MECHANICAL COMMITTEE
OF CANTON CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
Historic Depot 50 N. 4th Avenue
Those in attendance: Aldermen Rick Reed, Eric Schenck, Craig West, Larry Sarff, Jorge Rivero, Gerald Ellis, Jim Hartford, Dave Pickel. Others in attendance: Mayor Kevin Meade, Deputy City Clerk Diana Tucker, City Treasurer Aaron Anderson, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, City Administrator Jim Snider, Police Chief Dan Taylor, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, WTP Super. Greg Pollitt, WWTP Super. Joe Carruthers, Keith Plavec, ESDA Director Phil Fleming, Joe Ginger Video Service. In the audience from the Daily Ledger John Froehling, and Fulton County Democrat Stacey Creasy, and Journal Star Kevin Sampier. Also in the audience: Rick Berry, Roman Salazar, Ron and Brenda Dilts, Pamela Ihnes.
Mayor Meade called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Public Safety & Traffic
Alderman Jim Hartford, Chairman
Police Report
Chief’s Comments:
· 911 For Kids Program- Tele-communicators talking to kids at area schools about using 911, and their job as a dispatcher. Chief Taylor is proud of the job they are doing in the community with this program.
· Canton High School Lockdown (Arrest made for Filing False Report)
Fire Report
During the month of February there were no reported structure or vehicle fires. Fire personnel responded to one dryer fire which caused an estimated $500.00 in damage, one cooking fire and a fire caused by plastic catching fire in the oven of a stove. Fire alarms remained the same while EMS alarms increased by 8.5% when compared to our responses in February 2009. The overall number of calls increased 6.6% when compared to last year. There were 10 simultaneous alarms during the month of February. An analysis of the NFPA 1710 Response Time Compliance Report shows that 114 (78.1%) of our alarms required compliance. As you recall, NFPA 1710 requires that we arrive at the scene of an emergency alarm within five (5) minutes of being dispatched 90% of the time. Of the 114 responses requiring compliance, we were in compliance on 86 or 75.4% the alarms. 32 (21.9%) of the alarms did not require compliance. These are generally service calls or calls that are later determined compliance was not required. Such instances would be an EMS alarm that only required lifting assistance. The following is a summary report of the calls for the month.
CHIEF’S NOTES:
Work on the Fire Department fiscal year budget is in progress. There has been an evaluation of the departments needs to maintain equipment and services.
Inspector Dan Neptun and I attended the February 9, 2010 Downtown Community Forum which was held at Crawford’s Home Furnishing. Business people from the community voiced their opinions regarding setting priories for the downtown. The Forum recognized stricter code enforcement for the downtown as a high priority.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal small equipment grant was submitted. The request was for $6660 for three sets of turn out gear. The grant deadline was February 20th.
The computer at the day desk was run through an in-depth test and they could not find any hardware issues. It is believed this may be a mother board problem. The computer which contains the Firehouse software for submitting all the incident reports through the National Fire Incident Reporting system and the software for submitting medical reports to St. Francis was replaced because the cost of the mother board could not be justified.
The 2009 annual report was presented to the mechanical committee on February 23rd along with the January monthly report.
The Fire Inspector and I attended meetings February 17th and 25th about code enforcement issues and complaints by citizens regarding the conditions of property in the central business district.
Lastly, I am in the process of paving the way to my upcoming retirement effective May 1, 2010. I have spoke to Mayor Kevin Meade and City Attorney Chrissie Peterson about details. One of my concerns is the SAFER grant has a clause in it about maintaining current staffing levels through the five year grant period.
The Public Safety & Traffic Committee adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Streets & Garbage
Alderman Gerald Ellis filling in for Chairman Craig West
OVERNIGHT PARKING
Chrissie Peterson reported that the first reading of the overnight parking ordinance took place last week. The second reading will take place in two weeks at the Council meeting.
MATT COULTER-PEORIA DISPOSAL CO
Joe Roberts- marketing manager with Peoria Disposal Co addressed the committee in place of Matt Coulter. Peoria Disposal Company has been in business for over 80 years, and is currently ranked the 32nd largest garbage company in the United States. Peoria Disposal service created a proposal for a “Curbside Single Stream” recycling service for The City of Canton. Two separate recycling containers are currently being used. One container is a 95 gallon roll out cart, and the other container is a 65 gallon role out cart
The 95 gallon roll out cart is a 1 time per month service at the cost of $4.33 per month/per home.
The 65 gallon roll out cart is an every other week service at the cost of $5.27 per month/per home.
Peoria currently uses a fully automated truck that has an arm attached to the truck. The arm is used to attach to the recycling bins and empty the contents into the garbage trucks. This reduces the physical demand on employees.
Joe indicated that since they are not being utilized for the garbage pickup the rates for the recycling program are higher than a municipality that utilizes their services for garbage pickup.
Alderman Eric Schenck asked if the rates are based on minimum number of households. Joe Roberts explained that the rates are based on every household. If every household does not utilize the service the city will still pay the rates based on every household. Peoria Disposal Company indicated that providing rates that would not be 100% participation could be prepared for the city, however the cost would be higher due to the fact that Peoria Disposal would have to travel to Canton for the services, and take the recycling material back to Mapleton. The material is loaded on a truck in Mapleton and transported to Chicago. The transportation is one of the reasons for the higher rates.
Joe will prepare a subscription price based upon usage and bring back to Clif for review.
Roman Salzar from Monmouth Illinois reported that he currently owns an excavation company. Roman stated that his price will be much lower than a major company. Roman stated that he would provide a weekly pickup service to the city. The pickup would be coordinated with the regular garbage pickup days. The cost will be $2.00 per household. If the city would prefer a subscription for actual households using the service, he could provide a quote for the city.
Roman explained that each house participating would receive a 13 gallon container for recycling material. Roman would then store the material and broker the material to recycling companies.
The subscription service could be contracted through the city or billed individually to the residents. The price will be higher if the entire community does not use the service. Currently Roman does not have any other communities using his service.
Alderman Schenck asked what type of equipment is used for the service. Roman explained that he uses a pickup truck with a flat bed trailer.
Clif O’Brien asked Roman to give him a proposal on the recycling program, a list of references and insurance information.
NOISE ORDINANCE
Chief Dan Taylor reported that the city currently has a noise ordinance for the city. Alderman Gerald Ellis said he received complaints about boom boxes and motorcycle mufflers. Chief Dan Taylor explained that the public needs to understand that anytime a resident is upset about noises they need to contact the police department. The police will typically give a warning for the first offense, and if they are called back a second time a citation will be issued. Chief Dan Taylor visited with the State’s Attorney about motorcycle noises. The State’s Attorney would not be interested in prosecuting against loud motorcycle noises. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson stated that if a muffler is on the vehicle they will not issue a ticket, however if there is not a muffler on the motorcycle, a ticket would be issued. Attorney Chrissie Peterson further explained that if any attempt was made to muffle the noise, it would probably fall under the exception.
ALLEY REPAIRS
Public Works Director Clif O’Brien reported that the alley repairs are currently 75% complete.
The Streets & Garbage Committee adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Lake, Buildings & Grounds
Alderman Rick Reed, Chairman
CAMPGROUND OPERATIONS AND FEES
Alderman Rick Reed discussed the current rate structure for the campground fees and proposed reducing the non-resident rate. Reducing the non-resident rate could help bring some of the out of town campers back to our community. Alderman Rick Reed further explained that he does not feel enough improvements have taken place at the campground to justify a higher rate structure. Rick proposed a $2.00 across the board rate difference between local and non-local campers. Last year the campground lost a 43% in revenue due to rate increases at the campground.
Alderman Reed explained that this year they will be looking at improving the electricity, leveling the camping sites and improvements to the shower facility.
Alderman Reed proposed the following rates:
Non resident’s $10.00/night for tent camping without electricity
$11.00/night for tent camping with electricity
$12.00.night for campers using electricity
Resident $8.00/night for tent camping without electricity
$9.00/night for tent camping with electricity
$10.00/night for campers using electricity
Alderman Reed explained that campers would be willing to pay higher rates if improvements were made, however at this time the campground has not received any improvements to justify higher rates.
Alderman Schenck explained that the non-resident rates are very comparable to state campgrounds and Fulton County campgrounds; however the state campgrounds are setup more for camping. Alderman Schenck further explained that he is concerned about providing rates so low that it creates low-income housing or a place for people to park their campers for the entire summer for a small amount of money.
Alderman Reed stated that “we are stuck between a rock and a hard place”. If we do not charge enough we can’t upgrade the facilities. It makes it very obvious that loosing 45% of the revenue makes it difficult to do the much needed upgrades.
Alderman Reed would not be opposed to an increase of $2, $4 and $6. This would bring the rates to $10.00, $13.00 and $16.00; however he would still like to see improvements before raising the rates. A tremendous amount of work needs to be done to bring it up to state facilities level.
Alderman Ellis suggested considering a non-resident rate being 1.5 times higher than resident rates instead of double.
Alderman Reed reported that the cost for leveling the lots and upgrading the electricity is currently budgeted; however they do not have any estimates for the actual cost. Mayor Meade said that we need to get estimates so we can move forward.
Motion and second was made by Alderman Reed/Hartford to send to Council to ask for the rate increase he proposed at 1.5 times for non-residents and get some estimates for electrical upgrades and leveling. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous.
IDNR GRANT APPLICATION FOR SOUTH BOAT RAMP PROJECT
Alderman Rick Reed looked at the boat access area development program that is available. The grant assistant applications are to be received between July 1st and September 1st. The grant awards would be announced next spring. This would be an excellent opportunity to receive some grant money to be able to rework the boat ramps.
Alderman Eric Schneck reported that currently in the capital budget there is 150 million dollars to help municipalities with recreational development projects. Alderman Schenck indicated that this would be allocated at 50 million dollars per year over the next three years.
ORDINANCE TO ALLOW PUBLIC ACCESS TO CITY PROPERTY AT CANTON LAKE FOR MUSHROOM PICKING
Alderman Eric Schenck discussed the current ordinance relating to rules on recreational uses at the Canton Lake and surrounding property. Alderman Schenck stated that using some of the property at the Canton Lake for mushroom picking could be an asset for the community. Attorney Chrissie Peterson expressed concerns about identifying which property would be used for this purpose. Careful consideration would need to be taken when determining what areas would be opened to the public. The City currently has wastewater operations at the lake, and would not want the public allowed into these areas.
WWTP Joe Carruthers expressed concerns with enforcing the areas at the lake. Alderman Schenck said he is trying to figure out why we can’t open up some of the land to our citizens so they can have reasonable access to the lake for mushroom picking.
Attorney Chrissie Peterson stated she feels opening the lake up to the citizens especially this late in the season being an extremely complicated process from both insurance and a legal stand point.
Alderman Eric Schenck stated that his main concern is that the city does not want to change the way things have been done in the past, and this becomes very frustrating to him. Eric asked if the city currently has anything that indicates where people can have access or where they do not have access. This could be with maps, signs etc.