Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrators Blog
Walter Denton
June 18, 2009
Here is a summary of Monday’s City Council meeting agenda items. The items are listed in the order as they appeared in the agenda. Click here to see the full texts of the resolutions, ordinances, and staff reports. As a reminder, resolutions, motions, and special event permits only need to be approved once to become official. Ordinances are required to be approved in two readings (over two meetings) before they become official.
Here are the items that were approved by the City Council:
Resolution for OSLAD Grant: The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. The resolution allows the City to apply for a $400,000 grant to assist in the expansion of the Family Sports Park.
Ordinance removing the Pierons-Prairie Lawns Sanitary Sewer District (First Reading): In an effort to clean up old ordinances, staff has determined that the ordinance sections pertaining to Pierons-Prairie Lawn Sanitary Sewer District are no longer needed. This area is basically along Lawn, Douglas and Kar. The special provisions of the old ordinance sections no longer apply.
Ordinance to place stop signs in the Keck Ridge subdivision (First Reading): With infrastructure construction complete in the Keck Ridge subdivision, but lacking housing on some streets, staff has held off placing stop signs at all locations requiring them. Five locations currently require stop signs. An amendment to the stop sign ordinance will authorize enforcement by Police.
Ordinance to borrow fund for sewer projects (First Reading): The City recently applied for $9.5 million in no interest loans to upgrade the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has requested the City Council pass a supporting ordinance for repayment of the $9.5 million, which will be funded through the sewer rate increase approved by the City Council on May 18. The loans will pay for the construction of new headworks and clarifier at the plant as well as trunk main and manhole
repairs throughout the sewer system.
Ordinance to expand Simons Auto Repair parking lot (First Reading): The applicant is requesting approximately 10,545 square feet of land be rezoned from B-2, General Commercial District, to B-2(P), Planned General Commercial District for a proposed parking lot expansion for an existing auto repair business. The property is located at 1801 W Hwy 50. The parking lot will be used for parking of customer vehicles, not derelict or wrecked vehicles. The area will provide 24 new parking spaces.
Ordinance regarding Ordinance Passage (Second Reading): While reviewing questions regarding amendments to the recent sewer rate ordinance, City Attorney Dale Funk discovered that the City’s ordinance on ordinances does not contain clear language on how amendments can be made. In particular, it is vague on how amendments can be made when an ordinance is being considered on Second Reading. The proposed language clarifies the ordinance to allow for amendments to be made on Second Reading.
Ordinance removing the Thomas Acres Sanitary Sewer District (Second Reading): In an effort to clean up old ordinances, Staff has determined that the ordinance pertaining to Thomas Acres Sanitary Sewer District is no longer needed. This area that is basically along Elm and Orchard west of Walnut has now long been part of the City and is built-out. The special provisions of the old ordinance section no longer apply.
Ordinance waiving the 2009 Sewer CPI rate increase (Second Reading): During the May 18 City Council meeting it was discussed to not adjust the sewer rates by the CPI (consumer price index adjustment for water and sewer) in October 2009, due to the sewer rate increase that was passed at that meeting. This ordinance waives the October 2009 CPI increase for the sewer fund.
Ordinance clarifying sewer rates for multiple units on one water meter (Second Reading): Currently, if there are multiple units on a single water meter, each unit is assessed a baser sewer user fee. In the case of the new sewer rates recently passed. A six-unit apartment complex on a single water meter would be charged $5.00 per unit or $30. This amendment would change the charge to an amount based on water usage, similar to any other user of water.
Tax Increment Financing Ordinances: Five Second Reading ordinances dealing with the proposed Regency Park Tax Increment Financing District are on hold for legal review.
Special Event Permit for New Life in Christ Church: The issue was referred back to the Community Development Committee for additional discussion.
Now you’re up to date. Next Monday’s Committee meetings will be held as follows: Community Development at 6:00 p.m. and Public Works at 7:00 p.m. The Finance and Administration Committee meeting is cancelled.
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