Grundy Reporter

City of Highland City Council met Sept. 4.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Mayor Michaelis called the Regular Session to order at 7:00pm. Council members Schwarz, Frey, Bellm and Nicolaides were present. Others in attendance were City Manager Mark Latham, City Attorney Michael McGinley, Directors Cook, Imming, Korte and Slover; Police Chief Remelius, EMS Chief Wilson, Coordinator Hubbard, Library Director Kim, Deputy City Clerk Hediger, City Clerk Bellm, 2 citizens and one member of the news media.

MINUTES

Councilman Schwarz made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2018 Regular Session as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Schwarz, Frey, Bellm, and Nicolaides voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Citizens’ Requests and Comments:

No requests or comments made.

Requests of Council:

No requests or comments made.

PUBLIC FORUM

Staff Reports:

City Manager Latham asked Mallord Hubbard to speak with regards to possible solutions to lack

of public transportation. Economic & Business Recruitment Coordinator Mallord Hubbard reported, a few months ago, Madison County Transit (MCT) made decision to end its #14 Shuttle here in Highland. At that time, they offered to assist with a vehicle for Highland to operate, and we have had subsequent conversation with MCT about that; however, it is not feasible because of cost and logistics. Most of those we spoke with, that were riding the #14 Shuttle have the ability and qualify for the MCT Runabout. I spoke with several of those people individually. One person did not believe she qualified; however, after speaking with MCT, she had never turned in application. We are working with her to get that paperwork done. Those others that think they may qualify, and need the service, should contact MCT or I, and we will assist them. Diane Williams, with HACSM, has agreed to assist with this process also, with any others. With another resident, who spoke at the meeting, regarding her and her daughter use of it, I spoke with her again. She and her daughter are using the Runabout service; however, there are some limitations. With that, we will continue to look at other ways to supplement, through increase supply of drivers in ride share programs, or possibly a bicycle program for those that are younger and able. We will continue to re-evaluate the MCT vehicle offer, should things change. Anyone interested in the service should contact MCT at 618-797-4600, info@mct.org, or contact HACSM, or me here at city hall. Mayor Michaelis noted, originally, we looked at a partnership with the nursing homes or churches to defray the cost. Where does that stand? Mallord stated that is still a possibility. They are open to meeting to discuss that.

City Manager Latham reported, Director Gillespie, Dave Oates, of Oates Associates, and I had a meeting with Congressman Shimkus, this last week, regarding the CSX culvert replacement project. Everything has been approved by CSX and IDNR. The next step is to get FEMA to agree to the reduction on the 100-year floodplain mapping. I met with Congressman Shimkus to get a meeting with FEMA to get this completed. He agreed to set up a conference call. While I have no date at this time, I am hoping for some time in the next week or two. We appreciate Congressman Shimkus’ support of this.

In the information section of the council’s packet, there is the revised employee handbook, along with a list of what has been changed. City Manager Latham asked the council members to review that, in the next two weeks, for a vote from the council on the handbook as revised.

City Manager Latham reported we are losing one of our top reporters. There was one reported in my time in Arkansas and one her in Illinois. This will be our last meeting with Megan Braa. She has always been fair and honest, and has always asked questions. We appreciate all your efforts. Mayor Michaelis agreed you have been a great reporter.

Mayor Michaelis reported that some months back, the concept of all abilities playground was brought to us. Basically, it is a playground for children with disabilities, but it does not mean that children without disabilities could not play on it. In an effort to try to circumvent use of city funds for the project, Mark and his staff have been doing a great job of working with different groups to raise the funds. A while back, I was sitting in Dr. Kleinhoffer’s chair and asked about the possibility of his band, Effic, getting together to put a benefit concert on. Soon after, his brother, Mike, jumped in and spearheaded the whole project. The magnitude of the project they put on was amazing. Director Mark Rosen reported, the good news is we ended with more than we started with. It goes to show the special heart of these guys have to come back from other states to put on a show of this magnitude. The amount of effort that Nancy Gramlich puts into these events is so amazing. We probably grossed ~$10,000, which should end up netting about $6,000. That should put us into the six-figure amount towards this project. Mayor Michaelis stated he thought Effic was better than ever. Director Rosen reported we even had a few children there to show support for the playground. It is not about the possibility of playing for these kids; it is about the kids all being able to play together. It is all the different details to that allow those with various disabilities to use such a playground. From the color of the tiles for those with vision problems and to the different material that allow those with implants or other physical disabilities to access and utilize the equipment. Director Rosen thanked Megan Braa also for her help with the reporting. A lot of free marketing, I believe.

Councilman Schwarz motion to remove Item C, Bill #18-117/Resolution issuing Highland Arts & Crafts, LLC a Class “F” Liquor License pursuant to Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances, entitled Alcoholic Liquor from the agenda, as the applicant has withdrawn the application; seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Schwarz, Frey, Bellm, and Nicolaides voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Bill #18-115/ORDINANCE Accepting the Jurisdictional Transfer of 0.116 Miles of St. Rose Road from Madison County – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #18-115/Ordinance #2876 accepting the jurisdictional transfer of 0.116 miles of St. Rose Road from Madison County as attached; seconded by Councilman Schwarz. Roll Call Vote: Schwarz, Frey, Bellm, and Nicolaides voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #18-116/RESOLUTION Approving and Authorizing Execution of Refuse Collection Contract with Robert “Bob” Sanders Waste Systems Inc., for the One-Year Period from October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019 – Councilman Schwarz made a motion to approve Bill #18-116/Resolution #18-09-2557 approving and authorizing execution of refuse collection contract with Robert “Bob” Sanders Waste Systems Inc., for the one-year period from October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019 as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Councilman Frey asked what is the slight increase. City Manager Latham asked Director Korte to report on that. He noted we are recommending we do not pass an increase along to residential customers. Director Korte reported there is a $1.00 increase for residential and $1.50 for commercial customers. There are some slight increases on dumpsters also. Mayor Michaelis expressed, since we retained Sanders Waste it has made my job easier. We have not had one complaint since they took over. Councilwoman Bellm noted she has actually gotten compliments. Mayor Michaelis noted that is difficult to do in that business. That is praise to Bob Sanders. That is a difficult business, but a much-needed service. Roll Call Vote: Schwarz, Frey, Bellm, and Nicolaides voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #18-118/RESOLUTION Authorizing City to Retain Gilmore Bell as Bond Counsel for Water Main Improvements and Other Services Related Thereto – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #18-118/Resolution #18-09-2558 authorizing city to retain Gilmore Bell as bond counsel for water main improvements and other services related thereto as attached; seconded by Councilman Schwarz. Roll Call Vote: Schwarz, Frey, Bellm, and Nicolaides voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #18-119/RESOLUTION Approving Balancing Change Order Number One for Water Main Transmission Relocation on Matter Drive – Councilman Schwarz made a motion to approve Bill #18- 119/Resolution #18-09-2559 approving balancing change order number one and final for water main transmission relocation on Matter Drive as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Schwarz, Frey, Bellm, and Nicolaides voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #18-120/RESOLUTION Approving a Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with Oates Associates Inc. for the Proposed Broadway Streetscape Improvement Project – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #18-120/Resolution #18-09-2560 approving a preliminary engineering services agreement with Oates Associates Inc. for the proposed Broadway Streetscape Improvement Project as attached; seconded by Councilman Schwarz. Councilman Schwarz stated, my question is on this is, I would figure the engineering would be relatively low, since this is something probably done already by other communities. City Manager Latham stated this is a fair price based upon cost of project. It is about 10% of the estimated project costs. Additionally, Oates did a huge favor with helping us to obtain the grant for this project.

Councilman Frey asked what this project entails. City Manager Latham explained if you drive through towns, you see their streetscapes. This project would go from Laurel Street to Poplar/Route 160 with new sidewalk, new curbing, an emphasis on lighting, and some landscaping, including trees to soften it up and addition of antique/vintage looking signage. We are starting to see movement of more businesses to downtown area, so this will help with beautification of the downtown area. Councilman Frey asked if the electric is going underground. City Manager Latham replied yes. Councilman Frey will all our projects – water, sewer and other electric upgrades - be done before this in these areas. City Manager Latham replied yes. Along Broadway, water and sewer utilities will be outside of the roadway and placed into right of way easements. Councilman Frey inquired with water lines going into easements, does that create a new issue with flooding of basement. Director Gillespie replied we cannot guarantee; however, we are putting in thick PVC lines that have a lifespan of over one hundred years. City Manager Latham reported sewer improvements have been done in the areas that need to be done already. Roll Call Vote: Schwarz, Frey, Bellm, and Nicolaides voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

REPORTS

Approve Warrant #1104 – Councilman Schwarz made a motion to approve Warrant #1104 as attached; seconded Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Schwarz, Frey, Bellm, and Nicolaides voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to temporarily adjourn this regular session to enter into executive session under the Illinois Open Meetings Act under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) to discuss approval of executive session minutes; motion seconded by Councilman Schwarz. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:32pm.

Mayor Michaelis reconvened the Regular Session at 7:39pm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Nicolaides, Bellm, Frey and Schwarz were present. Others in attendance were City Manager Latham, City Attorney McGinley, Deputy City Clerk Hediger and City Clerk Bellm.

Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilman Schwarz. All council members voted aye, none nay. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 7:39pm.

http://www.highlandil.gov/Public_Documents/HighlandIL_CouncilMin/I062B10E0.0/09-04-2018.pdf