City of Crest Hill City Council met Oct. 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council work session was called to order by Mayor Raymond R. Soliman at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1610 Plainfield Road Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois.
The following Council members were present: Mayor Raymond Soliman, City Clerk Vicki Hackney, City Treasurer Glen Conklin, Alderman Scott Dyke, Alderman John Vershay, Alderwoman Barbara Sklare, Alderwoman Claudia Gazal, Alderwoman Tina Oberlin, Alderman Marco Coladipietro, Alderman Nate Albert, Alderman Joe Kubal.
Also present were: City Administrator Heather McGuire, Police Chief Ed Clark, City Mechanic Brian Semplinski, Financial Advisor Nick Narducci, Finance Supervisor Ashli Motyka.
Absent were: Assistant City Administrator/HR Director Megan Fulara, Community Development Director Scott McMaster, Director of Water/Wastewater Mark Siefert, Police Chief Ed Clark, Public Works Director Tom Migatz, City Mechanic Brian Semplinski, Financial Advisor Nick Narducci.
TOPIC: Speedway Liquor License-20750 Patrick Drive Mayor Soliman presented a request from Speedway LLC for a liquor license. All of the necessary paperwork has been approved. The Mayor, Chief Clark, the Deputy Liquor Commissioners, Assistant City Administrator/HR Director Megan Fulara and Administrative Assistant Marybel De Haro met with representativesfrom Speedway in regard to the issuance of the package liquor license. They are also looking into video gaming. Allen the District Manager from Speedway introduced the representatives who were in attendance and gave a presentation on the business. He explained how the employees are trained to sell tobacco and alcohol. There will be a security system at the location and there will be no overnight truck parking. They also hire outside mystery shoppers to go into the stores to make sure that ID's are properly checked for tobacco or alcohol purchases. Any employee who violates the law is immediately terminated. Mayor Soliman explained that a liquor license holder has the right to deny the sale of alcohol to anyone who walks in. If a person refuses to produce a valid ID, they should not be served regardless of how old they look. Also, if a person over 21 purchases alcohol and then hands it over to a minor, the Police need to be called. Karen gave a presentation on the types of food and beverages that will be available for purchas Mayor Soliman announced that this is a 24-hour facility. Once the time is up for the sale of alcohol each day, it must be locked up. Alderwoman Gazal asked what the hours would be for the sale of alcohol. It would be from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday the hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00. Sunday hours are from 10:00 a.m. to midnight. Alderman Albert asked if the other Speedway location sold beer and wine only. They also have a package liquor license. Alderman Vershay asked if the bushes that are on the property near the sign would be removed. Karen explained that some of the vegetation is actually on State property.
Mayor Soliman asked for an informal vote to create a package liquor license for the Speedway on Weber Road. All members present were in agreement.
TOPIC: Livescan Software
Mayor Soliman presented a request for the replacement of the Livescan Fingerprinting System per the memo dated October 10, 2019. Chief Clark gave a presentation on the system. The current system will no longer be operable after January 1, 2020. The current system has been in use since 2009. After researching various companies, iTouch Biometrics has the Livescan product for $14,170.00. There are several Departments in the surrounding area that use the product and have reported favorable reviews including a better user-friendly experience.
Mayor Soliman asked for an informal vote on the Livescan Software purchase at a cost of $14,700.00. All members present were in agreement.
TOPIC: Rating Agency Discussion
Mayor Soliman presented the rating agency discussion Administrator McGuire announced that there are two different score cards in the packets. This process began 3 years ago. PMA began working on the numbers and the payment for the bonds would come from the non-home rule sales tax. In order to secure the bonds, we have to get a favorable rating from a bond company. There is a possibility that we can improve our rating if we are with S&P. Representatives from PMA gave a presentation on the bond issuance, scorecards and the City's rating. Treasurer Conklin gave a brief presentation. Alderwoman Oberlin asked for an explanation of the comparative rating statistics of other communities.
Mayor Soliman asked for an informal vote on the Rating Agency. All members present were in agreement.
TOPIC: Presentation of Audit
Mayor Soliman presented the annual audit per the letter dated October 9, 2019. Finance Supervisor Ashli Motyka gave an introduction on the annual audit report Representatives from Wermer, Rogers, Doran, Ruzon gave a presentation on the audit, the bank balances and the recommendation letters. Mayor Soliman gave a brief speech. He commended everyone who worked on the annual audit. Treasurer Conklin also commended everyone who worked on the audit. Alderman Coladipietro questioned a write off. Supervisor Motyka gave a brief explanation of the write off. Alderman Coladipietro questioned the financial report and the wording in a portion of the organizational chart. Discussion followed. Treasurer Conklin gave a brief speech. A representative of the Audit firm commended the Council and Staff on the work they have put into the audit. He also went over some key points of the City's finances. Members of the Council commended the City Staff for the work they have put into the audit.
TOPIC: Memorial Garden Final Design Presentation
Mayor Soliman presented the Memorial Garden final design and hardscapes per the memo dated October 11, 2019. Administrator McGuire went over the general design of the garden. There is an area that can accommodate chairs for the annual ceremony. The garden itself has been shifted slightly with additional greenery and hardscape added. Administrator McGuire presented three options for the hardscape. Staff recommends the Bluestone slate with soldier course for the hardscape. Doug from CBB Engineering gave a presentation on the layout of the garden. Clerk Hackney explained that she has a driveway that has concrete and pavers and has had no problems with it.
Administrator presented the design options for the seating for the Memorial Garden. The recommendation is for benches with a back rest be used around the perimeter and backless benches be used along the interior circle in order to protect the “line of site” of the garden. This style of bench is easy to maintain and provides more comfort than stone benches. The benches would be constructed from composite material and the metal would be powder coated. Alderman Albert questioned using a concrete bench with composite slats. Discussion followed. Mayor Soliman felt that the black metal would complement the monuments. Alderman Albert would like to see more detailed plans for the garden. Administrator McGuire explained that as we get further into the project, we will have more detailed plans.
Mayor Soliman asked for an informal vote on the option #2 for the hardscape which would be the bluestone slate. All members present were in agreement.
Mayor Soliman asked for an informal vote on the powder coated iron benches with composite slats. All members present were in agreement. Alderman Coladipietro asked if we had considered allowing people to sponsor the benches for the garden. Administrator McGuire said that this is something that the Council can consider.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments.
MAYORS UPDATES: Mayor Soliman informed the Council that he received a call from Mr. Ryan from the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce to see if there is any interest from the City to join the Plainfield Chamber. It is roughly $250.00 for the City to join. Alderwoman Gazal asked who would represent the City. Discussion followed. Administrator McGuire explained this would be more of a membership and we wouldn't necessarily need a liaison. Mayor Soliman felt that our focus should be on getting the Crest Hill Chamber up and running.
Mayor Soliman informed the Council that there were college nights going on at the Spot Bar. During 2 bar checks, underage individuals were found drinking at the establishment. The business was fined $750.00 and their probationary period was extended from six months to nine months which would take them into March of 2020. The owner was
informed that if this happened again the fine would be $750.00 per person.
COMMITTEE/LIAISON UPDATES: There were no committee/liaison updates.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES: Administrator McGuire informed the Council that there is a leak in an airline at the west plant that provides air to our digesters. It will need to be fixed as an emergency repair at a cost of roughly $300,000.00 to $500,000.00. She will keep the Council updated. Administrator McGuire gave the Council an update on the progress of the Public Works building. The contractor is estimating the project should be complete winter of 2020.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m. Approved this 21st day of October 2019 As presented_v As amended
http://www.cityofcresthill.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10142019-413
Alerts Sign-up