Quincy Reporter

City of Quincy City Council met Feb. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Quincy, Illinois, February 21, 2023 Monday, February 20, 2023, being a holiday, the regular meeting of the City Council was held this day at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Michael A. Troup presiding.

The following members were physically present:

Ald. Fletcher, Entrup, Bergman, Bauer, Rivera, Mays, Farha, Sassen, Mast, Reis, Maples, Uzelac, Holtschlag. 13. Absent: Ald. Rein. 1.

Ald. Mast moved Alderman Rein be allowed the usual compensation for this meeting. Motion carried. The minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held February 13, 2023, were approved on a motion of Ald. Entrup. Motion carried.

Assistant Corporation Counsel: Bruce Alford.

The City Clerk presented and read the following:

PUBLIC FORUM

Reg Ankrom is the president of SIMEC. He stated that there are letters from Constellation Energy being sent out to the residents of Quincy. People can opt out of the plan. The phone number to contact them is 1-800-990-2004. Rob Copley stated that he wanted to give words of support to the current Police and Fire Commission. They have done a good job, been responsive, professional, non-political and fair.

Bob Anderson stated that he owns several buildings in Quincy and asks if the dumpsters from businesses on Maine Street will end up on the street. The alleys are not maintained and dumpsters should be placed there. Kerry Anders stated that the Mayor has not contacted the Fire & Police Commission. The Mayor has spent little time with the Police Department and the Department wonders if the city administration supports them or not. Barry Cheyne stated that he has great concern over the lack of support for Commissioner Meckes’ re-appointment. The Commissioner appointment is being done for the wrong reason.

Brennan Hills gave a handout to the council concerning a residence that had minimum housing complaint forms filed 7 times from 2019 – 2022. Many citizens have no faith in the local government.

Amy Anderson stated that it goes much deeper than a tenant-landlord issue concerning housing. It is parenting and poverty issues. Teaching them how to self-advocate is important.

Lisa Wigoda stated that she has seen pride in Quincy dimmish and blight increase. Tenants have responsibilities and owners of properties have responsibilities. She has been an Safe & Liveable Housing advocate for 4 months and have represented 6 tenants.

PETITIONS

By Five Alarm Fireworks Co. requesting permission to hold a fireworks display on February 25, 2023, at Oakley Lindsay Center, 300 Civic Center Plaza, for the Hairball Concert. The Quincy Fire Department will give their approval contingent an inspection the day of the event.

Ald. Uzleac moved the prayer of the petition be granted subject to the requirements set by the Quincy Fire Department. Motion carried.

By the Quincy Tea Party requesting permission to conduct a raffle and have the bond requirement waived from February 22, 2023, through April 4, 2023. The City Clerk recommends approval of the permit. Ald. Holtschlag moved the prayer of the petitions be granted. Motion carried.

Special Event Application from the Quincy Public Schools Foundation Board of Trustees requesting permission to hold the 10th Annual Dream Big Color Fun Run on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The 5K (3.29 mile) run/walk will begin and end at Quincy Senior High School at 3322 Maine Street. The following street closures are requested from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on the day of the event: Maine St., 16th to 33rd Streets; 16th St., Maine to Jersey Streets; Jersey St., 16th St. to East Ave.; East Ave.; York St., East Avenue to 23rd St.; 23rd St., York to Maine Streets. They request that the City provide barricades for the street closures and that “No Parking” signs be placed along the race route by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 21st. Auxiliary Police Officers are requested at the intersections of 24th and Maine St. and 30th and Maine

St. Business owners and residents along the event route will be notified of the street closures at least thirty (30) days prior to the event. All required documentation have been submitted and approval is recommended by the Department of Utilities & Engineering.

Ald. Farha moved the prayer of the petition be granted and the proper authorities notified. Motion carried.

REPORT OF THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION

Recommending the referral to install a streetlight at the intersection of North 36th Street and Colonial Court be granted and that Ameren Illinois be notified of the lighting request.

Ald. Mays moved the report be received and concurred in. Motion carried.

MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT

By Mayor Michael A. Troup making the appointment of Angela Caldwell to the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners effective March 1, 2023, for a three-year term ending February 28, 2026.

Ald. Uzelac moved the appointment be confirmed, seconded by Ald. Holtschlag.

Ald. Fletcher called for a roll call vote. The following vote resulted: Ayes: Ald. Entrup. Rivera, Sassen, Mast, Uzelac, Holtschlag. 6. Nays: Ald. Fletcher, Bergman, Mays, Farha, Reis, Maples. 6. Abstain: Ald. Bauer. 1. Absent: Ald. Rein. 1. The Mayor cast a vote of Aye. Motion Failed.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, firefighting apparatus is an essential piece of firefighting equipment; and,

WHEREAS, all firefighting apparatus must be in good, working order; and,

WHEREAS, regular cleaning and maintenance of apparatus due to winter road treatment methods is essential in ensuring its longevity; and

WHEREAS, the cleaning of ground ladders in preparation for inspection is an annual requirement; and WHEREAS, the current hot water pressure washer is no longer serviceable and safe; and,

WHEREAS, quotes were sought for the replacement of our current hot water pressure washer and they are as follows; R.L. Hoener Co.: $7,899.00

Daimer Industries (web price): $8,081.00

Outdoor Power Inc.: $9,250.00

WHEREAS, the Fire Department has surplus monies in its building maintenance budget to allow for the purchase; and, WHEREAS, the Fire Department seeks permission to purchase the hot water pressure washer from the low bidder: and,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Fire Chief and the Fire Aldermanic Committee recommend to the

Mayor and City Council that the Fire Chief be authorized to pay the invoice in the amount of $7,899.00 to R. L. Hoener Co., Quincy, IL.

Bernard Vahlkamp

Fire Chief

Ald. Bergman moved for the adoption of the resolution, seconded by Ald. Entrup, and on the roll call each of the 13 Aldermen voted yea, with 1 absent. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Quincy Regional Training Facility is hosting the Western Illinois University Firefighting Practicum; and,

WHEREAS, the event will run from March 19 – April 28, 2023; and,

WHEREAS, the event currently has 20 students enrolled that pay $6,200.00 in a lab fee for the practicum; and, WHEREAS, the total lab fee of $124,000 is paid to the Quincy Regional Training Facility Enterprise Fund and covers the costs associated with the practicum; and,

WHEREAS, a contract agreement with the Illinois Fire Service Institute is being entered into to provide for the Pro Board Evaluation of the students; and

WHEREAS, the cost of the evaluation is $300.00 per student for a total cost of $6,000.00; and,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fire Aldermanic Committee and the Fire Chief recommend to the Mayor and City Council that the Fire Chief be authorized to enter into the contract with the Illinois Fire Service Institute to provide the Pro-Board evaluation of the students in the WIU practicum.

Bernard Vahlkamp

Fire Chief

Ald. Bergman moved for the adoption of the resolution, seconded by Ald. Fletcher, and on the roll call each of the 13 Aldermen voted yea, with 1 absent. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Quincy Regional Training Facility is hosting the Western Illinois University Firefighting Practicum; and,

WHEREAS, the event will run from March 19 – April 28, 2023; and,

WHEREAS, the event currently has 20 students enrolled that pay $6,200.00 in a lab fee for the practicum; and,

WHEREAS, the total lab fee of $124,000 is paid to the Quincy Regional Training Facility Enterprise Fund and covers the costs associated with the practicum; and,

WHEREAS, the students reside on the Quincy University campus during the event; and,

WHEREAS, the students are housed with meals provided by Quincy University; and,

WHEREAS, the total costs for the housing and meals provided by Quincy University combined are $54,120.00; and,

WHEREAS, a contract agreement with Quincy University is being entered into to cover the costs of housing and meals; and,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fire Aldermanic Committee and the Fire Chief recommend to the

Mayor and City Council that the Fire Chief be authorized to enter into the contract with Quincy University to provide the housing and meals for the students in the WIU practicum.

Bernard Vahlkamp

Fire Chief

Ald. Bergman moved for the adoption of the resolution, seconded by Ald. Fletcher, and on the roll call each of the 13 Aldermen voted yea, with 1 absent. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the electrical generator system on the asphalt patch truck recently failed and required repair; and,

WHEREAS, Bergkamp, Incorporated, the manufacturer of the truck, was available and qualified to perform diagnostic testing and make the necessary repairs to the truck; and,

WHEREAS, the truck has been repaired in a satisfactory manner and an invoice received in the amount of $10,562.36 for all costs associated with the repair of the truck; and,

WHEREAS, funding for this repair is available in the 2022/2023 Central Garage Fund fiscal year budget.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Director of Public Works and the Central Services Committee recommend to the Mayor and Quincy City Council that the invoice from Bergkamp, Inc. of Salina, Kansas, in the amount of $10,562.36 be approved for payment.

Jeffrey Conte, P.E.

Director of Public Works

Ald. Mays moved to amend the resolution to say “repairs to the electrical system on the truck,” seconded by Ald. Sassen. Motion carried.

Ald. Sassen moved for the adoption of the resolution, as amended, seconded by Ald. Farha, and on the roll call each of the 13 Aldermen voted yea, with 1 absent. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Department of Utilities received notification from its insurance broker that they will no longer offer flood coverage for the Water Treatment Plant Pump Station and Waste Water Treatment Plant in its comprehensive insurance coverage; and,

WHEREAS, the broker has submitted quotes from Wright National Flood Insurance Company of St. Petersburg, Florida, totaling $17,511.00 for the purchase of secondary flood insurance coverage for the Water Treatment Plant Pump Station ($8,235) and Waste Water Treatment Plant ($9,276); and,

WHEREAS, the Director of Public Works has reviewed the terms and financial summary for the policy and finds them to be acceptable; and,

WHEREAS, funding for this expenditure is available in the 2022/2023 Water Fund and Sewer Fund fiscal year budgets.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Director of Public Works and the Utilities Committee recommend to the Mayor and Quincy City Council that the flood insurance premium payments totaling $17,511.00 to Wright National Flood Insurance Company of St. Petersburg, Florida, be approved for payment.

Jeffrey Conte, P.E.

Director of Public Works

Ald. Bauer moved for the adoption of the resolution, seconded by Ald. Entrup, and on the roll call each of the 13 Aldermen voted yea, with 1 absent. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the City of Quincy carries comprehensive insurance on property and equipment associated with the Department of Utilities including the Waste Water Treatment Plant and Water Treatment Plant; and, WHEREAS, the Department of Utilities has received notification from its insurance broker, Willis Towers Watson Midwest, Incorporated, of Chicago, that the 2023 annual premium for the All-Risk Property Insurance Policy will be $249,551.00; and,

WHEREAS, the Director of Public Works has reviewed the terms and financial summary for the policy and finds them to be acceptable; and,

WHEREAS, funding for this expenditure is available in the 2022/2023 Water Fund and Sewer Fund fiscal year budgets.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Director of Public Works and the Utilities Committee recommend to the Mayor and Quincy City Council that the annual premium payment of $249,551.00 to Willis Towers Watson Midwest, Incorporated, of Chicago be approved for payment.

Jeffrey Conte, P.E.

Director of Public Works

Ald. Bauer moved for the adoption of the resolution, seconded by Ald. Mast, and on the roll call each of the 13 Aldermen voted yea, with 1 absent. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, police officer mental health is one of the leading concerns for law enforcement leaders; and

WHEREAS, many more police officers commit suicide every year than are killed in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, the Quincy Police Department takes seriously the mental health of our police officers, as well as that of the community we serve; and

WHEREAS, Kettisha Hodges, MSW/MA, LCSW, CRAADC, is trained to provide mental health services specific to issues police officers and first responders experience; as well as mental health services to assist community members during mental health calls for service or traumatic events; and

WHEREAS, police officers and their immediate family members are able to receive confidential assistance from Ms. Hodges for issues related to trauma, family crisis and substance abuse issues at no cost to the officer; and WHEREAS, Ms. Hodges has been working with our department for over a year and we are pleased with the service she provides; and

WHEREAS, the Quincy Police Department received the 2021 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Awareness Act grant that will pay for this type of mental health service for the Quincy Police Department;

now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Chief of Police and the Police Aldermanic Committee recommend to the Mayor and City Council that the Quincy Police Department be authorized to sign another one year memo of understanding with Kettisha Hodges for a total cost of $7,400.00.

Adam C. Yates

Chief of Police

Ald. Sassen moved for the adoption of the resolution, seconded by Ald. Entrup, and on the roll call each of the 13 Aldermen voted yea, with 1 absent. Motion carried.

ORDINANCE

Second presentation of an Ordinance entitled: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 132 (Offenses Against Public Peace) Of The Municipal Code Of The City Of Quincy.

REPORT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE

Michael Farha

Jack Holtschlag

Anthony E. Sassen

Richie C. Reis

Finance Committee

Ald. Farha, seconded by Ald. Sassen, moved the reports be received and vouchers be issued for the various amounts and on the roll call each of the 13 Aldermen voted yea, with 1 absent. Motion carried.

HOTEL MARKET FEASIBILITY STUDY PRESENTATION

Presentation of the Hotel Feasibility Marketing Study completed for the Quincy area by Jessica Junker with Core Distinction Group.

The City Council adjourned at 8:19 p.m. on a motion of Ald. Holtschlag. Motion carried.

https://www.jwcc.edu/about/board-of-trustees/board-agendas-minutes/#curriculum-committee