The Eureka City Council convened in regular session at the City Building on March 19, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Scott 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 Chambliss, Waters, Meares, Hangartner, Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, and Eckert. Also in attendance were Lynn Hinnen, Treasurer and Marilyn Walter, City Clerk.
Moved by Hinnen, second by Meares, to approve the minutes of the March 5, 2007, regular meeting of the City Council. Passed on roll call vote with Chambliss, Waters, Meares, Hangartner, Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, and Eckert 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 $101,252.13. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, V. Punke, Chambliss, Waters, Meares, Hangartner, Hinnen, and Eckert all voting Aye.
Moved by Chambliss, second by Eckert, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented for the month ending February 28, 2007. Passed on roll call vote with Chambliss, Eckert, Waters, Meares, Hangartner, Weidner, Hinnen, and V. Punke all voting Aye.
Discussion was held on the hiring process for the City. Moved by Weidner, second by Hangartner, that all new hires require Council approval prior to advertising or interviewing for the position. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, Hangartner, Chambliss, Meares, Hinnen, V. Punke, and Eckert all voting Aye. Waters voted Nay.
Moved by Chambliss, second by Weidner, to approve the proposed Fiscal Year 07-08 Budget totaling $4,022,265. Mr. Chambliss noted where increases and decreases were made in the budget—generator, air conditioning for City Building, leaf machine, small steps in downtown beautification, one-half year salary for Park Director, increased legal fees. When the bonds are taken out, the budget is decreased from last year by 4.26 percent. Revenue is more than expenditures. Discussion was held on the possibility of a Park Director and what needs to be done yet. This possibility is just in the beginning stages of discussion but the Budget Committee wanted to have at least six months of salary available if discussions move more quickly. Passed on roll call vote with Chambliss, Weidner, Waters, Meares, Hangartner, Hinnen, V. Punke, and Eckert all voting Aye. A public Budget hearing will be held on Saturday, March 31 at 10 a.m. then the budget will be brought back to the Council.
Moved by Hinnen, second by Weidner, to approve the final plat for the 40-lot Crown Pointe Subdivision west of Eureka on Route 24 as presented by the Planning Commission, with the full knowledge that the State could require a turn lane to be constructed in the future and that the cost would be paid by the City. In addition, there was a bill submitted by Senator Dale Risinger to appropriate funds to pay for the turn lane if it is required within the next 20 years. Mr. Keith Weinstein, the engineer, explained the project, and the fact the IDOT has changed the policy on turn lanes—intended for the large city sprawl as in Chicago or Peoria—that causes a major monetary problem for small municipalities. After discussion, Scott asked Economic Development Committee Chair Hinnen to meet with Mr. Weinstein to discuss this and several options.—reduce the speed limit coming into Eureka; invite IDOT and Senators to the meeting; etc.
Hinnen amended the above motion to approve the final plat for the Crown Pointe Subdivision as presented by the Planning Commission contingent on the approval of Risinger’s bill providing that this project is in the bill. Weidner seconded the amended motion The amended motion passed on roll call vote with Hinnen, Weidner, Chambliss, Waters, Meares, Hangartner, V. Punke, and Eckert all voting Aye.
Committee Reports:
Chairman Chambliss of the Budget Committee: March 31 is the public hearing for the FY 07-08 budget.
Chairman Meares of the Administration and Personnel Committee: This committee will meet March 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Chairman Weidner of the Enterprise Committee: No report.
Chairman Chambliss of the Maintenance Committee: This committee will meet March 26 at 6 p.m.
Chairman Waters of the Public Safety Committee: This committee will be meeting March 20 at 4:30 and April 2 at 5:45.
Chairman Eckert of the Park and Recreation Committee: No report.
Chairman Hinnen of the Economic Development Committee: A committee meeting will be set up before leaving this evening.
Chairman Mayor Punke of the Liquor Committee: The Mayor related information from the Mayor of Washburn concerning action prompted by CASA (Citizens Against Substance Abuse). The Illinois State Police has a Hot Line to report Social Host Parties—866-479-2857. Local Police and/or County Police will be dispatched to the site.
Chairman Meares of the Communications Committee: No report.
New Business: Mediacom rates increased $2 effective April 2.
Public Comments: None
There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
____________________________
Marilyn Walter
City Clerk
