City of Neoga Council met Aug. 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Tony Kepp. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Those present were: Commissioners Lindley, Groves, and Mayor Kepp. Commissioner Edwards and Hartke were absent. Others present were City Clerk Brenda Evans, City Treasurer Diana Foor, Superintendent Shawn Durbin, Police Chief Andy Schabbing, Building Inspector Jeff Morrison, Nathan Bergin, John Bergin, William Dick, and Grace United Methodist Church Preacher Rob Dillingham.
MINUTES
After reviewing the regular and executive session minutes, Commissioner Groves made a motion to approve the regular and executive session minutes from July 23, 2018. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindley. Ayes, Commissioner Groves, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp. Ayes, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR KEPP
BOB STRETCH, SIDEWALK
Bob Stretch was not present at the meeting, but City Clerk Evans explained that Mr. Stretch had some concerns about the sidewalk at the corner of 7th and Locust Avenue. Evans said that she has looked at the sidewalk, along with Commissioner Edwards, and Chief Schabbing, and everyone agreed there was a concern. Evans suggested that the sidewalk be removed for a couple of reasons. One reason is the two trees on the boulevard make the sidewalk uneven so it is a trip hazard. The other reason is to allow the homeowners a place to park their vehicle. The sidewalk to the east has already been removed due to the uneven bricks, and most people walk on the north side of 7th Street because the sidewalk is in much better condition. Evans said that she met with Jim Closson, a Loss Control Specialist from Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Agency regarding the sidewalk. After walking the sidewalk, he recommended that the city remove the brick sidewalk and not replace it until the two trees on the boulevard are removed. With very little discussion, Commissioner Groves made a motion to remove the sidewalk on East 7th Street from Locust Avenue going East to the alley. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindley. Ayes, Commissioner Groves, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE -2- AUGUST 13, 2018
WILLIAM DICK, TICKET
Mr. William Dick spoke to the council about a ticket that he received for improper lane usage from Chief Schabbing. Mr. Dick explained that he left the roadway to avoid an oncoming car that had moved close to the centerline to avoid the police car sitting on the shoulder. Dick said that after he had passed that car he moved back onto the roadway and continued on. Dick said that he had a copy of the in car video and Chief Schabbing ran a stop sign and was speeding which should be two (2) tickets. Dick also explained that according to the law the white lines are for safety purposes, and it doesn’t mean you can’t drive on or over them. The Council thanked Mr. Dick and told him they would take his request into consideration, and City Clerk Evans would be in touch.
IML CONFERENCE City Treasurer Diana Foor told the Council that the conference is always good training for everyone who attends. At the conference, they discuss things that benefit cities; utilities, police, attorneys, parks, and different problems or ideas regarding all taxing districts. After very little discussion, Commissioner Groves made a motion to send both the City Administrator/Clerk Evans and City Treasurer Foor to the IML Conference from September 19-22. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindley. Ayes, Commissioner Groves, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
FINANCE, COMMISSIONER HARTKE
TREASURER’S REPORT
After reviewing the treasurer’s report, Mayor Kepp ordered the financial report to be placed into the files of the City Clerk.
PUBLIC PROPERTY, COMMISSIONER GROVES
No report was given.
STREETS AND ALLEYS, COMMISSIONER EDWARDS
PURCHASE OF PICKUP TRUCK
Superintendent Durbin told the Council that he found a 1992 Chevy 1⁄2 ton pickup for $2400 in great shape that would be perfect for his department. Commissioner Lindley made a motion to purchase the truck in the amount of $2400. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Groves. Ayes, Commissioner Lindley, Groves, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
PURCHASE OF ZTR MOWER
Superintendent Durbin said that he has been discussing the option for mowing with Commissioner Edwards and they have agreed to go a different route than a ZTR.
ROCK IN ALLEY BEHIND COUNTRY COMPANIES
City Clerk Evans said that the Pentecostal Church has requested that the city place rock in the alley behind the Church and Country Companies. According to Evans, they exit out of their parking lot through the alley and back onto 8th Street. Superintendent Durbin said that they have done it before, and they have some rock that they can put back in there later in the week.
HEALTH AND SAFETY, COMMISSIONER LINDLEY
NATHAN BERGIN, PROPERTY AT 490 E. 7TH STREET
Property owner Nathan Bergin told the Council that he has received notification that he was being summoned into Cumberland County Court to answer the complaint filed by the City of Neoga. Bergin said that he would like to place a roof on the garage located on the property, and maybe add to it for a three (3) car garage. Bergin asked what his options are at this time, and can they have an extension of time. At this time, John Bergin started explaining that he has written a letter to explain the process from the beginning to the end, and he will be giving the letter to the Judge when they have to appear. Commissioner Groves reviewed the written letter and said that he feels the City should continue with the court proceedings. The other Council members agreed to proceed.
ORDINANCE # 835-07-12 An Ordinance Regulating Health and Abating Nuisances
Within the Limits of the City of Neoga, Illinois.
Commissioner Lindley said that he would like to table this ordinance until the entire Council is present and can discuss it. Mayor Kepp agreed to have it on the next agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Grace United Methodist Church Preacher Rob Dillingham introduced himself to the Council and those in attendance.
Chief Schabbing told the Council that he and Kevin Haarman conducted a shooter training class at the Grace United Methodist Church for approximately 30 people. Schabbing said it was a great number for his first training since he took the A.L.I.C.E training, and he will be doing additional classes that will be open to the public sometime in the future.
Building Inspector Morrison informed the Council that the Zoning Board will be meeting on Monday August 20th to discuss changes to the Zoning ordinances. Morrison also stated that these changes will have input from the City Attorney as well.
Public Works Superintendent Durbin told the Council that the part time employees have left for the rest of the season to attend school, and the full time employees will be finishing the mowing. Durbin also said that he thought the oil and chip program went very well, and new employee Travis Haskett is working out very well.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Groves made a motion to go into executive session for Personnel – Section 2 (c)(1) – Employee hiring, firing, compensation, discipline and performance at 7:44 p.m., and for Sale or Lease of Real estate – Section 2 (c)(6) – Limited to actual setting of price for sale or lease of public property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindley. Ayes, Commissioner Groves, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
RECONVENED AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was reconvened at 8:46 p.m. on a motion from Commissioner Groves. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindley. Those present for roll call were: Commissioner Groves, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Lindley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Groves. Ayes, Commissioner Lindley, Groves, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
http://neoga.org/sites/neoga.org/files/meetingminutes/August%2013%2C%202018.pdf
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