City of Columbia City Council met Sept. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Hill called the City Council of Columbia, Illinois to order at 7:00 PM.
B. Roll Call
Present: Aldermen Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer and Khoury. Absent: Aldermen Martens.
Quorum present.
Administrative Staff present:
City Clerk Andrew Hitzemann City Administrator Douglas Brimm City Attorney Terry Bruckert Chief of Police Jason Donjon
City Engineer Chris Smith EMS Chief Kim Lamprecht
Head Librarian Annette Bland Dir. of Community Dev. Scott Dunakey IT Manager James Mitchell Deputy City Clerk Kelly Mathews Deputy Chief of Police Karla Heine
C. Pledge of Allegiance
Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
D. Proclamations/Recognitions/Presentations
There were no proclamations, recognitions, or presentations.
E. Public Input
City Clerk Andrew Hitzemann reminded the public that they may address the City Council under the terms of Ordinance No. 3587.
Public Input ‐ Don Henson Sr.
Mr. Henson stated he lives at 617 Bridgeview Drive in Columbia. He passed out his statements prior to the meeting. He emailed the Mayor, City Council, and the staff a complaint on 09/03/2021 regarding a potential scam against the elderly. On 09/07/2021, he carried a copy to City Call to request it be put on the agenda. He talked to the Columbia Administrator and Police. He addressed the issue during the Public Input session. He reviewed the minutes and he didn’t see his email or letter. He also didn’t notice a Public Input section. He wanted an explanation of what happened with his issues. His most important question is what action has been taken within the past two weeks? The second item he wanted to discuss was the leaf program discussed at the previous Council meeting. On 9/10/2021, he carried in a request regarding items K4 and K5 discussed in the 9/7/2021 Council Meeting. His concern is there was insufficient information. He claimed he had additional data, but the new Ordinance 3587 prevented him from interrupting the meeting. This subject wasn’t on tonight’s agenda. On 9/13/2021, he hand carried a request to City Hall to be held in Closed Session.
City Clerk Hitzemann notified the Council that Mr. Henson’s three minutes were completed.
Mr. Henson pointed out that item J1 on tonight’s agenda addressed his leaf program issue and it could be an issue on the RFP.
Mayor Hill stated that Mr. Henson was the only resident that made the complaint regarding a potential scam against the elderly. The Columbia Police Department was made aware of the issue and he was directed to the Illinois Attorney General’s office to report the issue. Columbia’s Electricity Aggregation provider is Homefield Energy.
Chief Donjon stated that he knew Mr. Henson came in and discussed the situation with an officer. With the materials presented, it seemed there was no scam preformed. However, Mr. Henson is entitled to a rebate, but something needed to be completed to receive the
rebate. They didn’t feel like this was a crime. Chief Donjon State if Mr. Henson feels like he is a victim of identity theft or something similar, he could file a police report. The officer who helped Mr. Henson reported to Chief Donjon that he didn’t feel like an issue regarding identity theft was brought up in that meeting.
Mr. Henson stated he wanted this issue put on the agenda. He believes it’s a Council problem and not the Illinois Commission.
Mayor Hill apologized he signed up for that Electrical Aggregation Company, but he has been the only resident to have this complaint. Mayor Hill stated the minutes will be tonight and will be posted on the website afterwards.
Mr. Henson stated that the he has seen the meeting minutes but they aren’t posted on the official minutes listed on the internet.
City Administrator Douglas Brimm stated that the 09/07/2021 minutes will be approved tonight by the Council and then posted on the website. The comments made at the 09/07/2021 are included in the agenda packet being reviewed by the Council tonight.
Aldermen Niemietz confirmed the Council had them.
F. Comments & Announcements ‐ Mayor
Mayor Hill wanted to congratulate Dustin Row and all the volunteers for a successful Song for Soldiers. Nearly 10,000 people attended the event and a lot of money was raised for wounded veterans. Thank you Dustin and the City for coming together for a successful event. Yesterday the Sister Cities dedicated a memorial outside of City Hall in honor of the 25th Anniversary between Gedern Germany and Columbia Illinois.
Mr. Henson brought up getting more time to speak.
City Clerk Hitzemann reminded Mr. Henson, per the Ordinance, it is 3 minutes per speaker to address the Council.
Mayor Hill wanted to bring up that on the Consent Agenda there are items regarding the Columbia High School Homecoming dance. He was excited when it was brought to him to have the Homecoming Dance on Main Street. The students have been through enough the last couple of years with Covid and they were unable to have a dance last year.
G. Comments & Announcements ‐ Aldermen
There were no Aldermen Comments & Announcements.
H. Comments & Announcements – Department Directors
Mr. Brimm stated that starting this week the Department Directors will begin providing a high level department report and this will be done so on a rotating basis. The first is Chief Donjon.
Chief of Police Jason Donjon provided an update with current events and future plans with the Police Department. Song for Soldiers went well and there were about 5,000 people who attended each night. There were minimal issues. There were two calls regarding the fireworks, zero parking complaints, and zero arrests. Regarding EMS, one person overheated and another had a small laceration on their arm. With that many people in Columbia, it showed how well Dustin’s workers, EMS, Fire Department, and the Police worked together. The Police Department is close to being full‐staffed. New Officers Kash Mitchell and Gary Craig will be on their own at the end of the week. In two weeks, Officer Joe Roach will be on his own. This will help with traffic control and calls for service. They are hiring a sixth dispatcher which is much needed with the call volume. Monroe County has two dispatchers around the clock and this will get the City of Columbia close to that. They have a new K9 Officer name Razz who joined the department and will be with Officer Kyle Hannon. Officer Hannon just left for K9 training which will last for six weeks. The goal is to get another K9 Officer in the future. Deputy Chief of Police Karla Heine was able to get all new cameras for the department which were mostly funded through a grant. The department received both car cameras and body cameras. The new company was highly recommended by surrounding agencies. By 2025, it will be required to have body cameras and it was decided to get ahead of this. There are a couple of policy issues to address with the States Attorney, but they should be in use by the end of the year. In the Country there is an issue with recruiting and retention. Columbia doesn’t have this problem as much due to the great community and what is given to them by the City. Having Officers on task forces not only helps them gain additional knowledge, but it also helps with recruiting and retaining employees. They are planning on continuing giving Officers this option. Officer wellbeing is also important for the future. They are focusing on EAP programs, human support for counselling, and reading materials to assist the Officers. The Department is also planning on keeping up on the most current technology. He thanked IT Manager James Mitchell for all his hard work. He would like to get cameras throughout the City to make Columbia a safer City.
I. Consent Agenda
City Clerk Hitzemann read the Consent Agenda.
1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the September 7, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting 2. Motion to Approve Closed Session Minutes of the September 7, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting
3. Motion to Approve Payment of Vouchers for the Period of September 5, 2021 through September 16, 2021 in the Amount of $400,069.92
4. Motion to Approve the Installation of Pole Banners for RE/MAX Results Realty Located at 830 Admiral Weinel Blvd
5. Resolution No. 2021‐20 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Release of Lease Agreement (Chas. Todd Overall Cleaning Co.)
6. Motion to Approve a Plat of Survey and Land Transfer from Parcel No. 04‐17‐217‐001‐ 000 to Parcel No. 04‐17‐217‐002‐000 Located in the City of Columbia, Monroe County, Illinois
7. Motion to Approve Special Event Permit for Columbia Blue Jay Football Meat Shoot (November 27, 2021)
8. Motion to Approve Special Event Permit for Who Dat’s Shrimp Boil (October 9, 2021)
9. Motion to Approve Special Event Permit for Columbia High School Homecoming Parade (October 13, 2021)
10. Motion to Approve Special Event Permit for Columbia High School Homecoming Dance (October 16, 2021)
Mayor Hill inquired if the Council wished to remove any items prior to a motion. There were none.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Garmer, and seconded by Alderman Khoury, to approve the Consent Agenda as read.
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
7 Aye: Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer and Khoury
0 Nay:
1 Absent: Martens
0 Abstain:
J. Unfinished Business
1. Motion to Reject Bids Received for 2021‐2022 Leaf Pickup Program
City Engineer Chris Smith explained that per last Council meeting, they need to reject the one bid they received for Leaf Pickup since the Council decided to have the City complete this for the citizens.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Garmer, and seconded by Alderman Riddle, to pass and approve the Motion to Reject Bids Received for 2021‐2022 Leaf Pickup Program
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
7 Aye: Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer and Khoury
0 Nay:
1 Absent: Martens
0 Abstain:
2. Resolution No. 2021‐21 Approving an Agreement Between the City of Columbia, Illinois and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International (USW) with Regard to the Full‐Time and Regular Part‐Time Employees of the City of Columbia, Illinois Department of Public Works for the Period of May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2024
Mr. Brimm explained this is a successor agreement for the expired collective bargaining agreement with the Steel Workers who represent the DOPW employees. It includes a 3% increase in salary, updates to continuing education, and updated meal allowance language for overtime work.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Huch, and seconded by Alderman Holtkamp, to pass and approve Resolution No. 2021‐21 Approving an Agreement Between the City of Columbia, Illinois and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International (USW) with Regard to the Full‐Time and Regular Part‐Time Employees of the City of Columbia, Illinois Department of Public Works for the Period of May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2024
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
7 Aye: Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer and Khoury
0 Nay:
1 Absent: Martens
0 Abstain:
3. Motion Authorizing Employment of 3 Full‐Time Department of Public Works Laborers
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Huch, and seconded by Alderman Niemietz, to pass and approve the Motion Authorizing Employment of 3 Full‐Time Department of Public Works Laborers
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
7 Aye: Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer and Khoury
0 Nay:
1 Absent: Martens
0 Abstain:
4. Ordinance No. 3588 Amending the Established Salary/Remuneration of Appointed City Officers and Employees of the City of Columbia, Illinois for the Fiscal Year of the City Commencing May 1, 2021 and Ending April 30, 2022
Mr. Brimm stated that part time seasonal employees are paid $11.62. In order to attract qualified candidates they want to raise the hourly rate to $13.50.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Garmer, and seconded by Alderman Niemietz, to pass and approve Ordinance No. 3588 Amending the Established Salary/Remuneration of Appointed City Officers and Employees of the City of Columbia, Illinois for the Fiscal Year of the City Commencing May 1, 2021 and Ending April 30, 2022
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
7 Aye: Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer and Khoury
0 Nay:
1 Absent: Martens
0 Abstain:
K. New Business
There was no New Business addressed by the Council.
L. Closed Session
There was no business addressed in Closed Session.
M. Announcements
Alderman Garmer wanted to thank the members of Faith Lutheran Church for cleaning up after the Song for Soldiers event on Sunday Morning. There were 50 to 60 members which assisted in this effort.
Alderman Niemietz thanked Chris, Doug, and the shop steward on their work with the collective bargaining contract which is good for the city and employees. It was handled very well and she is looking forward to the future.
Alderman Khoury thanked the High School for thinking outside of the box and getting the students a Homecoming they deserve.
N. Adjournment
Motion: It was moved by Alderman Garmer, and seconded by Alderman Riddle, to adjourn the Regular City Council meeting held Monday, September 20, 2021 at 7:34 PM.
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
7 Aye: Niemietz, Roessler, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer and Khoury
0 Nay:
1 Absent: Martens
0 Abstain:
https://www.columbiaillinois.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09202021-185
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