Chambana Sun

City of Monticello City Council met Aug. 26

Here are the minutes provided by the council::

Mayor Stoner called the meeting to order and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Alderman Burris then led the Council in prayer. Roll call was taken by the City Clerk.

Roll Call:

Present: WOODHAM, CARY, LIVELY, PEARCY, BROCK, BROADRICK, KOON, BURRIS,

YOON

Absent: REED

Also Present: Terry Summers, City Administrator; Maura Metcalf, Finance/HR; Jim Grabarczyk, Director of Planning & Development; Chief Rob Bross, MPD

Public Participation:

None

Consent Agenda:

Claims Report (Claims dated August 13, 2024 through August 26, 2024)

Meeting Minutes – City Council Meeting Minutes, August 12, 2024; City Council Closed Session

Meeting Minutes, August 12, 2024; Planning & Zoning Board Meeting Minutes, January 16, 2024 and July 15, 2024

Budget Report – July 2024

Alderman Brock asked if the ‘emergency vet’ fee on the Claims Report was for the dogs we impounded recently (yes) and if the Gulliford Septic Service charges were for hauling sludge (yes).

A motion was made by Alderman Woodham, and seconded by Alderman Cary, to approve the Consent Agenda items. The motion passed 9-0.

Mayor’s Report:

Brackett & Company will hold their grand opening on Saturday, September 7th, from 11am – 5pm. Stop by their location at 216 W Washington Street to welcome them to the downtown. Upcoming events include Piatt County Cars & BBQ this Friday, August 30th, 6pm at Piatt County Forest Preserve, Fairy Tale Rides will be at Piatt County Forest Preserve Park on Saturday, August 31st from 10am – 4pm, Ticket Sales for the Railway Museum’s Polar Express will start at 8am on Saturday, September 7th. Don’t forget the Farmer’s Market on Thursdays, 3pm – 6pm in downtown Monticello.

Old Business:

None

New Business:

Resolution 2024-41: A Resolution for a Conditional Use Permit for Multiple Main Structures at Lot 2 in Jefferson Parkway, City of Monticello, Piatt County, IL

Applicant- Jaron and Alicia Magsamen (Property Owners) are seeking a request for a Conditional Use Permit and Variance filed with the City of Monticello Planning & Zoning Board by Magsamen Landscapes, prospective owner, Zoned I-C – Planned Industrial / Commercial.

The Applicants request a Conditional Use Permit as described in the City of Monticello Zoning Regulations Section 153.017 Table I, for 3 multi-family dwellings that may be constructed only after issuance of a Conditional Use Permit.

Granting the Conditional Use Permit will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare of the normal and orderly development, improvement of surrounding properties.

A Public Hearing was held at the regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Monticello Planning & Zoning Board on Monday August 19th, 2024 at 7:00pm. The board reviewed the documents associated with the project and testimony and recommended approving the Conditional Use Permit.

A motion was made by Alderman Koon, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to approve Resolution 2024-41. The motion passed 9-0.

Ordinance 2024-42: An Ordinance Granting a Variance Adjusting the Front, Side, and Rear Yard Setbacks in Lot 2 Sage Fields Commercial Subdivision, City of Monticello, Piatt County, IL

Applicant- Jaron and Alicia Magsamen (Property Owners) are seeking a request for a Variance filed with the City of Monticello Planning & Zoning Board by Magsamen Landscapes, prospective owner, Zoned I-C – Planned Industrial / Commercial.

The Applicants request a variance adjusting the yard setbacks as described in 153.019 (A)(3) Table II: Front to 15’ from 25’; Side to 5’ from 15’; rear to 10’ from 20’.

The property is surrounded by open space and Magsamen’s other property. Only one corner of the building will encroach, but setbacks have to be changed for the whole property. The cul-de-sac the City required for turn-around lessened the space they had to work with. Jim pointed out that one side is the detention pond, one side is the daycare parking lot, and there is plenty of separation between the buildings. Granting the variance will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare of the normal and orderly development, improvement of surrounding properties. A Public Hearing was held at the regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Monticello Planning & Zoning Board on Monday August 19th, 2024 at  7:00pm. The board reviewed the documents associated with the project testimony and recommended approving the adjustment to the setbacks.

Alderman Brock stated the setbacks requested are too small, and he feels we are packing things too tight. He stated that the Planning & Zoning Board adjusts down every time, referring to setback requests, and never says no. Terry Summers clarified that the five feet mentioned is the space between lines, not buildings. He also reiterated that most of the setbacks are met, just not in the one corner. We have to reduce everything – cannot reduce just the one corner.

A motion was made by Alderman Burris, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to approve Ordinance 2024-42. The motion passed 9-0.

Resolution 2024-43: A Resolution Approving a Contract for the Improvements at PFC. Robert C. Burke Memorial Park

This project was presented and approved by the City Council for inclusion in the FY2024 General Fund Budget with a proposed expenditure of $6,000,000 for the improvements to Pfc. Robert C. Burke Memorial Park AND the development of Freedom Park. The attached bid analysis letter includes the bid tab showing the results of the four bidders. This resolution awards the project to Petry-Kuhne for $2,423,365.00 and a unit price for subgrade remediation of $1,000 per square yard if needed. As a cost saving measure, our skilled Public Works Department will be removing the existing playground equipment and surfaces, the existing basketball court, the existing tennis courts, and some miscellaneous concrete sidewalks. The construction start date is tentatively scheduled to begin in September of this year. We will know more about the contractor’s schedule upon execution of the contract. The project completion date is tentatively scheduled for mid-May of next year prior to the aquatic center opening. At this time, Pfc. Robert C. Burke Memorial Park is closed to the public for the remainder of this year through next May.

The subgrade remediation is unknown until we excavate. Public Works has already demolished the above-mentioned equipment and surfaces. A new water service line will be run to accommodate the drinking fountain that will be installed that that has the capability of filling water bottles. The city will be purchasing and paying for the playground equipment, playground surfacing and the installation of these items separately for an additional estimated cost of $540,000.00. Terry explained that this straight purchase of equipment is due to this being a lowest bidder situation. The equipment will also be installed by their people.

Alderman Woodham asked how many square yards of subgrade remediation will be needed (unknown until we begin excavation). Alderman Brock questioned if the pool will remain closed if the weather interferes and the park is not completed by May of 2025. Terry answered he feels that if we are not finished we will be close to being finished, and would be at a point that the pool would open on schedule. There also will be a rededication of the park when complete. Alderman Woodham’s Industrial Arts class will be making bike racks for the park – this is a great partnership.

Alderman Yoon asked for clarification on parking (no changes to existing lot by MFAC, new paved lots on west side by tennis courts and on the south side of the park).

A motion was made by Alderman Woodham, and seconded by Alderman Burris, to approve Resolution 2024-43. The motion passed 9-0.

Resolution 2024-44: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Monticello Amending the City Budget for FY2024

The City Council had adopted Resolution No. 2023-70 on November 11, 2023 approving the FY 2024 Budget. Discussion has recently ensued among the City Council members regarding the condition of the pavement of Main Street from Independence Street to Piatt Street and Independence Street from Marion Street to William Street. A total amount of $1,120,000 was included in the FY2024 budget for the pavement rehabilitation of Grant Street from State Street to the Monticello Railway Museum Tracks and Buchanan Street from Center Street to Grant. ($750,000 in General Fund Capital Improvements and $370,000 in the Motor Fuel Tax fund).

Construction bids and construction engineering associated with Grant Street and Buchanan Street project are approximately $865,900, leaving approximately $254,100 available within the approved General Fund Capital Improvements portion of the FY2024 budget without the need to amend the appropriation ordinance.

The required preliminary engineering for the Main Street and Independence Street projects of $80,000 could be reallocated from the Grant Street and Buchanan Street resurfacing project in the General Fund Capital Improvements section of the FY2024 budget.

A motion was made by Alderman Yoon, and seconded by Alderman Cary, to approve Resolution 2024-44. The motion passed 9-0.

Aldermen’s Report:

Alderman Yoon congratulated Mayor Stoner and Alderman Koon on a wonderful Summer Singers concert. She said it was well-received and she heard comments about what a nice community event this is. She asked if we had a policy regarding cooling centers during the heat, and Chief Bross explained this is mandated by EMA. The Community Building and Allerton Library (while open) have been set as cooling centers during the current heat wave. Alderman Yoon stated that contrary to previous comments, the Planning & Zoning Board, of which she was a member for five years, carefully considers each case before them and does not rubber stamp. She made note that it may seem many things go forth from PZB, but also a lot of the regulations PZB follows are from a really long time ago and need updated.

Police Chief’s Report:

Officer Wooten has graduated from the academy and is on day two of training – doing well. Another individual has been given a preliminary offer pending results of the psychiatric evaluation,  and another is currently in the background check process. The new body cameras for officers will go live on Thursday of this week.

City Administrator’s Report:

Alderman Koon asked if we expect an update on Freedom Park this year, and if we will see a new plan for Oberheim Park prior to budget talks this year. In regard to Freedom Park, Terry informed Alderman Koon that the stakeholders recently met and are still in favor of a local, scaled down park.

This will probably roll into next year’s budget. In regard to Oberheim Park, a sketch has been done of a scaled back version with two ball diamonds, less parking, soccer fields, and as little infrastructure while still allowing traffic flow. It is hoped we will have costs for the FY25 budget, and move forward with preliminary engineering and cost estimate.

A motion was made by Alderman Brock, seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to adjourn the meeting at 7:35pm.

https://www.cityofmonticello.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/7653?fileID=6080