COUNCIL NEWS - January

Some great news for the city of Marseilles!!!
You may have heard the rumor, a Subway is coming to Marseilles!!!!
Subway will be located on Commercial Street just west of Main where the warehouses we located.  Word has already commenced on removing the old warehouse foundation. 

Official proceedings of the City Council of the City of Marseilles of the meeting of  December 7, 2011.

The City Council of the City of Marseilles met in the City Chamber of City Hall at the hour of 7:00 P.M. December 7, 2011.  Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Roll call showed the following present: Mayor Smith, Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck,  Kaminski and Buckingham. Absent None.

Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck, that the Minutes from the Council meeting of November 16, 2011 be approved as displayed and placed on file. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck that the Accounts payable for the last half of November 2011 in the amount of $451,944.31 be approved and warrants be drawn on the City Treasury for the several amounts. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, and Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Davis seconded by Commissioner Buckingham, that the payroll for the last half of November 2011 in the amount of $ 60,057.63 be approved and warrants be drawn on the City Treasury for the several amounts. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, and Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Mike Sparrow, from progressive Energy spoke to the Council, in reference to aggregation of electricity and to submit a referendum to its residents to determine whether or not the aggregation program shall operate as an opt-out program for residential and small  commercial retail customers.

Moved by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck that Ordinance 1458, Tax Levy Ordinance for 2011-2012, be placed on file. Ayes:  Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Buckingham and seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck That Change Order No. 2 From Whittaker Construction & Excavating for an increase of $81,554.90 for the 2008 Radium Removal Project Contract A, be approved. Ayes; Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck That Pursuant to the terms of a redevelopment agreement between the City of Marseilles and Infra Metals that the sum of $239,519.74 be reimbursed from TIF #1 funds for previously approved TIF cost, which represents 70% of the incremental taxes paid by Infra Metal in 2011, be approved. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Kaminski That Ordinance 1459, An Ordinance abating the tax heretofore levied pursuant to Ordinance No. 809 for the year 2011, be adopted. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Moved by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Buckingham, That Ordinance 1460, An Ordinance abating the tax heretofore levied pursuant to Ordinance number 1134 for the year 2011, be adopted. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Moved by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck, That Ordinance 1461, An Ordinance abating the tax heretofore levied pursuant to Ordinance No. 1388 for the year 2011, be adopted. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Moved by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck, That Ordinance 1462, An Ordinance abating the tax heretofore levied pursuant to Ordinance No. 2011 for the year 2011, be adopted. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Moved by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck, That Ordinance 1463, An Ordinance abating the tax heretofore levied pursuant to Ordinance No. 1211 for the year 2011, be adopted. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Moved by Mayor Smith and seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck, That Ordinance 1464, An Ordinance Providing for Submission to the Electors of the City of Marseilles, LaSalle County, the question whether the City should have the authority under Public Act 096-0176 to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such program., be adopted. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Moved by Commissioner Buckingham and seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck, That Resolution 2011-70, Resolution establishing a payoff amount of $12,000.00 for James Carlson, be adopted. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Moved by Commissioner Hollenbeck and seconded by Commissioner Kaminski, That the Home Business License renewal for Julie Baudino d/b/a From Hair and Beyond, be approved . Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Moved by Mayor Smith and seconded by Commissioner Davis, That Resolution 2011-71, A Resolution appointing Bobby Kaminski to Middle East Tribute Board, be adopted. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Gary Fleming, Superintendant of Water and Street Departments, presented a clock plaque to Jay Delay for his thirty three years of service. Jay retired from The City November 30, 2011.

Nathan Jones and William Wisneski, spoke to the Council about building a BMX Track, and ask permission to use the Property down by the river. The Council referred the Young men to the Rec. Board.

Moved by Commissioner Davis seconded by Commissioner Kaminski that the City Council now adjourn to executive session authorized under Section 2 (c) 2 of the Open Meeting Act to discuss matter of Collective bargaining. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Davis seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck that the City Council now adjourn executive session and reconvene to regular session. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham and Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Moved by Commissioner Davis seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck that the City Council now adjourn. Ayes: Commissioner Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham  and Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Official proceedings of the City Council of the City of Marseilles of the meeting of

December 21, 2011.

The City Council of the City of Marseilles met in the City Chamber of City Hall at the hour of 7:00 P.M. on December 21, 2011. Pledge of Allegiance was said. Roll call showed the following present: Mayor Smith, Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham. Absent: None.

Moved by Commissioner Davis seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck that the minutes from the Council meeting of December 7, 2011 be approved as displayed and placed on file. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Davis seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the accounts payable for the first half of December in the amount of $66,940.63 be approved and warrants be drawn on the City Treasury for the several amounts. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Davis seconded by Commissioner Kaminski that the payroll for the first half of December in the amount of $58,818.90 be approved and warrants be drawn on the City Treasury for the several amounts. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Hollenbeck seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the monthly department reports for November be accepted and placed on file. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None

Lori Williamson addressed the Council asking if she needs anything else besides the Special Event Permit that was approved for Fun Days and asked if the City would consider donating funds for Fun Days. Commissioner Davis stated she didn’t need anything else and stated that the Fun Days Committee should submit a request for a donation and the City will consider it.

Mike Sparrow addressed the Council regarding the Municipal Electrical Aggregation.

Moved by Commissioner Davis seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck that Ordinance 1458, Tax Levy for 2011-2012, be adopted. Commissioner Davis stated the levy is $7500 less this year. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Hollenbeck seconded by Commissioner Kaminski that Resolution 2011-66, A Resolution authorizing Mayor and Clerk to take steps to close LaSalle Street Railroad Crossing, be tabled. Commissioner Buckingham asked why the Resolution is being tabled. Commissioner Hollenbeck stated there still is some issues to be addressed. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Buckingham seconded by Commissioner Kaminski that Resolution 2011-72, A Resolution approving pay estimate #15 to Whittaker Construction and Excavating in the amount of $33,541.00 for the Radium Removal Project, be adopted. Mike Etscheid stated that the City still owes $49,000 and the system is working good. The back washing system still needs to be put in and ARRP American documents still need to be done. Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Davis seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that Resolution 2011-73, A Resolution appointing Financial Plus Credit Union as a depositor for the City of Marseilles, be adopted. Commissioner Davis stated that the City is going to start issuing payroll checks over the computer. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Mayor Smith seconded by Commissioner Hollenbeck that Resolution 2011-74, A Resolution approving the Wall Façade Easement Agreement with Kim and Mary Frye, be tabled Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Jon Baudino asked what happen to the petition that was brought in on not closing the railroad crossing and nothing being done. Commissioner Hollenbeck stated the crossing is not closed yet. Micky Garrison from the Fire Department and Don Modeen from the Ambulance Department addressed the Council regarding the LaSalle Street Railroad Crossing. They would like it resolved one way or another. They would like to keep it open it gives them more choices.

Colleen Scanavino addressed the Council asking if any action has been taken on the Resolution so their property isn’t land lock. Commissioner Kaminski received documents from their Attorney with changes and the Council would like to set up another meeting with her to go over the changes.

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the City Council adjourn to executive session authorized under Section 2 (c) 2 of the Open Meetings Act to discuss matters of collective bargaining and to discuss personnel authorized under Section 2 (c) 1 of the Open Meetings Act and to discuss acquisition of property authorized under Section 2 (c) 5 of the Open Meetings Act and to approve executive session minutes from November 16, 2011 and December 7, 2011. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Davis seconded by Commissioner Kaminski that the City Council adjourns executive session and reconvenes to regular session. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that Resolution 2011-69, A Resolution authorizing execution of Collective Bargaining Agreement with the FOP, be adopted. Commissioner Kaminski stated that after 7 months they came to a 1% increase agreement. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None. Moved by Commissioner Davis seconded by Commissioner Kaminski that the City Council now adjourn. Ayes: Commissioners Davis, Hollenbeck, Kaminski,

Buckingham, Mayor Smith. Nays: None.

Police News

During the month of December the police department answered a total of 160 incidents involving an arrest, enforcement of city ordinances, or other incidents requiring police intervention.  In calendar year 2011 a total of 665 Traffic Citations were issued. 33 Parking Citations, 90 warnings, 107 arrests for criminal offense, 93 arrests for ordinance violations.

In December the police department also welcomed the addition of MERV (Marseilles Emergency Response Vehicle)  MERV is a surplus Humvee that the department obtained for free from military surplus.  MERV has also 36,000 miles on it.  MERV was repainted free of charge by Fairway Body Shop from it sand color to black, consistent with the other fleet vehicles.  MERV will not be used in the daily operations but will be used during inclimate weather and when need for off road rescue. MERV has been equipped with lights, siren radios, backboard, medical equipment etc.  MERV will be available not only to the police department but to fire, ambulance and other area agencies as need. 

Marseilles Happenings
 
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
American Legion and VFW of Marseilles are having a pancake breakfast the LAST SUNDAY of each month 8am to 12 noon ALL YOU CAN EAT Adults $5.00, 12 and under $3.50

Marseilles United Methodist Church is having a Ham Dinner.
Sat. Feb. 25th--4:00-7:00. $7.00 adults $5.00 for children 10 and under. Janet Raikes has tickets.

Trinity Lutheran Church will be having a Chili supper on Saturday February 25th 6-7 PM and Sunday February 26th from 1130 am - 1 PM Adult $6.00 children under 10 $3.00.

Monday, January 30th: CASH DASH COMING TO MARSEILLES! Mayor Patti Smith said Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford will be in town Monday, Jan. 30. First he will speak at the noon meeting of the Marseilles Rotary and then be available at City Hall to meet with residents at 1:30pm at City Hall, 209 Lincoln St. His office staff also will be available to help residents determine if they have cash or assets being held at his office.

Monthly Safety Tip

ATMs are a great convenience, but they can compromise your safety. A robber looking for easy prey only has to stake out an ATM in a low-traffic, dimly lit area and bide his time.

There is no central repository for statistics on ATM crime, but reports of ATM robberies frequently can be found in just about any local newspaper.

Cash machines at banks are probably the safest bet, but that doesn't mean you have to steer clear of the ones at malls, airports and sports venues. You can avoid becoming a victim by using some good old common sense and by planning ahead for ATM withdrawals.

ATM safety tips
1. Always pay close attention to the ATM and your surroundings. Don't select an ATM at the corner of a building -- corners create a blind spot. Use an ATM located near the center of a building. Do your automated banking in a public, well-lighted location that is free of shrubbery and decorative partitions or dividers.

2. Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Be wary of people trying to help you with ATM transactions. Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car nearby. When leaving an ATM make sure you are not being followed. If you are, drive immediately to a police or fire station, or to a crowded, well-lighted location or business.

3. Do not use an ATM that appears unusual looking or offers options with which you are not familiar or comfortable.

4. Do not allow people to look over your shoulder as you enter your PIN. Memorize your PIN; never write it on the back of your card. Do not re-enter your PIN if the ATM eats your card -- contact a bank official.

5. Do not wear expensive jewelry or take other valuables to the ATM. This is an added incentive to the assailant.

6. Never count cash at the machine or in public. Wait until you are in your car or another secure place.

7. When using a drive-up ATM, keep your engine running, your doors locked and leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead of you in the drive-up line.

8. Maintain a supply of deposit envelopes at home or in your car. Prepare all transaction paperwork prior to your arrival at the ATM. This will minimize the amount of time spent at the machine.

9. Closely monitor your bank statements, as well as your balances, and immediately report any problems to your bank.

10. If you are involved in a confrontation with an assailant who demands your money, COMPLY!!
I hope you have enjoyed my newsletter.  Please feel free to forward to family and friends.

 
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.


Check out the following web sites: 

www.jimhollenbeck.com            www.marseillesil.net                    www.tri-dent.us


Take Care,

Jim
email me