Peoria Standard

City of Batavia Cemetery Parks Committee met June 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The Cemetery Parks Committee met via teleconference, on June 16, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. in the Council chambers at City Hall. The meeting was broadcasted to the public via ZOOM.

Present at the Meeting in the Council Chambers: Chairman Jenkins, Alderman Bredeman, Alderman Connor, Alderman Sharp, Mayor White, Superintendent of Public Works Sutherland, and Office Manager Passage.

Present at the Meeting via teleconference: No one was on via teleconference.

Chairman Jenkins called the meeting to order at 4:30pm

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment

PURPOSE

Budget – Superintendent Sutherland gave an update regarding budget.

Bike Trail Update – Chairman Jenkins stated that there will be a meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2020 with the bike trail committee. Those on the committee are Jeff Admire, Andy Ruhland, Troy Mitchell, Brent Cranford, Adam Leiner, Amanda Beadles. The will focus on phase one of the bike trail, which is the area around the library. The School owns the property which will held. He reported that we have received an educational grant. Mayor White stated that the City Clerk found information regarding a bike trail from 1997.

Eagle Landing Platform – Mayor White gave some ideas for the plat form such as the stairs spiral around the tower structure , a single slope roof and a concrete base or wood. These may have some cost savings. He also talked about having a telescope at both areas to stay ada compliant. He will be working on possibly getting the telescopes donated, from ATM as they do community projects. Chairman Jenkings questioned where this would be placed as he would not like to remove any trees. Alderman Connor stated that there are no trees in the area where the structure will be placed. The structure will go where the old eagle was at eagle landing and it may be approximately 20 feet tall.

Fishing Dock – The City Engineer is working on this and will report back at another meeting.

Hire Part Time Employee – Replacement – Superintendent Sutherland stated that a Dan Johnson who is currently a part time employee for the summer may have to be off for the rest of the season, due to health related issue. He recommended that Jacob Frame be hired, subject to pre-employment testing when Mr. Johnsons leaves. Superintendent Sutherland explained who was working and stated that we have five seasonal employees. The consensus of the committee was to seek approval at the June 22 council meeting, to hire Mr. Frame.

Part Time worker wages – Chairman Jenkins stated that he received a call from Bruce Dudley, stating that they had not had a raise.

Office Manager Passage advised the committee that the part time employees are subject to wage increase each year due to the minimum wage increase. The lead person is making $11.00 an hour currently and the part time seasonal employees are making $10.00 an hour currently. They will receive a $1.00 an hour increase January 1, 2020 and each year thereafter to January 1, 2025. All part time employees must make $15.00 hour by January 1, 2025.

Chairman Jenkins stated that Mr. Dudley made the comment that he is the lead and he gets there an hour early. Chairman Jenkins stated he told him to log his time. Superintendent Sutherland stated it was not agreed upon. Office Manager Passage stated they can work 29 hours a week.

Office Manager Passage stated that typically seasons employers would receive an increase in May, However; since minimum wage was mandated to increase they will receive the increase in January Mayor White stated after January 1, 2025 it should go back to being reviewed in May. Superintendent Sutherland asked if the 29 hours were abiding by the union contract. Office Manager Passage stated that the seasonal employees were not subject to union contract. The 29 hours are to keep from the requirement to pay health insurance. Chairman Jenkins stated that all this was good education and fair.

Dog Walking Park – Walnut Water Tower – Chairman Jenkins stated that he realizes this is not the best time to think about the dog park by the walnut tower. He likes the idea and wants it to be on the agenda to keep it front of us. Mayor White stated that a dog park should be approximately 1⁄2 acre of land as it should be for exercise for the dogs, not a place to go to the bathroom. There should be water available for the dogs to get a drink and there should be a fence around the area with rounded corners. He stated that this would have to be a budgeted item. Alderman Connor stated that she walks her dog in that area. Chairman Jenkins stated that the area is good size and it would be easy to do as two sides are already fenced. Alderman Connor stated this would be an ideal spot. Superintendent Sutherland stated that there could be some set back requirements. This item will be moved to old business so further discussion can be made at a later date.

Tree Carving – Alderman Connor reported that the tree by the railroad track on Walnut Street was an Ash tree and can be used for a carving. She spoke to Mr. Gill regarding carving an eagle, with possible nest and eaglets and maybe some verbiage and the cost would be approximately $1,000.00. She also discussed a Native American, three D concept. The Native American would be at bottom with a head dress and due to the detail the approximate cost would be $1,500.00. She stated he has other options. Mayor White stated that it could also be a railroad theme carving. He stated that we have to be careful regarding Native American. Alderman Sharp stated that was thinking about a simple brave with one feather. Alderman Bredeman suggested that we research Native American in this area to see what they wore to make sure it was correctly portrayed. Alderman Sharp stated that the railroad theme could be it could be railroad items such as lantern, sign etc. This town would not be what it is as it had two railroads. Mayor White stated maybe a collage. Mayor White recommended that a rendition be obtained from artist so we can have something visually see. No action was recommended at this time. There is nothing to do to the tree while a decision is made. Alderman Connor stated that there will be a protective coating put on the carving to preserve it afterwards.

Mayor Whites reported that that the eagle carving at eagle landing was not a bald eagle therefore; should not be painted. Regarding the cracks, there is specific wood putty to put in the cracks, however; it is recommended to wait until fall.

OLD BUSINESS

Park Equipment – Request for Qualifications – Mayor White stated that we are waiting for a contract from Cunningham (Game Time) representative. The next step would be to tour the parks.

SUMMARY

Council Agenda Items – Hire Part Time Employee – Replacement Chairman Action – None

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

http://www.cityofchillicotheil.com/CEMETREY%20PARKS%206.16.20.pdf