded by Alderman Agne to approve the minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of the City of Columbia, Illinois held Monday, September 23, 2019. Upon roll call vote, Chairman Ebersohl and Aldermen Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Holtkamp, Martens voted yea. Motion Carried.
4. Approval of Minutes from the September 30, 2019 Committee of the Whole Meeting
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Martens and seconded by Alderman Agne to approve the minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of the City of Columbia, Illinois held Monday, September 30, 2019. Upon roll call vote, Chairman Ebersohl and Aldermen Niemietz, Roessler, Holtkamp, and Martens voted yea. Alderman Agne abstained. Motion Carried.
5. Jarvis Electric Proposal for City Facilities
City Administrator Doug Brimm stated that Jarvis Electric approached the City regarding upgrades to municipal facilities lighting. Jarvis Electric walked through City facilities with Electrical Inspector Mike Sander. Proposed upgrades are projected to save the City $28,154.73 annually on its electrical expenses. A $708.00 “co-pay" is required for the purchase of LED tubes where the cost exceeds the eligible incentive amount. Jarvis Electric is paid by Ameren through the small business ally program. This amount totals $54,693.11.
Mayor Hutchinson questioned if any aldermen present were opposed to him signing the agreements to start the process. There were none.
6. Discussion of Retaining Van-lear P. Eckert As An Administrative Law Judge
City Attorney Terry Bruckert stated due to a mistrial in a recent local liquor control hearing; there is a request that an independent body preside over the case. Mr. Bruckert explained that the Illinois Liquor commission stated it's acceptable. A recommends the City use Mr. Van-Lear P. Eckert and said Mr. Eckert has agreed to serve as an Administrative Law Judge on this matter.
Approval of using Mr. Van-Lear P. Eckert as an Administrative Law Judge will be voted on at the November 4th Council meeting.
7. Discussion of Amendment to City Liquor Code Related to Video Gaming Income.
City Administrator Doug Brimm explained that due to a few concerns coming up prior to the Committee meeting, Mr. Dunakey and Mr. Bruckert will work on clarification and will bring this matter back to Committee on a later date, if needed.
8. Other Items to be Considered
Director of Community Development Scott Dunakey came before the Committee for direction regarding the Oak Street building. Mr. Dunakey explained the building currently in need of roof repair. In 2017 the City obtained bids for repair, which included removal and installation, and the bid came in at over $100,000. The City recently received an appraisal on the building, which appraised the building at around $200,000.
City Administrator Doug Brimm explained a few options the City has with Mr. Brimm does not believe it's economically feasible to replace the roof. City staff recommends to either: 1) sell the property, or 2) keep the property, look at the lease options with the current tenant, and demolish.
City staff met a roof contractor at the Oak Street building and will receive a bid for repair. After staff receives the bid, they will present it to the Committee and a decision will be made on how to move forward with the property.
9. Closed Session
5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) - Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Public Body Chairman Ebersohl informed the Committee of the Whole that he would entertain a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Martens and seconded by Alderman Roessler, to direct Chairman Ebersohl to go into Closed Session at 7:16 P.M. to discuss the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body. Upon Roll Call vote, Chairman Ebersohl and Aldermen Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, and Martens voted aye. Motion Carried.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Holtkamp and seconded by Alderman Niemietz, to return to Regular Session of the Committee of the Whole at 7:26 P.M. Upon Roll Call vote. Chairman Ebersohl and Aldermen Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Holtkamp, and Martens voted aye. Motion Carried.
Upon return to Regular Session, Chairman Ebersohl and Aldermen Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, and Mayor Hutchinson were present.
No action was taken as a result of the Closed Session.
Adjournment
Motion: It was moved by Alderman Roessler and seconded by Alderman Niemietz to adjourn the Committee of the Whole committee meeting of the City Council of the City of Columbia, Illinois held Monday, October 28, 2019 at 7:26 P.M. Upon Roll Call vote, Chairman Ebersohl and Aldermen Agne, Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, and Martens voted aye. Motion Carried.
https://www.columbiaillinois.com/DocumentCenter/View/10779/2019-10-28-Committee-Minutes
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