South West Illinois News

City of Waterloo Utility Committee met Oct, 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor – Tom Smith 

Alderman Ward I Steve Notheisen & Matt Buettner 

Aldermen Ward II Jim Trantham & Jim Hopkins 

Aldermen Ward III Stan Darter & Kyle Buettner 

 Aldermen Ward IV Clyde Heller & Russ Row 

Shawn Kennedy – Collector / Finance, Tim Birk – Director of Public Works,  Jeffrey Prosise – Chief of Police, Sarah Deutch – Community Relations, Jessica  Rucks – HR Coordinator, Nathan Krebel – Subdivision and Zoning Administrator,  Dan Hayes – City Attorney, Brad Yearian – City Building Inspector. 

Petitions by Citizens on Non-Agenda Items. None. 

City Clerk – Mechelle Childers 

Motion to approve the Utility Minutes dated September 13, 2021 was made by Alderman Kyle  Buettner and seconded by Alderman Darter. Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Kyle  Buettner, Row, Heller, Notheisen, Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham and Darter voting ‘yea’. 

Subdivision & Zoning Administrator – Nathan Krebel 

a. Monthly Report – The September monthly zoning report was distributed.  

b. Potential Occupancy Violation at Caywood's Youth Center - In May the Health Department  called and stated the owners were living in the basement of the daycare facility. No proof was  provided, it was just a suspicion, therefore no action was taken. Last week the Health  Department called again, and stated it was for certain that the owners are living in the basement.  The property is in a B-3 zoned district with a Special Use Permit issued to operate a daycare facility. The Health Department was concerned that food is being cooked in the basement  residence and then being brought upstairs into the daycare facility. A discussion was held  regarding the combination of a residence, and a special use permit, at the same B-3 zoned  location. It was decided more research was needed before any decisions could be made.  

c. Gaming/Liquor Store – An individual has expressed interest in opening a liquor store with  gaming capabilities. However, there is no definition for a standalone convenience store. All  convenience stores are currently associated with gas stations. The aldermen agreed this matter should go to the ordinance committee.  

d. Planning Commission Meeting – There will be a Planning Commission meeting tomorrow night  (October 12, 2021) at the Waterloo High School regarding the recovery residence at the old  Rosedale House location. The Commission will also review the stipulations that were added to  the special use request.  

e. Vandebrook Phase III 3rd Addition – Infrastructure costs were supplied to Floyd Engel.  

f. Massage Therapy – A massage parlor will be going in next to Infinity Tan (which is the building  in front of Rural King). The business and employees will be licensed by the State of Illinois and therefore, not have to apply for a local license. 

City Building Inspector – Brad Yearian 

a. Monthly Report – The September monthly report was distributed.  

b. Inspections – Perform several new construction and rental inspections. This includes site  inspections, footings, framing, electrical, foundations, etc. 

c. Code Violations – Several codes violations this month. A basketball hoop in the street,  inoperable vehicle, street visibility issues due to plant growth, etc. 

d. Job Adjustment – Still adjusting to the new position.  

Human Resource Coordinator – Jessica Rucks  

a. Whistle Blower Act – The Whistle Blower Act was distributed to the aldermen. Approval for the  Whistleblower Protection Policy will be on the next City Council agenda for approval 

 b. Sexual Anti-Harassment Training – This is a yearly mandatory training. CBIZ offers an online  training program where the employees watch a video, take a quiz and receive a certificate after  they pass the quiz. This training sounds more beneficial and the cost is $365 annually. All the  aldermen agreed to implement this online training program.  

c. Payroll Clerk – Today was the last day for the Payroll Clerk posting. There were six applicants.  

d. Open Positions – ‘Underground Utility’ and ‘Sewer Plant Operator’ positions are currently open  for the union employees to apply for.  

e. Insurance Renewal – Waiting on insurance renewal rates from Eric File (CBIZ). 

Community Relations Coordinator – Sarah Deutch 

a. Pumpkinfest - The event was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who helped. The weather was perfect, everyone had a great day and no negative comments were received. The event was  such a success that vendors were running out of food.  

b. Trunk-or-Treat – This event is on October 31, 2021, and takes place along Main Street. The  event begins at 6:00 pm and ends at 8:00 pm. No reservations are needed to participate.  

c. Veteran’s Day Program – The program will be at Gibault on November 10, 2021. The theme will  be Honoring VFW members in recognition of Metzger-Crook VFW Post 75th Anniversary.  Invites have been sent to all Post #6504 members.  

d. Midwest Firebirds – Rod Haffer from the Midwest Firebirds Club would like to hold a car show  in downtown Waterloo in 2022.  

e. Santa Float – Need to get a sign-up sheet started of participants for the Santa Float. Will need  driver coverage for 10 nights plus Christmas Eve. Also, we need to have Sister Cites get a letter  out for sponsorship. We should start buying toys now since a Christmas toy shortage is predicted  and toy prices continue to rise.  

f. First Responder Memorial – Still waiting on the lights that need to go into the concrete. The  stone monument and plaque are also delayed.  

Collector/Finance Officer – Shawn Kennedy  

a. Insurance Renewal Update – Discussing our property, liability and workers’ comp insurance with IMLRMA and two other companies. It was requested that all quotes be received by October 18, 2021. IMLRMA and Strategic Risk Management have stated they will have their numbers in  by the deadline, however, the third company requested an extension on the required deadline. All  three companies would like to present to the Insurance Committee. It was agreed that all quotes  need to be received by October 18, 2021. The Insurance Committee decided to have IMLRMA  present on October 25, 2021 and the remaining companies present on October 27, 2021. In order to receive an early payment discount, Shawn would like to have the selected company on the  November 15, 2021, City Council agenda for approval.  

b. Multi-Factor Authentication – In answering cyber security questions for the insurance renewal  applications, the question of multi-factor authentication was mentioned. Rejis offers this service  and has requested a meeting on October 19, 2021. 

c. FEMA Reimbursement Update - Reimbursement request was submitted for PPE, plexiglass,  disinfectant, etc.., however, FEMA only approved to reimburse the expenses used for the Police  Department. FEMA is now stating that they are revisiting our application.  

d. Audit - Draft of financial statements are complete and sent to the auditors.  

e. Monroe County Water Bill – An estimated bill was submitted to the county with an explanation  of what happened. Monroe County has agreed to pay the bill with no issue.  

f. Gaming Fund Monies – Alderman Kyle Buettner requested if the amount of monies in the  gaming fund could be shared at the next Utility Meeting.  

g. Christmas Street Lighting – Extending the lights down Mill Street to the Car Wash. Lights are  currently on order.  

Director of Public Works – Tim Birk.  

a. Rogers Street Extension – Cost estimate for the first 2,000 feet of road has been received. This  would be for an asphalt street with no curb or gutter and no bike trail. The cost of the extension  would be $1.5 million, and to extend Rogers to Rose Lane the cost will be twice as much.  

b. Old Water Tank Storage – A price has been received for the demolition of the storage tank. The  cost is $10,000 to $12,000 and is on the high side due to the potential of asbestos. This cost is for  the steel removal only. We would have to remove the foundation. It was agreed to let the storage  tank stay “as-is”.  

c. CAAPP (Clear Air Act Permit Program) - HelplerBroom law firm has the results for the permit  out for public notice.  

d. Natural Gas Unaccountable Percentage – The Natural Gas Unaccountable Percentage report was  passed out. This yearly report compares the amount of gas purchased versus gas usage. The report is used to help determine leaks in the natural gas system. Waterloo’s unaccountable  percentage is at 0.87%, which is an excellent rating. The Illinois Commerce Commission fines  cities/ municipalities for anything over a 5% rating.  

e. IDOT Overlay Project – Met with IDOT on October 06, 2021 regarding the asphalt overlay  project for Market Street. The State of Illinois will mill and overlay Market Street from Plaza  Drive to Illinois Route 156 (Front Street). This project is scheduled for the Fall of 2022.  

f. Comprehensive Plan – In the meeting with IDOT, the comprehensive plan was also discussed.  Since the fairgrounds is classified as a “generator” for tourism, the city will need to put in a  walking trail from Creekside Estates to the Fairgrounds. This should be added to the  comprehensive plan so future developers are aware.  

g. High School Traffic Issues – IDOT suggested a round-a-bout for the resolution to the traffic  issues at Bulldog Blvd. and Market Street.  

h. IEPA Lead Water Lines – IEPA is pushing legislation regarding lead water pipes in homes. The  City would be responsible for replacing lead water lines from the main to two feet inside the  home.  

i. Veterans Drive Project – Still looking at ways to redesign the road and the various challenges it  presents.

j. Water Plant Design – Received one of the necessary permits for the water line from the County.  Waiting to receive the permit to install the water line along Bluff Road. Also will be applying for  the IEPA loan in a couple of months.  

Chief of Police – Jeff Prosise 

a. Homecoming Parade – The Waterloo High School Homecoming Parade will be on October 13,  2021. 

b. Homecoming Dance –The Waterloo High School Homecoming Dance will be on October 16,  2021 and will be held on the school’s football field.  

c. Drug Take-Back – The DEA Drug Take-Back program will be on October 23, 2021 at  Walgreens.  

d. Body Cameras – The body cameras are working, everyone is using them and there have been no  issues. In addition, the first FOIA was filed regarding the cameras.  

e. Canine Officer – The new canine officer is now working the streets with his partner/handler.  

f. Triple R Bar – Issuing of the tickets is still in process. 

City Attorney – Dan Hayes 

No Report. 

Mayor’s Report  

No Report. 

Committee Reports and Minutes Approval 

a. 10-04-21 Personnel Relations Cmte Meeting Minutes. Darter-1st, Heller-2nd. Passed. 

b. Gas Committee Meeting Minutes will be available at the next meeting.  

Executive Session for the Discussion of Personnel as Provided for by 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).  

Motion to move into Executive Session made by Alderman Notheisen and seconded by Alderman  Darter. Motion passed with unanimous voice vote. 

Entered into Executive Session at 7:53 p.m.  

Recessed Executive Session at 8:23 p.m.  

Motion to Resume Session made by Alderman Notheisen and seconded by Alderman Darter.  Motion passed with unanimous voice vote. Mayor Smith resumed the regular Utility Meeting at  8:23 p.m. 

Adjournment – Motion to adjourn made by Alderman Kyle Buettner and seconded by Alderman  Matt Buettner. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m.  

 https://www.waterloo.il.us/wp-content/uploads/UM-10-11-21-Minutes.pdf