CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE, ILLINOIS
APRIL 11, 2019
MINUTES
The Council of the City of Lawrenceville, Lawrence County, Illinois met in regular session in the City Council Chambers of the City Hall Building on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. The following Aldermen were present on roll call: Fritch, Holcomb, Howder, Courtney, Volkman, Waldrop, Blacketer and Stevens. Absent: None.
Mayor Wagner called the meeting to order. Waldrop gave the prayer. All present then recited the Pledge of Allegiance while facing the flag.
The Council had earlier received copies of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of March 14, 2019. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Blacketer made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 14, 2019. Volkman seconded the motion. Motion passed on a voice vote.
The Council had earlier received copies of the bills of the City, Sewer and Water Departments for March. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Courtney made a motion to approve paying the bills for March. Stevens seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Holcomb, Howder, Waldrop, Fritch, Courtney, Volkman, Blacketer and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Mayor Wagner reported the City’s accounts to the Council. The City’s working budget is on pace after 11
months of the 18-19 fiscal year. Mayor Wagner praised all City employees for their hard work and dedication to the City.
Mayor Wagner presented the City’s operational budget report for fiscal year 2019-2020 last meeting, including a budget increase of 3% overall. All department heads received and agreed with the budget. All Council members agreed with operational budget report for fiscal year 2019-2020.
Dianne Brumley, Library Director of Lawrence County Public Library, introduced herself to the Council. Brumley said the library “wants suggestions about how the library is doing and to be more involved in the community.”
A proposed 10-year tax abatement plan was dropped from discussion following information the state will issue a resolution about tax abatement in the future.
Aaron Mefford presented the M.F.T. program to the Council. Mefford asked for the sum of $140,397.80 of Motor Fuel Tax funds to repave City streets this year. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Courtney made a motion to approve supporting the summer M.F.T. program. Blacketer seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Holcomb, Volkman, Fritch, Courtney, Howder, Stevens, Blacketer and Waldrop. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Mayor Wagner reported to the Council the only bid for the City audit from Kemper CPA Group for $19,150.00 with $16,650.00 for the City’s audit, $1,300.00 for the Police Pension audit, $675.00 for the TIF #1 audit and $525.00 for TIF #2 audit. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to accept the bid for the City’s audit. Courtney seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Howder, Courtney, Waldrop, Volkman, Fritch, Holcomb and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Courtney noted the Liquor Commission had met twice and presented to the Council ordinances #1538 and #1539. Ordinance #1538 is the expansion of (Class A) “three-way, tavern” liquor License from five (5) to seven (7) licenses in the City. Mayor Wagner said, “Two existing business wanted a (Class A) Liquor License for a long time. The Council decided to expand by two licenses.” Wagner asked for questions or comments. Holcomb made a motion to expand (Class A) Liquor License from five to seven licenses within the City. Courtney seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Holcomb, Courtney, Fritch, Waldrop, Volkman, Howder, Blacketer and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Ordinance #1539 establishes a new class of liquor license. Class H “limited package” Liquor License is defined as authorized sale of non-refrigerated sealed packages of beer and wine only, for consumption off the premises, at grocery stores, drug stores, and convenience stores. Sales of single cans or bottles of beer are prohibited. The annual fee shall be nine hundred dollars ($900.00). There shall be a limit of five (5) licenses and would go into effect on May 1. Wagner asked for questions or comments. Holcomb made a motion to establish a (Class H) Liquor Licenses within the City. Courtney seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Holcomb, Courtney, Fritch, Waldrop, Volkman, Howder, Blacketer and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Mayor Wagner added the prohibition of sales on Sunday will continue, in deference to the city’s many churches.
Mayor Wagner informed the Council that Well 14 is still down. Well 14 is used to blend the right chemical balance in the City’s water. The problem could be a bearing or a pump. The work will be done by Brotcke Well & Pump Service from Fenton, Missouri.
Mayor Wagner informed the Council potential litigation was avoided through an agreement with the City and United Methodist Village for payment of utility bills.
Mayor Wagner praised City employee George Wells in fabricating a pipe that helped in repairing a utility leak in the City.
Mayor Wagner read some upcoming events scheduled: Yard waste pickup started on April 1.
“Spring Cleanup Day” for the City would take place April 29 through May 10. The City employees will make “two passes” through the City and will be handling the cleanup this year. Any question, please call City Hall at 943-2116.
A classic car show will be April 13 on the City square from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The public is invited and all proceeds will benefit the Lawrence County Fish & Loaves. An Easter egg hunt sponsored by the City and United Methodist Village at the City Park on April 13 at 10 a.m., for age groups 0-3, 4-6 and 7-10.
URCHOICE dinner-dance-silent auction will be on April 13, from 6-9 p.m. at Bridgeport Grade School. URCHOICE is a Lawrence County Not-For-Profit group, and all proceeds from the evening will benefit the Lawrence County Drug Court.
“Poppy Day” sponsored by Lawrenceville VFW on April 27. VFW will be selling poppies at various locations throughout the city. The Lawrence County C.E.O. tradeshow event will be held at the Bridgeport High School gym on May 7 from 4:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The public is welcome.
Courtney made a motion to adjourn. Waldrop seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote. Time: 7:43 p.m. The next city council meeting is May 9, 2019.
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Rodney Nolan, City Clerk