MINUTES
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 2008 MEETING


#1 CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Steve Nichols called the Public Services Committee meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. following the City/County Public Safety Building Committee meeting.

Roll Call was answered by Chairman Steve Nichols, Vice Chairman Lois Cooper, Aldermen Ron Candido, Nancy O’Kane, and DeMarko Wright. Absent were Aldermen Jerry Askren and Dale Brandenburg. A quorum was present.

Others Present: Mayor Scott Eisenhauer, City Attorney Dave Wesner, City Clerk Janet Myers, City Comptroller Gayle Brandon, Community Development Manager John Dreher, Human Relations Manager Sandra Houston, GIS Manager/DATS Study Director Adam Aull, Humane Society Director JoAnn Adams, Neighborhood Services Coordinator Tracy Stebbins, Public Safety Director Larry Thomason, Rehab Specialist Angie Jestis, 7 audience members, and 3 news media.

#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Nichols presented the Minutes of the regular meeting of December 26, 2007. Alderman O’Kane moved for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman L.Cooper. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#3 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Nichols presented the agenda and added a resolution authorizing the donation of a fire truck as Item #12-A, moving Items of Information to #12-B, and corrected Item #16-A to state “Acceptance” not “Purchase” of property. There being no other corrections, Alderman O’Kane moved for approval as amended, seconded by Alderman Candido. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#4 AUDIENCE COMMENTS - None
#5 CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS – There were none.

#6 HUMANE SOCIETY – JoAnn Adams, Director
• The Monthly Court Report was handed out showing 20 cases handled in Night Court January 3 through 17, 2008, $3,300.00 in fines levied and $1,460.00 in court costs levied, with $809.00 in court fines collected so far in 2008.
• Director Adams reported staff is dealing with a major problem of water coming into the building from the recent rains.

#7 PUBLIC HEARING – Community Development Block Grant
Chairman Nichols opened the Public Hearing for the CDBG 2008-2009 Annual Action Plan. Community Development Manager John Dreher presented the Draft Plan and stated there are only a few small changes from last year. It is anticipated the allocation will be cut slightly this year to about $983,000.00. Traditional activities will continue with the exception of a request for $80,000.00 for a new pilot program to acquire abandoned homes that are failing to succeed due to the cost of acquisition plus the cost of rehabilitation being too high. The homes will be rehabilitated and then sold at modest prices to moderate income families. Chairman Nichols asked for Aldermen comments first. Alderman Candido questioned if the homes being acquired in the new pilot program could be acquired through tax sales and corrected page 9, second paragraph to read 1970s, not 1070s. Manager Dreher stated it was a possibility as well as through bank foreclosures and word of mouth. Alderman O’Kane questioned the target area for this new pilot program. It was stated the area has yet to be determined but Manager Dreher would like to go into neighborhoods with neighborhood associations to have the best chance of success. Alderman Candido commented on Danville Housing Authority’s 5-Year Plan to convert public housing into owner occupied housing and questioned working with Section 8 qualified families to create an opportunity to become home-owners, at which Manager Dreher stated this was a possibility. There being no further comments from the Aldermen, Chairman Nichols opened the floor to audience comments. Ann Picklich asked if the new program would target City residents first and Manager Dreher stated there is a Fair Housing Ordinance that prevents discrimination of any type. Fred Whitman, Associate Director of East Central Illinois Community Action Agency (ECICAA), recommended $30,000.00 of CDBG dollars to be used for roofing repairs at the ECICAA office, 56 N. Vermilion, since the agency assists low income residents through such programs as referrals, energy assistance, and other assistance that promotes homeless prevention. Manager Dreher responded by stating funding is being suggested for Danville Rescue Mission and Your Family Resource Connection due to Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) encouragement to aid homeless shelters and emergency shelters. There being no further audience comments, Chairman Nichols closed the Public Hearing at 6:55 p.m.

#8 CLOSED SESSION was not needed.

#9 CITY CLERK – Janet Myers, City Clerk, had no report.

#10 PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT – John Heckler, Director
Mayor Eisenhauer reported Director Heckler was attending a meeting on his behalf with residents and Aqua Illinois regarding Aqua’s water tower.

A) Presentation and Report on the Condition of Bresee Tower
Downtown Danville, Inc. Director Rachael Dietkus reported on initial findings by Klein and Hoffman, Inc., Structural and Restoration Engineers of Chicago received last week that stated the building should be the highest priority of the community and building owner. Director Dietkus has spoken with one of the potential developers who is continuing to discuss their involvement with moving forward but no response to a letter from D.D.I. has been received from the property owner to date. The North and West façade are in excellent condition; however, the steel used in holding the terra cotta in place on the South façade is failing and causing the terra cotta to fall off. Steel strapping was used as a temporary treatment on the East and South façade to secure the terra cotta pieces in place. A final report is expected by the end of the week, which will provide cost estimates of exterior repairs as well as cost estimates of using optional material.

B) Presentation on Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Adam Aull, GIS Manager/DATS Study Director, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the new computer system using server based software. He stated the City and County are moving towards an integrated system that is live and interactive. The software was made available through the GIS consortium with the County. Various information has been entered including aerial views, addresses, property owner information, and boundaries for Zoning, Wards, and Precinct. Plans are to integrate information from Code Enforcement, Public Works operations, and eventually the Police and Fire Departments. Using the various tools of the system, all Departments are able to bring up information on properties at any given time. It was clarified that GPS (Global Positioning System) is the information collector while GIS is the information repository.

C) Items of Information
Tracey Stebbins, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, updated the Committee on the Rental Registration Program. Information will be mailed out to owners of approximately 2400 structures by January 31st giving notification that registration must be completed by February 29th to avoid fines and immediate inspection of property. A special Open Registration will be made available at City Hall in the Lower Level Community Room on Saturday, February 16 and Saturday, February 23 from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. Registration can also be mailed, brought in personally or completed through the City’s website. Alderman Candido voiced continued concern with the definition of “rental dwelling”. Attorney Wesner stated each situation where there is truly an owner occupied structure but tax records do not provide proof will be dealt with individually. Mayor Eisenhauer reiterated the administration’s commitment to enforcing the provisions of this ordinance and to working with residents of the community.

#11 FINANCE – Gayle A. Brandon, City Comptroller
Chairman Nichols presented Items A & B for a single vote. There being no objections, Alderman L.Cooper moved for approval of both, seconded by Alderman Candido. Those items being:
A) Payroll for January 18, 2008, of $506,959.75; and
B) Schedule of Vouchers Payable, having been published, posted and distributed, for January 22, 2008, of $150,214.82 and Special Voucher for January 22, 2008, of $2,369,904.55;
There being no questions, the roll call vote being:
Ayes: Aldermen Candido, L.Cooper, O’Kane, Wright, Nichols
Nays: None
Absent: Aldermen Askren, Brandenburg
Motion carried 5 to 0 with 2 absent.

Items of Information
• Mayor Eisenhauer, Comptroller Brandon, and staff are working on the 2008-2009 Budget.
• Research is continuing for Public Works regarding options for sewer and garbage billing and collection.
• Alderman Candido questioned if dollars in the TIF Funds could be used for infrastructure within those districts and Mayor Eisenhauer stated infrastructure is just one of the uses for the funds.

#12 FIRE – Larry Thomason, Public Safety Director
A) Chairman Nichols presented a resolution authorizing the donation of a 1981 Pierce Pumper Fire Truck to Sidell. Alderman Candido moved for approval, seconded by Alderman O’Kane. Mayor Eisenhauer stated it was determined by Deputy Director Lillard that this truck was no longer needed and instead of placing it in an auction, it was determined that Sidell experienced a loss of property due to a recent fire. There being no discussion, the roll call vote being:
Ayes: Aldermen L.Cooper, O’Kane, Wright, Candido, Nichols
Nays: None
Absent: Aldermen Askren, Brandenburg
Motion carried 5 to 0 with 2 absent.

B) Items of Information
• The Monthly Incident Report was presented showing 192 incidents reported during period December 20, 2007, through January 16, 2008, with a total estimated loss of $59,550.00.
• One new firefighter will be on board in February and will attend Academy starting February 25th.

#13 HUMAN RELATIONS – Sandra Houston, Manager
• Manager Houston presented the Status Report of Complaints filed between December 18, 2007, and January 14, 2008, showing 6 new complaints as well as the status of 22 previously filed complaints. She noted that complaints are not always based on color but on both genders and all races.
• The news media was asked to highlight food pantries in the community that provide food to those in need.
• Aldermen and Staff were thanked for their contributions and support of the King Celebration events. Alderman O’Kane voiced her opinion of this year’s banquet being the best ever.

#14 HUMAN RESOURCES – Sherri Johnson, Manager
Mayor Eisenhauer reported Manager Johnson is recuperating from surgery and will return sometime next week. No Personnel Report will be presented this evening.


A) Review of Personnel Policy
Mayor Eisenhauer stated the Policy, as reviewed and forwarded on to Council by this Committee, was pulled from the Council agenda on November 6, 2007, in order for Corporation Counsel to review to make sure language was in compliance with all union contracts. After it was determined no changes were necessary to be in compliance, there were a few grammatical errors found and corrected. The document will, therefore, be sent to full Council on February 5, 2008, without further review. Mayor Eisenhauer stated the other six sections of the Personnel Policy will be forthcoming.

#15 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – Teresa Winn, Administrator
Mayor Eisenhauer reported Teresa Winn has been under doctor’s care for a ruptured eardrum and is home resting this evening. He reported issues with spam continues to be dealt with on a regular basis, but the system is catching 94% of what is received.

#16 LEGAL – Dave Wesner, City Attorney
A) Chairman Nichols presented a resolution authorizing the acceptance of the donation of real estate at 159 N. Vermilion, formerly Chittick’s, subject to taxes for the year 2007. Alderman Candido moved for approval, seconded by Alderman O’Kane. Mayor Eisenhauer stated the City has yet to develop plans for this property but staff will seed it for now and make it look presentable. There being no further discussion, the roll call vote being:
Ayes: Aldermen O’Kane, Wright, Candido, L.Cooper, Nichols
Nays: None
Absent: Aldermen Askren, Brandenburg
Motion carried 5 to 0 with 2 absent.

B) Items of Information
• Attorney Wesner reported he recently attended a conference relating to Code Enforcement put on by an international organization made up of lawyers. Through this conference and many others, he has found that all communities face the same issues as Danville and he is able to get ideas from and share ideas with others. He thanked the Mayor for allowing him to attend this worthwhile trip.
• Alderman Candido reported on a community that has passed various ordinances so that fines could be collected by the local authority. He questioned if the City could pass such ordinances to be more restrictive than State law and then receive fine revenue. Attorney Wesner stated it would be possible to a point; however, there are some restrictions regarding moving violations due to reporting issues to the State. With regards to the State smoking ban, the statute specifically states the State’s Attorney will prosecute. More research would be needed for each violation.

#17 POLICE – Larry Thomason, Public Safety Director
• The Overtime Payroll Status Report was handed out previously.
• The Calls for Service Reports for January 2008 were presented showing 2,090 calls. Staff continues to revamp the mapping system to separate the calls for service by grid into Wards.
• Three new Police Officers will begin in February.
• Alderman O’Kane questioned the procedure for calling in specific problems to the P.O.P. ( Problem Oriented Policing) Unit. Director Thomason stated calls should be made to the non-emergency Police phone number found in the phone book – 431-2250. The caller will be asked for certain information via a form used by the P.O.P. Unit. This information is then provided to the Deputy Director of Criminal Investigation Unit to determine if it needs to go to the P.O.P. Unit or VMEG.
• Alderman Candido questioned if the requirement of video surveillance for all business could be required as part of the Building Code to aide in abating crime.

#18 COMMITTEE MEMBERS’ COMMENTS
Alderman O’Kane voiced frustration with “letters to the editor” in the newspaper recently from people who misquote information and do not have all the facts.

#19 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m. after a motion by Alderman L.Cooper and a second by Alderman O’Kane.

Approved: 02/26/08 _____________________________
Posted Publicly: 02/27/08 Janet K. Myers, City Clerk