MECHANICAL COMMITTEE - Canton, Illinois



MECHANICAL COMMITTEE

MEETING

Tuesday January 23, 2007 – 6:30 p.m.

50 North 4th Avenue, Canton, IL

Aldermen in attendance: Joe Berardi, Jim Harford, Kevin Meade, Les Carl, Eric Schenck, Sonya Lewis. Absent: Aldermen Craig West, Larry Sarff.

Others present: Mayor Rodney Heinze, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City Treasurer Kathy Luker, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz, Fire Chief John Stanko, Wastewater Treatment Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water Treatment Supt. Greg Pollitt, Street Supt. George Spahn, System Maintenance Supt. Bill Terry, Maurer Stutze Inc. Keith Plavec, Video Services Joe Ginger. News media representatives Daily Ledger John Froehling, WBYS Mark Bixler, Journal Star Jenny Freeman. Also in audience Tye Reed, Candidate for Alderman in Ward One Jason Strandberg, Larry Avery, Police Officers - Rick Nichols, Dan Taylor, Keith Grant, Gerald Foreman.

Public Safety & Traffic

Alderman Eric Schenck

Police Report. Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz said he had nothing to add to his report, but would answer any questions.

Fire Report. Fire Chief John Stanko commented on the Statewide Technical Rescue Team Leadership meeting, and details of the upcoming validation exercise to be held on June 7th & 8th in Champaign.

Received reimbursement from MABAS for Technical Rescue Team Classes.

Police Goals, Objectives & Initiatives for FY08. Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz made a power point presentation of the following:

Canton Police Department Budget Proposals 2007-2008

Goals and Objectives

Quality of Life –We dedicate our efforts to reducing crime

And the fear of crime—

Concern for the youth as well as the impact of juvenile crime…

Enhancing the image of our agency…

Improving the training and development of our personnel…

Researching new and innovative ways of assisting to fund the agency..

Initiatives

Alcohol & Drug Apprehension Prevention & Training Program

Community Service Officer Program

Vehicle Replacement Program

Training Program

A.D.A.P.T. Program Background

Prior to 1992

D.A.R.E. (5th Grade)

M.E.G. (Peoria)

1992 Original Plan

“Three Part Drug Plan”

Prevention

Apprehension

Forfeiture

Expansion of D.A.R.E. Program

West Central Illinois Task Force

1997 – Revised Plan

Improved Prevention – V.E.G.A.

Eliminated in June 2004

Replaced with G.R.E.A.T.

Expanded use of K-9 Unit

2006 – Interim Chief Doster

Raised Concerns – W.C.I.T.F.

Suggested Two-prong Approach

Search Warrant Entry Team

Two-officer street level drug unit

A.D.A.P.T. Program

Overview

Previous plans did not

focus on street-level drug activity

Address Alcohol and problems

From the sale and consumption

Commercial Sources

On-premise (Bars, Taverns

Off-premise (Liquor Stores)

Social Sources

Parties

Friends, Parents, etc.

Provide an alcohol-related education or training programs

A.D.A.P.T. Program

Overview

Local Level –Wage War

Drugs and Alcohol

Lack of information

Main Components

Apprehension

Prevention

Training

A.D.A.P.T. Program

Apprehension

Street Level Drug Enforcement

Special Operations

Officer – W.C.I.T.F.

Officer – Patrol Division

Patrol Division

Suppression/Saturation Patrols

Additional Officer

Search Warrant Entry Team

K-9 Unit

A.D.A.P.T. Program

Prevention

K-9 Unit and Asset Forfeiture

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

Compliance Checks

Beer Keg Registration

Geographic Policing

Anonymous Sources

Fulton County Crime Stoppers

Canton High School Crime Stoppers

Police Department Web page

A.D.A.P.T. Program

Training

Schools-Update and Expand

D.A.R.E. Program

G.R.E.A.T. Program

P.R.I.S.M.

Retail Liquor Establishments

Implement B.A.S.S.E.T. Program

Beverage Alcohol Seller & Server

Other Community Programs

Citizen Police Academies

Senior Police Academies

Teen Police Academies

A.D.A.P.T. Program

Summary of Costs

Estimated Costs $173,936.60

Personnel $122,576.88

Equipment $ 18,227.56

Training $ 20,997.66

Other $ 12,134.50

Funding Sources $ 56,577.96

Grants $ 36,887.96

Donations $ 500.00

Other $ 19,190.00

Program Cost $117,358.64

Community Service

Officer Program

Staffing Issues

Code Enforcement/Animal Complaints

Telecommunications Workload

Community Service Officer

Law Enforcement Paraprofessional

Handles non-hazardous duties/tasks

Cross-Train to handle Code Enforcement

And Telecommunications responsibilities

Anticipated Benefits

More hours-Code Enforcement issues

Supplement staffing of Dispatch Center

Increase time available for officers to be

Proactive initiating other activity

C.S.O. Program

Summary of Costs

Estimate Costs $ 52,143.12

Personnel $ 50,643.12

Equipment $ 500.00

Training $ 1,000.00

Other $ .00

Funding Sources $ 27,051.00

Grants $ .00

Donations $ .00

Other $ 27,051.00

Canton Fire Dept $ 19,837.40

Canton Park Dist $ 7,213.60

Program Cost $ 25,092.12

Vehicle Replacement Program

Fleet Plan presented to Council in 2000

Basis for fleet management today

Recommends replacement of patrol vehicles with an

Odometer reading of 60,000-75,000 miles

Vehicle Replacement

Program

Strategy A

Current Fiscal Year Budget

Replace one ( 1) additional vehicle

4-WD Heavy Service Vehicle

FY 2007- 2008 Budget

Replace two (2) patrol vehicles

Replace Code Enforcement vehicle

Vehicle Replacement

Program

Strategy B

Current Fiscal year Budget

No additional Vehicle replacement

FY2007-2008 Budget

Replace three (3) patrol vehicles

4-WD Heave Service Vehicle

Two police package sedans

Replace Code Enforcement vehicle

Vehicle Program

Summary of Costs

Strategy A

Replace three (3) vehicles $59,000

2 – 2007 Police Package Sedans $40,000

1 – 2007 Ford Ranger $19,000

Approximate Trade-In Value $ 9,000

Total Cost $50,000

Strategy B

Replace four (4) vehicles $82,000

1-2007 Heavy Service vehicle $23,000

1- 2007 Police Package Sedans $40,000

1 – 2007 Ford Ranger $19,000

Approximate Trade-In Value $12,000

Total Cost $70,000

Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz mentioned that a Comprehensive Drug Program, Code Enforcement and Animal Control is a high priority.

Researching new an involving ways of assisting to fund the agency.

V.I.G.A. means Violence Education & Gang Awareness.

Wants to purchase a new canine as their only training is in March and August, and we have a slot open to us in March.

Wants to appoint liaison officers, which would be one to each ward. The liaison officer will host ward meetings with the Aldermen in the ward.

B.A.S.S.E.T. means Beverage, Alcohol, Seller, Server Education and Training.

Our current ordinance calls for 7 employees and we have 6. Call the next one we hire Community Service Officer. This person would be more flexible and would help supplement the staff when needed. Jeff said he wants to use the current animal control officer Dustin Pollitt as the Community Service Officer.

Wants to replace a marked control Ford Victory with a 4 wheel drive service vehicle for the Command Officer.

Alderman Schenck wants to purchase a new K-9 for this fiscal year out of the forfeiture funds and use funding from State Farm Grant at a cost of $6,500 to $7,000.

Motion and second by Aldermen Schecnk/Hartford, to approve purchasing a new K-9 in the amount of not to exceed $7,000 and the cost of training for 10 weeks at $1,000 from the Asset Forfeiture Fund and State Farm Grant, refer to council. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Berardi, to forward on to Budget Committee level one priority of two additional police officers, and Police Chief to consider the funding from this years Budget for purchasing of equipment. Discussion. Alderman Berardi said he would like for all of the Aldermen to have this information provided to them. Alderman Berardi said he wants to take a look at it and recommended to the Finance Committee. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Berardi, the hiring of Community Service Officer be referred to Finance Committee as level two priority Alderman Carl ask the chief police Jeffrey Fritz if he has considered 911 consolidation? Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz said he had not as we would not have a back up. Discussion. Aldermen Schenck mentioned that these are great ideas and not sure how fast can put together. It is a great example of team work. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Hartford, recommend the Training Aspect be referred to Finance Committee. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Hartford, recommend to Finance Committee the funds that are available this fiscal year be used to implement Strategy A. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

Fire Goals, Objectives & Initiatives for FY08. Fire Chief John Stanko gave the following report…

Challenges Goals 2007-2008

Substandard Properties

Solution

Pro Active Fire Code Program

Research Rental Housing Inspection Program

Establish Rental Housing Inspection

Program in partnership with the city

And Fire department and Stakeholders

Budget Impact

City Attorney

Police

Zoning

Increase safety of Occupants

Higher property value

Increased Property Tax value

Better Resale value

Increase Railroad traffic

Block responding apparatus

Slow response and delivery of services

Study and Compile

Geographical

Increase response time

Solution

Long term station and location

Manpower study

Budget impact deferred

Challenge

Simultaneous alarms

Inadequate response

Safety of personnel

Delay in delivery of Services fire & Ems

Call Back of Off Duty Shift

Certain pre-defined circumstances

When all on duty personnel

commend to other incidents

2006. 71 Instances

Community benefits

Reduce response time

Improve life safety

NFPA 1710 Compliance

Better delivery of services

Improve safety of fire fighters

Good Order Special Operations Apparatus

Place order late fall 2007

Specifications - company working on design

Replaces 1 A & Squad 211

Approve $179,000.00

Only Chassis payment

Training

Complete TRT Training – funded by grant funds

Command and officers training

General Staff & command

Supervision of fire personnel

Hazard material

Fire Investigator

EMS medical technician

Some Grant Support

Emergency medical team

Alderman Schenck ask about funding for the fire truck? Fire Chief John Stanko commented that only the chassis will be purchased at this time. Then it goes to the body shop, it is a 12 month project.

Motion by Aldermen Schenck/Berardi, to allow purchasing of a special apparatus with available funds this year and next year’s available funds, and forward to Finance Committee. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

Update of K-9. Alderman Schenck added this topic to the agenda and wanted Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz to give an update on Roko. Jeff mentioned that Roko the K-9 had additional surgery last week and the doctor was not able to make a determination if Roko could be put back in service. Alderman Schenck commented that the program has great support from the community.

Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz said they are inviting proposals for the K-9 monument, and we will have to consider the use of the funds. Alderman Berardi said he did not want the funds given to the City, let them use their own money.

Police Officer Rick Nichols reported the monument will be placed between the water department and the police department and will be made of granite. We will post either on the outside or inside of the building. Will also post pictures of the two K-9 dogs.

The Public Safety & Traffic Committee adjourned at 8:04 p.m.

Streets & Garbage

Alderman Sonya Lewis, Chairman

Handicapped Parking for Elks Club. Motion and second by Aldermen Lewis/Hartford, to approve the designation of one handicap parking space at 61 West Elm Street and refer to council. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

The Streets & Garbage Committee adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Lake, Buildings & Grounds

Alderman Joe Berardi, Chairman

Alderman Berardi mentioned that on February 5, 2007 at 12:00 noon at Joe’s Place in Norris, the Special Meeting of the Lakes, Buildings & Grounds committee will meet to explore alternative power sources through the establishment of a co-op. Public participation is encouraged and all business, educational units, city governments, health facilities, government facilities and interested persons are welcome to attend.

Jones Park meeting, Spoon River, etc. scheduling. Alderman Berardi wants to be informed of all events that are held in Jones Park as the park comes under his committee. Mayor Heinze mentioned that his office secretary handles the scheduling of Jones Park. She will offer a calendar to the committee of the events so they can stay on top of things. Alderman Meade suggested the web site could be used for the calendar of events.

Budget for Lake, License Fees, camping fees, etc. Alderman Berardi mentioned that Lot lease revenue is one of the places where the funding comes from.

Meeting with campers, Lake owners. The Lakes, Buildings & Grounds committee will meet Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. to hold a roundtable discussion and open forum regarding proposals and ideas for prioritizing Canton Lake Projects.

Development of a Master Plan for Canton Lake “Parkway” Alderman Schenck stated, a landscape architecture plan with cost estimates would be helpful to guide future recreational development of Canton Lake along Lakeshore Drive. Phillips & Associates Architects Inc. could be hired to develop the plan via a process that solicits community input. The plan could include docks, camping area, “beach area,” bike trail, roadside horticulture, etc. And help the City identify potential sources of grants. Enough funds may be left in the lake budget this year to contract this job, perhaps via the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development.

Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Berardi, to hire Phillips & Associates Inc, for $5,000 to solicit input from as many sources as possible to develop preliminary ideas, sketches, and perhaps site plans for the development over a long period of the lake, and refer to council. Discussion. Alderman Carl said that the City has already had several plans. Rather see something creative, not another study as there has not been a lot of money to spend out there. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

BNSF railway for Maple Street to Brereton. Alderman Schenck said, uncertainty regarding the BNSF railway along North Fourth Avenue complicates the comprehensive planning process for our community. Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Berardi, to have a resolution drafted to submit to BNSF, requesting the company to either activate or abandon this section of railway from Maple Street to Brereton, Illinois, and refer to council. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

Update on City owned cropland & farm leases at Lake. Alderman Schenck said, the city has several acres of cropland and pasture surrounding Canton Lake. Some of the cropland in the past was used as a sludge disposal site. I believe it would be helpful to have the Public Works Director provide an overview of the amount of cropland/pasture that the city maintains, the status of our sludge disposal program and details of lease provisions that we have with tenant farmer(s). Public Works Director Clif O’Brien reported, the City Farm or more commonly known as either the Zink Farm or Kilroy Farm consists of approximately 200 acres. Out of the 200 acres, only about 71.5 acres are tillable. This tillable area is in ten separate small fields with two of the fields currently used for hay.

The City Farm has been used in the past for sludge disposal and remains a site for disposal of sludge if needed. Currently, the City removes sludge from the wastewater treatment plant and hauls it to a landfill for proper disposal.

Since 1988, the City has had various farmers’ plant and harvest crops on the City Farm with no compensation to the City. From what we can recall, City Attorney Jim Elson at that time, explained that the farmers could not be charged because this would represent revenue from a no tax area. In 2003, the City developed an agreement with the tenant farmer to provide bartered services for use of the farm ground.

In regards to logging, the City Farm was logged around 1989. There was also some erosion control work completed in 1992 which included preservation of field edges, waterway mowing practices and the planting of approximately 1,400 trees. This work was completed in conjunction with the University of Illinois Extension Office in Lewistown.

City Attorney Chrissie Peterson said she would check in to the “no revenue received from a no tax area.”

20th Avenue & 11th Avenue, connecting road via lake watershed. Alderman Schenck reported, upgrades to the Kilroy Life Stations present opportunities for future residential development along 11th Avenue North of the current city limits. A “connector” road through the Canton Lake Watershed linking 11th Avenue with 20th Avenue would facility future residential traffic between the east and north ends of Canton, and potentially provide for new uses of the Canton Lake Watershed. A feasibility study is needed to identify the best proposed route and cost of this connecting road.

Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Berardi, to refer to Maurer Stutz Inc. for cost of preliminary engineering study, and refer to council. Discussion. Alderman Meade said, we can not afford to do this outside the city limits. And it seems to be extravagant. Creating roads, that’s what developers do. Appreciate what Alderman Schenck has done, but we have a lot of land for use, but not this land. Alderman Berardi said, we need to take initiative to do something. Alderman Schenck said he wants Maurer Stutz Inc. to tell us what the cost would be to do the feasibility study and not do the study. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

Forestry plan for Canton Lake Robin Hood watershed. Aldermen Schenck stated, the Illinois Forestry Consulting has completed an updated forest management plan for 45 acres of the Canton Lake Watershed. The plan calls for forestry improvement measures to increase the value of future timber. Also, opportunity exists to implement other measures to improve wildlife habitat and establish hiking trials to the lake. Trespassing by ATV’s is common on City property and should be addressed by Council.

Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Hartford, submit an application for the C-2000 program to the Department of Natural Resources for forestry and wildlife habitat improvements at this site. Discussion. Alderman Schenck mentioned that this would be to enhance for the future the forestry wildlife habitat for a total of $9,000, and the C-2000 program will provide 100% funding. Alderman Carl wanted to know if improvements could be made to the same area on the Canton Lake Road bordering the forestry area in the same application? Alderman Schenck said, we did not have that area planned and our cost is in the general area of $400.00. We could expand in other areas, but would have to increase the funding. We have to submit the plan before the deadline in February. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

The Lakes, Buildings & Grounds committee adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Public Works, Water & Sewer

Alderman Jim Hartford, Chairman

Cost of Electricity for the City of Canton. Jim Wood works for Ameren CIPS as an industrial engineer. Jim reported the 77% increase came in affect on January 2. City Treasurer Kathy Luker mentioned to Jim the city’s franchise ends in 2011. Jim said we will start changing reimbursement to the City by how many meters the city has. Kathy asked if the delivery charge would always be paid to Ameren regardless who the city buys their electricity from? Jim answered, Ameren will always be the company making the deliveries. Jim was thanked for coming to the meeting.

City Fence Posts. Alderman Schenck stated the City took down some 45 fence post to build the fence for Mark Petersen. Public Works Director Clif O’Brien had told him he did not have a source for using the fence post.

Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Berardi, to offer Larry Avery 45 fence posts for his business of E&M Storage at no charge. Discussion. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson commented that the fence post was left on that site for a reason. She said she would not recommend without the IEPA giving the okay. And the city is not the owner of the property, we are a trustee. Alderman Schenck said, E&M Storage is in the TIF District. Mayor Heinze said he holds the city attorney’s opinion in high regard. Chrissie Peterson told the committee you could send this to the next meeting. There has been a lot of testing for corrosion and metals done. The motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Berardi, withdrawn.

Water/Sewer Rate Restructure. Motion and second by Alderman Berardi/Schenck, give to senior citizens on circuit breaker and those disabled 10% reduction on their water/sewer bills, and send to Finance committee. Discussion. Alderman Carl ask City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, can we do anything with our rates under the bonding agreement? City Attorney Chrissie Peterson answered, no, the rates reflected arbitrarily issues and interest issues and what was going to take to pay off that bonding. And you heard for yourself two weeks ago from the firm of Hocker & Fitzjarrald CPA, with Jim Hocker saying the rate is set for you to pay off the bonding. Chrissie said she has given a legal opinion and Jim Hocker has given you a financial opinion that you are right on track for what they need to be. The rest of the funding has not been issued but will be within two yerars. Alderman Berardi stated, that in my power as the community is galvanized we do not need that $10 million at this time. If we do not use all those funds the rates do not have to be where they are now. Alderman Carl said the council passed an ordinance for $36 million and would have to reverse our decision. Alderman Berardi said he still wants to reduce the amount of the bond issue. We did not set funds aside to fix our infrastructure.

Keith Plavec from Maurer Stutz Inc. stated if we stayed under the $10 million we could go to the local banks. Under the former council Alderman Sarff said there is two improvements and they are a new water tower and an extension going down 11th Avenue and across; and that I would rather see built later as he took the approach, “if they build they will come.” Those two approvement’s are right around $10 million.

Alderman Berardi is still asking for the $10 million reduction.

Alderman Meade said, he does not disagree because we don’t know how much of that $10 million will spend.

Alderman Berardi said, we keep procrastinating. I want to know what we owe now and what the water rate is for now.

Keith Plavec from Maurer Stutz Inc. said the bonding resolution passed has three years for $26 million, then you had three years after to take the additional $10 million. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

CIE Water Rate Schedule. Alderman Berardi stated, the public should no something about the Ethanol Plant as they will be paying only $.82 for their water. The City will not break even what we charge them, as the contract stands.

Alderman Meade ask if there was a clause in the bonding ordinance, if we demonstrate its an additional cost to the City for the producing of water? City Attorney Chrissie Peterson said the contract does allow that.

Alderman Berardi commented, that who ever negotiated sure did not negotiate in the best interest of Canton.

EXECUTIVE SESSION – TO DISCUSS – “PROBABLE OR IMMINENT LITIGATION.”

Motion and second by Aldermen Hartford/Schenck adjourn the regular scheduled Mechanical Committee meeting to go into executive session. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously.

The Mechanical Committee adjourned for executive session at 9:43 p.m.

The Mechanical Committee reconvened into open session at 10:50 p.m.

The following business was voted on in open session.

Motion and second by Aldermen Hartford/Schenck, to pay Enviromark $89,336.03 and keep their retainage fee of 10% of completed work of Application #3 for the Waste Water Treatment Plant Sludge Removal. Voice vote. 3 AYES, 1 NAY (Alderman Berardi), 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

Motion and second by Aldermen Hartford/Schenck, to allow the hiring of an environmental attorney to Waste Water Treatment Plant Supt. Joe Carruthers concerning the violations received from the Waste Water Treatment Plant Sludge Removal Project. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.

Motion and second by Aldermen Hartford/Schenck, to adjourn. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. The Mechanical Committee adjourned at 11:53 p.m.

Recording Secretary,

Nancy Whites, City Clerk

State of Illinois, County of Fulton I, Nancy Whites, a Notary Public in and for said state, do certify that on January 26, 2007, I carefully compared, with its original, this copy of drivers license, and have determined it to be a complete, full, true and exact copy.

_____________________________

Jennifer R. Hoovler

Notary Seal Date Notary Expires.___________________

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