Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Committee of the Whole met May 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

The Committee of the Whole met on Monday, May 7, 2018 at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Present: Mayor White Clerk Hurd

Alderman Braun Alderman Colwell

Alderman Connor

Alderman Jenkins

Alderman Sharp Alderman Thornton

Absent: Alderman Gould Alderman Hughes

Others in Attendance: Fire Chief Benisch Attorney Seghetti

Police Chief Mettille

Economic Development Director Rachael Parker

Office Manager Denise Passage

Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.

Chairman White stated the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Fire District and to bring council up to date on several Economic Development projects.

Chairman White told the committee that the City Attorney would explain process for the city to join or not join the Fire District. He told the council that the process is different than what it was two years when the city first discussed going to a district.

He asked for input as to why the city should not join the district. Alderman Thornton stated that he was opposed to joining the district. He stated the following reasons: The city would not have representation on the board since they were appointed positions. The cost to citizens would be more. He did not agree with the previous process that was taken to appoint a new chief.

Alderman Sharp questioned the handouts that were given to him before the meeting. He would like to have more time to study them. He was in agreement with Alderman Thornton that the city needs to have some control. He Stated that he liked how the fire department is run now in conjunction with the fire district.

Alderman Jenkins believes that one of the city councils job is to govern the city and feels that the fire department as well as other city departments are part of the job of the council.

Alderman Connor voiced concerns on the cost to the citizens and stated that she would like firm data on the cost to the citizens.

Alderman Braun stated that he would like more data.

Alderman Colwell questioned the other Aldermen in how much control the council really has over the fire department. He told the committee that he feels that the council needs to listen to the facts and find out the cost savings to the city to make the best choice for the citizens based on facts.

Chairman White introduced Trustee Kevin Peterson who addressed the cost to the citizens based on Mary K Horan tax bill.

Discussion was held on the city’s ISO rating.

Chairman White and Fire Chief Benisch gave a presentation on the future cost to the city if the city does not join the district. Hand out attached.

City Attorney explained how the process to join the district is different now than when the district was originally formed.

- The fire department would be annexed into the existing fire district.

- The fire district would circulate a petition to the city residents asking if they would like to join the district. The petitions would have to equal 1% of the city’s population

- A public hearing would be held

- The question would go on the November ballot.

- If the referendum passed, the district board would then have the option of accepting or rejecting the city into the district.

The attorney explained that the council has no role in the process – except to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement with the district if the referendum is approved.

Trustee Peterson from the District stated that they will circulate a petition.

Chairman White explained the importance to the council to reach an Intergovernmental Agreement with the district in the event the referendum passes.

Issues discussed to be in the Intergovernmental Agreement were:

- City representation on the Board. Chairman White suggested that the Board consist of two from the City, two from the County and one from Marshall County. The Mayor provides a recommendation to the District Board after the Council concurs with the recommendation to take to the County Board for appointment.

- What to do with the City’s Fire Protection Funds. It was suggested to pay off the loan on the current ladder truck ($150,000) and possibly buy more equipment.

- Transfer the two Fire Stations to the District at no cost.

- Sell all equipment to the District for $1

- Fire hydrants and water use. The City would continue to own the fire hydrants and provide water. The district would assist in fire hydrant flushing.

- Firefighters. Fire personnel will be District personnel

- Specialized services that the fire personnel would provide to the City such as; Fire Marshal, Property Maintenance.

Chairman White suggested that the City Attorney work with the Fire District Attorney on the Intergovernmental Agreement and bring it to a future Public Safety Meeting.

A short break took place.

Alderman Colwell informed the committee that the possible developer of the “bacon Building” has not confirmed an agreement at this time. Discussion was held on the details of the possible proposal and the length of time it has taken the developer to agree. It was the consensus of the committee to have the City Attorney gives the developer 5 days to move on the agreement. If the developer does not move on the agreement the committee will direct the attorney to put a new RFP out for the property.

Alderman Colwell informed the committee that Flexi Snake has expressed interest in the city owned property located at 214 Ash Street for expansion. They are asking for $107,000.00 TIF incentive and to purchase the city owned property for $1. Discussion was held on TIF project guidelines and rezoning that will be needed. It was the consensus of the committee to seek request for proposals for the city owned property at 214 Ash Street.

Discussion was held on the city purchasing the following properties:

714 N Fourth Street

616 N Fourth Street

It was the consensus of the committee to have the city attorney draft ordinances for the two properties and place on the May 14th council agenda for approval. Discussion was held on possible development on the properties. It was the consensus of the committee to direct the attorney to put a RFP out for the properties.

Discussion was held on possible new retail development for the city owned property at 721 N Third Street. It was the consensus of the committee to direct the attorney to put a RFP out for the property

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

http://www.cityofchillicotheil.com/05.07.18.pdf