CITY OF MARQUETTE HEIGHTS

CITY COUNCIL OF MARQUETTE HEIGHTS

TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS

March 28, 2016

PLEDGE

The City Council meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Dearborn.

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Mayor Dearborn.

ROLL CALL

The following Aldermen were present for Roll Call: Alderman Little, Neuhaus, Bumbalough, Bradford, and Neumann.

Also present were Treasurer Babb, Clerk Worent, Police Chief Elliott, Public Works Director Ghidina, Assistant Fire Chief Bartlett, Attorney Tibbs, Office Manager Minson, and Deputy Clerk Ratliff.

Alderman Steele was absent. Engineer Good was absent.

PRESENTATION OF JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Little made a motion, seconded by Alderman Neuhaus to approve the regular minutes of March 14, 2016. Roll Call Votes: Ayes-Alderman Little, Neuhaus, Bradford, and Neumann. Alderman Bumbalough abstained. Nays – none. Motion passed.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

Mayor

No report.

Clerk

Clerk Worent noted there are only 3 days left before the wheel tax deadline.

Treasurer

February treasurer’s report is on file at the city office.

Attorney

No report.

City Engineer

Absent. No report.

Communications:

None.

CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

Colene Lickiss, 810 LaSalle Blvd. presented a $50.00 donation to the fire department. She thanked them for the perfectly organized Easter Egg hunt last week. She also asked council to consider her request to purchase two large baskets of flowers to be placed at the bench and the ball diamond area where memorial(s) for her late husband are. She has stakes and deer netting, and would keep the flowers watered. Mrs. Lickiss will bring a banner that she has ordered to show council members and suggested the city get a similar one for future ceremonies. Her children have requested a placement be done at Marquette Park similar to what was done for Mr. Lickiss at Independence Park . They would like this to be in honor, rather than in memory of her. Council will discuss this request.

Public Works Director Ghidina addressed council regarding the proposed changes to the city employees’ health, vision, and dental insurance. He feels this change will be a detriment to the morale of the employees. He asked for department heads to review their budgets and determine if additional cuts can be made as an alternative.

City employee Scott Little, voiced his concerns of reduced paychecks and morale. Police Lieutenant Jeff Hall and Police Chief Elliott also expressed their concerns of hiring and retaining capable police officers with the insurance proposal. They said it is already difficult with the current compensation that the city offers.

Men’s Club President Ryan Gardner handed out information on the Fireworks Display to be at Independence Park on Saturday, July 2nd.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Water and Sewer - Alderman Steele

In Alderman Steele’s absence, Public Works Director stated that well #4 samples are getting better. The pump is still running until two good samples are obtained. The sewer lining repair on Yates Road will begin tomorrow. The next agenda will include a payment to Hoerr Construction for the camera, laterals lining, and cleaning of line on Kaskaska. Total repair estimates are between $16,000 - $18,000. Funds will be from sewer savings.

Law Enforcement – Alderman Bradford

No report.

Streets - Alderman Bumbalough

No report.

Public Buildings/Parks – Alderman Neuhaus

The park restrooms will be officially opened Wednesday, and will need to be locked up each evening. The city office counter was installed over the weekend.

Fire – Alderman Neumann

The annual Easter Egg hunt was held last Sunday. Approximately 250 children attended.

The brackets for the AirPaks on 312 are installed, and will be in service Wednesday evening. The Adopt-A-Hydrant is going well. They are short $1,104.00 of funds needed to purchase reflectors for the entire city’s hydrants.

Finance

Alderman Little made a motion, seconded by Alderman Bradford, to approve paying the bills: General Fund: $47,064.92, Motor Fuel: $-0-, Wheel Tax: $-0-, Water: $18,794.09, Sewer: $28,794.78, Water Replace: $-0-, IMRF: $1,973.44, and Social Security: $1,955.50. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Alderman Little, Bradford, Neuhaus, Bumbalough, and Neumann. Nays - None. Motion passed.

Planning

Alderman Little and Office Manager Minson have been working together as administrators to update and enhance the city’s facebook page. Alderman Little stated Maria was doing a fabulous job of learning new methods of putting information on the page.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

1.  Approve payment to Hoerr Construction

Alderman Bumbalough made a motion, seconded by Alderman Neumann to approve a $760.00 payment to Hoerr Construction for sediment disposal (well 4 rehab). Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Alderman Bumbalough, Neumann, Neuhaus, Little, and Bradford. Nays – None. Motion passed.

2.  Approve revised Independence Park Ball Field Policy

Alderman Neuhaus made a motion, seconded by Alderman Bumbalough to approve the revised Independence Park Ball Field Policy. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Alderman Neuhaus, Bumbalough, Little, Neumann, and Bradford. Nays – None. Motion passed.

3.  Approve Advertising Agreement & Ball Park Policy for MHRA

Alderman Neuhaus made a motion, seconded by Alderman Bumbalough to approve the Advertising Agreement & Ball Park Policy for Marquette Heights Recreation Association. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Alderman Neuhaus, Bumbalough, Bradford, Little, and Neumann. Nays – None. Motion passed.

4.  Approve purchase of calcium chloride pump

Alderman Bumbalough made a motion, seconded by Alderman Neumann to approve purchase of a calcium chloride pump from Plumbers Stock, for a sum not to exceed $650.00. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Alderman Bumbalough, Neumann, Neuhaus, Bradford, and Little. Nays – None. Motion passed.

5.  Approve insurance deductible payment

Alderman Bumbalough made a motion, seconded by Alderman Bradford to approve $500.00 insurance deductible payment to Laser Electric for damaged drives at Briarwood Boost Station. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Alderman Bumbalough, Bradford, Little, Neumann, and Neuhaus. Nays – None. Motion passed.

CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS PERTAINING TO THE CITY

Alderman Bumbalough notified council that she is moving her residence from Ward 3 to Ward 1. She will resign her council position at the end of April.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Bradford made a motion, seconded by Alderman Little to adjourn the regular City Council Meeting at 7:55 p.m. Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed.

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Dana Dearborn, Mayor Rick Worent, City Clerk

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