City Council

City of Edwardsville Council Proceedings January 21, 2014 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Edwardsville City Council was held at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers with Mayor Patton presiding. Aldermen Butts, Risavy, Mallon, Short, Stamer and Stack answered present on roll. Alderman Louer was excused. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present. Mayor Patton welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked if any citizen wished to address the Council. No one came forward. Motion by Stamer, seconded by Risavy, to approve the Consent Agenda. item a) under Legislative & Executive – Retirement of Bennett W. Dickmann, was moved to New Business. Mayor Patton added a Class E Special Event Liquor License for St. Boniface Church. City Attorney Berkbigler added 3 Executive Sessions – Real Estate under Closed Session. Alderman Butts announced change in claims amount. Mayor Patton read Consent Agenda items as follows: Minutes of Council Meeting on January 7, 2014 Activity and Financial Reports: A. Reports of Elected and Appointed Officials: a) City Clerk/Collector – Monthly Financial Report (electronic distribution) b) City Clerk/Collector – Monthly Activity Report c) City Treasurer – Monthly Financial Report d) Police – Monthly Activity Report e) Fire Chief – Monthly Activity Report (Fire and EMS Services) f) Public Works Director – Building, Electrical and Plumbing Permits B. Circuit Clerk’s Report Group Health Insurance Fund Report in the amount of $485,212.93 Executive Session – Real Estate (3) Roll Call on Consent Agenda: Six Ayes, with Aldermen Butts, Risavy, Mallon, Short, Stamer and Stack voting aye. Motion Carried. Motion by Stamer, seconded by Stack, to approve the Reappointment of Jason Rankin to the Mobile Intensive Care System Trust Committee with Term expiring December 31, 2016. Roll Call: Six Ayes, with Aldermen Butts, Risavy, Mallon, Short, Stamer and Stack voting aye. Motion Carried. Motion by Stack, seconded by Stamer, to approve a License to Conduct a Raffle for the SIUE/Susan G. Komen For The Cure St. Louis Affiliate with chances sold from February 5 th through February 8th, 2014. Roll Call: Six Ayes, with Aldermen Butts, Risavy, Mallon, Short, Stamer and Stack voting aye. Motion Carried. Motion by Stack, seconded by Stamer, to approve a Class F Special Event Liquor License for Bin- 51, Inc. for the St. Mary’s School event to be held on February 1 st, 2014. Roll Call: Six Ayes, with Aldermen Butts, Risavy, Mallon, Short, Stamer and Stack voting aye. Motion Carried. Motion by Mallon, seconded by Short, to approve a Class E Special Event Liquor License for St. Boniface Church for a Fundraiser Dance to be held on February 28, 2014. Roll Call: Six Ayes, with Aldermen Butts, Risavy, Mallon, Short, Stamer and Stack voting aye. Motion Carried. Minutes of the Finance Committee meeting on December 11, 2013 were received for information and file. Motion by Butts, seconded by Stack, to approve Claims - $857,797.62 (Regular) and $36,040.59 (Library) for a total of $893,838.21. Roll Call: Six Ayes, with Aldermen Butts, Risavy, Mallon, Short, Stamer and Stack voting aye. Motion Carried. Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. in the Governor Edwards Conference Room. Minutes of Public Safety Committee meeting on December 30, 2013 were received for information and file. Public Safety Committee will meet on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. in the Governor Edwards Conference Room. Minutes of the Public Services Committee meeting on December 30, 2013 were received for information and file. Motion by Stamer, seconded by Butts, Approval to purchase a 2014 Ford Taurus from Landmark Ford, Inc. in the amount of $17,841.00. Roll Call: Six Ayes, with Aldermen Butts, Risavy, Mallon, Short, Stamer and Stack voting aye. Motion Carried. Public Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. in the Governor Edwards Conference Room Minutes of Administrative & Community Service Committee meeting on January 2, 2014 were received for information and file. Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Edwardsville (Public Works Department Staffing) was filed for second reading. An Ordinance Extending the Authorization for the Natural Gas Franchise to Ameren Illinois Company, its Successors and Assigns to Construct, Operate and Maintain a Natural Gas Utility System in the City of Edwardsville, Illinois was filed for second reading. An Ordinance Extending the Authorization for the Electric Franchise to Ameren Illinois Company, its Successors and Assigns to Construct, Operate and Maintain an Electric Utility System in the City of Edwardsville, Illinois was filed for second reading. Motion by Mallon, seconded by Short, to approve An Ordinance Amending Chapter 86 of the Codified Ordinances of Edwardsville, Illinois (Personnel Code) (Previously filed for 2nd reading at 12/17/13 Council) . Roll Call: Six Ayes, with Aldermen Butts, Risavy, Mallon, Short, Stamer and Stack voting aye. Motion Carried. Administrative & Community Service Committee will meet on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. in the Governor Edwards Conference Room. City Administrator Dickmann read the following statement: Edwardsville is often described as one of the finest communities in the nation. The multiple awards we received in recent years is testimony to the objectivity, accuracy and fairness of that description. Too often, however, we fail to realize that such acclaim is more than labels, signs, letterhead print and "bragging rights". The City of Edwardsville is among the very best because of the wonderful people who make this community their home. The residents we serve are the fabric that represents our historic past, our proud present and the bright future of this great municipality. It is an immeasurable blessing to have been raised in Edwardsville. It is even more meaningful to have actually served the thousands of men, women and children with whom we share the privilege of waking each morning as residents of such a genuinely fine city. To them, my co- workers and, of course, to the elected officials who represent those thousands of individuals, I express my sincere appreciation. Having built on the legacy of those who came before us, I can honestly say that you and the council have inherited the finest collective group of municipal workers we have ever known. Great individuals have come and gone. But, we have never before had the benefit of such a comprehensive organization and richly talented group of employees supporting a truly full- service city. From the newest hire to the pool of dedicated department heads, the team of employees is amazingly capable and limited only by time and the resources we can afford to provide. There are many individuals to whom I owe debts of gratitude...too many to mention. However, I will never be able to adequately thank my wife and children who have tolerated much while simultaneously sharing our blessings. Only they can fully know and understand my love and appreciation. I am pleased to note that it is with support of the entire family, I have made the decision to retire from my position. I only hope that from my first day over 44 years ago, to my last official day of employment, January 31, 2014, I have in some small way positively contributed to the experience of living, working and visiting Edwardsville. As we have been told by others, this is, indeed, "One of the Best Towns in America for Families". That badge of honor is a reflection of our high standards for public service, our diversity, the exceptional quality of education, commerce and even broad recreational opportunities. Those standards, of course, only exist because of the people who call this community their home. Thank you. Mayor Patton read the following statement: As we gather here tonight, one can quickly glance at our agenda and see that one item jumps off the page. It is with great sadness for our City, but with equal happiness for him and his family, that tonight we will accept the letter of retirement from Bennett W. Dickmann. Ben, first, I want to thank your wife. Kathy, no one person can accomplish the great things your husband accomplished without an equally dedicated spouse. The City thanks you for everything you have done for us over these past four decades. Forty-four years ago this last July a tall, dark haired young man was hired as a patrol officer for the City of Edwardsville. Within five years on the job, he had earned such respect from the mayor and aldermen, he was unanimously selected as Chief of Police Dec. 1st, 1974. I couldn’t help but notice in his application for the Chief’s position two characteristics that are still part of his persona today stood out, He said: “There are many things which I feel should be corrected within our department and I certainly intend to take the necessary steps to ensure improvement” and “We must realize that what may seem to be routine duty for a policeman may also be one of the important moments of a given citizen’s life”. Ben’s passion to care for each citizen of this community, and for his fellow employees, is a trait for which I believe he will always be remembered. No complaint was too small and no challenge was too large. The police officer in him would surround the problem, study it, work tirelessly on solution, and implement it with precision. Ben’s dedication to his job meant he was also dedicated to his community. During his distinguished career as Chief of Police, Ben affiliated with 14 professional and community based organizations, receiving thirteen awards for excellence in his service. To name a few, past and present affiliations, Ben was a Member of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, the Edwardsville Rotary Club, the Crisis Services/Behavioral Alternatives Board, and the Madison County Domestic Violence Prevention Steering Committee. Among his thirteen honors are the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, Optimist Club Community Service, Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow Award, and the United States Secret Service Appreciation Award. Service above self was his way of life on and off the job. After 25 years as Chief, Ben retired from the police department in December of 1999 to become Edwardsville’s first full-time administrator. From this position he would bring his problem solving and personnel management skills to every department of the city. Ben ran the daily operations. He coordinated a decade of incredible growth and prosperity for our town, significantly improved city utilities, revitalized older neighborhoods, and steered the city’s finances through the Great Recession. He worked tirelessly with our legendary mayor of twenty years, Gary Niebur, and other elected officials to preserve our communities charm and earned national recognition from Family Circle magazine as a top ten place in the country to raise a family! I was very fortunate to have Ben as City Administrator during my first nine months as Mayor. His knowledge, experience, and work ethic have been most impressive. Lengthy letters and summaries would often arrive in my email after midnight. He has an endless supply of stories about different events, remembering every detail as if it happened yesterday. I often joked that if someone googled a question about Edwardsville and Google didn’t know the answer, Google would call Ben. For the past 44 years Ben Dickmann gave everything he had to Edwardsville. As a patrolman it was 24/7, as Chief of Police it was 24/7, and as City Administrator it was 24/7 – 365 days a year. Ben, you have been an inspiration to those who call themselves public servants. As of February 1st, for the first time in 16,060 days, you can be a private citizen, and know the team which you helped create will continue to make Edwardsville prosper. Comments were made by many of the aldermen describing their thoughts regarding Mr. Dickmann. Alderman Jeanette Mallon spoke of the encouragement “Ben” gave her when she was elected alderman. Alderman Barb Stamer spoke of Ben’s passion for the City of Edwardsville, his wealth of information and his friendship. Alderman Stack commented on Ben’s integrity and Alderman Short commented on Ben’s valued judgment. Mayor Patton announced that a Open House reception will be held for Mr. Dickmann on January 28 th, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Wildey and everyone is invited to attend. Mayor Patton thanked Ben Dickmann for his service to the City of Edwardsville. Council recessed and went into Executive Session at 7:45 p.m. Council reconvened into Open Session at 8:35 p.m. Motion by Stack, seconded by Butts, to authorize the purchase of Encore assets in the amount of $35,000. Roll Call: Four Ayes, with Aldermen Butts, Short, Stamer and Stack voting aye. Two Nays, with Aldermen Risavy and Mallon voting nay. Motion Carried. Council adjourned. ___________________________________ Hal Patton, Mayor Attest: _____________________________________ Dennis W. McCracken, City Clerk/Collector