City of Neoga City Council met October 9.
Here is the minutes as 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, Edwards, and Mayor Kepp. Commissioners Hartke and Groves were absent. Others present were City Clerk Brenda Evans, City Treasurer Diana Foor, Police Chief Schabbing, Neoga News Editor Billie Chambers, and Matt Romack.
Minutes
After reviewing the regular session minutes, Commissioner Edwards made a motion to approve the regular session minutes from September 24, 2018. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindley. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp.
Ayes, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
Public Affairs, Mayor Kepp
Water and Sewer Policy
Matt Romack told the Council that he has a house in Neoga that he had rented out in the pas. Romack explained that he sold the house, and at the closing he found out that there was a water bill due on the property. Romack said that he was not aware of the bill and found out at the closing the new property owner would have to pay that bill prior to having the water turned back on. Romack stated that he didn’t feel it was his responsibility to pay that bill. City Clerk Evans explained to the Council that the renter in this case didn’t pay his bill, and the city shut the water off. We learned that the person was in jail, and we proceeded to close the account. After applying the deposit there was still a due bill of $264.50. At that time the meter was still there, and the water was off. A few months later we learned that the previous renter was seen in the area and was believed to be living there again. At that time, we had the public works department check the meter and found it was back on. We ordered the meter to be removed and figured the water that was used was 22,000 gallons at a cost of $385.67. We proceeded to file charges on the renter, and he plead guilty and was ordered to pay restitution. Evans explained to the Council that the ordinances states the property owner is responsible for any water and sewer charges not paid by the renter. Romack stated that he could agree to pay the $264.50, but he felt he should not be held responsible for someone who had theft of services. After a very lengthy discuss, it was the consensus of the Council to table this until all Council members were present.
Membership to IIMC
City Clerk Evans informed the Council that International Institute of Municipal Clerks is an international organization for clerks that offers educational classes. Evans said that when she attended IML in Chicago, the Clerk meetings had discussed the change in education and how beneficial the Master Municipal Clerks program was. Evans explained that the schooling involved college type classes at a cost of $440. Mayor Kepp stated that if the classes would benefit the city it would be money well spent.
Commissioner Edwards agreed, and made a motion to have City Clerk Evans proceed with the MMC program. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindley. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
Membership to International City Management Association
City Clerk Evans explained to the Council while at IML, she was informed about the International City Management Association (ICMA). Evans said that this organization educates members on economic development and administrator duties for city and county administrators. The membership dues are $462, which is based off of population. Commissioner Edwards made a motion to join ICMA for $462. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindley. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
Membership to Illinois City/County Management Association
City Clerk Evans explained that the Illinois City Management Association (ILCMA) was highly recommended by other administrators for educational information. Commissioner Edwards made a motion to become a member of ILCMA in the amount of $166. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindley. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Lindley and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
Personnel Policy
City Clerk Evans said that she wanted to go over the current personnel policy, but since two commissioners were absent, she suggested waiting until the next meeting. All council members agreed.
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
Change Order #4 for 6th Street Waterline
Via phone, Lee Beckman explained the change order to the Council. Beckman said the change order was due to the replacement of the sidewalk and replacing asphalt where the road was disturbed to replace the water line. After little discussion, Commissioner Edwards made a motion to approve the change order in the amount of $26,686.50. Commissioner Lindley seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
Streets and Alleys, Commissioner Edwards
Pay Request #4
The Council reviewed the final pay request in the amount of $64,877.78 to B & T Drainage. With little discussion, Commissioner Edwards made a motion to pay the request in the amount of $64,877.78. Commissioner Lindley seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
Safe Routes to School Grant
Commissioner Edwards said that he has been thinking about the grant Lee Beckman discussed at the last meeting for the shared bike path being 8 feet wide. Edwards as well as Mayor Kepp, believes that the general public will be very upset if the city decided to put 8’ wide concrete path along the residential streets. After further discussion, Commissioner Edwards made a motion to not proceed with the grant for the shared path. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindley. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
Commissioner Edwards told the council that he would like to review the rules at the Neoga Memorial Cemetery and find a way to post them for everyone to read. It was the consensus of the Council to discuss the rules at the next meeting.
Health and Safety, Commissioner Lindley
Commissioner Lindley said that the tree along Walnut Avenue between 5th & 6th Street was taken down, and he was glad to see that.
Mayor Kepp told the Council that he has contacted the State of Illinois Department of Transportation regarding the safety issues along Rt. 45 and 11th Street and the weeds by the interstate interchange. Kepp said that Chris Taylor from the Effingham IDOT office said he would be looking into the problems and will get back with him.
Public Comments
None were given.
Adjournment
Commissioner Lindley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Edwards. Ayes, Commissioner Lindley, Edwards, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
http://neoga.org/sites/neoga.org/files/meetingminutes/October%209%2C%202018.pdf
Alerts Sign-up