Grundy Reporter

City of Highland City Council met March 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Hemann called the Regular Session to order at 6:30pm at the Highland Area Senior Center. Council members Sloan, Frey, Bellm, and Napper were present. Others in attendance were City Manager Conrad, City Attorney John Hackett, Directors Gillespie, Heimburger, Ohren, Presson, EMS Chief Wilson, Officer Flake, Treasurer Nicolaides, Deputy City Clerk Hediger, City Clerk Bellm, and 57 citizens.

MINUTES

Councilman Frey made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2024 Regular Session as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2024 Executive Session as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

MAYORAL RECOGNITION

Mayor Hemann recognized the Highland Middle School 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball Team for a great season (21-7), their first state tournament appearance and for taking 2nd place for Class 4A for the IESA, the largest class in the state. Best in the history of HMS. Coach Bill Logsdon introduced the team stating as great they are on the court and fields; they are even better kids. Team members present: Andrew Canterbury, Eli Lucas, Carter Pryor, Vance Weber, Camden Manville, Grayson Stone, Boston Gelly, Trevor Warnecke, Noah Starks, and Collin Warnecke.

EAGLE SCOUT DONATION

Eagle Scout Jonathon Pierce thanked the city staff and council for allowing him to do this Eagle Scout project. He reported he built three planter boxes for around the bell tower, which is located on the parking lot adjacent to City Hall, along Broadway. Mr. Pierce presented Mayor Hemann with a donation check for plants and upkeep of the plants and planter boxes. Mayor Hemann accepted the donation and thanked Mr. Pierce for his effort.

PROCLAMATION

Mayor Hemann read a document proclaiming the week of March 10-16, 2024 as Girl Scout Week. More than 2.6millions girls are members, currently. Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is the local area for girls in our area. Brittany Camp, leader, thanked the community for their support. Just finished cookie season and we thank everyone supporting their girls in their sales efforts.

PUBLIC FORUM

Citizens’ Requests and Comments:

Goat Yoga of Southern IL/Schlafly’s – 2024 Goat Yoga - Special Event Application – Director Jackie Heimburger reported this application is the same as last year. Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Goat Yoga of Southern Illinois & Schlafly’s request to use Plaza Park to host 2024 Goat Yoga on May through October as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

The Saint Louis Brewery, LLC – 2024 Schlafly’s Shrimp Boil – Special Event Application – City Manager Chris Conrad reported this is also the same as last year; however, they are better prepared for the crowd. Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Saint Louis Brewery, LLC request to use Plaza Park on April 20, 2024 11:00am-7:00pm to host the 2024 Schlafly’s Shrimp Boil as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

HSHS Elizabeth’s Foundation - HSHS St. Joseph’s Kentucky Derby Fundraiser – Special Event Application – Mayor Hemann stated this one is also similar to last year, with closing off two parking spaces during the event. City Manager Conrad confirmed, yes, this would be the same as what we did last year, but also with the closing off the parking spaces, the same as what we did for Business After Hours recently. Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve HSHS Elizabeth’s Foundation request to use Plaza Park on May 4 2024, 5:00pm-8:00pm to host the HSHS St. Joseph’s Kentucky Derby Fundraiser as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Mayor Hemann informed the representatives from Republic Waste Services that they would be moved up to before general public comments. This will provide the opportunity to give updates and answer questions. I am sure you have all been receiving questions, just as we have been.

Republic Services – Transition Update and Residential Service Briefing – Rhonda Breslin, Representative introduced Dave Malone, Operations Route Manager and Moses McAfee, General Manager. Ms. Breslin noted city staff emailed her some questions that they have been receiving. She expressed, please know we will take care of everyone. As far as cart placement, there will be a letter going to each resident and container customer, the week of March 18, which will be specific to each household and business. It will provide information as to whether you will have curbside or alley set up, the day of service for each week, and a diagram in the back of the mailer showing the location for the containers to be placed. Please keep in mind, the driver is going to work with you and your area. Not everyone has a curb. Some have street parking. Others live on cul-de-sacs and everyone parks on one side. The flyer sent out says to place the containers five feet apart from each other and other objects; however, we really only need three feet between containers and the containers and other objects. If the driver cannot get it with the arm, he will get out and move it. You want to make sure there is room between the container and other objects. Nothing starts until April 1. We do this in other communities, such as Edwardsville and Troy. Our staff has spent a lot of time driving around looking at how the areas are established, developed, and where vehicles are parked or placed.

Carts stay with the property. If you move, please leave the containers. If someone moves into a house that does not have a recycle cart, we will work it out. We want everyone to try using the cart that was delivered for at least month before we make adjustments. I know there is a list of people who want the carts taken away. I would like them to wait for at least one month. As far as the recycle carts, same thing - try it out for a month. Pizza boxes, which have food residue on them, they need to be thrown away. Wash out the items for recycling before putting into cart. When in doubt, if recyclable or not – throw it out.

We will be one-sided pick up. Normally, we get a lot of phone calls, especially the first week, because we only can service one side of the street at a time. Presently, we grab from both sides as we go down the street. It will be one side of the street and then we will circle back and get the other side. As far as routing, we will have to adjust pick up schedules. Again, please be patient. The recycle truck will be different from the trash truck. Sometimes one will be before another by a greater time distance than another. After a while, they will run in the same scope of time, as we get things worked out. The only thing changing that will be a mechanical breakdown. We ask people to be patient as we get things adjusted. Again, we will do one side of the street, then come back down the other direction and get the other. Moses McAfee expressed automation is the way of the world. Our trucks’ automated arms make it feasible for our drivers to get through the routes more efficiently and without being injured. They will get to know you and your area.

City Clerk Barbara Bellm asked do the lids on the containers need to be closed completely. Ms. Breslin stated no; however, you want to have them closed as much as possible so trash does not blow out or the bag does not fall out as the arm picks up the container. City Clerk Bellm asked what happens if there are cars parked along the street. Mr. Malone explained the containers should be placed out between the cars or as close to it, the drivers will adjust them as needed. Councilman Napper asked do you have trouble with people leaving their carts in the street for long periods. Mr. McAfee responded some cities actually have an ordinance addressing that. City Manager Conrad reported we were at a meeting, last week, with other cities. Some have provided us with draft ordinances, which we will be drafting our own to address that. Mayor Hemann asked, is it pretty natural to have this much hysteria during the implementation. Ms. Breslin responded, yes, particularly when a community has been used to unlimited and uncontainerized. It will work itself out. They just have not seen this before. Ms. Breslin explained you do not want to have the containers overstuffed habitually. If stacked tremendously high, the bags will fall and bust open as the arm grabs the container. Continue to bag your trash so that the wind does not catch the papers and such and blow it around.

Councilwoman Sloan stated the thing heard the most is the senior citizens that cannot roll or move a container that large. City Manager Conrad pointed out a widow may only produce a small kitchen size bag. Ms. Breslin suggested calling customer service and we will switch it out for you. We will do that on the normal service day. We do not have a lot of the smaller sizes, so we leave those for senior citizens (65+ years of age). She stressed, if there is an individual that is 13 years or older that lives in the residence with you, if you are handicap or elderly, you will still need to move the cart. Otherwise, contact customer service to request handicap assistance; however, the container must be visible for the handicap service. Right now, we are directing those calls to Highland City Hall; later we will handle those at our customer service number.

Councilman Frey inquired should the handle should be facing the house. Ms. Breslin replied yes; handle to the house and front open flap side facing the street. City Manager Conrad reported they are still working through container setup and delivery. For example, they brought four carts to a fourplex, when previously that unit had a convenience dumpster. Those are things we need to work through. The most important thing is if you are a resident and you did not get carts, we need to know about that right away. Ms. Breslin acknowledged we have a list and we are trying to get the small fill-ins and adjustments.

Mr. McAfee expressed the advantage of automation is that it does not break down the body of the driver, so they can have that driver, who knows your area and the customers for a longer period of time. That is the benefit of automation. You get a member of your community that can service you. Ms. Breslin encouraged the city to keep sharing information on social media. Mayor Hemann asked them to stay while anyone from the public that has a question comes forward.

Devin Randall asked what we do with old trashcans. Ms. Breslin explained, as soon as we have everything implemented we will have special dates, which we will advertise, when people can put those cans out with their regular trash pickup. We ask that they write “Trash” or “Remove” on the container.

John Kapp noted the containers are higher and lids are bigger, so it can be difficult to get open. Ms. Breslin suggested getting a 2x4, or similar, to prop the lid open.

David Todd stated he does not live in the city limits, but has received services from Republic for some time now. I would like to know what is acceptable recycling, and what items are not. He suggested sending out that information. My wife and I always argue about what goes in or not. Director Heimburger shared a flyer they just received from Republic with that information. Mr. Todd suggested sharing that with the community. City Manager Conrad stated anything Republic puts out we will post on social media and the Highland Happening apps. Mayor Hemann reiterated all we can do is ask people to be patient. City Manager Conrad pointed out we are not the first community to do this. We are actually about the last. If others can do it, I am confident we can do it too.

John Kapp acknowledged the passing of Jerome “Blackie” Kuhl whom was laid to rest this past weekend. Fr. Pat had a good sermon for him. Mr. Kapp asked for a moment of silence for Blackie. There was a moment of silence.

Requests of Council:

Mayor Hemann acknowledge the passing of Assistant Fire Chief Dan Tallmann, two weeks ago. Unfortunately, City Manager Conrad and I were out of town and unable to attend; however, I understand a wonderful job was done with the services. Chief Carole Presson stated I did not have much to do with it, but I was able to participate. The department put everything together, which was a very nice tribute.

Staff Reports:

Annual Public Safety Report Presentation by Police Chief Carole Presson, EMS Chief Brian Wilson and Fire Chief Chris Straub – Director Carole Presson stated the annual Public Safety Report includes Police, Fire, EMS, and Building & Zoning, which was added to the Public Safety umbrella this past year. In the police department, we saw a lot of increases in all areas. We added a second School Resource Officer (SRO). The school district came in with that request early in 2023, and starting in May, Chris Clewis will go to elementary and primary. Officer Biggs will cover the middle school and high school. K9 Hondo is killing it, with forty deployment. You can tell that people are more compliant when he is around. A key thing, with all the new mandates for training, is having the ability to have our people train our people. We have been focusing on getting staff certified to do training in-house, so we are better able to stay compliant. Burglaries have gone down, but thefts are up. The safety act is having an effect, because we cannot take people physically into custody for those acts. Crimes against persons is down but domestic violence cases are up. Traffic crashes are up, as is citations. We are in the process of applying for traffic grants to see if we can bring people in on overtime to get those numbers down. We worked overtime at 24 different events, this past year. Mayor Hemann asked do you see car breaks up a little more. Chief Presson stated we had some, then we did some education and it seemed to help. Some we were able to solve, but some not. The auto theft from McGinley’s became part of a federal crime ring. Mayor Hemann expressed it seems like a lot of breaks more in my area town. Chief Presson reported they are usually juvenile offenses. People need to make sure to keep things out of sight and lock their cars. We are seeing a rise in scams, especially against senior citizens. We want to get out into the public and discuss that more. Councilwoman Bellm asked what the drug scene is like. Chief Presson reported meth and heroin are a problem. Councilwoman Sloan noted it seems like there has been a lot more incidents of fights at the schools. Chief Presson responded it is normal for what is out there. We have not had the scale to what other school districts are seeing.

Chief Presson reported the fire department responded to 337 emergency responses, this past year. Up a little over 21%. Part of that is the mutual aid agreements that we have. It is good that are staffing/volunteer numbers are up. We need that. We are working on a new training facility for all public safety staff. We got a new truck, which is here this evening. The department has also been assisting with coverage at the racetrack.

EMS Chief Brian Wilson reported calls for service increase by almost 300 calls. Seventy-two percent of the calls come from within Highland. We are seeing return to pre-COVID numbers. Page 46 talks about types of calls – 911 Emergencies, transfers, and refusal of services, which are often good intent calls – falls, car crashes, etc, - where the individual refuses service. The shape of time of calls graph has not changed since I started. 11am-7pm is the busiest time of day. We do a lot of online training. EMT 125 of classroom and 25 hours clinical; paramedics 500 hours classroom and 500 clinical plus other courses and college hours. City Manager Conrad added EMS taught a class to the fire volunteers for first responder training to get them to be able to assist if first on the scene.

Chief Presson reported for assistance to Building & Zoning, we broke the city down into 16 quadrants. Our police officers help out in those different areas. The department saw a 33.33% increase in code cases and 20.03% increase in inspections, while permits were down 4.25% and plans issued were down 43.44%. A lot of that has to do with the cost of interest and building costs in general. Mayor Hemann inquired the permanent house for Building & Zoning will be in within the Public Safety Building. Chief Presson replied yes.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Request for Proposals for Banking Depository Services (2024-2027) – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Request for Proposals for Banking Depository Services (2024-2027) as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid #PW-04-22, for the 6th Street Reconstruction Project (Pine St. to Poplar St.) – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid #PW-04-22, for the 6th Street Reconstruction Project (Pine St. to Poplar St.) as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-33/ORDINANCE Declaring Personal Property of the City Surplus and Authorizing Its Sale and/or Disposal, Specifically, One Quincy Air Compressor – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #24-33/Ordinance #3324 declaring personal property of the city surplus and authorizing its sale and/or disposal, specifically, one Quincy Air Compressor as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-34/ORDINANCE Declaring Personal Property of the City Surplus and Authorizing Its Sale and/or Disposal, Specifically, One Pick Up Truck and One Dump Truck – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #24-34/Ordinance #3325 declaring personal property of the city surplus and authorizing its sale and/or disposal, specifically, one pickup truck and one dump truck as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Mayor Hemann noted we had nice pictures of the air compressor, but none of the trucks. City Manager Conrad responded you do not want to see them. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-35/RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sole Source Purchase of a Council Desk and Lectern for the Council Chambers from Arnold Contract, and Waiving Customary Bidding Procedures – Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #24-35/Resolution #24-03-3095 authorizing the sole source purchase of a council desk and lectern for the council chambers from Arnold Contract, and waiving customary bidding procedures as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Mayor Hemann inquired does this have a twelve week lead-time. City Manager Conrad replied yes, the council desk will be custom built. The office staff will be able to move in first. He estimate July or August for the council to move in. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-36/RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sole Source Purchase of Data Access Controls from Elliott Data Systems, Inc., and Waiving Customary Bidding Procedures - Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #24-36/Resolution #24-03-3096 authorizing the sole source purchase of data access controls from Elliott Data Systems, Inc., and waiving customary bidding procedures as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-37/ORDINANCE Amending the Municipal Code, Chapter 42 – Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Article V – Offenses Against Public Peace, Adding Section 42-137 Camping on Public Property - Councilman Frey made a motion to approve Bill #24-37/Ordinance #3326 amending the Municipal Code, Chapter 42 – Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Article V – Offenses Against Public Peace, adding Section 42-137 Camping on Public Property as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Councilman Napper inquired where we have public property for camping. City Manager Conrad explained this addresses where they cannot camp, such as Silver Lake, City Square, and other parks. City Attorney John Hackett advised this idea is fairly well covered by other ordinances. However, this is more for transparency that people cannot camp in public spaces. We want to make sure we keeping those places cleared. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

REPORTS

Accepting Expenditures Reports #1261 for Feb. 17, 2024 through March 1, 2024 – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to accept Expenditures Reports #1261 for February 17, 2024 through March 1, 2024 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Frey. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Frey, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to adjourn. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. All aye, none nay. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:47pm.

https://www.highlandil.gov/City%20Council/Minutes/2024/03-04-2024.pdf