Chambana Sun

City of Paxton City Council met Oct. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The monthly meeting of the Paxton City Council was held at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Ingold called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

Roll call showed the following aldermen in attendance: Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, and Withers. Also, in attendance were: Mayor Bill Ingold, Treasurer/Comptroller Tammy Jensen, Water/Sewer Supervisor Bob Carleton, Street/Alley Supervisor Jesse Houtzel, Police Chief Coy Cornett, Attorney Marc Miller, City Clerk Suzie Shell, and members of the audience and press.

Mayor Ingold led the meeting in the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES: Mayor Ingold asked if there were any changes, corrections or additions that needed made to the minutes from the September Council meeting. Alderman Evans made a motion to approve the minutes of the September Council meeting. Aldermen Geiken seconded the motion. All approved on a voice vote.

LIST OF CLAIMS: Alderman Withers made a motion to approve the lists of claims, excluding EIEC. Alderman Hoedebecke seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes - Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, and Withers. Seven ayes, motion carried. Alderman Hoedebecke made a motion to approve the EIEC bill. Alderman Withers seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes - Alderman Cox, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, and Withers. Abstain – Crutcher. Six ayes, one abstains, motion carried.

TREASURER'S REPORT AND INVESTMENT REGISTER The reports have been emailed to all Aldermen. Alderman Cox made a motion to approve the Treasurer's Report and Investment Register. Alderman Hoedebecke seconded the motion. All approved on a voice vote.

FINANCE/BUDGET – ALDERMAN WILSON:

Kemper CPA Group to present FY2021 Audit – Mr. Luke Sparks from Kemper spoke to the council about the audit that was completed. There was a total change in fund balances of $513,000 in the black meaning that less was spent than what was brought into the city. Proprietary funds ended in positive status and year over year financials look good. The city did not go over budget in any funds. Mr. Sparks thanked Tammy Jensen for her assistance with helping the audit go smoothly. Alderman Evans motioned to accept the audit and Alderman Pacey seconded the motion. All approved on a voice vote.

PUBLIC WORKS – ALDERMAN WITHERS:

Discuss Draft proposal for Drainage Issues Work – Alderman Withers stated that he looked over the proposals for drainage issues work needed in the city. Some estimates have come in and the mayor expects to set up some meetings for the long-term committee to discuss plans in regards to this issue in addition to the streetscape projects.

Approve Final Payment on MFT Roadwork – Mr. Friend stated the resolution passed originally for MFT work was a little over $160,000 and the ending total came up favorably at $137,330 with a change order of $20,524 to reflect actual quantities used of asphalt. With these adjustments made, $25,024.25 change order with a total pay request of $157,854.75. Motion made by Alderman Withers and seconded by Alderman Hoedebecke. Roll Call: ayes - Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, and Withers. Seven ayes, motion carried.

Supervisor Houtzel stated that another block of sidewalk has been finished on W Center St., work beginning on a storm sewer project near Pells Park, and approximately 40-60 trees are planned to come down. Salt for winter will be delivered soon. Bob Carleton reports that the sewer plant needs some work. Two blowers went down the last day of September and the bearings were replaced and then more bearings were needed. These will need to be replaced. An estimate received showed the cost of approximately $60,000 each not including labor and delivery. Decking on the catwalks still needs repairs. Filter building walls were evaluated by Rust Tuckpointing – water is getting down behind the brick and the wall is bowing out. Awaiting a quote at this time however the work would not be able to be done until next year. One pump has been replaced and one is in for repair. Another pump has also been sent in for repair. A company called Process Energy came up and looked at the diffusers and air leaks and problems. Alderman Withers stated that he agrees the blowers are definitely a big issue however he feels that there is a personal safety issue with the catwalks and he would like to see these being looked at as well. The mayor said that we are dealing with a 60-year-old facility and the blowers are costing a lot of money and if they are updated then this should help with utility costs. The mayor additionally stated that consideration is also being given to putting up some solar panels to help with utility costs. Alderman Withers also stated that there may be reimbursements made by Ameren if efficiency ratings improve with new blowers that will also help cover the cost of the blowers and diffusers.

PUBLIC SAFETY – ALDERMAN PACEY:

Discuss and Approve School Security Intergovernmental Agreement. – Chief Cornett discussed a temporary agreement between the city and the PBL Unit 10 School District at $45 an hour for 5.5 hours per day. Once an officer has completed a training course then a permanent agreement can be entertained. This cost will cover the wages and benefit package. The plan is that the actual program should start March/April 2022. The officer who will become the School Resource Officer must have 3 years of experience and Superintendent McClure and Chief Cornett will discuss the most appropriate officer to fill this position. Once the program has started, the school system will pay 75% of the resource officers’salary. Alderman Withers motioned to approve the School Security Intergovernmental Agreement and it was seconded by Alderman Evans. Roll Call: ayes - Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, and Withers. One abstains – Pacey. Six ayes, one abstention, motion carried.

Chief Cornett also discussed advertising for officer applicants. Chief would like to accept applications before changes may occur so that a list can be started of potential applicants. Discussion about trick or treat hours 5-8pm on October 31. Permanent Paxton Trick or Treat Hours are 5-8pm. The Park District, Crimestoppers, Paxton City Police will be set up near the old East lawn School to hand out trick or treat bags.

CITY PROPERTY – ALDERMAN EVANS:

Discuss Creating Campsites at City Park. – Alderman Evans was approached by a citizen requesting to have campsite areas set up at Bixby Park. Alderman Geiken stated he feels that more investigation is needed however it is something to be considered. He stated that he recently visited another town with a camping area in the center of town and it was completely full. Alderman Pacey also stated that he felt it was worth exploring more. Perhaps investigating how other cities make this work. Alderman Evans asked the mayor if this had been reviewed before and he said that in the past it was discussed and at that time, didn’t seem feasible. Alderman Evans suggested reaching out to an insurance company to see if campfires, fire pits or something similar would be an issue. Attorney Miller stated that given enough signage it may decrease city exposure. Comptroller Jensen said she could e-mail the insurance company to confirm any impact this proposal may have on the city.

Attorney Miller stated that there were recently some complaints about burning out at the brush area. An air burner is a consideration. Different ideas are being considered to help control the effect of the burning out at the brush pit. The cost could be prohibitive. Alderman Evans will set a meeting to discuss the campsite idea and burning of brush.

LICENSE, PERMIT, ZONING & INSURANCE – ALDERMAN GEIKEN Discuss proposed changes to Zoning Map – Alderman Pacey stated that the ordinances have been reviewed and properties have been identified as being zoned incorrectly. Approximately 125 properties were reported to Farnsworth company to be updated on the maps so that it can be reviewed. The city is wanting to change the listing so that buildings are zoned accordingly. The property owners will be notified as this process takes place. There is no component of this process that would be related to taxes related to the city. The county multi-township assessor handles those issues. Essentially, once the Planning and Zoning Commission is created, this can then be addressed.

Discuss and Approve changes to Ordinance 32.03 (Planning Commission) and Ordinance 151.157 (Zoning Board of Appeals). – Alderman Geiken explained that this is in regards to combining the planning commission and ZBA to consist of 7 members and be called the Planning and Zoning Commission. In the past it has been difficult to get a quorum when the groups were separate and this would help with that issue. Attorney Marc Miller stated that public notice would need to be given prior to this being put up for review and approval.

Discuss and Approve Recommendations from ZBA Meeting – The ZBA met October 11, 2021. A change was requested by Ryan and Amanda Donaldson to change wall height at a building at 652 E Summer St. Mr. Donaldson stated that they would like to put up a building, 40x80, for personal use with an apartment on the west end. The apartment would be on one end, two stories. It was asked if the house would be removed and the owner stated that it might be removed in the future. Dennis DePeter, citizen stated that this is a residential area and he stated that this is putting something that doesn’t belong in a residential area. He felt that this type of structure could affect his home value. Alderman Evans stated that he heard a tool shed was being built so that was a concern but he also feels that any improvement in the property would be good. The Donaldson’s stated that the long-term goal is to eventually let their children build a home. Alderman Pacey stated that the whole purpose of the ZBA is to allow them the time to review the ordinances and make a recommendation to the council. General discussion is that the building to be put up is not what is up for approval – what is being voted on by the council is the variance for the wall height. Attorney Miller stated that this would require 6 affirmative votes. In a variance, if there is some negative aspect of the project that could be mitigated by making a requirement, then you can grant a variance with a requirement. Alderman Pacey stated that when you ask for a variance, typically a blue print or schematic would be helpful. Alderman Geiken asked if this could be pushed back to the ZBA for additional information and review. Attorney Miller stated that tonight’s hearing could be continued otherwise notices would have to be given. Mrs. Donaldson stated that they are not asking for the building but they are asking for the height. Alderman Withers made the motion to approve the variance to increase the wall height from 15’ to 18’ at 652 E Summer St. and seconded by Alderman Pacey. Motion made by Alderman Withers and seconded by Alderman Pacey. Roll Call: ayes - Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, and Withers. Seven ayes, motion carried.

The next variance request was by Candice Hofer, on behalf of Royce and Sheila Baier, to change the setback variance on the land between the State Street Mall and the new dentist office. Requesting to be able to build an addition to the mall for car storage with windows. The setback would be zero from lot line to lot line. The ZBA discussed how close it would be to the dentist office and the ability to see cars on Rte 45. The ZBA recommended the council approve that variance. Motion made by Alderman Pacey and seconded by Alderman Hoedebecke. Roll Call: ayes - Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, and Withers. Seven ayes, motion carried.

COMMUNITY – ALDERMAN HOEDEBECKE:

Alderman Withers mentioned that the Swine and Dine was a huge success.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – ALDERMAN COX:

Discuss and Approve Purchase of Advertising with WCIA – The mayor stated that in the past, advertising was done through WCIA for the businesses in town however he understands the concerns some have with Channel 3 so he wanted to seek council approval. It is a $2,000 ad that could be used to advertise for businesses including those that may not otherwise be able to advertise Motion made by Alderman Geiken and seconded by Alderman Hoedebecke to approve $2,000 ad with WCIA. Roll Call: ayes - Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, and Withers. Seven ayes, motion carried.

Word of thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for the Wine and Chocolate Walk. Walls up on the car wash with projected opening date of mid-November. Well received reviews of the IML presentation on the streetscape. Phase 2 may have additional money made available so this may allow for additional work to be done on 100 and 200 block of South Market.

LONG TERM PLANNING – ALDERMAN CRUTCHER

The mayor would like to get a meeting together in early November.

OTHER BUSINESS:

The mayor wanted to acknowledge 50 years in business to Just Hamburgers. “We appreciate all they are doing.” The mayor also shared that Mayor Dan Dickey called to acknowledge Paxton IGA for their Round Up for Gibson City Flood Relief - $12,000 donation.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Alderman Withers motioned to adjourn the meeting and Alderman Cox seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion approved; meeting adjourned at 8:08pm.

https://www.cityofpaxton.com/DocumentCenter/View/495/10-12-2021-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes-PDF