Chambana Sun

City of Danville City Council met Oct. 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

#1. THE REGULAR MEETING of the City Council of the City of Danville was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr. at the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building, 17 W. Main Street, Danville, Illinois.

THE ROLL CALL was answered by Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr., Vice Mayor Steve Nichols, Aldermen Brenda Brown, R.J. Davis, Dan Duncheon, Steve Foster, Bob Iverson, Sharon McMahon, Sherry Pickering, Mike Puhr, Tom Stone, Rick Strebing, and Aaron Troglia with one vacancy in Ward 1. Alderman Michael O'Kane was absent. A quorum was present.

Staff Members Present: City Treasurer Stephanie Wilson, City Clerk Lisa Monson, City Comptroller Shelley Scott, City Engineer Sam Cole, Corporation Counsel Dave Wesner, Finance Manager Denise Ahrens, Human Relations Administrator Sandra Finch, Information Technology Administrator Agnel DSilva, Interim Fire Chief Don McMasters, Police Chief Chris Yates, Public Transportation Director Lisa Beith, and Public Works Director Carl Carpenter. There were also standing room only audience members and 5 news media in attendance.

#2.INVOCATION was given by Rev. Norvel Crider, Pastor, Freedom Baptist Missionary Church, followed by #3.THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman Duncheon.

#4. THE MINUTES of the regular meeting held, September 17, 2019, having been published and distributed, were presented. Alderman Duncheon moved for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Pickering. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#5. THE AGENDA for the evening was presented. Mayor Williams moved Item 17, Appoint Robert Williams to City Council as Ward 1 Alderman (term May 2021) to Item 14. Alderman Puhr moved for approval as amended, seconded by Alderman Strebing. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#6.MAYOR'S REPORT 

#6-A. Proclamations 

#6-B.Board/Committee Appointments 

#6-B-1). Mayor Williams announced the appointment of Charles Mockbee IV as Corporation Counsel, effective October 23, 2019 and asked for concurrence. Alderman Puhr moved to concur, seconded by Alderman Brown. Alderman Strebing questioned if the same Aldermen who sat in on the previous Corporation Counsel interviews were also included in Mr. Mockbee's interview and Mayor Williams responded "no" as the previous interviews took place when he was Acting Mayor and the Aldermen were asked to sit in on those interviews. Alderman Strebing asked if Mr. Mockbee was a hearing officer for City court and Mayor Williams stated "no". Mayor Williams stated Mr. Mockbee is very competent, capable, and committed and feels his best will produce great results for the City. There being no further questions or discussion, on the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered. Mayor Williams administered the Oath of Office to Counsel Mockbee and afterwards, Counsel Mockbee spoke a few words of appreciation to the Mayor and City Council for their support and looks forward to working with the Mayor, the Council, and all the City officials. Mayor Williams recognized the outstanding work of Corporation Counsel Mr. David Wesner. Counsel Wesner served the City for more than a decade and a half in his role as Corporation Counsel, even after he gave his resignation to become a partner, he still helped the City out for the last nine months. The City is certainly appreciative for everything he has done and the City commends him and wishes him well in his next part of service. Counsel Mockbee will be working with Mr. Wesner for about a week and a half during the transition and they have also prepared some time to work together ahead of time so that they might prepare for the work that he has before him. He again thanked Mr. Wesner for his years of service.

#6-C. Reports of Boards, Agencies, Commissions – None

#6-D. Items of Information Mayor Williams thanked Public Works Director Carl Carpenter and staff on his team Steve Lane and Cindy Parsons and all the staff who worked downtown; not only getting ready for the opening of the Fischer Theatre ready for its grand re-opening on Saturday, September 21st, but also preparations for the Fall Festival. The men and women did a lot did to make sure the City had a successful weekend the third weekend of September.

#7.PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AUDIENCE COMMENTS 

#7-A. Presentation on Casino Mayor Williams thanked the Steering Committee members as they have done a lot of work, endured a lot the last few months, gone through hardships, and taken a beating quite honestly sometimes unfairly, but their work was not in vain because we have something the Community can be proud of to present to you for consideration this evening. There will be a period for public comment in favor or opposition after the presentation. He then introduced Mr. Lou Lang, former Illinois State Representative Lang, a 32-year legislator who resigned last January for a business opportunity. During those 32 years he was a chief expert on gaming in the State of Illinois and he worked with former Representatives Bill Black and Chad Hays to put Danville in gaming bills many years ago and they remained in those bills whenever he drafted them and remained in the final bill this year after his retirement. He stated it was not always easy to keep Danville in the bill, but through hard work and the Vermilion County legislator's hard work from those who understood why this region in the state needed this shot in the arm, jobs, economic development, and revenue, we were able to keep them in the bill. He passed several years ago two different gaming bills that would have given Danville a casino and Governor Quinn vetoed those bills and we had to go back to square one. We got a nice, solid piece of legislation this year signed by the Governor which puts Danville on the map in terms of gaming so what we have proposed to the committee and will be talking to the public tonight is not just the proposal for gaming, not just the proposal for sports betting, but a proposal for economic development for the City of Danville. It will put many people to work and add hotels, restaurants, entertainment centers, and conference center at this site will bring people from other locations to the site who have never been here before, but who find this a new hub. The period of time, approximately 30 years, while he was working on gaming through the House of Representatives he had many opportunities to go work for casino groups, but he chose this one after a period of time and he did that because of the vision, because of the plan, because of the area of the state that Danville is in geographically and because of the people here. This is about the future of Danville and Vermilion County and will create construction jobs, bring economic development that will bring other types of businesses and institutions. We have also committed to various disbursements on behalf of the City of Danville aside from the tax revenue. The Boys and Girls Club, the Danville Area Community College, and others because we want to be a partner with the City of Danville and our desire is to be partners with the City of Danville and into the future. He thanked the Steering Committee for its attention and diligence in making sure those who provided proposals to the City of Danville provided the best possible proposals and he gave a personal thank you to Mayor Williams for his efforts to make sure the proposal is as perfect as it can be and he looks forward to the approval and looks forward to moving forward as partners into the future. He introduced Scott Sypolt, gaming attorney, stated his journey started on this two years ago, but the Community has waited 30 years. He has been involved in many different casino resorts. Danville is one of the most unique, idyllic midwestern towns he has ever seen. The resort is going to be a "wow" experience as the casino resort as it is going to be designed to reflect the indigenous nature of Danville in stone and wood and sweeping hallways and high ceilings as well high glass. They have connections with some of the top musical talent in the United States to bring to the casino. He will be moving to Danville as well as Bill Bembenek, another team member. He introduced CEO Bill Bembenek who opened one of the very first casinos in Illinois and one of the first two in Indiana. Mr. Bembenek stated he has been through this process several times with various cities up north in Illinois, also in Indiana, then headed out west with some of the tribal casinos. He stated the industry has changed quite remarkably and continues to evolve like most industries. He went to school and graduated from the University of Illinois many years ago so this is a homecoming of sorts for him so when he thought about the project casino goers demand more from an experience these days. This will be a place people will be excited to come to and more excited to want to come back to and tell their friends about. It will be a reciprocal relationship with the community. He introduced Will Matzek, Chief Engineer, who's firm is involved in a lot of entertainment destinations and he is excited to create the experience with the interchange visibility off of 1-74 and taking advantage of the 30,000 cars a day coming through the corridor. We want this to be family friendly with restaurants. Mayor Williams asked them to speak as to why the location chosen was the best site in town. Mr. Matzek stated the 1-74/Southgate Drive is shovel ready and the utilities are in place so when you are creating an entertainment destination you want to have easy access and great visibility and this site offers that. There was some discussion about the downtown site and when we are creating a true entertainment destination, you have to have the right infrastructure in place and the downtown site that we evaluated was too small for what we were trying to accomplish. We are excited to get started as fast as possible as soon as we obtain a license from the Illinois Gaming Board, but our desire is to hit the ground running right away so we would like to have a temporary, starter casino which would be a structure in place and we would build the other amenities around it. Mr. Sypolt stated we believe the center structure could be up in a year. He also stated they would like to set up some type of transit system to transport people downtown. He also stated there could be as many as 10,000 people on a Saturday so there would be too much congestion if the casino were downtown. He is hoping an outlet mall, Top Golf, bowling and billiards, or other things they might work with other groups in conjunction or possibly do it themselves working with Danville. Mr. Sypolt stated Mayor Williams Jr., the Steering Committee, and Vermilion Advantage's Vicki Haugen, have been great to work with. After the presentation, lengthy discussion ensued and questions were asked by the Aldermen. Mayor Williams announced the Host Community Agreement Items.

1. One-time, Upfront payments:

$1 million for Improvements to the Riverfront $1 million for an Expansion of the Boys & Girls Club of Danville $1 million for municipal improvements. Each of these are to be planned with the Mayor, in addition to the Director of the Boys and Girls Club for the club expansion and Economic Development Manager for the riverfront and municipal building improvements, and paid after written issuance of the casino license by the Illinois Gaming Board. 

2. Fixed annual payments:

$100,000 in United Way Contributions $50,000 each to Vermilion Advantage

$50,000 Fischer Theatre Scholarships to Danville Area Community College 

Public Safety and other Municipal Service Payments 

They will be planned and paid annually at mutually agreed times. 

3. Variable annual payments shall consist of 4 percent of EBIDA (Earnings before Interest, Depreciation and Amortization), minus any and all taxes and government fees. This shall be paid annually at mutually agreed upon times. 

4. Liquidated Damages that are unequivocally subject to force majeure

Failure to open by mutually agreed date/date prescribed by the Illinois Gaming Board — $20,000 a day. 

Failure to continuously operate — $20,000 a day. Both are subject to force majeure, unforeseeable circumstances that prevent the fulfilling of the contract. 

5. Operator agrees to forego the local portion of enterprise zone benefits.

Employment:

1. Construction Jobs

Operator will use commercially reasonable efforts to create no fewer than 400 construction jobs at the project; participation targets of 10 percent work-qualified minorities; 5 percent work qualified women and 5 percent work-qualified veterans. 

2. Permanent Jobs

At opening, operator will use commercially reasonable efforts to employ no fewer than 600 persons; no fewer than 400 persons to be full-time equivalents. 

3. Employment of City Residents, Minorities, Women, Veterans

After opening, operator will use commercially reasonable efforts to achieve labor participation of 75 percent of work-qualified Vermilion County residents. Labor participation also is to see no less than 30 percent minority persons, 40 percent women and 5 percent veterans.

Business utilization:

1. Use of Local Businesses

At least 50 percent of annual biddable goods and services will be prioritized for local procurement from Vermilion County, if commercially reasonable. 

2. Use of MBEMBENBE Businesses for Construction and Design

Operator will use commercially reasonable efforts to award contracts for the design and construction of the project utilizing 15 percent minority business, 15 percent women business and 5 percent veteran business enterprise businesses. 

3. Use of MBEWBENBE Businesses for Operations

Operator will use commercially reasonable efforts to purchase goods and services for the project from at least 10 percent MBE, 10 percent WBE and 5 percent VBE.

Infrastructure improvements:

1. Traffic, other Infrastructure

Operator will fully implement and fund all traffic improvements and other other infrastructure improvements deemed necessary by engineer Will Matzek of Kimley-Horn, specific to the proposed casino site.

Miscellaneous:

1. Guaranty

Operator's obligation will be guaranteed by a creditworthy parent company or affiliate. 

2. Transfer Restrictions

Operator agrees to notify and consult the mayor of Danville before any ownership transfer of a 5 percent interest or more, and shall fully comply with all rules, regulations and laws of the Illinois Gaming Board. 

3. Project Labor Agreement

Operator shall use commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate a project labor agreement with the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council relating to construction on the project. 

4. Local Investors

Subject to applicable securities laws and after formal written proof of vetting and approval by the Illinois Gaming Board, operator will use commercially reasonable efforts to interview and consider Vermilion County residents as possible investors in the project.

Mayor Williams asked if there were any audience comments Casino Public Comments

• Robert Williams of Danville questioned the resort property security. 

Mr. Bembenek stated there will be security. Representative Lang responded casinos is one of the safest places to be. Gayle Jochim of Georgetown is not in favor of a casino, but likes the number of venues. She questioned the parking, voiced concern of the casino being close to the prison, is Danville requesting to rebate taxes, and how many years will the $50,000 community payments continue. There will be 4,000 flat parking spaces that are behind the building. Mayor Williams stated he does not anticipate any tax rebates. Also the community payments will be ongoing. Rick Harper of Danville asked how many gaming slots there will be and Mr. Sypolt responded the market will determine that, but the first level is 500, then we go to 1,250, then ultimately 2,000. Chad Hays, former Illinois State Representative, stated his predecessor worked for many years for gaming to come to Danville, he worked with Representative Lang for ten years and he stated never was Danville out of the bill thanks to people like Lou Lang.

#7.AUDIENCE COMMENTS

• Doug Toole representing Keep Vermilion County Beautiful announced a Free Electronics Collection Event will be held Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Danville Area Community College with a limit of seven items per vehicle and proof of reside will need to be shown.

• Brenda Adams representing Keep Vermilion County Beautiful (KVCB) asked for the City's support of KVCB 2020 membership. Phearn M. Butler of Danville asked for support as she needs 500 signatures for a petition to name the Vermilion County Board room after the late Mrs. Ivadale Foster who served on the Vermilion County Board for 35 years and was the first African American woman to serve on the Board.

#8. Mayor Williams presented RESOLUTION NO. 2019-96 accepting Recommendation of Casino Operating Partner to Haven Gaming LLC (formerly Ciela Gaming Corp LLC) as well as the Host Community Agreement negotiated with Haven Gaming, LLC. The City Council acknowledges that Haven Gaming, LLC has negotiated with the City in good faith. The Mayor is authorized to work with Haven Gaming, LLC to submit any other requirements necessary for an application to be submitted and considered by the Illinois Gaming Board for the casino license for Danville. Alderman Strebing moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman McMahon. There being no questions, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Pickering, Iverson, Strebing, Puhr, Foster, McMahon, Brown, Davis, Duncheon, Nichols, Stone, Troglia Nays: None Absent: Alderman O'Kane Motion carried 12 to 0 with 1 absent and one vacancy.

#9.ZONING PETITIONS - None

#10. PAYROLL Mayor Williams presented Payrolls for September 20, 2019, of $69,902.00, and for September 27, 2019, for $558,017.05. Alderman Duncheon moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman McMahon. There being no questions, the roll call vote being: Ayes: Aldermen Iverson, Strebing, Puhr, Foster, McMahon, Brown, Davis, Duncheon, Nichols, Stone, Troglia, Pickering Nays: None Absent: Alderman O'Kane Motion carried 12 to 0 with 1 absent and one vacancy.

#11. SCHEDULE OF VOUCHERS PAYABLE 

Mayor Williams presented the Schedule of Vouchers Payable, having been published, posted, and distributed, for special run of September 19, 2019, of $250.00, for run of September 24, 2019, of $229,758.25, for special run of September 25, 2019, of $19,350.00, and for run of October 1, 2019, of $1,358,318.08. Alderman Strebing moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Stone. After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being: Ayes: Aldermen Strebing, Puhr, Foster, McMahon, Brown, Davis, Duncheon, Nichols, Stone, Troglia, Pickering, Iverson Nays: None Absent: Alderman O'Kane Motion carried 12 to 0 with 1 absent and one vacancy.

#12. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT 

#12-A. Items of Information

• Chairman Puhr announced the next Public Works Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Alderman Duncheon asked if the Council approval of the cannabis taxation guarantees a dispensary location in Danville and Mayor Williams responded "no" as the dispensary business will decide where they will want to locate when they submit an application to the State. They would have to choose a home rule municipality first and the Council approval of the cannabis taxation is the City stating the willingness to allow marijuana to be in the City.

#13. PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT 

#13-A. Chairman Foster presented the unaudited City Treasurer's Reports for July 2019, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval, seconded by Alderman Brown. The report as follows: Statement of Receipts and Disbursements for July, 2019 stating a Beginning Balance on July 1, 2019, of $18,258,174.56, Receipts of $7,282,958.25, Disbursements of $5,679,921.69, an Ending Balance on July 31, 2019, of $19,861,211.12 and a Cash Balance of $10,166,503.98. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#13-B. Chairman Foster presented RESOLUTION NO. 2019-97 authorizing the Write-Off of Delinquent Garbage, Sewer, and Public Safety Fee Accounts, totaling $27,806.56 due to bankruptcy, death or other circumstances that deem the accounts uncollectible, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Stone. There being no questions, the roll call vote being: Ayes: Aldermen Puhr, Foster, McMahon, Brown, Davis, Duncheon, Nichols, Stone, Troglia, Pickering, Iverson, Strebing Nays: None Absent: Alderman O'Kane Motion carried 12 to 0 with 1 absent and one vacancy.

#13-C. Chairman Foster presented RESOLUTION NO. 2019-98 approving Sublease Agreement with Public Building Commission Concerning Public Safety Building, for a three-year period from November 1, 2019 to October 31, 2022, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Strebing. Alderman Iverson asked for an explanation of the maintenance agreement. Mr. Terry Scott, Executive Director of the Public Building Commission explained the purpose of the lease is the involvement of cleaning, maintenance, and equipment whether it be computers and other equipment to assist the Police department. After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being: Ayes: Aldermen Foster, McMahon, Brown, Davis, Duncheon, Nichols, Stone, Troglia, Pickering, Iverson, Strebing, Puhr Nays: None Absent: Alderman O'Kane Motion carried 12 to 0 with 1 absent and one vacancy.

#13-D. Chairman Foster presented RESOLUTION NO. 2019-99 approving Memorandum of Understanding between the Housing Authority of the City of Danville (HACD) and the Danville Police Department to invoice at a straight time rate of $42.00 per hour for the patrol hours on HACD properties above and beyond normal baseline services, moved to dispense with the reading and recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Strebing. After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being: Ayes: Aldermen McMahon, Brown, Davis, Duncheon, Nichols, Stone, Troglia, Pickering, Iverson, Strebing, Puhr, Foster Nays: None Absent: Alderman O'Kane Motion carried 12 to 0 with 1 absent and one vacancy.

#13-E. Chairman Foster presented RESOLUTION NO. 2019-100 approving Memorandum of Understanding between Green Meadows Apartments (aka Meglei Management Corp) and the Danville Police Department to invoice at a straight time rate of $55.00 per hour for the patrol hours on GMA properties above and beyond normal baseline services, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval without recommendation by Committee but was discussed during Committee, seconded by Alderman Strebing. After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being: Ayes: Aldermen Brown, Davis, Duncheon, Nichols, Stone, Troglia, Pickering, Iverson, Strebing, Puhr, Foster, McMahon Nays: None Absent: Alderman O'Kane Motion carried 12 to 0 with 1 absent and one vacancy.

#13-F. Chairman Foster presented RESOLUTION NO. 2019-101 authorizing Intergovernmental Agreement with City of Champaign for Fiscal Year 2020 for Purchase of Four (4) Scott Safety Escape Packs in the amount of $3,800.00, considered surplus property by the City of Champaign, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval without recommendation by Committee, seconded after all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being: Ayes: Aldermen Davis, Duncheon, Nichols, Stone, Troglia, Pickering, Iverson, Strebing, Puhr, Foster, McMahon, Brown Nays: None Absent: Alderman O'Kane Motion carried 12 to 0 with 1 absent and one vacancy.

#13-G. Chairman Foster presented an ordinance amending Chapter 92 of City Code Pertaining to Fire Prevention - Fees, to add language to Section 92.04 (B) Inspections and charge a fee for the inspections conducted by the Fire Department as follows: The Fire Department shall conduct annual inspections of businesses within the corporate limits of the City. The Fire Department shall utilize the IFC and NFPA as guidelines for conducting such inspections. The fee to inspections shall be as follows: a business whose square footage is 0-10,000 sq. ft. - $35.00, a business whose square footage is 10,001-100,000 sq. ft. - $50.00, a business whose square footage is 100,001-250,000 sq. ft. - $75.00, and a business whose square footage is greater than 250,000 sq. ft. - $100.00. Upon completion of an inspection, the Fire Department shall notify the owner of the business of any violations of the codes enforced by the Fire Department. Any violations shall be corrected within 30 days. If a violation is not corrected, the owner of the business shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Section 92.99, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Strebing. Vice Mayor Nichols and Alderman Troglia voiced concern of fees being charged for inspections. Vice Mayor Nichols stated the Council did task the firefighters to find additional revenue, but he feels the inspections should be something that is already a part of the budget. He will support a budget amendment. Chief McMasters stated there has to be another body to do the fire inspector position. Alderman McMahon voiced concern of being able to keep the buildings safe in the City and no one likes more fees. She stated the total firefighters have gone from 72 to 45 in the last 15 years and they cannot do the annual inspections on shift anymore. She will support it as it is surprising what the firefighters have found during inspections such as malfunctioning smoke alarms, emergency lighting, etc. Alderman Brown questioned if the City has a fire inspector and Chief McMasters responded the Fire Division has a trained inspector and we have always had an inspection program in place, but did not always get the inspections done so non-catastrophic things do not take place. Alderman Brown stated she will support the ordinance. Alderman Strebing stated he agrees with a budget amendment, which should give a resolution. Alderman Pickering asked how many buildings need inspected and Chief McMasters responded 1,523 occupancies within the City less schools, etc., then each of the engine companies do the inspections and if engine companies have to make sure the repairs are done, follow-ups have to be done, then there is a one to two year window. We went from five full time personnel in our office to handling these types of duties to one and a half full time personnel currently. Alderman Pickering will be supporting this ordinance. Mayor Williams stated he is supporting the fee, but is against the creation of an additional full time position. Alderman Puhr asked how many inspections can be done in one day. Chief McMasters responded Mondays and Fridays are inspection days and if each engine company does three thorough inspections each day and the high hazard, large entities are then handled by an inspection person outside of that, then we can feasibly get everything done in a year, but if you add the task of the high hazard to the engine companies plus all of the follow-ups, etc., they would have to do three, then thirty days later go back to those three so we are basically doubling our work. Alderman Puhr asked if the fire inspector could be a civilian person. Chief McMasters stated yes or whatever the revenue source is, utilize that as overtime for the trained individuals to come in on their days off to handle the overflow or create a full-time position within the department. After all questions were addressed and lengthy discussion ensued, the roll call vote being: Ayes: Aldermen Pickering, Iverson, McMahon, Brown, Davis Nays: Aldermen Duncheon, Nichols, Stone, Troglia, Strebing, Puhr, Foster Absent: Alderman O'Kane Motion failed 5 to 7 with 1 absent and one vacancy.

#13-H. Items of Information

• Chairman Foster announced the next Public Services Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. 

#13-H-1) Potential 2009 General Obligation Bonds Refunding Opportunity Comptroller Scott reported this is an opportunity to work with a different bond company than what we have been working with before to refund our 2009 Bonds and will save the City approximately 80,000 over the course of the bonds and not extend the length of the bond. It will also provide us with an opportunity to choose a new rating company. Moody's has been pretty difficult to work with over the last few years and this would allow us to choose them again if we wanted to or choose another one like Fitch's or S & P. We did get a preliminary review based on the City's last audit and they believe S&P would rate us an A- which would be a substantial improvement overall from where we are currently so we are asking at the conclusion of the next audit which should happen within the next couple of weeks that we pursue this refunding opportunity. Mayor Williams added with the 2019 audit which should be better than the 2018 audit, they think it could go even higher than an A-. Alderman Strebing feels it is a good thing, but everything here is hypothetical. Comptroller Scott stated the people who quoted this have been working with us free of charge for a number of years and we have just been waiting for when the bond market was actually favorable for us to do this. They also work with the City of Champaign. She has a great deal of confidence with this company. Alderman Strebing voiced support for it. Alderman Duncheon asked for a timeline and Comptroller Scott responded the resolution will come at the conclusion of the audit within the next couple of weeks.

#14.APPOINT ROBERT WILLIAMS TO CITY COUNCIL AS WARD 1 ALDERMAN (TERM MAY 2021) 

Mayor Williams announced the appointment of Robert Williams as Ward 1 Alderman to fill the vacancy left by Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr., due to his being elected and sworn in as Mayor in May, 2019, for the unexpired term ending May, 2021 and asked for concurrence. Alderman Duncheon moved to concur with the appointment, seconded by Alderman Strebing. There being no questions, on the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered. Mayor Williams stated Mr. Williams is a man he has known for many years and he has a lot of integrity, he has been of service in many clubs, including being the past Master at the Masonic Corinthian Lodge #31 and Past Commander of the American Legion Post #736, retired from the Veterans Administration Hospital in Danville as well as Quaker Oats in Danville. Mayor Williams stated Mr. Williams is going to be a great addition to the City Council as he has been told he is hard working and of good character.

Mayor Williams administered the Oath of Office to Alderman Williams, who then thanked Mayor Williams for the opportunity to serve as Ward 1 Alderman and stated there have been some iconic figures serving Ward 1 as representatives such as the late Lester Brown, the late Eugene "Radio” Thompson, Alderman Brenda Brown, and Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr. He is hoping to follow in their footsteps and see if he can do half of things they have accomplished in their seats. He is looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead in the his Ward and hopes to serve the citizens of the City of Danville by moving the City forward and meet those challenges. Alderman Williams took his seat at the dais.

#15. PRESENTATION OF 2019 TAX LEVY AND FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 BUDGET 

Comptroller Scott presented a PowerPoint presentation on the 2019 Tax Levy and Fiscal Year 2020 2021 Budget. The 2019 Tax Levy included in the binder includes the following:

• Pension Amount Needed – Actuarial Funding Recommendation from Lauterbach & Amen, LLP

• Fire Division: $4,522,453; Police Division: $3,985,912 - Total $8,508,365

Public Safety Pension Fee (PSPF) for Fire Division ($1,768, 102) and Casino Local Tax Transfer from General Fund ($423,000); Public Safety Pension Fee (PSPF) for Police Division ($1,178,670) and Casino Local Tax Transfer from General Fund ($282,000) The Bonds and Interest total abatement is $756,088 and the Library is $1,964,035 (increase of 1.48%) Total Tax Levy of $6,820,628 with Assessed Value of $301,247 and -0.03% decrease for a Tax Rate of $2.2641 The Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget was highlighted as follows:

• The General Fund Budget: $27,230,580

• Other Funds Budget: $35,421,667

• Total Budget (All Funds): $62,652,246. Less Departmental Transfers: $9,285,294

• Total Budget (Net of Departmental Transfers) $53,366,952

The Proposed Budget includes the following new revenue sources:

1. Fund 015 – General City Government

Cannabis Retailers' Occupation Tax - $300,000

Casino Tax – Local Share - $2,000,000 

2. Fund 018 - City Clerk

Video Terminal Fees - $27,000 

3. Fund 103 – Motor Fuel Tax

Transportation Renewal Fund (TRF) - $245,000

The Total General Tax Revenue Projections: $23,304,500 This is a 12.96% increase to tax revenues from prior year projections. (The projected increase would have been 1.81% prior to adding the Cannabis and Casino tax revenue).

Total All Enterprise Funds: $7,191,533

Insurance Benefits - All Funds

• Health Insurance

• 10% decrease to Health Insurance coverage on January 1, 2020

10% increase budgeted for January 1, 2020 through April 30, 2020 

Voluntary Life and Dental – no increase to Voluntary Life, no increase to Dental, nominal decrease to Group Life in Jan 2020

• Vision - quote not available yet

Employee Contribution amount remains at 10% for clerical union and remains at 12% for all others. IMRF Benefits – All Funds

• IMRF – reduction - budgeted at 12% this year (Final % will likely be less due to three payments now made on ERI)

IMRF – Early Retirement Incentive Payments City Council

• $185,000 is budgeted for FY 2020-2021 from General Fund (total paid after FY 21 payment = $1,044,940)

• $64,000 is budgeted from Storm and Sanitary Sewer Fund (total paid after FY 21 payment = $ 192,000)

• $6,400.00 is budgeted from Solid Waste Fund (total paid after FY 21 payment = $25,600) Commercial Insurance Package - All Funds

• Rates declined this year - $10,000 (no other changes to coverage) After the presentation, Comptroller Scott addressed questions from Council members.

#16.ITEMS OF INFORMATION

• Alderman Brown reminded everyone to attend the Hope Heals Expo at Second Church of Christ on Thursday, October 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mayor Williams thanked Aldermen Brown and Pickering for serving on the committee to make this event happen.

• Alderman McMahon announced Coffee with a Cop will take place tomorrow morning at North McDonald's from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Mayor Williams announced Soul Garden has their second annual Pumpkin Fest in downtown on Saturday, October 5, 2019 as well as Halloween and the Land of Oz in downtown on Friday, October 4th for trick-or treating as well as the Fischer Theatre will be playing the Wizard of Oz at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The Committee has asked if the Aldermen will be will to sign ministry of magic certificates for the 2nd annual Potterfest. They are asking for volunteers on November 1st at the Fischer Theatre. He passed around a sign-up sheet

• Alderman Strebing thanked Cindy Parson and staff for coming to the Fall Festival in Ward 2 and enjoying themselves as the weather was nice and he hopes it was another profitable year. Alderman Brown welcomed Alderman Williams to the City Council.

#17.CLOSED SESSION was not needed.

#18.ADJOURNMENT 

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by acclamation at 8:50 p.m. following a motion by Alderman Foster and a second by Alderman Strebing.

http://www.cityofdanville.org/2019-cc-minutes.html