Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met June 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order: Mayor Maurer called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

All rose to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Present: Aldermen Benjamin, Eiker, Gruner, Hillier, Howard, Myers, Naslund; Mayor Maurer, Treasurer Bivens, Chief of Police Poyner, Attorney McCoy, Engineer Cooper, Water Superintendent Johnson, City Clerk Wilt. Absent: None. Also in attendance: Mr. Dan Hiett with John Graham & Associates, Mr. John Anderson, Mr. Bobby McMillan, Mrs. Melanie Cameron, and one member of the press.

Public Comments: None.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Eiker noted that in New Business Item #1, Praise in the Park will be held on Wednesdays in July, not Thursdays. Aldermen Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the June 3, 2019 City Council Meeting as corrected; Alderman Benjamin seconded the motion which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

GENERAL REPORTS

Attorney Report: Attorney McCoy noted that Jennifer VandeWiele from his law office is handling the sale of the City owned lot at Hebard and Ann Streets. He also noted that the drug paraphernalia previously for sale at a Main Street business has been removed from the premises.

Engineer Report: Engineer Cooper presented a GIS aerial map of the City-owned lot at Hebard and Ann Streets. The west side, Lot 1, will be retained by the City, while the east side, Lot 2, will be subdivided and sold to MidCentury Communications. There is also a triangle of land to the north of the lot that was not dedicated properly at some point in time. The City owns this portion, and the right of way will be corrected at the same time that the lot is subdivided. Engineer Cooper also noted that due to costs, the project for milling and resurfacing of the north side of the Public Square will be held off until next year, when both sides of the square will be redone. The City will perform the concrete work for curbing and sidewalks on the Square this year in preparation for the resurfacing. The handicapped parking spot on the west side of the square in front of the Presbyterian Church will need to be evaluated and possibly moved.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bivens passed out her monthly report. She stated that in June the check was issued for the water tower painting for $212,000.00. This will basically decimate the water checking account. No investments were accessed to pay this bill.

City Clerk’s Report: No report.

Payment of City Bills: Alderman Hillier moved to approve payment of the City Bills;

Alderman Eiker seconded the motion which passed with seven (7) Yes votes.

Information Items: Mayor Maurer noted the monthly departmental operating reports were available in the online Council packet.

None.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

1. Car Cruise Funding Request: Chief Poyner, on behalf of the Car Cruise Committee, requested $500.00 to be used for advertising this August 24, 2019 event. Alderman Howard moved to allow the request for funding. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes.

2. July 4th Food Vendor Request: Mayor Maurer reported that Keith Vaughn of the Knoxville Mercantile has requested to serve sandwiches, drinks, and ice cream at James Knox Park during the celebration on July 4. As no other vendors had made a similar request, Alderman Myers moved to allow Knoxville Mercantile to sell food on July 4. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

3. Employee Healthcare Renewal: Mr. Dan Hiett of John Graham & Associates presented options for employee healthcare renewal, as the current plan expires 9-1-2019. The prior plan from United Healthcare is expiring, and a new plan is being issued at a 4.2% increase, with increases to out-of-pocket, co-pays, and pharmacy. He also presented plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield and National General. Alderman Myers requested that the employees fill out the national Easy App, which will allow Mr. Hiett to look at options. He will report back at the July 15, 2019 meeting. Mr. Hiett will also review life insurance options as well.

4. Zoning Board of Appeals Recommendation – Rezone 705 S Broad St from R-1-B: Single Family Residence to B: Small & Medium Business: At the June 12, 2019 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, Mrs. Lynn Unrath withdrew her application to rezone 705 S Broad St. The discussion was tabled by the Zoning Board at that meeting

5. Zoning Board of Appeals Recommendation – Draft Ordinance Regulating Portable Storage Containers Within City Limits: At the June 12, 2019 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, the group recommended approving the draft ordinance, with some changes. A time limit of 30 days and a permit would be required to place a portable storage container in a residential zone to be used for moving purposes. Attorney McCoy submitted a new draft ordinance with the proposed changes. Alderman Myers moved to approve Ordinance 2019-07 Regulating Portable Storage Containers Within City Limits. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

6. Police Station Roofing Estimate Review: Alderman Myers submitted bids from Armour Roofing to repair, recoat, and rubberize the existing Police Station roof plus bids from Ravenson Construction to replace the roof with steel. Mayor Maurer will check to see if the roof is TIF-funding eligible. Alderman Naslund moved to contract with Ravenson Construction replace the entire roof for $21,994.06. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes. Alderman Gruner moved to amend the motion to require the roofer to provide liability declarative pages for insurance. Alderman Benjamin seconded the amended motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent. If the roofer notes any storm damage, he will document it for insurance purposes. Alderman Myers will contact the roofing company, who has requested a down payment of half the cost of the roof.

7. Remove Cemetery Trees: Alderman Hillier said that three large dead cemetery trees will need to be removed. Bids were received from Riverbottom Tree Service and Kirgan Property Solutions. Alderman Hillier moved to accept the bid from Kirgan Property Solutions for $2250.00. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes. This does not include stump removal.

8. Resolution 2019-44 – Scott Reynolds Compensation Change: See #9 below.

9. Resolution 2019-45 – Joe Carle Compensation Change: These resolutions raise the hourly wage for these two employees to $14.50. This will also be the new starting rate for any new hires in the Street or Sanitation departments. Alderman Myers moved to approve Resolutions 2019-44 and 2019-45. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes.

Mayor’s Report:

 The next Council meeting will be on Monday, July 1, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

 The Action Team will meet on June 18, 2019 at 5:30 pm to discuss upcoming activities.

 The ownership of America’s Best Value Inn has changed. The new owner will need to apply for a liquor license.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Administrative – Myers: None.

Cemetery – Hillier: None.

Community & Economic Development – Benjamin: None.

Parks – Howard: There has been a request to install a wheelchair swing at James Knox Park. Police – Naslund: None.

Sanitation: Alderman Myers suggested that sanitation rates be reviewed. Any increases will need two readings before the Council.

Streets – Eiker: None.

Water/Sewer – Gruner: The Council was directed to view a departmental report on the city website. Account Specialist Tuthill may need a new computer. There is an all-materials locator for the water department available to purchase for $7500.00. Additional information will be collected.

Adjourn: At about 8:15 PM, Alderman Hillier moved to Adjourn the Meeting; Alderman Benjamin seconded the motion which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

http://kville.org/wp-content/uploads/minutes-agendas-newsletters/Minutes_2019-06-17.pdf