Chambana Sun

City of Danville City Council met July 16

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

Staff Members Present: Chief Technology Officer Agnel DSilva, City Clerk Lisa Monson, Incoming City Comptroller Alyssa Sweeten, Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk, Community Relations Administrator Rheanna Ollis, Corporation Counsel Leon Parker, Fire Chief Aaron Marcott, Assistant Engineer Eric Childers, Human Relations Administrator Sandra Finch, IT Administrator Suheel Rather, Planner II Mumuchhu Gurung, Police Chief Chris Yates, and Public Works Director Dave Ruwe.

There were 12 audience members and 2 news media in attendance.

#2....INVOCATION was given by Rev. Steve Cordle, Pastor, East Park Church of Christ, followed by

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

#4....THE MINUTES of the regular meeting held, July 2, 2024, having been published and distributed, were presented. Vice Mayor Teague moved for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Poshard. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#5....THE AGENDA for the evening was presented. Alderman Ludwig moved for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Wands. 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 Jason Baer to the David S. Palmer Arena Board, to replace Tara Auter, with term to expire 11/2025. Vice Mayor Teague moved to concur with the appointment, seconded by Alderman Iverson. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#6-B-2) Appoint Janet Alexander to Danville Library Board, to replace Sharda Pascal, with term to expire 07/2026. Vice Mayor Teague moved to concur with the appointment, seconded by Alderman Ludwig. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#6-C…Reports of Boards, Agencies, Commissions

Administrator Finch voiced appreciation to Mayor Williams and to all the men and women who showed up to show support for the Community Day event as there was good food, good music, and good people at the event. She also thanked the departments that assisted with the setup and voiced a special thank you to Alderman York who does a lot for the Community Day set-up. Mayor Williams thanked Administrator Finch for her work on the event and stated it was a great day. Alderman Williams thanked Administrator Finch and the committee for their efforts with the event planning and stated it was a tremendous event.

#6-D... Items of Information

Mayor Williams stated the city had a great turnout for the First Friday Downtown Carnival held on July 5, 2024 and thanked Administrator Ollis and her team for putting it together.

#7 AUDIENCE COMMENTS

• Carly Goodwin of Danville and co-chair of Balloons over Vermilion (BOV) voiced appreciation, on behalf of the board and steering committee, to the City of Danville for all the help provided with the set-up and tear down for the event. She shared Parks Lead Worker Eric Kinser and his team were wonderful. She stated the event was considered successful and looks forward to continued partnership. Mayor Williams voiced appreciation to the BOV committee and everyone who did so much to make the awesome event happen. He met people from Ohio and Tennessee at the event and thanked the BOV committee for the money they give to the nonprofit organizations in the community.

• Sue Colby of Danville and Director of Vermilion Heights Neighborhood Group announced the group will have a neighborhood clean-up day on Saturday, September 14, 2024. She shared Administrator Ollis is helping the group obtain a grant to assist in expenses. The “Heights” is one of the first neighborhoods people see when coming from I-74 and they would like to make a good impression, so the group is thinking about purchasing signs and banners. Mayor Williams thanked Ms. Colby for everything her and her group do and voiced appreciation for her strength and commitment to the community. He thanked her for her work that she did at Lincoln Park and Friendly Town as well.

#8 ZONING PETITIONS

#8-A) Mayor Williams presented Special Use Permit #264, ORDINANCE NO. 9487 Amending Zoning Ordinance and Map to Allow for the use of a Small Machine Shop to operate in the I1-Light Industrial District at 805 E. Voorhees St. for Arkad Properties LLC, Petitioner. After hearing testimony during a hearing on July 3, 2024, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 6-0-1 to approve the request. Alderman Pickering moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval, seconded by Alderman Poshard. Mayor Williams stated this is a need in our community as we are down to one machine shop and when we can provide work done here it is great for Danville.

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

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

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#8-B) Mayor Williams presented Zoning Petition #297, ORDINANCE NO. 9488 Amending Danville City Code Chapter 150 (Zoning Code) for Commercial Vehicle Parking for Petitioner City of Danville to add language in section 150.030 Accessory Buildings, Structures, and Uses (F)(3) The parking of a commercial vehicle shall be permitted for conforming non-residential uses (ex. Schools, churches, youth centers, etc.). After hearing testimony during a hearing on July 3, 2024 the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 6-0-1 to approve the request.

Administrator Cronk explained it has been brought to city staff and during the investigation of the inquiry it was revealed that churches, schools like Head Starts, are in residential zoning districts with school buses parked at them, which is considered a commercial vehicle in our zoning code. To address these situations the wording was added, and they will still conform by all commercial vehicle codes, be registered, and have proof of youth services being offered. Alderman Ludwig questioned if there should be wording added to clarify allowance is for a “lot”.

Administrator Cronk shared that the property maintenance and zoning codes address parking.

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

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

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#9…PAYROLLS

Mayor Williams presented the Payrolls, having been published, posted, and distributed, for July 5, 2024, of $108,632.44 and July 12, 2024, of $709,227.54. Alderman Ludwig 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 York, Cooper, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#10…SCHEDULE OF VOUCHERS PAYABLE

Mayor Williams presented the Schedule of Vouchers Payable, having been published, posted, and distributed for July 9, 2024 of $369,687.86, and special run for July 9, 2023 of $46,470.04, and July 16, 2024 od $216,838.31. 

Alderman Poshard 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 Cooper, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

Mayor Williams shared there is one item he forgot to announce during the Mayor’s Report. He stated there have been major leaks on the 2nd floor in City Hall in the last week or two. Repairs have been made, but leaks are still occurring and at one point it leaked so badly that it leaked down to the first floor. Public Works is working diligently to get it resolved.

#11…PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT

#11-A) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-85 Approving Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Program Year 2023 (May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024). CAPER reports on the activity accomplishments of the 2023 Annual Action Plan, which represents the 4th year of the City's 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The purpose of the CAPER is to report on accomplishments and progress towards 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan goals and the 2023 Annual Action Plan activities. The funding for these activities is received from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City is a direct entitlement community with HUD and receives an annual allocation from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. For program year 2023, the City received a total of $1,043,689 of CDBG program funds. The City completed 14 home rehabilitations, 1 accessibility rehabilitation, and 25 demolitions during the 2023 Program Year and completed a Public Infrastructure project, which consisted of the complete reconstruction of Beard Street, which is a low income area. Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Ludwig. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#11-B) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-86 Amending a Professional Services Agreement to Lochmueller Group for the Kickapoo Rail Trail (KRT) Route Planning Services for the Danville Transportation Study (DATS) the not to exceed amount of $110,579.00 by $59,255.60 to an amended amount of $169,834.60 be paid for from Fund 116 (DATS) budget line item 116-116-24-52029 (Professional Services). Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Ludwig. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#11-C) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-87 Approving Mid-Season Pass Fees at Harrison Park Golf Course to assist with increased revenues and allow potential new season pass holders to take advantage of season pass savings for the remainder of the season, a mid-season pass option is proposed for July 1st of each year. Chairman Puhr 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, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

Chaiman Puhr presented Items D and E for a single vote, moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as recommended by Committee. There being no objections, Alderman Poshard seconded. Those items being:

11-D) ORDINANCE NO. 9489 Approving the Purchase of Real Estate for Community Improvement and Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Fund 107 Budget and waiving the requirements of Section 30.07(A) of the Code of Ordinances as follows: 322 Robinson from Eric J. Askren: $37,000.00- Fund 107 (Infrastructure Development) - 55064 (Economic Development), and 316 Robinson from Adrianne Darzinikas: $50,000.00 (Purchase: $45,000 & Relocation Cost: $5,000)- Fund 107 (Infrastructure Development) - 55064 (Economic Development) utilizing transfer of $150,000 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; and

11-E) ORDINANCE NO. 9490 Approving the Purchase of Real Estate for Community Improvement and waiving the requirements of Section 30.07(A) of the Code of Ordinances as follows: from the Estate of Charles E. Long, deceased, 212 N. Logan Ave (23-08-100-012), 1207 Kimber St (23-06-408-024), PIN 23-06-408-007 & PIN 23-06-408-021: $40,000 – Fund 310 (Community Reinvestment) line item 310-310-00-54173 (Real Estate Purchase); and from Equity Trust Company Custodian FBO Melanie Wrensch IRA, 306 Logan Ave (23-07-213-012), PIN: 23-07-213-013, & PIN: 23-07-213-017: $19,900 – Fund 310 (Community Reinvestment) line item 310-310-00-54173 (Real Estate Purchase). Funds for the to be paid from Fund 310 (Community Reinvestment) line item 310-310-00-54173 (Real Estate Purchase). Alderman Cooper asked if we are getting close on the real estate purchases for this area and Administrator Cronk shared the Logan Street acquisitions will come back to city council for demolition of the structure. Upon investigation through the Carle Redevelopment there are underground tanks. The tanks will have to be addressed once the buildings come down. It is the large brick structure directly north of Leon’s Restaurant. There being no further questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#11-F) Items of Information – none presented.

#12…PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT

#12-A) In Chairman Strebing’s absence, Vice Chairman Pickering presented a Resolution Adopting the City of Danville Compensation Administration Guide. The city, as authorized by Resolution No. 2023-55 passed on May 16, 2023, partnered with HUB International Great Plains (hereinafter “HUB”) to conduct a compensation study to develop an equitable framework for consistent compensation decisions for every position within City government and HUB performed and delivered the compensation study and developed a Compensation Administration Guide which outlines a proposed compensation philosophy and explains how the City’s compensation programs shall be administered and kept up-to-date. Vice Chairman Pickering moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval without recommendation by committee, seconded by Alderman Ludwig. Mayor Williams shared that this has been brought to council following the request of council members to have time to review and provide feedback. Vice Mayor Teague asked if any changes had been made to the document as it was not presented at the June 25, 2024 Public Services Committee meeting for discussion prior to coming to City Council for a vote.

Vice Mayor Teague shared concerns on the wording from page 6 that states “Exceptions will need to be approved by the Mayor”. Vice Mayor Teague’s concern is the wording that the “Mayor” will be give approval and suggested that the “Council” should give approval.

Mayor Williams noted that the wording will be changed to “City Council” for those amendments to the Compensation Administration Guide the City Council will be voting on.

Alderman Cooper suggested to table the vote on the Compensation Administration Guide and take it back to both Public Works and Public Services Committees and to the Full City Council on August 20, 2024.

Mayor Williams moved to table item 12A resolution Adopting the City of Danville Compensation Administration Guide until the August 20, 2024 City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderman Iverson 

Alderman Iverson shared job levels are being reviewed in closed session this evening and he would like to delay approving the Compensation Administration Guide.

Vice Mayor Teague shared she felt that to have transparency that feedback and discussion should be held in a public forum.

Alderman O’Kane questioned if the Guide states that part time employees will be offered insurance. Mayor Williams responded that the state statute requires a person to work a certain number of hours before they are eligible for insurance and there is no proposal to provide insurance to part time employees in the Guide.

There being no further questions or discussion on the postponement of the resolution to the August 20, 2024 City Council meeting, the roll call vote being:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#12-B) Items of Information

Vice Chairman Pickering announced the next Public Services Committee meeting will be Tuesday, July 23, 2024

at 6:00 p.m.

#13) Items of Information – none presented.

#14…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 Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane

Nays: Alderman Cooper

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 10 to 1 with 3 absent. TIME: 6:32 p.m.

Mayor Williams announced there will be action taken after closed session.

Vice Mayor Teague moved to return to Open Session, seconded by Alderman Pickering. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered. Mayor Williams called the meeting back to order at 8:11 p.m.

#15…Mayor Williams presented ORDINANCE NO. 9491 Amending Section 39.07 of the City Code Pertaining to Compensation of Municipal Employees as discussed in closed session as follows:

A. Non-Union Full-time Employees – Section B of the Wage charts concerning non-union employees shall be amended according to the following:

1. Community Development Administrator shall be changed from Pay Grade 11 to Pay Grade 12 and salary shall be increased to $89,017.

2. Office and Training Manager shall be changed from Pay Grade 8 to Pay Grade 10 and salary shall be increased to $73,568.

3. Mass Transit Office Manager shall be changed from Pay Grade 6 to Pay Grade 8 and salary shall be increased to $60,800.

4. The positon of Fire Inspector shall be created and slotted in Pay Grade 8 and the salary shall be $60,800.

5. The position of Rehabilitation Technician shall be created and slotted in Pay Grade 8 and the salary shall be $60,800.

Alderman Pickering moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval, seconded by Alderman Wands.

Vice Mayor Teague stated for the record that she is in full support of the positions on tonight’s resolution but is not in support of the full compensation chart and will be voting no for that reason. 

Mayor Williams voiced concern over the lack of input from the aldermen regarding the compensation chart and Vice Mayor Teague shared she had given input at the December city council meeting.

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

Ayes: Aldermen Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Williams, York, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson

Nays: Aldermen Teague, Cooper

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 9 to 2 with 3 absent.

#16…Mayor Williams presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-88 Authorizing Budget Amendment to Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget due to additions and modifications to various positions in the City as follows: General Fund (012, 031, 051, and 060) and to Funds 106, 113, 301, 400, 405, and 713 with funds for the budget amendment to come from the respective Fund Reserves or respective grant funding. Alderman Strebing moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval, seconded by Vice-Mayor Teague.

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

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

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Strebing, Wilson

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#17…ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m. following a motion by Alderman Pickering, seconded by Alderman Ludwig. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

https://www.cityofdanville.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062024-158