City Council

GENEVA CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 6, 2015 CALL TO ORDER The April 6, 2015 meeting of the Geneva City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall by Mayor Kevin Burns. Aldermen present: Chuck Brown, Mike Bruno, Don Cummings, Dorothy Flanagan, Dean Kilburg, Craig Maladra, Richard Marks, Mary Seno, Tom Simonian, Ron Singer. Aldermen absent: None. Also attending: City Atty. Charles Radovich, City Administrator Mary McKittrick, Asst. City Administrator/Dir. of Administrative Services Stephanie Dawkins, Public Works Director Richard Babica, Economic Development Director Cathleen Tymoszenko, Community Development Director David DeGroot, Police Chief Steve Mexin, Fire Chief Steve Olson. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PUBLIC HEARINGS, SPECIAL ITEMS AND PRESENTATIONS Public Hearing - FY2015-16 Budget Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Flanagan to open the Public Hearing. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED The Public Hearing was opened at 7:01 p.m. Mayor Kevin Burns called for comments from the public or from the Council. Hearing no comments from the Council or audience, Mayor Burns called for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Bruno to close the Public Hearing. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED The Public Hearing was closed at 7:02 p.m. Public Hearing on an Ordinance Proposing the Enlargement of the Boundary of Special Service Area #16 to Include Lincoln Square Subdivision Moved by Ald. Brown, seconded by Ald. Flanagan to open the Public Hearing. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED The Public Hearing was opened at 7:03 p.m. Mayor Kevin Burns called for comments from the public or from the Council. Hearing no comments from the Council or audience, Mayor Burns called for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Marks to close the Public Hearing. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED The Public Hearing was closed at 7:04 p.m. Recognize Geneva High School State Dance Champions Mayor Burns recognized Amy VanWagenen, team coach, who spoke not only of the team’s dance accomplishments but also of the members’ community volunteer efforts. Team members were then presented with Certificates of Recognition by the Mayor. A street sign recognizing the team’s 2014 and 2015 IHSA 2A state dance championships was unveiled. 1317 Geneva City Council Meeting April 6, 2015 Approve Mayor’s Appointment of Rich Babica to Director of Public Works Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Cummings to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Rich Babica to Director of Public Works. Roll call: AYES: 10 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Seno, Simonian, Singer) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED Proclaim April 7, 2015 as National Service Recognition Day Mayor Burns introduced Joanna Magdelano, Americorps VISTA member serving at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. She provided information on the programs and functions of the food bank. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Flanagan to proclaim April 7, 2015 as National Service Recognition Day. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED OMNIBUS AGENDA All items listed on the Omnibus Agenda are considered to be routine by the Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Council member or citizen so requests in which event the item will be removed from the Omnibus (Consent) Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda. Ald. Bruno requested that item 6 (Minutes) be removed from the Omnibus Agenda. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve the Omnibus Agenda as amended. Roll call: AYES: 10 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Seno, Simonian, Singer) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED APPROVE MINUTES OF THE LAST REGULAR MEETING HELD ON MARCH 16, 2015 AND SPECIAL MEETING HELD MARCH 23, 2015 Having removed this item from the Omnibus Agenda, Ald. Bruno requested that it be added that there are no time-sensitive projects involved to his comments regarding his motion to table consideration of the demolition of Sixth Street School as stated in the minutes of the special City Council meeting held March 23, 2015. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald.Seno to approve the minutes as amended. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED APPROVE REPORTS Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED COUNCIL COMMITTEES Committee of the Whole April 13, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. and City Council April 20, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. MUNICIPAL BILLS FOR PAYMENT The following bills were presented for payment: General Fund $154,232.93 1318 Geneva City Council Meeting April 6, 2015 Cultural Arts Fund 14,332.38 SPAC Fund 746.50 Tourism Fund 3,031.98 Tri‐Com Fund 21,649.56 Mental Health Fund 168.75 SSA #1 6,849.16 Debt Service Fund 450.00 General Capital Projects 141,524.12 Infrastructure Capital Projects 15,035.98 Electric 209,505.92 Water/Wastewater 85,285.10 Refuse 6,128.11 Commuter Parking 38,984.49 Group Dental 12,207.20 Utility Refunds 1,290.83 Restricted Police Fines 1,753.62 __________ Total Funds $713,176.63 Moved by Ald. Brown, seconded by Ald. Flanagan that the bills be approved and vouchers prepared. Roll call: AYES: 10 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Seno, Simonian, Singer) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ITEMS OF BUSINESS Approve Resolution 2015-30 Adopting FY2015-16 Budget Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve Res. 2015-30 adopting the FY2015-16 budget. Ald. Simonian read a statement, saying the City would have to be extremely proactive given the direction that the State of Illinois is going. He cited a report by the Illinois Municipal League stating that some 250 proposed unfunded State mandates could affect the City’s financial future, most of which could either increase municipal costs or decrease revenues, thus limiting local government control of budgets and the budgeting process. Referring to the City’s FY2015-16 budget, he cited reduced reserve balances and staffing levels along with increased union funding obligations compared to previous years, adding that 43 percent of the FY2015-06 revenue to the City will be impacted in a negative way. Saying that because the State does not allow the City to structure itself in a way that best meets its needs with regard to budgets, adjustments are needed. He called on the Council to set the policy and direction for Admin. McKittrick and City Staff to prepare for the “very choppy financial journey ahead due to the State’s fiscal irresponsibility over past decades.” He called for “out-of-the-box” thinking, offering examples such as looking into creating a fire district or police district and using outside law firms in, for example, union negotiations. Other examples included outsourced services, combining city services with other municipalities and reducing services. In conclusion, he asked for Council support to include these discussions in future fifth-Monday policy meetings and strategic planning meetings. Ald. Maladra said that any discussions must be frank and fact based, and that no one should draw conclusions before discussing the issues. Referring to Ald. Simonian’s comments on consolidation, Admin. McKittrick said that other Illinois communities have looked into it and research on the subject is available. She also encouraged Council 1319 Geneva City Council Meeting April 6, 2015 members to join her in an upcoming trip to Springfield where discussions with the governor and representatives will take place regarding the inadvisability of unfunded mandates. There being no further discussion, roll call on the motion: AYES: 10 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Seno, Simonian, Singer) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED Approve Special Event Application for Soap Box Derby June 20, 2015 Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Special Event Application for Gardenology Event May 16, 2015 Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Special Event Application for Geneva Art Guild Festival May 29-30, 2015 Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Temporary Use Permit for Outdoor Food Cart at 7-Eleven Store Located at 621 W. State Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Temporary Use Permit for Outdoor Food Cart at Josef’s Deli at 716 W. State Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2015-22 Executing a One-Year Contract with Option to Renew with City Wide Building Maintenance Inc. in the Amount of $86,825.76 Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2015-23 Authorizing Publication of Updated Zoning Map Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2015-24 Authorizing Execution of an Easement Agreement for Electric Utility at 2535 Soderquist Ct. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2015-25 Authorizing Execution of an Easement Agreement for Electric Utility at 2570/2600 Kaneville Ct. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED 1320 Geneva City Council Meeting April 6, 2015 Approve Certificate of Acceptance for Peacock Engineering Facility Expansion – Duke Realty Limited Partnership Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2015-26 Authorizing Execution of Professional Services Agreement with Baxter & Woodman in the Amount of $23,250.00 for 4th Street Parking Lot Engineering Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2015-27 Authorizing Execution of Contract Modifications 11 and 12 for Walsh Construction Company Totaling $7,628.00 for an Overall Contract Amount of $4,618,645.00 Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2015-28 Authorizing Payment to Union Pacific Railroad Company in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $20,315.64 for Flagging Operations Associated with Third Street Commuter Deck Expansion Project Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED NEW BUSINESS Attention Called to Loiterers at the Metra Station Frank Bochte, 1918 Williamsburg Ave., called attention to two individuals, apparently homeless, loitering at the Metra station. He said the individuals at times become confrontational with the commuters. He said that he has contacted the police, who are aware of the situation. He also has brought the situation to the attention of the ticket agent on duty, who he says showed little interest in the situation. He would like to see the two individuals receive help before an incident occurs. Admin. McKittrick said she spoke today with Shodeen Management and Metra representatives about the situation. She also sent emails to the Union Pacific Railroad, Shodeen and Metra requesting permission in writing to allow the Police Dept. to vacate the individuals at the request of the property owners. She said that Shodeen owns the station building except the ticketing area, which is owned by Metra. The agent is an employee of the Union Pacific. In the meantime, she said that the City will reach out to the individuals, offering assistance through the advocacy program. Mr. Bochte suggested having the ticketing area locked when the agent is not on duty. Appeal by Police Sgt. Baker Regarding Community Service Officer Position Tim Baker, Police Dept. sergeant, explained that he is a 30-year employee of the Police Dept. and has applied for the position of community service officer. When he inquired about the position, he said he was told that he would not be considered for the position because it would be unethical due to possibly collecting two pensions. He explained the circumstances of his inquiry and with whom he met to discuss it. He also distributed a proposal detailing his discussions with city officials, along with his calculated cost savings to the City in salary and benefits should he be appointed community service officer. He said he was appealing to the City Council because he knows he is the best fit for this position. 1321 Geneva City Council Meeting April 6, 2015 Mayor Burns said that it was his opinion that the Council not engage in conversation with Sgt. Baker regarding this matter in that this is an administrative decision and not within the purview of the Council. Request to Reconsider Demolition of Sixth Street School Kathy Klees, 528 Franklin St., felt that the Council should reconsider the decision to authorize demolition of the Sixth Street School. She said that the Council ignored the input of the Historic Preservation Commission and SPAC when it approved the demolition of the school. In an effort to reopen the debate, she called for one of the Council members who voted to overturn the decision of the HPC to now make a motion to reconsider the action of March 23, 2015. She also called on Geneva citizens to contact the mayor and their aldermen on this matter. Support for Sgt. Baker Tim O’Neil, 2017 Regency Ct., spoke in favor of Sgt. Tim Baker being considered for community service officer. He recounted his own background as a lawyer involved in government affairs. He spoke of Sgt. Baker’s commitment. Citing the city personnel policy, he said that he found Sgt. Baker’s denial problematic. Reminder to Vote, Call for Planting Volunteers Ald. Flanagan reminded everyone to vote tomorrow. She also invited those interested to come out Saturday morning to assist with the spring plantings. Volunteers should meet at the Post Office at 8:00 a.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Simonian to adjourn the Geneva City Council meeting. Carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m. ________________________ Lynn P. Landberg, City Clerk 1322