The Eureka City Council convened in regular session at the City Building on October 1, 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 V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Meares, Hinthorne, Prather, and Waters. Alderman Hinnen was absent. Also in attendance were  Marilyn Walter, City Clerk; Anne Sandvik, City Administrator; Jim Lehman, Public Works Director; and Chief Al Misener.

 

Moved by Meares, second by Kupfer, to approve the minutes of the September 17, 2007, regular meeting of the City Council. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, Kupfer, V. Punke, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Hinthorne, Prather, and Waters all voting Aye.

 

The Mayor asked for public comments on any action to be taken on Agenda items. There were none.

 

Moved by Waters, second by V. Punke, to approve and pay the bills as the City’s obligation in the amount of $189,561.49. Meares asked that the $30,288 for the 10-cell siren be removed from the Administration line. Anne stated that this money was from the Contingency Fund which is under Administration. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinthorne, and Prather all voting Aye. Meares voted Nay.

 

Moved by V. Punke, second by Kupfer, to approve the recommendation from the Public Safety Committee to hire Larry Siegmann, as a part-time police officer to work under the Eureka College contract to replace an officer that has resigned. Passed on roll call vote with V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Meares, Hinthorne, Prather, and Waters all voting Aye.

 

The swearing in of Larry Siegmann as a part-time police officer under the Eureka College contract was conducted by Marilyn Walter, City Clerk.

 

Moved by Waters, second by Prather, to approve the recommendation from the Budget Committee to enter into a contract with Integrys Energy Services, Inc., to supply the electric power for the City of Eureka for the next 12 months. Waters explained that three companies had been researched by Anne. This company is also supplying Washington with electricity. Estimated savings is 14.8 percent for next year. The effective date will be November 1. Ameren Cilco still delivers the power. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Prather, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Meares, and Hinthorne all voting Aye.

 

Moved by Waters, second by Meares, to approve the recommendation from the Budget Committee to approve Ordinance 07-16 to abate the taxes to be levied for the 2003 Sewer Bond issue. The city is obligated to have enough money to pay those bonds. This Ordinance prevents the County from putting this on the ballot that the City isn’t paying. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Meares, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinthorne, and Prather all voting Aye.

 

Moved by Waters, second by Hinthorne, to approve the recommendation from the Budget Committee to approve Ordinance 07-17 to abate the taxes to be levied for the 2005 Water Bond issue. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Hinthorne, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Meares, and Prather all voting Aye.

 

Moved by Waters, second by Hinthorne, to approve the recommendation from the Budget Committee for the proposed Tax Levy Ordinance 07-15 levying taxes in the amount of $287,928 for the City of Eureka to be collected in 2008. This is an increase of $5,261 or a 1.9 percent over last year. The committee wanted this increase because we have added an employee and will likely hire a Park Director. This will not be an increase for the taxpayer since we have enough new construction to cover the increase. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Hinthorne, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Meares, Prather, and all voting Aye.

 

Moved by Meares, second by Prather, to move into Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (5) for the purpose of discussing the purchase or lease of real property for use of the public body. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, Prather, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinthorne, and Waters all voting Aye.

 

Moved by Hinthorne, second by Meares. to return to the regular session of Eureka City Council. Passed on roll call vote with Hinthorne, Meares, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Prather, and Waters all voting Aye. All Council members were present with the exception of Hinnen.

 

During the Executive Session, purchase of property was discussed. No decisions will be made at this time.

 

Committee Reports:

Chairman Waters of the Budget Committee: No report

 

Chairman Meares of the Administration and Personnel Committee: No report

 

Chairman Hinnen of the Enterprise Committee: No report

 

Chairman Waters of the Maintenance Committee: The next meeting will be Wednesday, Oct 10, 6:30 p.m. This will be a general discussion meeting to bring everyone up to date.

 

Chairman V. Punke of the Public Safety Committee: No report

 

Chairman Hinnen of the Park and Recreation Committee: No report

 

Chairman Kupfer of the Economic Development Committee: Opening page with festivals in 2008 on the web page is very nice.

 

Chairman Mayor Punke of the Liquor Committee:  No report

 

Chair Hinthorne of the Communications Committee: Our info that we asked to be on Channel 13 has not been aired. She will be picking up the pamphlet rack at Cornerstone this week.

 

New Business: Meares asked if the Council would be interested in meeting with the students in the new leadership degree program at Eureka College. They are working on a Main Street program. Anne is aware of the program in Galesburg. Discussion was held. Meares was asked to pursue a gathering of these students with the Council.

 

Public Comments: None

 

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

____________________________

Marilyn Walter, City Clerk