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Decatur City Council Minutes - June 03, 2013 05:30PM
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Monday, June 3, 2013
On Monday, June 3, 2013, the City Council of the City of Decatur, Illinois, met in Regular Meeting and Study Session at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, One Gary K. Anderson Plaza, Decatur, Illinois. Mayor Michael T. McElroy presided; together with him being Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Pat McDaniel, Julie Moore-Wolfe and Dana M. Ray. Seven members were present; none were absent. Mayor Michael T. McElroy declared a quorum present.
City Manager, Ryan P. McCrady, attended the meeting.
Mayor Michael T. McElroy led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The minutes of the meeting of May 20, 2013, were presented. Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the minutes be approved as written; seconded by Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler, and on call of the roll, Councilmen Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Pat McDaniel, Julie Moore-Wolfe, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. Councilman Jerry J. Dawson abstained. There were six ayes and one abstention. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
There being no unfinished business, Mayor Michael T. McElroy proceeded with new business, proclamations and recognitions. A Proclamation for National Garden Week was read. This being the time for the Mayor’s Recognitions, Mayor Michael T. McElroy recognized Dylan Pritts, an off-duty Decatur Firefighter for his action in helping a victim of a hit and run car accident. Chief Matthew Sekosky provided an overview of the incident. The Mayor presented Dylan Pritts with the Stephen Decatur medallion and thanked Firefighter Pritts for his efforts. Illinois State Representative Sue Scherer also recognized Dylan Pritts by reading a Proclamation. A Certificate was presented to Dylan Pritts from Illinois State Senator Chapin Rose.
Resolution 2013-54, Resolution Authorizing Annual Service Agreement with Sungard Public Sector, Inc. – OSSI – Decatur Police Department, was presented.
Councilman Jerry J. Dawson moved the resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman Julie Moore-Wolfe.
City Manager McCrady provided an overview of this item stating this is the annual agreement for the software used by the Decatur Police Department communication center, Macon County Sheriff’s office and the Village of Mt. Zion. Total of $118,767 is reflected in the agreement and will be split evenly among the three listed users.
On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Pat McDaniel, Julie Moore-Wolfe, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Ordinance 2013-45, Ordinance Rezoning Property 2122 North 27th Street, was presented.
Councilman Larry W. Foster moved the ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler.
City Manager McCrady provided an overview stating that this property is approximately 7.5 acres currently developed as a medical office and walking track. The petitioner wishes to rezone the property to construct a pocket park as well as a new track. This item went before the City Plan Commission and was approved.
On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Pat McDaniel, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. Councilman Julie Moore-Wolfe abstained due to her employment with DMH. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Ordinance 2013-46, Ordinance Amending B-3 Planned Shopping District 105 West First Drive, was presented.
Councilman Julie Moore-Wolfe moved the ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler.
The City Manager provided an overview of this item stating this land is vacant and occupies approximately 20,900 square feet. It has been and is currently zoned as a B-3 shopping center district since 1963. City staff has worked with the developer and representatives on the language to be added to the final plat. City Plan commission voted 6-2 to recommend plan approval.
Councilman Dana Ray inquired why 2 individuals voted against the plan. Assistant Manager, Billy Tyus addressed her inquiry stating there were initial concerns about there being two plats that would be undevelopable with the proposed language change.
On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Pat McDaniel, Julie Moore-Wolfe, and Dana M. Ray voted aye. Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted no. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Ordinance 2013-47, Ordinance Authorizing Exceptions to the Zoning Ordinance No Frontage on a Public Street No Direct Access to Public Street 1100 Block of East Pershing Road, was presented.
Councilman Jerry J. Dawson moved the ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler.
City Manager McCrady provided an overview stating this ordinance is necessary so the City does not have landlocked property throughout the city. Phil Cochran, representing the developer, Romano Company, addressed concerns by Councilman Laegeler regarding road access and approval.
On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Julie Moore-Wolfe, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. Councilman Pat McDaniel abstained stating one of the principals of this property is on his board. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Ordinance 2013-48, Ordinance Granting Conditional Use Permit 2243 North Main Street, was presented.
Councilman Jerry J. Dawson moved the ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler.
City Manager McCrady provided an overview and stated the site was developed as a single family residence. Petitioner would like to establish a daycare which would accommodate eight (8) children. The facility would be licensed through DCFS and meet other code requirements. Councilman McDaniel voiced his concern about a daycare being on a busy street. Assistant City Manager, Billy Tyus addressed his concerns.
On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Pat McDaniel, Julie Moore-Wolfe, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Ordinance 2013-49, Ordinance Amending B-2 Commercial District Planned Unit Development 1818 South Airport Plaza, was presented.
Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilman Larry W. Foster.
City Manager McCrady provided an overview stating the site is a 62,000 square foot lot which houses the Kroger grocery store. Petitioner would like to build a fuel kiosk there. This area is in the flight path for the Decatur Airport and flight path approval has been obtained by the Decatur Airport.
On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Pat McDaniel, Julie Moore-Wolfe, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Ordinance 2013-50, Ordinance Amending B-3 Planned Shopping Center District 3775 North Woodford Street, was presented.
Councilman Jerry J. Dawson moved the ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler.
City Manager McCrady provided an overview of this item stating the petitioner is asking to amend coding in order to construct an outdoor patio, shed and drive through window. Councilman Laegeler had concerns about blocking parking spaces and that the outdoor shed is a drop in shed. Assistant City Manager, Billy Tyus, addressed the parking concern stating the site is required to have 174 spaces and with the shed they will meet that requirement. Councilman Dana M. Ray inquired as to what type of items would be distributed through the drive-up window. Assistant City Manager, Billy Tyus addressed this question with the answer that food would be distributed through the drive-up window.
On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Pat McDaniel, Julie Moore-Wolfe, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler voted no. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Resolution 2013-55, Resolution Approving Temporary Cash Advance Agreement with Decatur Public Library, was presented.
Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman Jerry J. Dawson.
City Manager McCrady provided an overview of this item stating the City of Decatur performs a number of services for the Decatur Library. The City Council approves a property levy each year that allocates money to the Decatur Public Library. At the end of the City’s fiscal calendar year, April 30, 2013, the Library was in a cash deficit position of $142,000. The Library relies heavily on the payment of property tax payments which are typically paid in June. The loan would be for $750,000 until the Library receives property tax money. The agreement also states that by September 1, 2013 a plan would be in place outlining the future financial performance of the Library in a manner that would allow them to operate without requiring loans from the City. City Manager McCrady advised the City is not in a position to control the operations of the Library. The following citizens spoke on behalf of the Library: Victor Whitlow, Carol Craig, former member of the Decatur Library Board of Trustees, Amanda Chappell, John Phillips, and Katie Gross.
Councilman Larry W. Foster inquired as to what the future plan is to eliminate this situation. He said it is important that the City of Decatur work with the library to help them. In addition, he inquired as to how many employees the library currently has. The City Manager McCrady diverted that question to a library spokesperson. Kathy Collier, Decatur Public Library, Chapter Chair Local #268, stated there are Management and Union employees at the library. Currently the library has 63 employees with the majority of those being part-time. Nineteen (19) of the sixty-three (63) are Management with the remainder forty-four (44) being Union employees.
Councilman Pat McDaniel urged the Library Board to get in touch with the State and Representative Scherer regarding restrictions for internet downloads that have fees associated with them and they cannot be shared with the public.
Councilman Dana M. Ray stated she does support the loan, but her concern is what the library’s financial plan is for the future.
Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler agreed with Councilman Dana M. Ray.
Councilman Jerry J. Dawson stated he would support the loan. He reiterated the Mayor’s comments that times are tough and cuts will have to be made as has happened with other entities.
Councilman Julie Moore-Wolfe stated she would support the loan; however, a multiyear deficit needs to be addressed with painful cuts.
On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Pat McDaniel, Julie Moore-Wolfe, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Mayor Michael T. McElroy called for Consent Calendar Items A, B, C, D, E and F, be approved by Omnibus Vote and asked if anyone from Council wanted an item removed. Councilman McDaniel requested item C be removed and be considered as a separate item. Approval of Minutes from Boards and Commissions;
A. Receiving and Filing of Minutes of Boards and Commissions;
B. 2013-56 Resolution Authorizing Annual Service Agreement Barbeck Communications Group, Inc.;
C. 2013-57 Resolution Receiving and Filing Report of Southside TIF Joint Review Board; was pulled off the Consent Calendar by Councilman Pat McDaniel;
D. 2013-51 Ordinance of the City of Decatur, Illinois Authorizing the Reestablishment of Tax Increment Financing “Interested Parties” Registries and Adopting Registration Rules for Such Registries
E. 2013-52 Ordinance Authorizing Consumption of Alcoholic Liquor on Public Right-of-Way – Wild Dog Saloon Sponsored Coziahr Harley Davidson and Miller Lite Event;
F. 2013-53 Ordinance Authorizing Consumption of Alcoholic Liquor in Central Park – Annual Summer Blues Concerts.
Resolution 2013-57, Resolution Receiving and Filing Report of Southside TIF Joint Review Board, which was item C on the Consent Calendar, was presented.
Councilman Jerry J. Dawson moved the resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman Dana M. Ray.
City Manager McCrady provided an overview of this item stating this is a standard report that is filed regarding the Southside TIF.
On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Julie Moore-Wolfe, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. Councilman Pat McDaniel abstained from voting on this item because a principal involved is a board member.
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
This being the time set aside for Appearance of Citizens, Irene Peterson from the Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County addressed Council. She submitted petitions for the care of animals related to animals being adopted and/or picked up. She also requested that the City of Decatur implement a breeder permit. In addition, a request was made for the City of Decatur to give $1.00 for every pet licensed in Decatur to help offset the fees for the spay and neutering of animals.
Gerald Merrick addressed Council regarding the funding of the library.
Daniel Ray Pickerel addressed Council regarding rain water harvesting.
Kelly Trie addressed Council regarding the library funding.
This being the time set aside for other business, Councilman Pat McDaniel suggested grants need to be provided that can be used for the operation of not-for-profit organizations; in addition, Councilman McDaniel inquired with regard to the status of the traffic signal on Boyd Road. City Manager McCrady advised the City is still waiting on the Illinois Commerce Commission’s approval.
Councilman Dana M. Ray inquired about the neighborhood walks. City Manager McCrady stated the dates have been established and would be published the following day.
Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler inquired about setting a study session aside for the subject of spay and neutering of animals.
City Manager McCrady addressed Council regarding the status of the water bills stating monthly billing will begin this month (June). Additional public relations flyers will be distributed to citizens.
Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler moved the Council recess to Study Session; seconded by Councilman Pat McDaniel for Financial Goals/Priorities.
On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Pat McDaniel, Julie Moore-Wolfe, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
During the Study Session the City Manager McCrady addressed Council about the financial goals and priorities and stated there are a lot of competing projects. In addition, City Manager McCrady stated he would like the fund balance to be around $8,000,000.00 which represents approximately 45 days of operating expenditures. One of the solutions is to continue to expand the City’s retail and restaurant base. The City currently has a position open now for an economic development specialist to help with these issues. Sales tax and food and beverage tax are key components. Another priority is addressing the conditions of City streets. The Public Works Department has completed a study of the City Streets. In the past the City has spent $4,000,000.00 a year for upkeep of the streets. The amount needed to be spent for maintenance and upgrading is $6,000,000.00 to $7,000,000.00 annually. City Manager McCrady advised other communities have considered local fuel taxes. A tax rate comparison was distributed to Council by the City Manager. Two out of the five communities included in this comparison have fuel taxes. This fuel tax is how other communities have addressed repairing their streets. The next item addressed was storm drainage repair and improvement and the City’s vehicle & equipment replacement plan. The City Manager advised the City has looked at lease options on vehicles where feasible. A comparison chart was distributed to Council by the City Manager regarding taxes in downstate cities. City Manager McCrady stated none of the above issues can be resolved overnight however the City can work on the next budget and a long term plan. Further, the City Manager addressed staffing as an issue stating at some point the question becomes what type of service does Council want to supply which dictates to some extend the number of staff the City has.
Councilman Pat McDaniel brought up the issue of revenue.
The Mayor stated something has to be done. Tough decisions have to be made. He requested if any Council members have any ideas to help this situation they should contact the City Manager or Gregg Zientara to offer suggestions.
Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler thanked the City Manager for the composure of the document and commended him on his efforts. Councilman Larry W. Foster agreed with Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler and commended the efforts of the City Manager.
Councilman Jerry J. Dawson agreed with Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler and Councilman Larry W. Foster with regard to the Manager’s efforts. In addition, he stated he would be in support of a tax on fuel if it went solely to updating our streets. Councilman Jerry J. Dawson inquired about the brick street repairs and Mr. Richard Marley, Department Director of Public Works, addressed Councilman Jerry J. Dawson’s concern.
Councilman Dana M. Ray stated she is not ready to move forward with a fuel tax. She stated she did not want consider imposing a lot of taxes on the citizens all at one time. Councilman Dana M. Ray advised because of her job she sees a lot of people with a lot of different socio-economic issues and health concerns related to those issues because they are on budgets. She would like the number of alcohol drive-thru establishments to be addressed. The perception of Decatur is that our city is unsafe. She would like to see action taken to change that perception.
Councilman Pat McDaniel reiterated that the number one priority is to retain and bring in new businesses. He also would approve a fuel tax increase in an effort to maintain our infrastructure.
Councilman Julie Moore-Wolfe stated she could support a gas tax if she knew it was going to road improvements and road maintenance. In addition, she agreed the City needs to hire a person to get more retail in Decatur. Mayor Michael T. McElroy stated he did not want to see the City hire someone straight out of college for the Economic Development Specialist’s position; he wants someone with a track record.
At this time, Mayor Michael T. McElroy called a recess to Closed Executive Session for the Purpose of a Discussion regarding Collective Bargaining Matters.
Councilman Patrick S. Laegeler moved the Council recess to Closed Executive Session for the Purpose of a Discussion regarding Collective Bargaining Matters; seconded by Councilman Julie Moore-Wolfe.
On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Pat McDaniel, Julie Moore-Wolfe, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. At 7:50 p.m. Council recessed to Closed Executive Session.
There being no further business, Councilman Julie Moore-Wolfe moved the regular Council meeting be adjourned; seconded by Councilman Dana M. Ray. On call of the roll, Councilmen Jerry J. Dawson, Larry W. Foster, Patrick S. Laegeler, Pat McDaniel, Julie Moore-Wolfe, Dana M. Ray and Mayor Michael T. McElroy voted aye. The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
Approved June 17, 2013
Linda M. Swartz
City Clerk