The Eureka City Council convened in regular session at the City Building on December 1, 2008, 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 Meares, Hinthorne, Prather, Waters, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, and Hinnen. Also in attendance were Lynn Hinnen, Treasurer; Marilyn Walter, City Clerk; Jim Lehman, Director of Public Works; Chief Al Misener; and Anne Sandvik, City Administrator.

Moved by Hinnen, second by Meares, to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2008, regular meeting of the City Council. Passed on roll call vote with Hinnen, Meares, Hinthorne, Prather, Waters, V. Punke, Kupfer, and Zeltwanger 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 for expenses of the City’s obligation in the amount of $223,414.70. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, V. Punke, Meares, Hinthorne, Prather, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, and Hinnen all voting Aye.

Moved by V. Punke, second by Hinthorne, to approve Ordinance 08-17 as recommended by the Public Safety and Administration Committee. This is an ordinance increasing the redemption of animals running at large by their owners from $25 to $50. Passed on roll call vote with V. Punke, Hinthorne, Meares, Prather, Waters, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, and Hinnen all voting Aye.

Moved by V. Punke, second by Hinnen, to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with Woodford County for animal control services at a rate of $50 per dog picked up at the request of the police department by the County animal control officer. This is recommended by the Public Safety Committee. Mayor Punke sent a letter to the County concerning the unfairness of this $50 fee for municipalities and not a fee for County residents. We need to know where the $52,000 collected for dog registration is spent. Mayor Punke is going to continue his pursuit against this fee. Discussion was held. Passed on roll call vote with V. Punke, Hinnen, Meares, Hinthorne, Prather, Waters, Kupfer, and Zeltwanger all voting Aye.

Moved by V. Punke, second by Meares, to approve Ordinance 08-18 as recommended by the Public Safety Committee. This is an ordinance establishing the seizure and impounding of vehicles by the City. Discussion was held concerning whether the owner or driver (if not the same person) is responsible for the fine. Passed on roll call vote with V. Punke, Meares, Hinthorne, Prather, Waters, Zeltwanger, and Hinnen all voting Aye. Kupfer voted Nay.

Moved by Meares, second by Hinnen, to consider the Tourism Private Sector Grant with the State of Illinois to be used for the Sesquicentennial event in the amount of $15,000. This money will be used for advertising costs. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, Hinnen, Hinthorne, Prather, Waters, V. Punke, Kupfer, and Zeltwanger all voting Aye.

Committee Reports:

Chairman Waters of the Budget Committee:  A budget schedule will be handed out at the next Council meeting.

Chairman Meares of the Administration and Personnel Committee:  This committee will be meeting with the Budget committee on December 3 at 6:00 p.m. and a second meeting is scheduled for December 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Chairman Hinnen of the Enterprise Committee:  No report.

Chairman Waters of the Maintenance Committee: The leaf pickup has ended and snow removal began early Sunday and today.

Chairman V. Punke of the Public Safety Committee: Chief reported that 27 snow route tickets were written Sunday and Monday.

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: This committee will meet on December 10 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss a catering license for Eureka College.

Chairperson Hinthorne of the Communications Committee:  The November 10 fund raiser at Pizza Hut raised a total of $120. That figure plus the $77 for raffle and shirts brought the total to $197. Tickets for the Power Ball were given to Council members. Hinthorne is the sole fund raiser for the Sesquicentennial at this time.

New Business: None

Public Comments or Questions: None

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

____________________________

Marilyn Walter

City Clerk