The Eureka City Council convened in regular session at the City Building on March 3, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Scott Punke called the meeting to order and led The Pledge of Allegiance and then directed the Deputy City Clerk to call the roll. Present were Aldermen Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Meares, Waters, V. Punke, and Kupfer. Alderman Prather and Hinthorne were absent.  Also in attendance were Lynn Hinnen, Treasurer; J.J. Davis, Deputy City Clerk; Anne Sandvik, Administrator; and Jim Lehman, Public Works Director.

Moved by Meares, second by Hinnen, to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2008 regular meeting of the City Council. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, Hinnen, Zeltwanger, Waters, V. Punke, and Kupfer 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 Meares, to approve and pay the bills as the City’s obligation in the amount of $39,731.40. Mayor Punke added that in the Economic Development section, the $1000.00 for the Sesquicentennial was not taken to committee but was discussed with the chairman because of the need for funds for the Sesquicentennial Fundraising Committee to start purchasing items to start putting fundraising projects together.  Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Meares, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, V. Punke, and Kupfer all voting Aye.

Moved by Kupfer, second by V. Punke, to approve Ordinance 08-04 Vacating a City Street. The Ordinance authorizes the filing of the vacation plat for a portion of Eureka Avenue from Major Street one- half block east approximately 159 feet to the alley and 66 feet wide. Passed on roll call vote with Kupfer, V. Punke, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Meares, and Waters, all voting Aye.

Moved by Meares, second by Hinnen, to approve the recommendation from the Administration Committee for an increase in the Mayors compensation from $3,000 after the Consolidated Election in 2009 to $5,000 and the City Clerk’s annual compensation from $2,500 after the Consolidated Election in 2009 to $4500.  Waters brought up concern about the increase. He feels that the positions are public service positions and nobody runs thinking they are going to make money.   Mayor Punke brought up that the hours the Mayor and the City Clerk put in over the year for meetings, workshops and office work supercedes the amount they are paid and to get individuals that are willing to run for the offices they need to make it more appealing. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, Hinnen, Zeltwanger, V. Punke, and Kupfer all voting Aye. Waters voted no.

Moved by Meares, second by Hinnen to approve the recommendation from the Administration Committee for a 2.9% increase in wages for non-contractual employees and management personnel to be effective with the passage of the FY 08-09 Budget-Ordinance 08-03 commencing May 1, 2008.  Passed on roll call vote with Meares, Hinnen, Zeltwanger, Waters, V. Punke, and Kupfer all voting Aye.

Moved by Meares, second by V. Punke to approve the recommendation from the Administration Committee to increase six part-time police officers hourly rate by fifty cents (50¢) from $13.50 to $14.00 per hour. These officers have not exceeded the maximum hourly rate on the Part-Time Wage Schedule for Non-Contractual employees. These Officers work under the Eureka College Contract and the majority of the increase will be paid from this contract.  Passed on roll call vote with Meares, V. Punke, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Waters, and Kupfer all voting Aye.

Moved by Waters, second by Hinnen to approve the recommendation from the Budget Committee for Ordinance 08-03-An Ordinance establishing the City of Eureka Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 08-09 in the amount of $3,668,357 commencing on May 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009. The City of Eureka Budget for FY 08-09 will be available for public inspection beginning March 4, 2008 from 7:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mayor Punke wanted to thank all the committees for their hard work on the budget.  It is a good budget and it is in the black like Mr. Waters wanted it.  The Committees had to cut some things from the budget that Mayor Punke would like to see in next year’s budget.    Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Hinnen, Zeltwanger, Meares, V. Punke, and Kupfer all voting Aye.

Committee Reports:

Chairman Waters of the Budget Committee:  Budget will be out for inspection March 4.  There will be a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on March 17 and the Budget will go to council for final approval at 7:30 p.m. on March 17.

Chairman Meares of the Administration and Personnel Committee: No Report

Chairman Hinnen of the Enterprise Committee:  Mayor Punke wanted to recognize Al Jacobsgaard in receiving the Perfect Compliance in 2007 from the State of Illinois for fluoridation.  This shows that our employees are doing a great job and keeping us in compliance both at the water plant and sewer plant. 

Chairman Waters of the Maintenance Committee: More salt as been purchased for the bad weather that is coming and the City should be in good shape. 

Chairman V. Punke of the Public Safety Committee:  Chief Misener is attending a mandatory ILEAS meeting and that is why he is not present tonight for the meeting.

Chairman Hinnen of the Park and Recreation Committee:  No Report

Chairman Kupfer of the Economic Development Committee:  No Report

Chairman Mayor Punke of the Liquor Committee:  No Report

Chair Hinthorne of the Communications Committee:  Alderman Hinthorne was absent. No Report.

New Business: None

Public Comments: None

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

___________________________

Jennifer Davis, Deputy City Clerk