South West Illinois News

City of Red Bud Finance Committee met July 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee Members Present: Susan Harbaugh, Bill Hanebutt, Mike Rheinecker, Clem Esker, David Friess 

Committee Members Absent: 

Council Members Present: Curt Guebert, Jeremy DeMond, Kyle Donjon 

Others Present: Mayor Tim Lowry, Attorney Paul Ray, City Superintendent Josh Eckart, Code Administrator Jeff Mueller (Remote) 

Others Absent: Police Chief John Brittingham, Admin. Assist. Pam Poetker, City Clerk Joanne Cowell 

Pledge of Allegiance

Committee Chairman Harbaugh called the meeting to order at 5:59 P.M.

Old Business 

I. Code of Ordinances Rewriting and Restructuring Process Update

Attorney Ray is finished with the subdivisions sections and he has emailed to the council. There were no changes in this section, but will be up for ongoing discussion. Ray expects to be finished with the updates in the next couple of months.

II. FY’21 Capital Plan and Surplus Funds

This will be addressed after the audit completion. Leave on agenda.

III. Technology Modifications for Broadcasting Future Meetings

Poetker had sent out a survey to the council to be completed, with options on broadcasting meetings. The general consensus was to get quotes on equipment to make Zoom available for aldermen to attend the meetings remotely, dependent on the legalities of it and to broadcast the meetings on YouTube for the general public to view. If citizens wish to address the committee/council, it would be necessary for them to appear in person.

IV. Mike Carnahan Lien

Poetker had reached out to the Mayor of Percy regarding his request to work with Percy on the purchase of property from Mike Carnahan and the lien the city of Red Bud has filed. The sale will not go through until probably February. The goal is to pay at least part of the lien amount to Red Bud, instead of Carnahan. There is also a possibility of the sale of items left in the building. The Percy Mayor will be in contact with Poetker in January.

V. IT Services – City Hall, Police Department, Utility Plant

Poetker has three options she is looking at and plans to have suggestions to the council, via email, before the August council meeting.

VI. Sales Tax Revenue – Update on First Quarter, 2020

Chairman Harbaugh presented a schedule of sales tax revenue for the first quarter, which she had prepared and was included in the packet. Harbaugh will update, as the information becomes available.

New Business 

I. Approval of Prior Month’s Meeting Minutes – June 15, 2020 

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Harbaugh, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to approve the minutes from the June 15, 2020 meeting. Carried

II. Maturing CD’s

None

III. Financial Dashboard

Chairman Harbaugh and Liz Cowell worked on the enclosed General Fund Financial Statements Summary and ask for comments/suggestions on the report. This report will be included in the monthly committee packet.

IV. Dental/Vision Insurance Renewal

There is no rate increase in the dental/vision insurance renewal proposal. Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Harbaugh, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to recommend approval to accept the renewal rates of the Guardian Vision/Dental coverage policy, with no rate increases, as presented in the packet. Carried

V. Pop-Up Vendors in Red Bud

Pop-up vendors, temporary businesses and business licenses were discussed. Attorney Ray said there are current laws in the ordinance book. This is listed under transient and itinerant business licenses and there is no new law that is needed. Harbaugh will have Poetker email the requirements for review.

VI. Red Bud Public Library – Intergovernmental Agreement to Borrow Funds NTE $40,000 and corresponding Ordinance 

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Harbaugh, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to recommend approval of the “INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RED BUD, ILLINOIS AND THE RED BUD PUBLIC LIBRARY” and “AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RED BUD, ILLINOIS AND THE RED BUD PUBLIC LIBRARY” for the library to borrow up to $40,000 from the general fund, as they may need it, until the real estate tax revenue is received. Carried

VII. Public Comments/Anything for the Good of the City

Chairman Harbaugh reported that Illinois is at a 67% reporting rate with the 2020 Census and Red Bud is at 77% rate of reporting. There is an art competition going on to promote reporting.

Chairman Harbaugh recognized those citizens in attendance regarding their utility bills. Superintendent Eckart explained how the utility bills/electric power adjustment works. He also suggested customers try budget billing. Angela & David Crain expressed their concerns with their increased utility bills. Eckart explained that the power adjustment rate does change monthly, but the rate is the same for all customers. The city pays for only the electric used, but the fixed costs amounts are spread out over the total amount of electric used. The more kwh sold, the less the fixed costs are per kwh. Eckart agreed to review Crain’s electric bill.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:30 P.M.

https://www.cityofredbud.org/uploads/3/8/4/1/38410823/finance_07202020.pdf