City of Dixon City Council met Oct. 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by the City Clerk at 5:29pm.
ROLL CALL
Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, and Venier answered Roll Call. The Pledge of Allegiance was cited.
ELECTION OF TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN DUE TO ABSENCE OF MAYOR
Councilman Oros moved, pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/3.1-35-35(b) to elect Ryan Marshall as Temporary Chairman to act as presiding officer for purposes of the City Council Meeting held on this date. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, and Venier. Motion Carried.
ELECTONIC PARTICIPATION IN THE MEETING FOR MAYOR ARELLANO
Councilman Venier moved, pursuant to the provisions of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, to allow for Mayor Arellano to participate electronically in the meeting as necessitated by his out- of-town military service for our country. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, and Venier. Motion Carried. Mayor Arellano attended by phone.
GOVERNMENT DAY
Councilman Marshall spoke about Government Day, and the agenda will be re-arranged to help the students understand the procedures of a Council Meeting.
The students that participated are: Acting Councilman – Emily Weigle, Sam Zimmerman, Laurel Chavera, and Logan Devine. Acting Mayor – Andrew Scheffler. Acting City Manager – Jess Johns. Acting City Clerk – Jordyn Crawford.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Acting Councilman Chavera, on behalf of Councilman Oros, moved that the minutes of the Regular Session Council Meeting of Monday, September 16, 2019; be accepted and placed on file. Seconded by Acting Councilman Weigle, on behalf of Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Acting Councilman Weigle (Considine), Zimmerman (Marshall), Chavera (Oros), Devine (Venier), Acting Mayor Scheffler (Arellano), and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
APPROVAL OF TOTAL LABOR AND OUTSIDE CLAIMS
Acting Councilman Weigle, on behalf of Councilman Considine, moved that the total labor and outside claims in the amount of $670,217.15 be approved and ordered paid. Seconded by Acting Councilman Devine, on behalf of Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Acting Councilman Weigle (Considine), Zimmerman (Marshall), Chavera (Oros), Devine (Venier), Acting Mayor Scheffler (Arellano), and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
None
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Acting City Manager Johns spoke about her experience participating in government day. City Manager Langloss spoke about the student’s involvement in government day. The video “This Is Dixon” which was put together by our summer intern was shown, and he spoke about Dixon as a destination and the video. The Health Insurance Committee will be meeting again, our renewal rates from BlueCross BlueShield have come back significantly lower, as a 3% increase. The City budgets a 7% increase. The EPA has made great progress on the DIMCO site that the City now owns. They have spent about $4 million on the project cleanup. Work will continue as weather permits, then they will come back in the spring to finish. ITEP Grant – to connect the project with the bike path plans, hope to start that project by the end of next year. Employee Handbook will be brought for a vote next meeting as well as placing the Fire Union Agreement on file. When speaking with the students at government day he asked them what are great things about Dixon and what does Dixon need? The students overwhelmingly stated that Dixon needed a sports complex, a pool, and more things to do.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Arellano – Viaduct Point – would like to engage the community regarding future expansion of the bike path on where it could be, so we can apply for more grants. He is still in New Mexico for a couple days, but will be sent oversees soon.
Acting Mayor Scheffler – Spoke about his day and the thing he liked most was the WasteWater Plant, learning how much water that is actually treated through there.
Councilman Considine – Big thank you to the City Employees and everyone who was involved with the Petunias, they looked great this year.
Acting Councilman Weigle – None
Acting Councilman Zimmerman – Introduced himself and his favorite part of the day: all of it. Councilman Oros – Excited to see so much participation in government day.
Acting Councilman Chavera – Introduced herself.
Councilman Venier – Thanked everyone who got involved with government day. Congratulated all of the participants for showing leadership skills. Spoke about the Dixon Historic Theatre and their journey over the last few months. Presenting “The Machine – Does Pink Floyd” on October 16th. He introduced Logan Devine. We all can be citizens of purpose and add quality to our community.
Acting Councilman Devine – Introduced himself. The part of the day he liked was the pizza, and the Waste Management. He wants to go into Nuclear Science.
Councilman Marshall – Read the Proclamation for October 2019 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
City Mananger Langloss thanked Mr. Ferguson for putting the Government day together.
BOARD & COMMISSIONS REPORTS
Reports on file: Veteran’s Memorial Park Commission Minutes and Airport Board Minutes.
ORD# 3166 – AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY VETERANS’ MEMORIAL PARK’S 1989 JEEP
Acting Councilman Devine, on behalf of Councilman Venier moved to approve the sale of the Veterans’ Memorial Commission’s 1989 Jeep. Seconded by Acting Councilman Weigle, on behalf of Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Acting Councilman Weigle (Considine), Zimmerman (Marshall), Chavera (Oros), Devine (Venier), Acting Mayor Scheffler (Arellano), and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
ORD# 3167 – AUTHORIZING A VARIANCE PURSUANT TO THE PETITION OF BRANT AND MARIA PETERSON (520 E. MORGAN STREET, DIXON)
Acting Councilman Chavera, on behalf of Councilman Oros moved to approve the petition for variance for 520 E Morgan Street. Seconded by Acting Councilman Devine, on behalf of Councilman Venier. Discussion ensued with Building Official Shipman. Voting Yea: Acting Councilman Weigle (Considine), Zimmerman (Marshall), Chavera (Oros), Devine (Venier), Acting Mayor Scheffler (Arellano), and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
ORD# 3168 – AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF DIXON (2003 INTERNATIONAL DUMP TRUCK)
Acting Councilman Weigle, on behalf of Councilman Considine moved to approve the disposal ordinance for the 2003 International Dump Truck. Seconded by Acting Councilman Devine, on behalf of Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Acting Councilman Weigle (Considine), Zimmerman (Marshall), Chavera (Oros), Devine (Venier), Acting Mayor Scheffler (Arellano), and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
BREAK FOR PICTURES AND RELEASE OF THE ACTING COUNCIL MEMBERS
VISITOR/PUBLIC COMMENT
Margaret Brechon addressed the Council regarding the pros and cons of marijuana. She spoke about her research on marijuana, books, articles, etc. and the authors backgrounds. How marijuana affects teens. More education needs to be brought to the schools on marijuana. City Manager Langloss let Mrs. Brechon know that the Police Department is partnering with the Safe Passage Initiative working with several organizations to have speakers address the subject with students.
ORD# 3169 – AMENDING TITLE 3 OF THE DIXON CITY CODE BY ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 23 WITH RESPECT TO HERITAGE CROSSING
City Manager Langloss spoke to the Council regarding the ordinance. Discussion ensued. Opposition to the closing hours; the motion will be adjusted. Councilman Oros moved to approve the ordinance Amending Title 3 of the Dixon City Code by Enacting a new Chapter 23 with Respect to Heritage Crossing, with the provision removed of the closing of the Heritage Crossing of 30 minutes after sunset until dawn. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
RES# 2695-19 – AMENDING 2019-2020 BUDGET DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS
Finance Director Fredericks explained the request to the Council and discussion ensued. Councilman Considine moved to approve the budget resolution with respect to Dues and Subscriptions. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
RES# 2696-19 – AMENDING 2019-2020 BUDGET TREE REMOVAL
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Heckman explained the request, and discussion ensued. Councilman Venier moved to approve the resolution amending the 2019-2020 budget with respect to the Street Department Contractual and Small Equipment Capitol line items. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
RES# 2697-19 – APPOINTMENT OF BOARD MEMBERS TO THE VETERANS’ MEMORIAL PARK COMMITTEE
Mayor Arellano spoke about the appointments and conversations with them. Councilman Oros moved that a Resolution confirming the appointment of Scott Brinkmeier and Michael K. Jordan to the Veterans’ Memorial Commission for a term commencing October 7, 2019 and ending September 30, 2021, or until their successor is duly appointed and qualified, be adopted. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF DIXON UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #170 AND THE CITY OF DIXON
PROVIDING FOR ACCESS TO SCHOOL VIDEO SYSTEM.
City Manager Langloss explained the agreement and discussion ensued. Councilman Venier moved to approve the agreement between the Board of Education of Dixon Unit School District #170 and the City of Dixon, providing for access to school video system. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A SOFTWARE AND SERVER UPGRADE
IT Manager Philhower spoke to the Council regarding the request, and discussion ensued. Councilman Oros moved to approve the purchase of the Window Server 2019, Dell PowerEdge T640 and Dell DPA4400 Backup Appliance. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
APPOINTMENT OF PAUL WHITCOMBE AS THE MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE
Mayor Arellano spoke about the appointment and discussion ensued. Note for Record: The correct name of the appointment is for the “Administrative Hearing Officer”. Councilman Considine moved to appoint Paul Whitcombe as the Administrative Hearing Officer. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
REFER PETITION FROM BAD AZZ PIZZERIA-N-GRILL TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.
Councilman Venier moved to refer the petition for a sign variance for Bad Azz Pizzeria-N-Grill, located at 1504 S Galena Ave, to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
APPROVAL OF FORMAL BID PROCESS WAIVER FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Councilman Venier moved to waive the bidding process for the purchase of two (2) Sludge Return Pumps. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Heckman explained the request, and discussion ensued regarding the waiving of bids and the purchasing of the sludge pumps. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) RETURN SLUDGE PUMPS
Councilman Oros moved to approve the purchase of two (2) Return Sludge Pumps. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
WORK SESSION Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
City Attorney LeSage presented two draft ordinances regarding the regulations and tax act. He spoke about licensing, local regulations, police regulations, zoning rules, and state law. The majority of the Council would like to continue with creating the ordinances. The next meeting the Council will refer to the Plan Commission, which will have a Public Hearing in November, then possible vote from the Council on the first meeting in December.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilman Oros moved to go into Executive Session to discuss the employment, compensation, performance or dismissal of a specific employee pursuant to Illinois Open Meetings Act. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
RECONVENE MEETING
Councilman Venier moved that the Regular Council Meeting of Monday, October 7, 2019 reconvene into Open Session. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
DISCUSSION
Discussion ensued regarding if it would be more beneficial to share more information with the Council regarding employees. Certain items should be shared, but it is the City Manager’s responsibility to manage the employees.
ADJOURMENT
Councilman Considine moved that the Regular Council Meeting of Monday, October 7, 2019 be adjourned to meet in Regular Session on Monday, October 21, 2019, at 5:30pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:58pm.
https://www.dixongov.com/index.php?option=com_docman&view=download&alias=2476-10-07-19-city-council-minutes&category_slug=2019-city-council-meeting-minutes&Itemid=627
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