City of Lanark City Council met Jan. 4.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER/ROLL CALL-Lanark City Council met in regular session at the Lanark City Hall at 7:00 p.m. Roll call taken by Marilyn Heller, City Clerk, showed Alderpersons present were Lance Leverton, Haley Grim, Brad Knutti, Weston Burkholder, Mark Macomber, and Lynn Collins.
Mayor Ken Viglietta was present and presiding.
Others present were: Attorney Ed Mitchell, Police Chief Matt Magill, Maintenance Manager Jason Alvarado, and City Clerk Marilyn Heller.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Alderperson Lance Leverton.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to accept the minutes of the December 7th, 2021 meeting as presented. Motion carried by 4 aye votes and 2 abstains. Aye votes: Alderpersons were Lance Leverton, Brad Knutti, Weston Burkholder, and Lynn Collins. Abstain votes: Mark Macomber and Haley Grim.
PUBLIC COMMENTS- None
DOWNTOWN LOTS PROPOSAL – The council discussed waiting on selling downtown lots due to the interested buyer, Nathan McCarthy, cancelling multiple meetings to hear his proposal. The council discussed possibly waiting until they see progress or completion on his building.
DOWNTOWN LIGHTING UPDATE – TABLED – The streets and property committee meeting for January 3rd, 2022 had been cancelled and rescheduled for January 11, 2022. Committee will present at next council meeting on January 18, 2022.
DISCUSSION ABOUT MEETING CANCELATIONS – Alderperson Lynn suggested no longer canceling meetings due to lack of agenda, sharing her concerns of the public still showing up. The council discussed and agreed that canceling for lack of agenda is not acceptable but canceling due to weather and lack of a quorum would be. It was stated that public comments are always on the agenda and the council should be here for them.
STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- NONE
REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR- Mayor Ken - Ken received a letter from the Head Corporation Council from the Illinois Publishers Association in Springfield informing Ken that the council does not have the ability to stop him from interviewing with the press about open meetings or anyone in attendance of the meetings. Attorney Ed confirmed that everyone has freedom of speech, anyone can talk to the paper. Ken also shared his concerns of retaliation in the relationship/business with Jon Whitney as he has noticed an uptick in charges for postings and products. Alderperson Lynn shared her concerns of Ken not giving an unbiased account of the meetings and that our best posture is to have the press either present at meetings or report off of the minutes. Alderson Brad shared is concerns of the paper creating controversy when there isn’t any. Chief Magill suggested Ken record his conversations with Jon for protection. Going forward Ken will be deciding if he will be taking questions from the press.
-Next meeting we will be adding review of executive sessions, so the council can decide if there was anything in this last years executive sessions that needs to be shared with the public.
- Ken shared TIF districts expiration information, it may last up to a maximum of 23 years.
-Lastly Ken brought up the new budget and discussed a new processes to determine raises that we can put into place next year. Donalee sent out an email sharing the cost of living increase for 2022 is 5.9% according to the social security administration. Council discussed Finance and Personal committees setting up dates to meet to work on budget and raises.
Maintenance Manager Jason – Jason will be meeting with Donalee to work on next year’s budget in a few weeks and asked to council to let him know of any requests for projects. Alderperson Lance said to have sidewalks on the budget. Jason also added that maintenance will be removing the snow piles next week sometime as the back hoe is down.
Police Chief Matt – informed the council that the end this coming fiscal year we are due for a new squad car. The current car is a 2018 and asked the council to consider making this car an in-kind contribution to the S.R.O. Program. Mayor Ken responded that it alone is a great idea but wanted the council to think about the school stating that they will be covering 100% of the S.R.O. Program. Adding that the school has 5 million in reserves. Alderperson Weston and Matt discussed the possible trade in value could range between 17K to 22K. To be added to next agenda for further discussion.
Attorney Ed – shared that there was a class action suit in 2015 against the state for violating the statue on FIOD card for charging over $10 in processing fees. The council needs to make a decision if the city will opt out. Ed suggested we do not opt out.
City Clerk Marilyn – read aloud thanks you notes from Kim Hunter for a gift certificate from the city, Sue Gaul for her Christmas bonus, LPL for the Christmas bonuses, Denise for the peace lily plant and support fallowing Brian’s passing, and from the VFW for the cities donations.
Alderperson Weston- asked if Denise could make it to next meeting to report on water billing. Ken responded that she should be able to make it to the next meeting.
Alderperson Haley – Sent out sponsorship letters this week and there will be Civil War reenactments coming this year. Money was raised for the Christmas tree removal.
ADJOURNMENT-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Weston Burkholder and seconded by Alderperson Lance Leverton to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried by 6 aye votes.
https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/City-Council-Minutes-01-04-2022.pdf
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