Chambana Sun

City of Danville City Council met July 2

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, Eve Ludwig, Mike O'Kane, Sherry Pickering, James Poshard, Mike Puhr, Rick Strebing, Carolyn Wands, Robert Williams, and Darren York. Alderman Heidi Wilson was absent. A quorum was present. 

Staff Members Present: Chief Technology Officer Agnel DSilva, City Clerk Lisa Monson, City Comptroller Ashlyn Massey, Incoming City Comptroller Alyssa Sweeten, City Treasurer Chris Heeren, Community Relations Administrator Rheanna Ollis, Corporation Counsel Leon Parker, Chief Aaron Marcott, Human Relations Administrator Sandra Finch, IT Administrator Suheel Rather, Police Chief Chris Yates, Public Transportation Director Steve White, and Public Works Director Dave Ruwe. 

There were 7 audience members and 2 news media in attendance. 

#2.... INVOCATION was given by Alderman James Poshard, followed by #3....THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman Ludwig 

#4....THE MINUTES of the regular meeting held, June 18, 2024, having been published and distributed, were presented. Alderman Ludwig 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 Poshard moved for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Pickering. 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 

#6-B-1) Appoint Chris Kittell to the Police Pension Board and Firemen Pension Board, to fill vacancies, with terms to expire 04/2027. Alderman Strebing moved to concur with the appointment, seconded by Alderman Ludwig. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered. 

#6-B-2) Appoint Alyssa Sweeten as City Comptroller with start date of July 15, 2024. 

Mayor Williams stated we are all sad that Comptroller Massey will be leaving the city. She has done an amazing job for the City of Danville and gone above and beyond, especially as it pertains to helping get the Treasurer's office sorted back out and we appreciate everything that she's done for us. Continuing, he shared he is proud to share we have someone that he believes also has a great skill set and good leadership that will be able to step in to the position and that is Alyssa Sweeten. Alyssa has worked at Walgreens Accounting for almost 20 years working her way up through the organization. Additionally, she has three degrees, one in finance, one in management and one in accounting. She also is studying for and plans to take her CPA soon, so we see that we have someone that's committed to excellence, not only personally, but professionally as well. Alderman Strebing moved to concur with the appointment, seconded by Alderman Pickering. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered. Mayor Williams administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Sweeten. Incoming Comptroller Sweeten stated she has been in Danville for probably 18 years and Danville is the only place she ever felt like is home for her. She is excited to get to be a part of Danville and to watch it grow more and become the community that she has fallen in love with, and she is excited to be a part of that going forward. 

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

#6-D... Items of Information 

- Administrator Finch reminded everyone Community Day will take place on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 2:30 to 4:30 at Temple Plaza. 

- Administrator Ollis stated the First Friday Downtown Carnival will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Temple Plaza and will be the first downtown carnival for the city. There will be a zip line, a rock wall, bounce houses, and food trucks. 

#7 AUDIENCE COMMENTS - none presented. 

#8 ZONING PETITIONS - none presented. 

#9... PAYROLLS 

Mayor Williams presented the Payrolls, having been published, posted, and distributed, for June 21, 2024, of $106,709.36 and June 28, 2024, of $703, 180.02. Alderman Pickering moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Wands. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: Alderman Wilson 

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 runs of June 18, 2024, of $960.00, June 20, 2024, of $328,985.69, and June 27, 2024, of $109,084.50 and regular runs of June 25, 2024, of $630,192.20, and July 2, 2024, of $2,548,414.14. Alderman Strebing 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 Wands, Poshard, O'Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler Nays: None 

Absent: Alderman Wilson 

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent. 

#11... PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT 

#11-A) Chairman Strebing RESOLUTION NO. 2024-77 Authorizing a Budget Amendment for the Purchase of a Ferrara Igniter Custom Pumper Apparatus in the amount of $776,000.00 by re-encumbering other City (non- ARPA) funds to be paid from Line Item 001-022-00-55015 Vehicles and the budget for 001-022-00-55015 will be increased by $776,000.00 with funds to come from the General Fund Reserves as on April 4, 2023 Resolution 2023-36 was approved awarding BID #702 for the purchase of a Ferrara Igniter Custom Pumper in the amount of $792,238.08 utilizing $513,889.00 of ARPA funds and the requirement is for all ARPA funds to be obligated by December 31, 2024 and fully expended by December 31, 2026 and due to delays in manufacturing, there is considerable concern surrounding timely delivery and the ability to obligate ARPA funds by the deadline, so a budget amendment is necessary to re-encumber other City (non-ARPA) funds for the purchase of the approved Pumper. Chairman Strebing moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Pickering. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being: Ayes: Aldermen Wands, Poshard, O'Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler 

Nays: None 

Absent: Alderman Wilson 

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent. 

#11-B) Chairman Strebing presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-78 Authorizing the Purchase of a Ferrara Cinder Custom Pumper Apparatus from A.E.C. Fire & Safety in the amount of $837,217.00 Line Items 705-705-00- ARPA1 Public Health in the amount of $564,558.59 and 001-022-00-55015 Vehicles with funding for the purchase to come from funds previously allocated for the purchase of BID #702 through (RES 2022-58, RES 2023-36, RES 2024-26). Chairman Strebing moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Poshard. Alderman Cooper asked for clarification if the funds to pay for the pumper were coming out of ARPA funds. Comptroller Massey responded one of the trucks will be paid for out of ARPA funds and another will be paid out of general fund. Chairman Puhr questioned the delivery date and Chief Marcott responded the one out of the capital funds would be about a year and a half, two years from now, and that is when the payment will be due. The demo truck will be ready within the next month or so. There being no further questions or discussion, the roll call vote being: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: Alderman Wilson 

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent. 

#11-C) Chairman Strebing presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-79 Approving the Purchase of a Genesis Rescue System for an amount not to exceed $50,000 from line item 302-302-00-55016 FY 2024-2025. Chairman Strebing 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, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wands, Poshard 

Nays: None 

Absent: Alderman Wilson 

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent. 

#11-D) Chaiman Strebing presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-80 Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Danville Police Department and CRIS Healthy Aging. Chairman Strebing moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Alderman Butler. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: Alderman Wilson 

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent. 

#11-E) Chairman Strebing presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-81 Authorizing the Disposal of Unused Police Vehicle Maintenance Equipment of: 

1) Corghi Tire Changer: Model IT800, S/N 8001T07085211 

2) CWB Wheel Balancer: Model CB950B, S/N 950B 0808203 

Value reimbursement will be placed in the Police Department's budget line item 001-021-00-53015 (Material to Maintain Vehicles). Chairman Strebing moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Vice Mayor Teague. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: Alderman Wilson 

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent. 

#11-F) Chairman Strebing presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-82 Authorizing the Purchase of a Police Department Vehicle from Watt Police Cars in the amount of $28,000.00 from line item 001-021-00-55015 (Vehicles) of a 2021 Ford Explorer police Interceptor VIN: 1FM5K8AB2MGB83585. Chairman Strebing moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Alderman Pickering. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: Alderman Wilson 

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent. 

#11-G) Chairman Strebing presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-83 Approving an Application to the Office of the Illinois Attorney General for the FY25 Organized Retail Crime Program requesting $60,000 in funding for equipment, overtime pay and training to help law enforcement combat organized retail criminal enterprises. Chairman Strebing moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Alderman Wands. Alderman O'Kane asked if this puts officers in retail stores and Chief Yates responded no, it provides technological support such as cameras and other items that's going to assist with monitoring with law enforcement as well as investigation and prevention. There being no further questions or discussion, the roll call vote being: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: Alderman Wilson 

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent. 

#11-H) Chairman Strebing presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-84 Authorizing Auditing Service Fees and Approving the Statements of Work for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Financial Statement Audits for the fee of $129,990 (which includes auditing the financial statements of the City, performing a single audit of the City's major program, GATA CYEFR Audit, utility billing testing, and technology fees) for the audit of the City; $12,600 for Danville Mass Transit; and $6,900 for the Danville Public Library; totaling $149,835 and the Comptroller is authorized to increase the budget for '001-011-00-52021 Auditing' by $8,835 for fiscal year 2024-2025 and the funds will come from the General Fund reserves. Chairman Strebing moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as discussed in committee, seconded by Alderman York. Mayor Williams voiced appreciation to Comptroller Massey and her team for their leadership with the financial statement audit. There being no questions or further discussion, the roll call vote being: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: Alderman Wilson 

Motion carried 13 to 0 with 1 absent. 

#11-1) Items of Information 

- Chairman Strebing announced the Gao Grotto will have fireworks Saturday, July 6, 2024. Gates will open at 3:00 p.m. and there will be drinks, food, and ice cream trucks available. The admission price will be $2.00 for ages six and over. 

- Mayor Williams voiced appreciation to Treasurer Heeren and his assistant for all the reconciliation and input they have been doing with the financials. The city would not be where they are without all of their assistance. 

#12) Items of Information 

- Mayor Williams apologized, but the Public Works Committee report was inadvertently left off the agenda. and asked Chairman Puhr if the committee has any items of information to report. Chairman Puhr announced the Public Works Committee will meet next Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

- Vice Mayor Teague shared there has been lots of conversation concerning the capacity at the pool and what the actual numbers are, and confusion and whatnot and she has understood that there's also been a number of people at some point being turned away because we were at capacity. She asked for someone to address the capacity question because obviously publicly people out there speak and that doesn't necessarily mean its accurate information. Director Ruwe explained that due to the overwhelming support of the first weekend that we had, we found the need to revamp a few items to make sure that we are making sure we're providing a fun and safe environment for everybody so, we have throttled back capacity. We are now at the stages of starting to work that capacity up. He cannot share any real numbers because we don't have a specific cap. We are working that number up on the daily basis and it's just based on how the capacity looks and what the crowds look like. We encourage people to come out to the pool. We now have it set up to where if we do reach a capacity limit and we are just maxed out for that day, we're getting it put on the city website and social media. The city's Facebook page is the best place to see that information as it gets announced as soon as soon as we reach that number or that maximum. He stated, everyone's getting trained, and things are running a lot more smoothly that way. Mayor Williams stated there is some confusion because there is a capacity sign that's allowed by the Illinois Department of Public Health, and it says how many people can be in the entire facility but does not include bathers and that is over 900. If there were over 900 people in the pool, you would not be able to move, breathe, walk, City Council anything like that and so they recommend between a range of 25 to 50 individuals per lifeguard and we have 10 lifeguards on duty at all times. We are just trying to make sure, more than anything else, we have to keep people safe. He gave a shout out to Jessica Lively and her team for doing a really good job under stress as a lot of the folks who work for us are young people. They are dealing with a lot, but doing a good job and he is proud of them. Vice Mayor Teague asked if we are still hiring lifeguards and Director Ruwe responded yes, and if there's anyone interested in being a lifeguard, feel free to please put in your application. The application can be found on the City of Danville website under seasonal employment, and we are planning on doing one more lifeguard class to get a few more certified, so we have more. We are working a lot of the young people quite a few hours right now, so trying to get a few more in there just to help relieve a little bit of that. 

- Alderman Butler asked if it was true that the pool gives out 200 wristbands for the day and that is it as he has been hearing that. Director Ruwe explained when we reach a capacity have signs posted and it will be posted on Facebook, but there is not a specific number. He cannot tell everyone the maximum capacity right now because we are working that number up as the staff is getting better trained as well. We are working on our rules and regulations, but whatever that number is, yes, it's capped for the day typically because we are up bathers and if they have the wristband they purchase it for the day. Sometimes people can leave and come back that day, but that doesn't mean we can let more people in because those people have purchased that wristband for the entire day. Mayor Williams stated this is a learning year for us as we haven't had a pool open in four years. We want to get it right and keep people safe and make sure that it's enjoyable for everyone, so we are proceeding cautiously. 

- Alderman Pickering announced the Elmwood Civic Group meeting will be held Thursday, July 11th at 5:00 p.m. at the Owen Nelson Building on Victory Street and everyone is welcome. 

- Alderman Cooper asked Mayor Williams if he has reached out the Danville Rescue Mission. Mayor Williams responded he has been on vacation and did not reach out to them. He apologized and made a note to reach out to them. 

- Alderman Cooper asked if there has been any information on who purchased the mall and Mayor Williams stated he knows who purchased the mall, but is not at liberty to disclose that yet, but they have been working with us. We're waiting for some information on them and then we'll be providing a joint press release that will be going to the Council and then to the media. Alderman Cooper asked Mayor Williams if he is happy who received it and Mayor Williams stated he is happy with who got it and feels they will do a great job for us and one of the things that I appreciate is they had already done their homework on Danville. They knew a lot about the city, about the things that we have underway. One of the things you know, it's interesting, so we get so much negativity about the number of coffee shops and car washes, but one of the things they specifically said to us is the fact that we are getting other national chains like Smitty's and Seven Brew and so although you may or may not like that, there are seven or eight coffee shops that helps us get other things besides coffee shops eventually, which is good for Danville. Alderman Cooper stated and for clarification, they purchased them all and the parking lot. Mayor Williams responded no, they acquired the four anchor stores, which would be County Market, Ross Dunham's and they purchased the rest of what we would consider the mall building itself. He does not know who purchased the out lot. We haven't had any contact from them. 

- Alderman Poshard shared he spoke to an individual who lives in Fairmont and is a member of the Danville Tennis Club and she said she is the best spokesperson positive for Danville. She loves what Danville's doing and loves everything about it and does not feel there are too many coffee shops and car washes. 

#13... CLOSED SESSION 

Alderman Ludwig moved to go into Closed Session under Section 2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss Specific Employees, 2(c)(2) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss Collective Bargaining Matters and Salary Schedules, and Section 2(c)(5) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss the Purchase of Property, seconded by Alderman Pickering. The roll call vote being: 

Ayes: Aldermen Teague, Williams, York, Wands, Poshard, O'Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Pickering, Ludwig Nays: Aldermen Butler, Cooper 

Absent: Alderman Wilson 

Motion carried 11 to 2 with 1 absent. 

TIME: 6:27 p.m. 

Mayor Williams announced there will be no action taken after closed session. 

Alderman Ludwig moved to return to Open Session, seconded by Alderman Strebing. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered. Mayor Williams called the meeting back to order at 7:01 p.m. 

#14... ADJOURNMENT 

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m. following a motion by Alderman Strebing, seconded by Alderman Pickering. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered. 

https://www.cityofdanville.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07022024-139