The Eureka City Council convened in regular session at the City Building on September 5, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Punke called the meeting to order and led The Pledge of Allegiance and then directed the City Clerk to call the roll. Present were Aldermen Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, Eckert, Chambliss, Meares, and Hangartner. Alderman Waters was absent. Also in attendance were Lynn Hinnen, Treasurer; Marilyn Walter, City Clerk; and Anne Sandvik, Acting City Administrator.
Moved by Hinnen, second by Eckert, to approve the minutes of the August 21, 2006, meeting of the City Council. Passed on roll call vote with Hinnen, Eckert, Weidner, V. Punke, Chambliss, Meares, and Hangartner all voting Aye.
The Mayor asked for public comments on any action to be taken on Agenda Items. There were none.
Moved by Weidner, second by V. Punke, to approve and pay the bills as the City’s obligation in the amount of $38,396.33. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, V. Punke, Hinnen, Eckert, Chambliss, Meares, and Hangartner all voting Aye.
Moved by Chambliss, second by Hinnen, to consider the recommendation from the Maintenance Committee to approve the Route 24 turn lane bid from Cullinan for the Motor Fuel Tax portion of the project for $113,586.38 and the non- Motor Fuel Tax section for $171,658.96. The engineer’s estimate was $86,642.50 for the MFT portion and $156,461.90 for the non-MFT work. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, Eckert, Chambliss, Meares, and Hangartner all voting Aye. We are required by the State to approved the whole amount though the City is only responsible for $100,000 and the owners of West Side Business Park are responsible for the remainder of the amount.
Moved by Chambliss, second by V. Punke, to consider the recommendation from the Maintenance Committee to approve the quote from Mangold Ford for a 2007 Ford F350 Super Duty Chassis Cab for $19,215. This is with a trade-in of the 1995 one-ton truck. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, Eckert, Chambliss, Meares, and Hangartner all voting Aye. There will be another bid coming in for the bed for the truck and the snow plow.
Moved by Hinnen, second by Hangartner, to consider the recommendation from the Economic Development Committee to approve the new banner design to be used with the advertising campaign. The photo on the banner was done by Peg Toliver, local artist. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, Eckert, Chambliss, Meares, and Hangartner all voting Aye.
Moved by Hinnen, second by Meares to consider the recommendation from the Economic Development Committee to approve the expenditure of up to $1,000 for a join advertising campaign with Eureka College to be placed in the Peoria Area Visitor guide book. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, Eckert, Chambliss, Meares, and Hangartner all voting Aye.
Moved by Eckert, second by Meares, to consider the recommendation from the Park Committee to allow the use of the open area on the North side of the walking bridge at the Lower Lake Park by the Junior Football League (JFL) for practice games this year under the conditions set in the letter dated August 17, 2006 to Sherman Brewer representing the JFL and Jerrold Moxley representing the EYRA. (See attached) This will be reviewed during the winter with all parties so there will be plenty of time before next year’s season to establish policies and locations for practice and games. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, Eckert, Chambliss, Meares, and Hangartner all voting Aye.
Moved by Eckert, second by Meares, to consider the recommendation from the Park Committee to support the formation of a committee comprised of representatives of JFL, EYRA, and citizens from Eureka, Congerville, and Goodfield to investigate and take action toward the establishment of an area Park District. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, Eckert, Chambliss, Meares, and Hangartner all voting Aye. Scott has numerous names of people who are interested in serving on this committee. He will appoint the committee soon.
Moved by Weidner, second by Hinnen, to approve the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) Administrative Agreement with the Economic Development Council (EDC) to administer the CDAP Grant of $246,820 for water system improvements. The fee to administer the CDAP Grant is $14,820. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, Eckert, Chambliss, Meares, and Hangartner all voting Aye.
Moved by Meares, second by V. Punke, to consider a pay increase for newly elected aldermen and newly elected officials in April 2007. This proposal by the Mayor was discussed. The last pay increase was in 2001. Mayor Punke recommends a raise of $500. Aldermen and City Clerk would receive $2,000 per year; Mayor, $3,000; Treasurer, $2,500. The raise would take affect May, 2007. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, Meares, and Hangartner voting Aye. Eckert and Chambliss voted No. Waters was absent.
Committee Reports:
Chairman Meares of the Administration & Personnel Committee: The next meeting will be September 14 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue.
Chairman Chambliss of the Maintenance Committee: The fine for grass clippings being blown into the street and plugging up the storm sewer is $50. Wood products are still being taken to the brush pile which is for yard waste only.
Chairman Mayor Punke of the Liquor Committee: A public hearing was held on August 29. A compliance check was done at Hucks and Caseys. Hucks didn’t pass. The maximum fine of $1,000 was imposed. Mayor Punke summarized the issue. The Liquor Commission wants to send the message that selling alcohol products to minors will not be tolerated in Eureka.
Chairman Meares of the Communication Committee: The next meeting will be September 11 at 6:30 p.m.
New Business:
None
Public Comments:
Robin Ritchey who lives on South Hilldale expressed concern about vehicles being able to go to the north side of the Lower Lake Park with JFL. She feels that people outside of JFL may feel they should also be able to drive down there. Scott thanked her for presenting this concern.
Mayor Punke read a letter from the Eureka Business Association written by Donna Sweeney, coordinator of Reagan Fest. This year’s event scheduled for August 26 had to be canceled due to rainy weather. She thanked the City for the monetary donation and for the use of their personnel, equipment, and advertisements.
There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marilyn Walter
City Clerk
