City Council

City of Edwardsville Committee of the Whole Minutes March 27, 2014 A Committee of the Whole meeting was called by Mayor Hal Patton and held in the Council Chamber. Aldermen Louer, Stack, Butts, Risavy, Mallon, Short and Stamer answered present on roll call. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present. Mayor Patton asked Deputy Clerk Woodard to read the Notice as follows: A Committee of the Whole Meeting has been called by Mayor Hal Patton and scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2014 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 118 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, Il. The purpose of this meeting is as follows: a) Second reading of An Ordinance Adopting a Home Rule Retailers’ Occupation Tax and Service Occupation Tax (Home Rule Sales Tax) and Amending Chapter 106, Article III and Article V of the Codified Ordinances of Edwardsville, Illinois b) Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Census Bureau for a Partial Special Census Dennis W. McCracken, City Clerk/Collector Mayor Patton introduced Desiree Bennyhoff, President and CEO of the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce, 200 University Park Drive, Suite 260, Edwardsville; Kyle Anderson, Representing the Greater Gateway Association of Realtors, #10 Ginger Creek Parkway, Glen Carbon and Dr. Lois Ladd, 826 N. Kansas Street, Edwardsville all spoke against the increase in sales tax. Although all agreed that the need for improvements to the city’s public safety facilities were obvious and necessary, alternative funding sources should continue to be addressed and reviewed. There were concerns regarding language for restrictions on future sales tax increases and the belief that the city relies too much on sales tax revenue. Mayor Patton presented a time line on how the city began talks in 2010 regarding the need for additional public safety facilities and hired AAIC, Inc. to provide an assessment of the current safety buildings and future planning needs. After completion of the study, several options were presented to the City Council for their review. Alderman Risavy and Alderman Stamer opposed the sales tax increase and felt that there had not been adequate discussion of alternative options. Mayor Patton stated that this had been a very difficult decision for him and recognized that the time frame was quick because of the April 1st deadline with the Illinois Department of Revenue, however, at the end of the day, it was his job to protect and serve the citizens of this community to the best of his ability. Motion by Mallon, seconded by Short, to approve An Ordinance Adopting a Home Rule Retailers’ Occupation Tax and Service Occupation Tax (Home Rule Sales Tax) and Amending Chapter 106, Article III and Article V of the Codified Ordinances of Edwardsville, Illinois. Roll Call: Five Ayes, with Aldermen Louer, Stack, Butts, Mallon and Short voting aye. Two Nays, with Aldermen Risavy and Stamer voting nay. Motion Carried. Motion by Mallon, seconded by Short, to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Census Bureau for a Partial Special Census. Roll Call: Seven Ayes, with Aldermen Louer, Stack, Butts, Risavy, Mallon, Short and Stamer voting aye. Motion Carried. Motion by Stack, seconded by Short, to adjourn at 7:54 p.m. ____________________________ Hal Patton, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ Dennis W. McCracken, City Clerk/Collector