Galesburg Reporter

City of Monmouth City Council met Aug. 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Rod Davies called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 100 East Broadway at 6:00 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

II. ROLL CALL

City Clerk Susan S. Trevor called the roll and those answering Present were: Aldermen

Justin Thomas, Tony Cook, Alderwoman Susan Twomey (remotely), Brian Daw, Juan Pinedo, Dan Heatherly and Alderwoman Mary Kelly Absent: Alderman Robert Wells Also Present: Mayor Rod Davies, City Clerk Susan S. Trevor and Administrator Lew Steinbrecher Also Present in Adjacent Room: Communications Director Ken Helms, Building and Zoning Director Joe Clark, MFD Chief Casey Rexroat, MPD Chief Joe Switzer and Woodard and Curran Public Works Director Andy Jackson Also Absent: City Attorney Marcum Spears

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. Approval of August 3, 2020 Public Hearing and Council Meeting Minutes

It was moved by Alderman Cook and seconded by Alderwoman Pinedo to approve the August 3, 2020 Public Hearing and Council Meeting Minutes collectively as presented. AYE: Alderman Cook, Alderwoman Twomey (remotely), Aldermen Daw, Pinedo, Heatherly and Alderwoman Kelly NAY: none PASS: Alderman Thomas ABSENT: Alderman Wells MOTION CARRIED.

IV. PRESENTATION TO THE COUNCIL

A. Presentations or Citizen Inquiries (All inquiries are limited to 3 minutes per City Ordinance) 1. Alondra Ceniceros from WIRC gave a brief presentation on the effects of domestic violence and their efforts to provide assistance to victims and particularly efforts to reach the area immigrant population. Mayor Davies thanked Ms. Ceniceros for all the services that WIRC provides to our area and especially during this time of COVID-19 restrictions. WIRC services informational pamphlets are available in the City Hall lobby.

B. Consent Agenda

1. Approval of Bills

It was moved by Alderman Heatherly and seconded by Alderwoman Twomey (remotely) to approve the bills as presented. AYE: Alderman Cook, Alderwoman Twomey (remotely), Aldermen Daw, Pinedo, Heatherly, Alderwoman Kelly and Alderman Thomas NAY: none ABSENT: Alderman Wells MOTION CARRIED.

V. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

A. MFD July Report – Chief Rexroat

There were 107 calls for the month of July.

Tyler Osborne, a certified CPR instructor, conducted refresher training for the department.

Captain Peeler has been working with the Illinois Fire Institute to bring special training classes to the Monmouth Fire Department so that firefighters do not have to travel to Champaign where the Institute is located for special training.

On Saturday, August 22nd an extrication class is being held at the North Station. Next month a more advanced extrication class will be held.

The department followed up with Warren County Housing administration and staff after the fire at Costello in order to determine ways to improve response to any similar situation.

Engine 21 has had an electrical issue.

B. MPD July Report – Chief Switzer

• There were 34 arrests in July.

• Officers Kramer and Williams responded very well to the tragic drowning of a two-year-old toddler and are to be commended for their actions.

• Officer Benson received a life saving award from the Illinois Police Association for his assistance during a medical call in June.

• The FOP is working on coming up with an alternate plan for their “Shop with a Cop” at Christmas due to the COVID-19 virus restrictions.

• Three officers were re-certified on Taser training.

• Unit 4, the new squad car now has graphics provided by Lair Collision Center.

• Two new dispatchers are currently in training.

C. Approval of MFT East Euclid Project Resurfacing Bid

W & C Public Works Director Jackson explained that bids were opened in City Hall at 10:00 a.m. this morning with two bids being submitted. The low bid of $330,325.10 was received from Gunther Construction Company. After reviewing the bids, Woodard and Curran is recommending awarding the contract to Gunther Construction in the amount of $330,325.10. It was moved by Alderwoman Kelly and seconded by Alderman Pinedo to accept W & C’s recommendation to award the East Euclid resurfacing project to Gunther Construction in the amount of $330,325.10. AYE: Alderwoman Twomey (remotely), Aldermen Daw, Pinedo, Heatherly, Alderwoman Kelly, Aldermen Thomas and Cook NAY: none ABSENT: Alderman Wells MOTION CARRIED.

VI. ORDINANCES A. 1st Reading

1. 20-023, Approval of Business District Plan and Designation of a Business District and to Establish a Date for a Public Hearing for the Proposed Monmouth Business Development District Number 2

As part of the City’s downtown revitalization plan an additional TIF district and the establishment of a business district needs to be implemented. This ordinance is a first step in establishing a business district and sets a date of September 21st at 5:00 p.m. for a public hearing. There will also be a dial-in phone number given for public comment due to the COVID-19 restrictions. It was moved by Alderman Cook and seconded by Alderman Heatherly to approve the above-stated Ordinance 20-023 as presented. AYE: Aldermen Daw, Pinedo, Heatherly, Alderwoman Kelly, Aldermen Thomas and Cook NAY: none ABSENT: Alderman Wells MOTION CARRIED.

B. 20-024, Granting Setback Variance – 908 S. D Street

Building and Zoning Director Clark explained that the property owner at 908 S. D Street is requesting a setback variance of 6 feet instead of the 12 feet required from the South side of his property line for a new garage. There were no objections from neighbors and the ZBA unanimously approved the setback variance and is recommending its approval to the Council. It was moved by Alderman Heatherly and seconded by Alderman Daw to follow the ZBA’s recommendation and approve Ordinance 20-024, which provides for a setback for a garage at 908 S. D Street. AYE: Aldermen Pinedo, Heatherly, Alderwoman Kelly, Aldermen Thomas, Cook, Alderwoman Twomey (remotely) and Alderman Daw NAY: none ABSENT: Alderman Wells MOTION CARRIED.

VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

A. Per Illinois Statute 5ILCS 120/2 to consider Employment of Administrative Assistant.

1. It was moved by Alderman Cook and seconded by Alderman Daw to go into Executive Session 6:20 p.m. AYE: Aldermen Pinedo, Heatherly, Alderwoman Kelly, Aldermen Thomas, Cook, Alderwoman Twomey (remotely) and Alderman Daw NAY: none ABSENT: Alderman Wells MOTION CARRIED.

2. It was moved by Alderman Cook and seconded by Alderman Daw to return to Regular Session at 6:36 p.m. AYE: Alderman Heatherly, Alderwoman Kelly, Aldermen Thomas, Cook, Alderwoman Twomey (remotely), Aldermen Daw and Pinedo NAY: none ABSENT: Alderman Wells MOTION CARRIED.

VIII. OTHER BUSINESS

There was none to be considered.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Alderman Heatherly and seconded by Alderman Cook to adjourn the August 17, 2020 meeting at 6:36 p.m. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous voice vote with the exception of Alderman Wells, who was absent.

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