Chambana Sun

City of Gibson City Council met Nov. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:         

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Dickey.

Roll Call: 

Ward #1 Susie Tongate: P      Sarah Sarantakos: P

Ward #2 Randy Wyant: P        Ray Hankes : P

Ward #3 Scott Davis: P            Doug Parsons: A

Ward #4 Denis Fisher: A           Laura Miller: P

Visitors: Supt. Duncan, Asst. Supt. Nolte, Admin Shull, Officer Rosenbaum, Bryan Benjamin Benjamin Landscaping, Farnsworth Engineers -Mike Friend, Dennis Cummins & Amanda Dobson; Getty Landscaping – Dayton Getty & Zack Bottles; Benjamin Landscaping – Bryan Benjamin & Graham Voekler; Rob Schmitt, Justin Carpenter (holiday parade); and Jean Noellsch – Ford County Chronicle.

Pledge led by Alderman Sarantakos.

Motion to approve Minutes of October 23, 2023 made by Alderman Tongate, 2nd made by Alderman Sarantakos. Motion carried 6/0.

Mayor Dickey requested Supt. Duncan stand and address the council. Supt. Duncan explained that an Award has been designated “Excellence in Action” and from time to time, we have an employee who goes over and above their respective duties. At this time, Duncan awarded Employee Joe Buff the first Excellence in Action Award based on his participation during the last water main break. Joe was not on call that weekend, but saw what was happening, jumped in, and worked with the crew until the break was repaired. Mayor Dickey stated that there is no ‘time-frame’ on this award, but it is to show appreciation to employees in such instances.

Administrative Report: Admin Scott Shull reported that the office, with the guidance of the computer programmers for our water billing program, have successfully made all adjustments necessary to the Water/Sewer bills to include the increases that were passed and the new drainage fee. The programming changes triggered the delay in billing. 2nd, Shull stated he worked out a way to show the Bond Proceeds in financial reports. Bond funds are held in one bank account but the money used is assigned to three different city funds: Water, Sewer, and General. Intensive tracking required.

Committee Reports: 

Alderman Sarantakos: Meeting of Parks/Buildings was held this evening @ 6:00 p.m. 1st topic was future of building a new pool, decision was made at the meeting to recommend to council to direct City Atty. Miller to prepare an Ordinance to proceed with raising sales tax rate to fund the project. No percentage of increase has been decided, the question would be on the April 2024 ballot. If City shows no progress the State will shut our pool down. 2nd topic – scout cabin repairs. Various repairs were discussed and Assistant Superintendent Nolte will prepare a cost list so the council can prioritize repair list according to need and funds available.

Old business:

A. Consideration to accept a payment and release a lien on property located at 403 W. 10th remains tabled. Mayor Dickey stated this is still being negotiated, remains on ‘old business’.

B. Discussion and Consideration of Leaf Pick-up Quotes. Mayor Dickey stated that after last meeting Supt. Martin clarified the leaf pick-up job and received one quote from Getty Landscaping. Getty quoted a curbside leaf vac, one-time townwide cleanup, using one truck, leaf loader and 2-3 men, estimating 10-12 days to complete the pickup. Supt. Martin had asked the quote be good for a 3-year period. Motion to accept Getty’s quote of $10,215.00 per year for 3 years made by Alderman Davis, 2nd by Alderman Hankes. Discussion – Bryan Benjamin stated that he did not submit a quote due to the way this has been handled by Supt. Martin. Roll call vote on the motion - passed 5 yes, Sarantakos voting no.

Bills: 

Motion to pay Bond fund check in the amount of $249,601.00 (street sweeper) made by Alderman Miller, 2nd by Alderman Sarantakos, motion carried 6/0.

Motion to pay Bond fund check in the amount of $229,747.50 (camera equipment & GIS work) made by Alderman Miller, 2nd made by Alderman Sarantakos, motion approved 6/0.

Motion to pay 3 Bond fund checks in the total amount of $350,630.00 (new water meters and equipment) made by Alderman Davis, 2nd made by Alderman Hankes, motion approved 6/0.

Motion to pay 3 TIF 2 checks in the amount of $361,945.07 made by Alderman Sarantakos, 2nd made by Alderman Tongate, motion approved 6/0.

Motion to pay 1 TIF 3 check in the amount of $7,083.20 made by Alderman Sarantakos, 2nd by Alderman Tongate, motion approved 4 yes, Davis & Miller abstained due to owning property in TIF 3.

Motion to pay General fund checks in the amount of $300,681.37 made by Alderman Miller, 2nd made by Alderman Hankes, motion approved 6/0.

New Business:

A. Discussion and Consideration of Jordan Drive Pavement Report to be Presented by Representatives from Farnsworth Group. Engineer Mike Friend introduced his colleagues Engineers Dennis Cummins and Amanda Dobson. The three of them worked together evaluating the condition of Jordan Drive. Handouts of the color-coded study were provided, and Cummins summarized the study. Overall, Jordan Drive being over 30 years old is showing expected wear and need of repairs. Mayor Dickey asked if the City has ‘gotten our money’s worth’ so far, and the answer was yes. That said, the project was presented by north/south divisions and 3 various proposals were given. Alderman Davis asked about costs, and the report shows a range $667,000 to over a million dollars for repairs on the south part that has heavy semi traffic. Mayor Dickey recommended the Chairman of Streets & Alleys have a meeting and study the report before deciding which option is best suited to our budget. Farnsworth is willing to attend meetings and guide us through the process. No action at this time.

B. Discussion and Consideration of An Ordinance Abating the Taxes Heretofore Levied for the Year 2023 to Pay Debt Service on the General Obligation Bonds (Alternative) Revenue Source), Series 2023 of the City. Alderman Davis made a motion to approve Ordinance 2023-O-34 Abatement of Taxes on the $2.3 million dollar bond, Alderman Wyant made the 2nd, motion approved 6/0.

C. Discussion and Consideration of Invoice 10602-139 General Engineering Services in the amount of $ 520.00 from Donohue & Associates. This fee covers the updating of our Zoning Map. Motion to approve the $520 fee to Donohue was made by Alderman Miller, 2nd by Alderman Sarantakos, motion carried 6/0.

D. Discussion and Consideration of Invoice 14289-05 – CSO 2023 Long Term Control Plan Update in the Amount of $ 9,817.50 from Donohue & Associates. Supt. Duncan explained that he requested Donohue to calibrate computer models and report writing for future needs at the Water Treatment Plant. Motion to approve payment of $9,817.50 made by Alderman Miller, 2nd by Alderman Hankes, motion carried 6/0.

E. 2023-R-04 Lighted Holiday Parade Resolution. Mayor Dickey explained that this is an annual requirement in order to get IDOT approval to close a portion of state highway during the holiday parade. Motion to approve 2023-R-04 made by Alderman Hankes, 2nd by Alderman Sarantakos, motion carried 6/0.

F. Dicsussion and Consideration Employee Year-End Adjustments. Mayor Dickey stated this is an annual ‘holiday’ adjustment – and as in past years full-time employees receive $100, part-time employees $50. Motion to approve this annual adjustment as explained made by Alderman Hankes, 2nd by Alderman Tongate, motion approved 6/0.

G. Discussion and Consideration of Any Action from the Parks/Building/Technology Committee Meeting of November 13,2023 Concerning the Proposed Pool Project, Scout Cabin Repairs, and Any Other Parks/Building/Technology Concerns. Alderman Sarantakos made a motion to instruct City Atty Miller to prepare an Ordinance authorizing the question of an increase in sales tax (amount to be determined) be placed on next spring’s ballot. 2nd to the motion made by Alderman Hankes, motion carried 6/0.

H. Alderman Scott Davis made a motion: “to continue tonight’s public hearing for the solar farm annexation and special use hearing until the next regular council meeting at 7:00 p.m. on November 27, 2023 in council chambers.” 2nd to this motion made be Alderman Wyant. Mayor Dickey stated the Plan Commission needed more time before making their recommendation, and by continuing this it eliminates the need for re-publication of notice. Motion carried 6/0.

Alderman Miller made a motion to adjourn, 2nd made by Alderman Davis. Motion passed all in favor, meeting adjourned @ 7:50 p.m.

https://gibsoncityillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/November-13-2023-Minutes-1.pdf