Peoria Standard

City of Marquette Heights City Council Met April 12.

CALL TO ORDER

The City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M by Mayor Bradford.

ROLL CALL

Aldermen present for Roll Call: Alderman Little, Naugle, Amundson, Neuhaus and Neumann.

Also present were Clerk Steele, Treasurer Harris, Public Works Director Brown, Police Chief Merritt, Fire Chief Fortier, Office Manager Minson and Attorney Herman were also present.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

Mayor

Mayor Bradford read the proclamation for Jaxson Heller’s Wish Day on April 11th, 2021. Jaxon was presented with hamburgers and roasting sticks from the Fire Department and a Bass Pro Gift Card from the Police Department. Jaxson will receive his dream wish of a camper later this spring from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Illinois division.

Mayor Bradford also read a proclamation for Motorcycle Safety Month May 2021 from the ABATE Peo-Taz Chapter.

Clerk

Clerk Steele advised the Council that should any reverse mitigations for COVID occur we will return to virtual council meetings. County positivity rates continue to increase and will be monitored with a decision to come prior to the next meeting.

Treasurer

No report

Attorney

Police Union has officially filed to dismantle the City Union.

Miller Hall and Triggs will host a virtual Law seminar for Elected Officials and office staff who would like to participate on May 15, 2021.

Communication

Clerk Steele read a Thank You card from Dale Hamm and family for the flowers and condolences sent during his mother’s passing.

Citizens Wishing to Address the Council

Josh Bradbury, Manager, and Brian Olson, COO, with I3 Broadband presented folders to the Council with information on their intent to extend service within Marquette Heights. They anticipate a late summer arrival. Josh will meet with Public Works to discuss further.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

Water and Sewer – Alderman Amundson

Well 6 shows a hole in the column pipe. Tony is opting to repair at this time, instead of previously discussed replacement. Cahoy will add camera work to verify repair needs.

Law Enforcement – Alderman Little

March report has been provided and filed.

Alderman Little expressed concerns with budget. Council determined it necessary to keep the 3rd full-time officer position in the new budget.

TC3 grant amount to come.

Chief Merritt received confirmation for the body cameras.

Streets – Alderman Neumann

Street sweeper in need of repair. Part has been ordered, and is on agenda for approval.

Medians are the only area left for street sweeping.

A part-time person has been hired on a trial basis.

Seasonal brush pick up to begin Monday, April 19th.

Public Works Director Brown provided a draft policy for driveways incorrectly constructed that are or have been damaged during snow plowing routes. We will discuss best method to reach citizens with a copy of this letter.

Public Buildings / Parks – Alderman Naugle

Prairie grass burn has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday the 22nd or Friday the 23rd depending on weather.

More vandalism occurring at the park restrooms. Tony will continue to investigate and see if we can identify who is doing it.

Marquette Heights Librarian, Jenny Jackson, received confirmation that they were approved for a grant to help with the costs associate with making the building restrooms ADA accessible.

Discussions continued on what to do with brush clean up once frisbee has been cleared. Tony is looking into a larger company to assist with chipping; quote will be provided.

Insurance has approved the skate park but agreed that a camera being added for security and safety is best.

Fire – Alderman Neuhaus

No report.

Mayor Bradford thanked the Chief for the department’s help with Jaxson Heller’s wish day.

Planning – Alderman Crum

Executive Session to be held for possible sale of property.

Zoning Board met and approved the petition of Michael and Leanna Sammis, to rezone the property parcel# 05-05-18-100-002, which resides in the City limits positioned north and along LaSalle Blvd. across from Grant Rd, as residential. The City will work to procure a legal US Postal address.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approve March 22, 2021 Regular Council Meeting minutes.

Approve March 22, 2020 Executive Minutes.

Approve April 5, 2021 Executive Minutes.

Approve Bi-Monthly expenditures in the amount of $120,786.44.

Approve monthly Fire Engine 313 loan payment in the amount of $3,119.79 to Better Banks.

Approve monthly Police Squad 21-1 loan payment in the amount of $757.36 to Better Banks.

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA:

Alderman Little made motion, seconded by Alderman Neuhaus to approve the Consent Agenda in its entirety. Roll Call Vote: All ayes. Nays: None. Motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Alderman Amundson made motion, seconded by Alderman Crum, to approve Intergovernmental agreement with Creve Coeur.

Alderman Amundson made motion, seconded by Alderman Neumann, to approve Creve Coeur Sewer Budget.

Alderman Crum made motion, seconded by Alderman Little, to approve FY22 General Fund budget.

Alderman Little made motion, seconded by Alderman Crum to approve amended Salary Resolution 563.

Alderman Little made motion, seconded by Alderman Amundson to approve salary for Police Chief Merritt at $53,000.00 annually.

Alderman Naugle made motion, seconded by Alderman Little, to approve Arbor Day Proclamation.

Alderman Crum made motion, seconded by Alderman Amundson, to approve the rezoning of the property, which sits north and alongside of LaSalle across Grant Rd. from commercial to residential.

Alderman Neumann made motion, seconded by Alderman Neuhaus, to approve payment to Key Equipment in the amount of $1,427.17 for belt and splicer kit for the sweeper.

Alderman Amundson made motion, seconded by Alderman Neuhaus, to approve payment to Cahoy Group in the amount of $1,950.00 to include camera work at Well #6 with other repairs.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS PERTAINING TO THE CITY

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Little made motion, seconded by Alderman Neuhaus to enter Executive Session of the City Council Meeting at 8:07pm.

Alderman Little made motion, seconded by Alderman Neumann to adjourn the regular City Council Meeting at 8:23pm. Roll Call Vote: All ayes. Nays: none. Motion passed.

http://cityofmhgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/4.12.21-Council.doc