Chambana Sun

City of Danville City Council met May 21

Here are 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 Tricia Teague, Aldermen Ed Butler, Jon Cooper, Bob Iverson, Mike O’Kane, Sherry Pickering, James Poshard, Mike Puhr, Rick Strebing, Carolyn Wands, Robert Williams, Heidi Wilson, and Darren York. Alderman Eve Ludwig was absent. A quorum was present.

Staff Members Present: City Clerk Lisa Monson, City Comptroller Ashlyn Massey, Assistant Engineer Eric Childers, City Treasurer Chris Heeren, Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk, Community Relations Administrator Ashton Greer, Incoming Community Relations Administrator Rheanna Ollis, Corporation Counsel Leon Parker, Human Relations Administrator Sandra Finch, IT Chief Technology Officer Agnel DSilva,

IT Assistants Cody Shadley and Suheel Rather, Planner II Mumuchhu Gurung, Police Chief Chris Yates, Public Transportation Director Steve White, and Public Works Director Dave Ruwe.

There were 15 audience members and two news media in attendance.

#2....INVOCATION was given by Rev. Ken McCray, Pastor, High Dimension Faith Center, followed by

#3....THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman Williams.

#4....THE MINUTES of the regular meeting held, May 7, 2024, having been published and distributed, were presented. Alderman Poshard moved for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Butler. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#5....THE AGENDA for the evening was presented. Alderman Wilson moved for approval as presented, seconded

by Alderman Poshard. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#6….MAYOR’S REPORT

#6-A…Proclamations – none presented.

#6-B…Board/Committee/Personnel Appointments – none presented.

#6-C…Reports of Boards, Agencies, Commissions – none reported.

#6-D... Items of Information

• Reported May is Mental Health Awareness month, and it is critical that we take care of our mental health and encouraged everyone to get help if necessary.

• Reminded everyone to get dinner tickets for the upcoming Midsummer Luau to be held Friday, June 7, 2024 and even if you don't get a ticket for the meal, please visit downtown for all kinds of fun activities.

• Congratulated graduates from Danville High School, Schlarman, First Baptist and Hope Unlimited Church and shared how proud his is of the young people encouraged them to continue to make good choices, work hard and trust the Lord.

#7 AUDIENCE COMMENTS none presented.

#8 ZONING PETITIONS

#8-A) Mayor Williams presented ORDINANCE NO. 9479 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map for Petitioner Subwars Enterprises LLC, Zoning Petition #296 to Approve Rezoning for the property with common address of 916 N. Vermilion Street and 918 N. Vermilion Street from P1-Professional Office to B3-General Business to allow for the use of a Commercial Restaurant. After hearing testimony during a Public Hearing on May 2, 2024, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of the petition by a vote of 4 to 0 with 2 absent.

Alderman York moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval, seconded by Vice Mayor Teague.

Alderman Cooper asked when the project will be started, and it was stated hopefully late summer or early fall and completed sometime in 2025. Alderman Cooper questioned what street the ingress and egress is coming off of and Chad Osterbur with Fehr Graham responded off of Vermilion Street, there will be an exit only onto Fairchild and access drive to Walnut, but the main entry and exit will be off of Vermilion which will require IDOT approval.

After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr,

Strebing, Pickering

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Ludwig

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent.

#9…PAYROLLS

Mayor Williams presented the Payrolls, having been published, posted, and distributed, for May 10, 2024, of $86,047.27 and May 17, 2024, of $845,046.91. Alderman Wilson moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Pickering. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering, Teague

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Ludwig

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent.

#10…SCHEDULE OF VOUCHERS PAYABLE

Mayor Williams presented the Schedule of Vouchers Payable, having been published, posted, and distributed for the special run of May 7, 2024, of $42,807.00, and regular runs of May 14, 2024, of $1,511,865.54, and May 21, 2024, of $286,213.08. Alderman Pickering moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Poshard. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen York, Cooper, Butler, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering,

Teague, Williams

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Ludwig

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent.

#11…PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT

#11-A) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-55 Authorizing Additional Worker’s Compensation Premium to Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (ICRMT) for 2023 Payroll Audit Adjustments.

Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Wilson. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Cooper, Butler, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering, Teague, Williams, York

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Ludwig

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent.

Chairman Puhr presented Items B to C for a single vote, moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval. There being no objections, Chairman Strebing seconded. Those items being:

#11-B) ORDINANCE NO. 9480 Authorizing Vacation of an Alleyway near 912 N. Vermilion Pursuant to Chapter 30 of the City Code for Petitioner Subwars Enterprises LLC with compensation for the alley or part thereof to the City is hereby waived as outlined in the Development Agreement approved April 18, 2023, Resolution No. 2023-41, item D(6); and

#11-C) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-56 Approving a Semi-Final Subdivision Plat Named Apgar and Wampler, recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission on May 2, 2024, as the improvements necessary to serve the lots in said subdivision are already in place or are in agreement to be completed to assure the service of said improvements to the lots in the subdivision; and #11-D) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-57 Approving a Final Subdivision Plat Named Apgar and Wampler Chairman Puhr stated the three items are for the Jimmy John's and Sonic restaurants. After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Butler, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering, Teague, Williams,

York, Cooper

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Ludwig

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent.

#11-E) Chairman Puhr presented ORDINANCE NO. 9481 Approving the Purchase of Real Estate for Community

Improvement and Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Fund 107 Infrastructure Development Budget and waiving the requirements of Section 30.07(A) of the Code of Ordinances for the following properties:

413 Grant from James Snyder: $ 7,500.00- Fund 107 (Infrastructure Development) - 55064 (Economic Development)

509 N. Grant from Kathleen Smith:$40,000.00- Fund 107(Infrastructure Development) – 55064 (Economic Development) (Purchase: $35,000 & Relocation Cost: $5,000)

426 Chandler from Ed Nelson:$35,000.00- Fund 107 (Infrastructure Development) - 55064 (Economic Development)

324 Robinson from James E. and Carolyn Yowell: $25,000.00- Fund 107 (Infrastructure Development) - 55064 (Economic Development)

510 Chandler from James E. and Carolyn Yowell: $25,000.00- Fund 107 (Infrastructure Development) - 55064 (Economic Development)

The purchases shall be paid as follows, utilizing transfer of $250,000 from the Fund 107 reserves to line item 107-107-00-55064 (Economic Development). Any future proceeds from the subsequent resale of the properties shall be deposited into Fund 107. Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Vice Mayor Teague. After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Ludwig

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent.

#11-F) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-58 Approving a Downtown TIF (Tax Increment Financing) RIP (Redevelopment Incentive Project) Grant Application from Kindred Tillotson, Requite Holdings LLC for the façade and window improvement at the property located at 11 E North Street with the total amount to be invested in the Downtown TIF District is projected to be $45,350.00 and Requite Holdings LLC is requesting a Downtown TIF RIP Grant for a 50% reimbursement to not exceed $22,675.00 and to be awarded after the completion of the project. Requite Holdings LLC be awarded 50% of the total project costs not to exceed $22,675.00 and to be paid from 122-122-00-54109 after the completion of the agreed upon construction.

Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Chairman Strebing. After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wilson

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Ludwig

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent.

#11-G) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-59 Approving Amendment to the Lease of Winter Park Ball Fields, Concession and Maintenance Buildings to Danville Area Community College (DACC) as the City and DACC entered into a Lease Agreement for the aforementioned softball facilities on October 3, 2023 with Resolution 2023-113 and to assist with further development and improvement at these softball facilities and the surrounding area, it has become necessary to amend said lease. The terms of the lease will be January 1, 2024 and termination on December 31, 2028 and provided that DACC has not been in default or breach of the agreement during this term, DACC will have the option to extend the lease term for one (1) additional year each year for the subsequent six years, expiring December 31, 2034. Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Butler. Alderman Cooper asked if the city still has softball leagues in Winter Park and Director Ruwe stated there are currently no city softball leagues there, but one of the goals of the wellness manager is to have some of the recreational leagues going again by next year. Mayor Williams stated we will still have use of the fields as well, but they will be maintaining them and making substantial upgrades so that they can host some tournaments collegiate level tournaments as well as AAU tournaments, which would hopefully bring a lot of people to the city. After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wilson, Wands

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Ludwig

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent.

#11-H) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-60 Authorizing Certain City Property for Disposal from the Public Works Department as certain vehicles and equipment operated by the Department have become unusable, replaced, and/or too expensive to repair, and are no longer used by the City and listed vehicles and equipment have had parts removed and utilized on other fleet vehicles or equipment, as were available and remaining value of vehicles and equipment is for scrap or as whole units. The following vehicles and equipment, be authorized for sale as scrap or as whole units.

City Property for Disposal

Quantity Year Make/Model Serial or VIN Number

1 1996 Cushman Truckster 96013783

1 Unknown Pull Behind Aerator Unknown

1 1998 Sure Trac Trailer 4PL00C11W1024881

1 Unknown Alamo Pull Behind Mower Unknown

1 Unknown Las Tec Front Mount Mower 6900799

1 Unknown Pull Behind 3-Point Blower Unknown

1 Unknown Tiger Rear Mount Flail Mower 2324

1 Unknown John Deere 3235B Mower TC3235F020376

1 Unknown John Deere F1145 Mower MO1145X170311

1 Unknown John Deere 3235 Mower MO3235A54010192

1 Unknown Jacobsen 1862G Mower Unknown

1 Unknown Stone 4000 Roller City Asset #5865

1 Unknown John Deere 1200A Trap Rake MO1200A926502

1 Unknown Jacobsen Walk-Behind Mower 6328101768

1 Unknown Jacobsen Walk-Behind Mower 6328202129

1 Unknown Jacobsen Walk-Behind Mower 6328101753

1 Unknown EZ GO Golf Cart 1110670

1 Unknown Bobcat Skidsteer 512818662

1 Unknown BendPak Auto Lift 51356

1 Unknown 8'x12' Wooden Shed Unknown

1 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 1B7HC15X2TS650431

1 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 1D7HA16N43J516777

1 1998 International 4900 1HTSDAAR8XH680017

1 2008 Ford Explorer 1FMFU16578LA08769

1 2007 Ford F150 1FTRF14V67NA86428

1 2001 International 4900 1HTSHAAR51H29738

1 2008 International 7400 1HTWGAZT19J082307

1 1998 WRT Pneumatic Roller- 13-Wheel Unknown

1 Unknown Billygoat Vacuum 922203046

1 Unknown Kohler Power System Model#-60ROZJ 705557

1 Unknown Generac Generator Model#-92A01455S Type#-SG-025-A163.ON18BBYYY

19 Unknown Double Drawer Filing Cabinet Unknown

Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman York. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wilson, Wands, Poshard

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Ludwig

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent.

#11-I…Items of Information

[The next Public Works Committee meeting will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.]

#12…PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT

#12-A) Chairman Strebing presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-61 Authorizing Advisory and Accounting Services to Martin Hood LLC and Authorizing Budget Amendment to Fiscal Year 2024-2025, Treasurer Division (016)

Budget to increase Professional Services budget, line item 001-016-00-52029 in the amount of $40,000.00 with funds to come from the General Fund Reserves, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as without recommendation by Committee, seconded by Vice Chairman Pickering. Vice Mayor Teague asked when we anticipate to be caught up and what is the total cost for the accounting services with the increase of $40,000.00. Treasurer Heeren explained in October 2023 we came to the Council for a $70,000 proposal from Martin Hood Accounting Services to help us get caught up and we have exhausted those funds. A meeting took place where discussion occurred on what to do moving forward and the expectations that we all had to bring this up to date. We agreed that we should have this completely caught up and hand it off to the treasurer’s office by the end of August 2024. He praised Comptroller Massey and stated that is one of her main priorities to make sure this is caught up and handed off to us before her final day in August. He explained the bank reconciliation status tracking report in the agenda packet and stated there are ten checking accounts that is part of the reconciliation process. The difference between reconciling these accounts now and going forward versus how any of them were done in the past, which is thanks to Comptroller Massey as when she started, she suggested to the treasurer's office that all the accounts need to be reconciled within the software that the city was using then and is currently using right now. So reconciled to that software and reconcile it to the account, to the individual account bank statements, the advice was not taken and the accounts were simply reconciled on an Excel spreadsheet. Now any numbers can go on an Excel spreadsheet and Comptroller Massey taught me if it's not being reconciled to a checking account, then it's pretty much worthless. And so, her idea, along with the mayor, when I first came on board a year ago, they said we have to get this settled once and for all and get these things reconciled to the software. So that's what we've been working on. So, it was being reconciled to an Excel spreadsheet, then it stopped being reconciled. All these actions have caused a tremendous amount of problems moving forward. The software is very complex and we're trying to solve each individual problem in order to reconcile it into our software. So, we're dealing with problems back to 2021 but a big chunk of this was from 2017, when we got this software until 2021, where Comptroller Massey already has a big chunk taken care of, but it took a lot of time.

Now we're to a point to where we're at 2021 and there's tremendous progress in this, but there's still a lot of work to be done. Comptroller Massey stated you reconcile in the module and then you flip over to a different page, so to speak, and you make sure that, OK, the module is reconciled, but is the GL reconciled to the module and so there's some items that need to be looked into on the general Ledger side or GL side so for example, there may be an issue in January of 23, even though the modules reconciled through July. That's over a year and a half worth of bank reconciliations that have been accomplished just since this has been done for that specific account. 

She shared that she thinks at this point the best step forward is just looking up to the horizon and it's now going to be in the system. It's now going to be reports that can be exported out of the system more easily. So that's for the city's protection. That's for the person doing the bank recs protection and just best practice for everyone involved.

And so I think taking those steps and just being glad that we're going to end up in a good spot is the best best place to go. After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Ludwig

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent.

#12-B) Items of Information

• Chairman Strebing stated the next City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

• Alderman Williams voiced concern of a letter he received from Aqua Illinois Water concerning the water condition in the city. Director Ruwe stated to share the letter with him, and staff will do some research and he will get with Aqua and follow up to find out information on the purpose of the letter. Mayor Williams stated just as a reminder, all local utilities such as Aqua and Ameren are privately owned.

• Administrator Greer stated this is her last meeting at City Council in her role at Community Relations Administrator and thanked Mayor Williams for the opportunity. She also voiced appreciation to the Aldermen for their leadership. She introduced the incoming Community Relations Administrator Reheanna Ollis. Administrator Ollis stated she is excited to continue working at the city and shared her background with everyone. She is also excited to use her skills learned in her education and loves living in Danville.

• Mayor Williams stated there is no way the city could have accomplished what we have the last couple of years without the dedication and leadership of Administrator Greer. Continuing, he stated she and her have made a big difference in not only how we think and feel about ourselves, but how other people perceive us. He has been asked three times and just received another invitation to go over and speak in Champaign County to their Rotary and to their Ambucs group and he thinks that the fact that they're hearing good things about Danville is why he received those invitations, which makes him proud and he couldn't have imagined anyone else could have done any better. He stated she has done an amazing job and thanked her for her work. He also shared Rheanna worked with him at Project Success as one of the student tutors when she was in high school. He has watched her learn and grow a lot and is excited to see what she is going to do and knows that there probably isn't anyone who would care more than she does and will do everything he can to help make sure that she is successful in her new role.

[The next Public Services Committee meeting will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.]

#13…ITEMS OF INFORMATION

• Alderman Cooper requested a status report on the HAHFR (Homeowner Assistance Home Repair Program Fund. Administrator Cronk stated three or four months ago the city held a month-long application process with a lottery style pick with advisement and IDHA scoring criteria, which was difficult as we received around 600 applications in a two-week period. There was a randomized process, which was videotaped, and after that we worked down and have the first 30 scheduled and are currently in the process of having scope of works. Each application was timestamped, so they were placed on an Excel sheet per the time and day they came in, and then the excel sheet was randomized for the lottery.

Following the lottery, we have to make sure they are in the $60,000 budget and follow the grant procedures. Anyone outside of 50 to 60 will likely not be included in the grant program and we cannot guarantee anyone with 40 will be in the grant program. The funds will run out when they run out and depends on how expensive the beginning rehabilitations are. It was very clearly labeled that this was a lottery pick and applicants will be notified if they are selected within the top 20 or 30. And then once we get through those top 20 to 30, see if we can afford more, then we'll keep going down. He believes the city can rehabilitate 40 homes. Administrator Cronk recommends the applicants call to see where their placement is on the list. Further discussion ensued.

• Alderman Cooper asked if there were any updates on the Village Mall auction. Mayor Williams stated he does not have any updates but hopes to soon. Alderman Butler stated a news media reported the city bid $5 million dollars. Mayor Williams clarified the city did not bid $4.5 million dollars.

• Chairman Puhr requested an update on mowing of vacant lots. Director Ruwe stated a crew had to come in on Friday to catch up because the city has lot time due to the rain so they are working as quickly as we can. We are fully staffed so everyone should start seeing the vacant lots getting cut soon.

• Mayor Williams thanked everyone who participated in the Great American Clean Up this past week.

• Chairman Puhr asked Chief Yates on an update for Friendly Town. Chief Yates reported things are moving along well and the gas station was painted today and hope to have a grand reopening on June 1st. He praised the neighborhood for stepping up and the officers have done a wonderful job as well.

• Alderman Butler shared he had the privilege and honor to attend the annual Illinois Association Chief of Police event in Tinley Park and hopes Chief Yates can attend next year.

• Alderman Williams reminded everyone the 27th of May is Memorial Day, and it's to honor the living and the deceased veterans in our community as well across the nation here and we in Danville are fortunate to have not only the Veterans Administration hospital, but the VA National Cemetery located here. So we  should all pause and take time during that day to honor our veterans as they served us well.

• Alderman Williams shared Vice Mayor Teague received an EEC (Economic Empowerment Center) grant. Vice Mayor Teague explained her business is partnering with Vermilion Advantage and was one of ten recipients of IDCEO EEC grant to provide training resources to underserved (women, people with disabilities, veterans, people with low income, and minorities) entrepreneurs in our community. She stated it is an honor and privilege to be able to partner with an organization that has long standing in our community to be able to provide those services.

• Mayor Williams shared he, Mike Marron, CEO of Vermillion Advantage, and a contingency of community leaders from nearly every industry, along with Vice Mayor Teague, had a great meeting with Governor Pritzker last week. Danville and Vermillion County really showed up and made us proud. Everyone stayed on point and the governor said that oftentimes he wants to help people or folks need help. Communities need help, but because the folks are either so disorganized or there is so much disunity that it's hard to work with them. And he said that we were the exact opposite. He gave us commendations for everything that we've already done to help our community, and he and his team pledge to help us in any way that they can follow up with the Quaker situation and others throughout the community. He thanked Governor Pritzker, the director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Kristen Richards, and Clare O'Neill from the Governor's Office, Director of Advance as well as for all the workthat they did to help make that happen. He also thanked Representative Schweizer and Senator Faraci for all that they did to make that meeting happen as well. It is very rare that anyone gets 30 whole minutes with the governor and we did and we made the case and I think that we'll see a lot of great benefits as a result of it.

#14…CLOSED SESSION was not needed.

#15…ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m. following a motion by Alderman Wilson, seconded by Vice Mayor Teague. On the voice vote, all 9yes, no nays; the motion so ordered. 

https://www.cityofdanville.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042024-131