The regular scheduled City Council meeting of Monday, May 21, 2007 was called to order by Mayor Gary W. Manier in the Training Room at Fire Station No. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Answering present for Roll Call were Aldermen Todd Clanin, Dave Dingledine, Amanda Shipp, Jim Newman, Bob Brucks, Don Brubaker and Jim Gee. Alderman Al Howerter was absent.

Also present was City Attorney Kenneth L. Black, City Treasurer Bob Gordon, City Engineer Ken Newman, Chief of Police Jim Kuchenbecker, City Clerk Carol Moss, members of the press, members of the City of Washington Police Department and Auxiliary, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Volk, Bobbi Volk, Brian Butler, Ray Torry, Tony Berry, Detective Rosalie Gerkin and Deputy Chief of Police Don Volk.

All present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Alderman Gee moved and Alderman Brubaker seconded to approve the Consent Agenda of May 21, 2007. Items included on the Consent Agenda were minutes of the May 7, 2007 Council meeting and Bills & Payroll in the amount of $994,311.74. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Clanin, Newman, Dingledine, Shipp, Brucks, Brubaker, Gee 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

The Agenda was reviewed and Mayor Manier asked that Item XII, B, Final Plat - Menards, be moved up as Item C under VI. The architect for Menards is here this evening from Springfield and would like to get back on the road as soon as possible. Remainder of the Agenda stood as presented.

Announcements/Awards/Presentations/Recognitions - Chief of Police Kuchenbecker stepped forward and stated that we see history in the making this evening with his appointment of Donald J. Volk as Deputy Chief of Police. Chief Kuchenbecker said that he cannot think of a better person for this position than Don Volk. City Clerk Carol Moss administered the Oath of Office to Deputy Chief of Police Donald Volk, and Virgil Volk, pinned his son's badge in place.

Chief of Police Kuchenbecker announced that when he became Chief he placed Detective Rosalie Gerkin in the high school as School Resource Officer and told her to go into the high school, reinvent the position of School Resource Officer and make it something it had never been. She did just that, and over the last three years she has met and exceeded his expectations. She wrote a Safe Schools Grant, implemented a prom dress program so that prom dresses are affordable for all girls, plus many other things. Detective Gerkin's hard work paid off because she was recently named 2007 School Resource Officer of the Year. The award will be officially presented to SRO Gerkin at a ceremony on June 20 at the annual conference in Bloomington.

Mayor Manier congratulated both Deputy Chief of Police Volk and Detective/SRO Gerkin. He wished Deputy Chief of Police Volk the best of luck in his new position and told SRO Gerkin that she should be very proud of what she has achieved, and pointed out that this is a great honor as SRO Gerkin was selected as top SRO in the state.

Final Plat - Menards - P&D Director Oliphant explained that the subject property is approximately 25.35 acres and is located at the north corner of the intersection of Freedom Parkway and U.S. Route 24. The largest of the five lots is approximately 15.75 acres and will be the site of the Menards store. Retention will be located between Lots 3 and 4 adjacent to Route 24, and Freedom Parkway will be extended about 113 feet which will provide access to Lot 1. Menards will have two access points on Freedom Parkway, and an access easement will provide access to the rear outlot. The Final Plat substantially conforms to the Preliminary Plat and meets stated requirements of the Zoning Code and the Subdivision Code. Staff recommended approval of the Final Plat of Menards subject to the payment of Subdivision Review fees of $150.00, payment of Subdivision Development fees of $85,172.64 and payment of surety in the amount of $810,282.15. Alderman Dingledine moved and Alderman Brubaker seconded to approve the Final Plat of Menards subject to the stated conditions. Mayor Manier asked the architect about the time line and the reply was bids were due last Thursday and they are waiting on EPA permits. Dirt will be moved this summer and the store will be up by next year. The Menards store in Springfield has been put on hold in order to do the one in Washington. 
On roll call on the motion to approve the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Newman, Shipp, Brucks, Gee, Clanin, Brubaker, Dingledine 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

There were no Audience Comments.

Standing Committee Reports - Finance & Personnel - Chairman Clanin reported that the Committee reviewed the Chamber of Commerce request for additional funding and recommend approval of the requested funding on a one time only basis. The Finance & Personnel Committee recommended to the Chamber that they look to area realtors to act as sponsors in future years. He asked City Attorney Black the next step and Attorney Black stated that a resolution will be written and presented at the next Council meeting authorizing the expenditure.

City Attorney Black read, by title only, a resolution declaring one white 2001 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor Squad Car as "Surplus Property" . Alderman Clanin moved and Alderman Brubaker seconded to adopt the resolution as read. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Brucks, Dingledine, Shipp, Newman, Gee, Brubaker, Clanin 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

City Attorney Black provided second reading, by title only, of an ordinance amending the Personnel Manual to provide for part-time employee leave. Alderman Dingledine moved and Alderman Brucks seconded to adopt the ordinance as read. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Gee, Clanin, Brubaker, Newman, Shipp, Brucks, Dingledine 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

City Attorney Black read, by title only, second reading of an ordinance establishing procedures to negotiate and enter into contracts for architectural, engineering and land surveying services. Alderman Gee moved and Alderman Dingledine seconded to adopt the ordinance as read. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Brubaker, Newman, Shipp, Brucks, Clanin, Dingledine, Gee 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

City Attorney Black provided second reading, by title only, of an ordinance annexing certain territory to the City of Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois owned by Mark and Chery Thompson containing approximately 15.931 acres located west of Ernest Street and north of the TP&W Railroad. Alderman Brucks moved and Alderman Newman seconded to adopt the ordinance as read. A signed petition for annexation has been presented by the owners and legal notice has been sent to those public bodies that require receipt of notice by state statute. 
On roll call on the motion to approve the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Dingledine, Brubaker, Clanin, Gee, Shipp, Newman, Brucks 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

City Attorney Black read, by title only, second reading of an ordinance granting a Special Use to allow a private horse stable at 800 Ernest Street under the Zoning Code of the City of Washington, Illinois. Alderman Clanin moved and Alderman Newman seconded to adopt the ordinance as read. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the Special Use request and unanimously recommended approval. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Brubaker, Gee, Dingledine, Shipp, Brucks, Newman, Clanin 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

Second reading, by title only, was provided by City Attorney Black for an ordinance authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois and the Washington Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc., establishing compensation for fire/rescue service and compensation for ambulance service for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2007 and ending April 30, 2008. Alderman Dingledine moved and Alderman Brucks seconded to adopt the ordinance as read. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Gee, Brubaker, Clanin, Newman, Shipp, Brucks, Dingledine 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

Second reading was provided, by title only, by City Attorney Black of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement for ambulance and fire suppression services with the Washington Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc., Northern Tazewell Fire Protection District and Northern Tazewell Fire and Rescue Squad. Alderman Dingledine moved and Alderman Brubaker seconded to adopt the ordinance as read. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Clanin, Gee, Newman, Shipp, Brucks, Brubaker, Dingledine 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

City Attorney Black read, by title only, second reading of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois and the Washington Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc., for fire protection services and for ambulance and emergency medical services. Alderman Brucks moved and Alderman Newman seconded to adopt the ordinance as read. 
On roll call the vote was:
Ayes: 7 Dingledine, Clanin, Shipp, Brubaker, Gee, Newman, Brucks 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

City Attorney Black provided second reading, by title only, of an ordinance designating the intersection of Kingsbury Road and Grandyle Drive in the City of Washington as a four-way stop intersection. Alderman Dingledine moved and Alderman Brubaker seconded to adopt the ordinance as read. Alderman Dingledine stated that the Public Safety Committee recommends approval of this four-way stop intersection and also recommends that a crosswalk be designated. The recommendation is because of the park in the immediate area as well as safety issue. Alderman Gee stated that he is usually against four-way stops but the location of this merits the four-way stop. He went on to say that he would like to see additional signage before the intersection indicating children in the area. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Brucks, Newman, Gee, Clanin, Shipp, Brubaker, Dingledine 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

City Attorney Black read first reading of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a Development Agreement between OSF Healthcare System and Midwest Holdings, L.L.C. for the development of an assisted-living facility at Saint Clare Crossing. This ordinance will come before the Council at the June 4, 2007 meeting as a second reading and for Council action.

City Attorney Black read, by title only, first reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale of one white 2001 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor Squad Car as "Surplus Property". Alderman Brubaker moved and Alderman Clanin seconded to waive second reading of the ordinance and proceed with adoption. 
On roll call the vote to waive second reading was: 
Ayes: 7 Gee, Newman, Brucks, Shipp, Dingledine, Clanin, Brubaker 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

Alderman Gee moved and Alderman Brubaker seconded to adopt the ordinance authorizing the disposal of "surplus property". If adopted this will allow for the sale of one 2001 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor Squad Car. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Dingledine, Brucks, Shipp, Newman, Clanin, Brubaker, Gee 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

City Attorney Black read, by title only, first reading of an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Washington, Illinois by amending various sections of Chapter 154 entitled "Zoning Code" and first reading of an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Washington, Illinois by amending various sections of Chapter 152 entitled "Subdivision Code". Both ordinances will appear on the June 4, 2007 Council agenda as second readings and for action.

Mayor Manier announced that the Illinois Stars 17 and Under Basketball Tournament will be held in Washington the weekend of June 1, which is Cherry Festival weekend. Coach Brown had wanted to wait with this until the Community Center was up and running but the opportunity to host came sooner than expected. Mayor Manier noted this is a great opportunity for Washington as it will bring people from across the state into our community.

Chief of Police Kuchenbecker requested Council approval of the purchase of four in-car video systems from Watchguard Inc. This will complete the change over to a digital/DVD based system from the old VHS system. Funding will come from the Administrative Tow Fee fund. Cost is $20,808. Alderman Brubaker moved and Alderman Dingledine seconded to authorize the purchase as requested. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Brucks, Newman, Gee, Clanin, Shipp, Dingledine, Brubaker 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

P&D Director Oliphant asked Council for approval of the Final Plat of Hunters Glen, Section Four subject to payment of subdivision review fees of $765, payment of subdivision development fees of $56,250, payment of the North Cummings Lane Roadway Improvement fee of $5,130 and provision of surety in the amount of $270,985.24. Alderman Gee moved and Alderman Clanin seconded to approve the final plat subject to conditions as stated. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Newman, Brubaker, Shipp, Brucks, Dingledine, Clanin, Gee 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

City Clerk Moss, in the absence of Controller Baxter, requested Council authorization for the purchase of nine computers from PTC Select at a total cost of $14,409. FY07-08 budget included the purchase of the nine computers. Quotes were received from PTC Select, Dell and Gateway with the low quote coming from PTC Select. Alderman Brucks moved and Alderman Newman seconded to authorize the purchase of nine computers from PTC Select at a total cost of $14,409. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Dingledine, Gee, Brubaker, Shipp, Clanin, Newman, Brucks
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

City Engineer Newman requested authorization to enter into Joint Agreement No-JN-407-007 with IDOT for the installation of a battery backup system to operate traffic signals located at US 24 and North Cummings Lane, and to authorize Mayor Manier and City Clerk Moss to sign the necessary documentation. The City is responsible for 50% of the operation and maintenance of the signal because it is located at the intersection of a City owned street. IDOT's estimate for the City's share, including 15% for engineering, is $520.00. Alderman Brucks moved and Alderman Newman seconded to authorize entering into the joint agreement as requested. Alderman Gee asked in the event of a power failure, how long the battery will be effective. Engineer Newman replied he does not know. Alderman Dingledine asked life expectancy of the batteries and Engineer Newman replied he does not have the answer to that either. Maintenance is taken care of by IDOT. 
On roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 7 Shipp, Brubaker, Clanin, Dingledine, Gee, Newman, Brucks 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

Aldermen's Comments - Alderman Dingledine suggested that something be done about the tall grass and weeds growing up in the vacant lot between McDonald's and Dollar General and also on the lot between Taco Bell and the old Clark Station. Chief Kuchenbecker noted that he will direct the Code Enforcement Officer to go out, inspect and give notice to get the process started on maintenance of the two lots. Alderman Dingledine stated that he was told that the City only handles ordinance violations on specific days of the week and Chief Kuchenbecker replied that ordinance violation complaints are taken 24/7. The Code Enforcement Officer only goes out on Mondays and Thursdays because there are not sufficient complaints and cases for the officer to be in every day.

At 7:11 p.m., with nothing further to discuss, Alderman Newman moved and Alderman Brucks seconded to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.