O’FALLON CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
September 6, 2005
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Mayor Gary Graham, who then led “The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.”
Philip Goodwin, City Clerk, called the roll: Nila Grogan, present; Mary Schmidt, present; Ed True, present; Becky Henry, excused; Rick Reckamp, present; Jerry Mouser, present; Tom Bequette, present; Allen Medford, present; Michael Bennett, present (arrived at 7:07); Dennis Renner, present; Jason Boone, present; Ned Drolet, present; John West, present; Jerry Albrecht, present. A quorum was declared present.
Motion was made by J. West and seconded by D. Renner to approve the minutes of the August 15, 2005, meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
RESIDENTS:
Mayor Graham invited any residents of O’Fallon who would like to speak to the Council to step to the microphone.
Randy Burch from Ward 7 stated his opposition to the Simplified Telecommunications Tax. He presented statistics that he said were provided by or verified by a major telecommunications provider, the FCC, the Census Bureau and CTIA. He charged the City Administration for using figures that were a gross underestimate of the real numbers. Mr.~Burch also stated the average cost of this tax per month will be at least $10.00. He urged aldermen to reject the tax because the facts do not support it, the need cannot be demonstrated, and the results could be devastating to some citizens.
Mayor Graham responded that many of his facts are incorrect and added that some of his charges would be addressed later in the evening.
Don Drouin spoke against imposing the Simplified Telecommunications Tax before a detailed financial plan is available to build, staff, and maintain the different stages of the park, so every possible financial option can be considered and evaluated. He recommended the cost of the park coincide with the proper funding and suggested the tax be put on hold to ensure other new or higher taxation will not be required of the citizens in the future. He suggested alternative funding options, including the current utility tax, parkland dedication fees, the increased revenue generated from real estate and sales taxes, the St. Clair County park tax, and future use fees.
Jodi Caticchio expressed her support of the proposed funding for the Family Sports Park, stating she and many others feel it is a fair and reasonable solution. She commended the Council for their vision and said the Simplified Telecommunications Tax is a small price to pay for what will be gained tomorrow.
Steve Engler of 312 Colleen Drive presented a copy of a petition from Ward~3 and Ward 6 containing 236 signatures of citizens opposing the Simplified Telecommunications Tax. He noted the 236 signatures represent 95.55% of the 247 citizens he contacted. He said the purchase, development, operations and maintenance expenses of a park this size on a very tight City budget isn’t logical. He also said he has talked with aldermen who have acknowledged the City’s Water and Sewer Department employees are routinely loaned out to the Parks Department to mow grass in most of the City’s parks. He, therefore, questioned the sewer rate increase and asked if it was needed to help support our current park system.
Mayor Graham told Mr. Engler that 100% of his allegations of Water and Sewer Department employees working in the parks are incorrect. He stated the City could prove it has never been that way because these employees are paid from separate funds, and he invited Mr. Engler to stay after the meeting to discuss the issue. The Mayor said this year, for the first time in O’Fallon’s history, the City has been able to hire park employees at minimum wage and not use Local 670 laborers. He noted again that the City does not mix funds, because it is against the law.
Mr. Frank Morski of 310 Colleen Drive said the majority of citizens in O’Fallon oppose the Simplified Telecommunications Tax. He agreed the aldermen sometimes must make tough decisions, such as voting against the will of the citizens on life safety issues. However, he noted when it comes to luxury items, such as this park, the aldermen should vote with the will of the citizens. Secondly, Mr.~Morski opposed the sewer rate increase and stated citizens are being cheated out of the opportunities to voice their opinions on issues such as these. Mr. Morski also raised issue with the results of the traffic study recently conducted for his street, and he noted there is no enforcement of traffic laws in his neighborhood. Finally, Mr. Morski objected to retail signs being placed at street corners
such as K-Mart, Rhodes Furniture, and various land developers. He said he has called the police numerous times over the past year regarding these signs, but nothing has been done about them. He asked the City to enforce its ordinance against this practice.
In response to Mr. Morski’s charge of citizens being cheated out of opportunities to voice their opinions, the Mayor listed numerous dates of meetings held, articles written in the Progress and Belleville News Democrat, and O’Fallon website postings regarding the proposed Family Sports Park; and he noted that very few, if any, citizens attend these meetings or respond with input. Mayor Graham said he didn’t have the same information regarding the sewer rate increase in front of him tonight, but he would be happy to provide those dates to Mr. Morski as well.
Mr.~Len Butler of North Smiley Street commented that the Simplified Telecommunications Tax going from 1% to 5% is not a 4% increase—it is a 500% increase. He called it unconscionable for the City to run the tax up to the maximum allowable at one time. He also noted there are no provisions to exempt senior citizens from the tax increase. Finally, Mr.~Butler asked why the tax increase is being voted on at a Tuesday night City Council meeting, which only occurs about four times a year.
Mayor Graham said it is the City’s policy that if a holiday falls on a Monday, the City Council meeting scheduled for that night is automatically moved to Tuesday. The Mayor explained the Simplified Telecommunications Tax is a 5% total tax. He stated Mr.~Butler is correct—the 5% tax represents a 500% increase. However, he wanted citizens to realize if their phone bill for one phone is $100.00; their tax will be $5.00.
Gary Hursey, O’Fallon resident and O’Fallon Township Trustee, noted that no one likes taxes; however, he sees this as a donation to a good park system. He added that the 2,500 high school students and all the grade school students in our city need this park, and he feels it is a small price to pay.
The Mayor thanked everyone for their comments.
REPORTS:
Clerk’s Report: None.
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Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Graham said refugees from the recent flooding in Louisiana and Mississippi are being brought into St. Clair County today and tomorrow who will need assistance in terms of money, food, etc. As more information comes in, it will be made available to the public. The Mayor stated one of our firemen has been sent to the flooded areas. The City has also been asked to donate the services of two of our policeman; and the City agreed to the request but has not yet been asked to deploy the officers. A moment of silence was observed for all those affected by this devastation.
The Mayor announced the appointment of William Kuzma to the Police Pension Board and the appointment of Carlton Bjerkaas to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
A motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. Albrecht to approve the appointments. Ayes – 12; Nays – 1 (Schmidt). Motion carried.
Mary Jeanne Hutchison of the Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation on the Family Sports Park. She noted there was an approximate 25-year span of no new park space added to the City until the year 2002, when land was donated by the Thoman family; the City developed Thoman Park for approximately $550,000. Then in 2004/2005 approximately 200 acres were purchased for the future Family Sports Park. Prior to 2004 the City had 61 acres of active park space (Community Park, Hesse Park and Thoman Park) and 109 acres of passive park space at Rock Springs (only 49~acres are developed). The City’s active park plan goal is to dedicate 6 acres per 1,000, which is the national goal. The Park Master Plan in 2001 said the City needed 175~acres of active park space, and the City has now caught
up with the 2001 needs. The City’s future need is 271 acres for a population of 38,100.
M. Hutchison said the City’s current student enrollment is 6,648. The projection for 2009-2010 is 7,018. An additional 3,000 homes have already been given approval to be built in the City, which equals approximately 8,500 residents. She indicated the public benefits of the Family Sports Complex include the economic development and impact on the City, alleviating social problems, and environmental stewardship.
M. Hutchison showed a site map of the Park, pointed out its many features, and noted that it will be completed in phases over 20 or more years.
M. Bennett asked why St. Ellen Park was not included in the list of O’Fallon Parks. M.~Hutchison said the City does not own that park.
J. Boone asked if the proposed tax does not pass, how long it would take to build the entire park. M. Hutchison estimated the project taking 30-40 years to complete without the proposed tax. With the tax increase, she estimated the time to be 15-20 years.
D.~Renner asked if there were plans to build a skate park on the 200 acres. The Mayor said they’d like to build it by the Police Department; however, the cost will be approximately $250,000 and there are no immediate plans.
M. Bennett asked how the increase in gas prices has affected the City’s budget with regard to City vehicle usage. D. Rich explained the City purchases gasoline off the spot market in St. Louis, and the City pays what the actual dealers pay. The City’s gas prices have not yet reached $2.00/gallon, which is an approximate 8-10% increase over last year.
N. Drolet noted that with the increase in fuel prices, the State’s revenues have increased from the sales tax. However, the City does not benefit at all from the increase in fuel prices. D. Rich confirmed this.
RESOLUTIONS:
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D. Renner to consider the Omnibus Rule for Resolution Items 1-6. All ayes. Motion carried.
ITEM 1 – Resolution Amending the 457 Program Regarding Establishing a Deferred Compensation Plan to Permit Loans
ITEM 2 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Gateway Geospatial for Water System Data Collection via GPS Methods in an amount not to exceed $45,000
ITEM 3 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Burns & McDonnell for Updating the City’s Water Distribution System and Master Plan in the amount of $49,700
ITEM 4 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Henry, Meisenheimer & Gende, Inc. (HMG) for the General Provisions for Letter Agreements
ITEM 5 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Kuhlmann Design Group, Inc. for the Design and Survey of the Quail Meadow Storm Sewer Modification in the amount of $10,525
ITEM 6 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Electrico, Inc. for the LED Traffic Signal Upgrades in the amount of $58,265
Motion was made by J.~Mouser and seconded by N. Grogan to approve Resolution Items~1-6.
ROLL CALL: M. Schmidt, aye; E. True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D. Renner, aye; J. Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N. Grogan, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCES:
1st Readings
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by E. True to consider the Omnibus Rule for 1st Reading Ordinance Items 7-8 and 10-14. All ayes. Motion carried.
ITEM 7 – Ordinance Declaring the Following Vehicles as Surplus: 1998 Ford Crown Victoria, #8365 and a 1992 Ford MaCoy Miller Econoline 350, #1387
ITEM 8 – Ordinance Proposing the Establishment of the O’Fallon/Drury Development Business District and Adoption of an O’Fallon/Drury Development Business District Plan
ITEM 10 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 52, Regarding Water Tap Fees
ITEM 11 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 52, Regarding Water Meter Testing Charges
ITEM 12 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 78, Regarding No Parking on Famous Drive
ITEM 13 – Ordinance Amending Ordinance 623, Zoning, Planned Use for National City Bank
ITEM 14 – Ordinance Amending Ordinance 623, Zoning, Planned Use for McMillin Realty
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by E. True to place on 1st Reading Ordinance Items 7-8 and 10-14.
M. Bennett said regarding Item 14, he would have preferred having the entire Frontage~Road planned out and developed at the same time.
ROLL CALL: E. True, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. Albrecht to place on 1st Reading Ordinance Item 9.
ITEM 9 – Ordinance for the Amendment of Special Use Procedures Giving the
Planning Commission Increased Authority, the Amendment of Home Child Care
Zoning Regulation, the Amendment of Garage Conversion for Dwelling Use Zoning Regulation, Increase in Maximum Lot Coverage for SR-3, MH-1, and MH-2 Districts, and the Amendment of Written Protest Procedures
N. Drolet expressed his objection to removing the Home Child Care Zoning Regulation from the oversight of the Planning Commission. He felt that surrounding residents would not have adequate opportunity to protest the proposed home child care facilities.
Mayor Graham asked how the new procedure differs from the proposed procedure. T.~Shekell described both processes and pointed out that the approval currently takes about 8-9 weeks—as much time as a large commercial project or subdivision. The proposed process will only take a few weeks. He stated applicants would still need to have an inspection and license from DCFS and be held to the same regulations that are currently required of all applicants.
M. Bennett asked if the time for approval would be decreased with the new combined Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. T.~Shekell said it would take about two weeks off the approval process. At the Mayor’s request, T. Shekell said in the future, the respective aldermen would be informed of proposed home child care facilities in their wards.
A. Medford expressed his agreement with N. Drolet on this issue.
Motion was made by N. Drolet and seconded by A. Medford to remove the Home Child Care portion from the Ordinance so it can be dealt with separately.
J. Boone stated there is a great need for home child care facilities in the City, and he noted the proposed process would ensure they are well regulated without making it an over-complicated process.
ROLL CALL: R. Reckamp, nay; J. Mouser, nay; T.~Bequette, nay; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, nay; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, nay; N.~Grogan, nay; M.~Schmidt, nay; E. True, nay. Ayes – 5; Nays – 8. Motion failed.
M. Bennett asked for a condition to be added before the next meeting that would require applicants to notify their neighbors of a proposed home child care.
M. Schmidt asked what the procedure would be to deny a home child care if a neighbor objects. M. Bennett responded that that was the purpose of sending this back to Committee to have those things discussed.
Regarding 1st Reading Ordinance Item 9:
ROLL CALL: J. Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, nay; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, nay; J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, nay; J.~West, nay; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, nay; M.~Schmidt, aye; E. True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye. Ayes – 8; Nays – 5. Motion carried.
2nd Readings
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by E. True to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 15.
ITEM 15 – Ordinance Approving the Final Plat of the Clock Tower Plaza/Green Mount Lakes
ROLL CALL: T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E. True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
ITEM 16 – Ordinance Approving the Final Plat of Milburn Estates Subdivision (Placed on hold.)
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D. Renner to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 17.
ITEM 17 – Ordinance Establishing Procedures for the Recording of Closed Sessions
ROLL CALL: A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. West and seconded by J. Albrecht to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 18.
ITEM 18 – Ordinance Approving the Rate Change for the Simplified Telecommunications Tax
N. Drolet said the tax increase should not be used exclusively for the Family Sports Park because there are many needs throughout the City that would benefit from additional funds. He stated the use of the tax increase should be left to the decision of the Council on how it would best be used.
A motion was made by N. Drolet and seconded by J. Boone to not identify this as a Family Sports Park tax but a utility tax to be used as determined by the Council.
M. Bennett noted that nothing in the Ordinance states what the tax will be used for.
D. Rich recommended the Ordinance be worded to say the funds are intended to be used for the Family Sports Park unless the Council votes otherwise.
R. Reckamp said that even though the Ordinance does not state the funds would be used for the Family Sports Park, this is what the citizens have been told up to this point.
ROLL CALL: M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, nay; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, nay; J.~Albrecht, nay; N.~Grogan, nay; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, nay; R.~Reckamp, nay; J.~Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, nay; A. Medford nay; J. Boone, aye. Ayes – 5; Nays - 8. Motion failed.
J. Boone said many citizens he’s spoken to have been in favor of the tax. However, the one concern citizens had was that the tax would continue indefinitely, even after the park has been built. He felt a “sunset clause” would be in order.
A motion was made by J. Boone and seconded by N. Drolet to amend the Ordinance to a 10-year limit on the increase of 5%, at which time the tax rate will return to 1%.
M. Bennett felt 10 years was not enough time to adequately fund the park. He also stated these “sunset clauses” will never be realized, because the City will come to depend on the increased funds and future Council members will not vote to let go of the money.
A motion was made by E. True and seconded by R. Reckamp to amend the Ordinance to a 20-year limit on the tax increase.
J. Boone stated that 20 years is beyond the scope of anyone’s realistic timeframe to be still sitting on the Council. He felt 10 years was reasonable, and he suggested they see how much has been accomplished in 10 years and look at the tax again at that time.
M. Schmidt said early information projected the park would be completed in 20 years; now it is being said it will take 30-40 years to complete without this tax. She felt it was more appropriate to look at the tax again in 10 years. Mayor Graham said the original plan was looking at only 100 acres instead of 200 acres, which would explain the increase in time to complete the project.
Regarding the amendment to limit the tax to 20 years:
ROLL CALL: D.~Renner, nay; J.~Boone, nay; N.~Drolet, nay; J.~West, nay; J.~Albrecht, nay; N.~Grogan, nay; M.~Schmidt, nay; E.~True, nay; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser; nay; T. Bequette, nay; A. Medford, nay; M. Bennett, nay. Ayes – 1; Nays - 12. Motion failed.
Regarding the amendment to limit the tax to 10 years:
ROLL CALL: J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, nay; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, nay. Ayes – 11; Nays - 2. Motion carried.
M. Bennett listed several reasons why he opposed this tax. He said everyone will pay this tax at least once, and many residents and businesses will pay it multiple times because they have multiple phone lines. He stated the property has already been purchased, and he detailed the features of the park we will get right now without the tax increase. He stated the portion of the utility tax that is left over after the public safety bond payments is earmarked for the parks – more homes and more businesses means there will be more revenue, and that tax will increase. He listed various other methods of funding the parking including grants, sponsorships of the facility, and naming rights of the fields.
Mayor Graham responded to some of M. Bennett’s comments by saying the land for the park is not yet paid for, the utility tax is currently used to pay for many other things, and grants are not very easy to obtain. He noted that someone had a vision years ago for O’Fallon, and we are now enjoying the Community Park today because of that vision. The Mayor said it comes down to this: Do we want to leave something for our future generations or let them take care of it themselves?
J. Boone asked to make some comments to the residents of his ward, in view of the petition submitted earlier in protest of the tax increase. He recognized their opinions and concerns and stated he is not ignoring those residents. However, he said he is doing what is right for the City’s future and not what is the cheapest or easiest solution in this matter. J. Boone also said he trusted an excellent City staff that has used our tax revenues effectively and efficiently in the past, and he trusts they will continue to do so. Finally, he said he received a phone call today from a resident who is a large business owner in town with 40 phone lines. Although the tax increase will cost this resident hundreds of dollar per month, he expressed his desire for J.~Boone to vote for it. This resident said he would
recoup the tax money ten times in the increased property values.
D. Renner said if you don’t give the kids somewhere to go, they’ll find something on their own. He indicated his plans to vote for the tax.
E. True stated he has received calls from residents who are against this tax; however, he realizes from past experience that usually the only calls you receive are those against an issue—you rarely hear positive remarks. He has tried to talk with groups of people over the past couple weeks regarding this tax increase and most residents are in favor of this tax to help fund the parks. He said the one thing residents are against is any increase in property taxes.
J. Albrecht indicated he has received more emails on this issue than any issue the City has faced, and all the responses have been positive. The residents in Ward 7 see this as an opportunity to set a course with vision. He said leadership is more than sensing the way the wind is blowing; sometimes it means making decisions that are unpopular in the short-term but which will benefit the City in the long-term.
R. Reckamp indicated he plans to vote how his constituents have asked him to vote, despite the fact that he personally supports the park.
Regarding 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 18:
ROLL CALL: N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, nay; E.~True, aye; R.~Reckamp, nay; J. Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, nay; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, nay; D.~Renner, aye; J. Boone, aye. Ayes – 9; Nays - 4. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. Albrecht to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 19.
ITEM 19 – Ordinance Approving the Final Plat for Stone Bridge Villas
M. Bennett said he plans to vote against this because of all the special permissions and variances they have asked for, in addition to the final plat.
D. Renner said this development has changed again and again since its original plan. He asked T. Shekell whatever happened to the proposed church onsite.
T. Shekell said it is still the plan to erect a church where they originally designated; however, plans for the church have not yet been submitted.
A. Medford noted that all the changes D. Renner is referring to are changes that were made by the developer to meet the requests of the City.
ROLL CALL: J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, nay; E.~True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, nay; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, nay; D.~Renner, nay; J. Boone, aye; N. Drolet, aye. Ayes – 9; Nays - 4. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by N. Grogan to place on 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 20.
ITEM 20 – Ordinance Approving the Final Plat of Stone Bridge Estates
ROLL CALL: J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, nay; J. Boone, aye; N. Drolet, aye; J. West, aye. Ayes – 12; Nays - 1. Motion carried.
STANDING COMMITTEES:
Community Development: J. Mouser stated they met on August 22, 2005; and they have one motion coming from that meeting. Motion was made by J.~Mouser and seconded by E. True to approve the Special Event Permit request from Jack Schmitt Chevrolet to hold a car sale at Sam’s Club. All ayes. Motion carried.
Their next meeting will be September 12, 2005, at 6:30 p.m.
Public Works: A. Medford said they met as scheduled, and they have four motions coming from that meeting. Motion was made by A. Medford and seconded by J.~West to consider the Omnibus Rule for the four motions listed under the Public Works agenda. All ayes. Motion carried.
1. Motion to authorize the payment to Estates at Prairie Crossing Development, LLC for Water Line Improvements in the amount of $33,145.02
2. Motion to approve the payment to T-N-T Excavating for the emergency repair of storm water at 215 Wellsley in the amount of $7,554.69
3. Motion authorizing the emergency replacement of the Cutter Cartridge, Waste Water Treatment Plant Sewage Grinder in the amount of $8,000
4. Motion to approve the payment to Marvin Spaeth for the emergency WWTP Package Plant repair in the amount of $21,887
Motion was made by A. Medford and seconded by N. Grogan to approve Items 1-4 under the Public Works agenda.
ROLL CALL: M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J. Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J. West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Their next meeting is scheduled for September 26, 2005, at 7:30~p.m.
Public Safety: E. True stated they have not met since the last City Council meeting. Their next meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2005, at 7:30~p.m.
Finance/Administration: J. West stated they met before tonight’s City Council meeting to discuss Warrant 95.
Motion was made by J. West and seconded by R. Reckamp to approve Warrant~95 in the amount of $1,084,834.83.
ROLL CALL: E.~True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J. Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Their next meeting is scheduled for September 26, 2005, at 5:30 p.m.
Parks/Environment: J.~Albrecht stated their next meeting is scheduled for September~12, 2005, at 5:30 p.m. He said they will be discussing the phasing and development of the Family Sports Park, and he invited anyone to attend this public meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 9:03 p.m. a motion was made by J. Albrecht and seconded by D. Renner to go into Executive Session after a five-minute break to discuss pending litigation, two lawsuits, and union negotiation.
ROLL CALL: R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J. Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
At 9:21 p.m. City Council members returned from Executive Session.
A motion was made by D. Renner and seconded by J. Mouser to authorize the Mayor to settle the claim with the Mikkelsons.
ROLL CALL: J. Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J. Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; R. Reckamp, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by D. Renner and seconded by J. Mouser to opt in to the class action suit of PrimeCo Personal Communications L.P., Illinois RSA #3, Inc., Case No.~98~CH~5500, vs. Illinois Commerce Commission and City of Chicago; and Dr.~William~Spillman; et. al. vs. Village of Skokie; City of Chicago, for settlement purposes.
ROLL CALL: T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by D. Renner and seconded by J. Mouser to adjourn. All ayes. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
__________________________
Philip A. Goodwin, City Clerk
Minutes taken by
Sharon L. Wisely, Transcriptionist
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