Industrial and Commercial Committee Meeting Minutes


DATE: Thursday, May 20, 2010
TIME: 12:00 (12:20 p.m.)
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Alderpersons Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, Nathan Anderson, Kimberly Brown, David McManus, William Carrell and Charles Barfield with Alderman David Daugherty absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, CFO Patricia Suttles, Andy Clarke, Treasurer Kristy Stephenson and City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on February 16, 2010 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to go into Executive Session for items listed on the agenda: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 12:21 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea


Around 1:19 p.m. the meeting was back to order in open session.


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the Executive Session and that they are to remain closed: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to recommend to the full Council to approve CDAP Loan requests as discussed in closed session: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea




Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 1:21 p.m.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea











DATE: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, David Daugherty, Nathan Anderson, David McManus, William Carrell, and Charles Barfield with Alderwoman Kim Brown absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, Corporate Finance Officer Patricia Suttles, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Andy Clarke, Joe Matesevac, Frank Walsh, and Treasurer Kristy Stephenson.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Present
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman David Daugherty to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on February 2, 2010 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea


Marcal Rope & Rigging Agreement
Mr. Abell announced that the agreement was signed by the owner this morning. He provided everyone with a copy of the agreement with underlined changes. After going over the agreement with the Committee a motion was made to recommend approval by the full council.

Moved by Alderman David Daugherty and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to recommend to the full Council to approve private development agreement with Marcal Rope & Rigging (locate in Industrial Park): MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea

Contract with Carol Brown Hodge
Mrs. Hodge is a consultant that has been working on several projects for the City such as:
Our billboard issues in Industrial Park. Unfortunately the state is not going to allow our billboard were we want it and they are even going to make another City remove one they have which is not a good thing; Friends of Fort Massac reimbursement grant; Two economic projects for incentives for businesses; as well as helping with the appointments of the Port Authority Board.
Mrs. Hodge is no longer working in the Governor’s Office but still has close connections. She is still able to pick up the phone and call the office and can also contact Ryan Croke, who works in the Governor’s Office.

Mayor McDaniel said that we would like to see a meeting set for the Port Authority Board as soon as possible. The Governor still has one appointment to make.
Mayor McDaniel said that he feels we still need Mrs. Hodge’s help so he would like to approve another contract with her for either 3 months or 1 month, whichever one the Councilmen are comfortable doing.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Robert Midnight to recommend to the full Council to approve contract with Carol Brown Hodge for the month of March: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Nay

Update on Economic Development
This was discussed in closed session

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to go into closed session for items listed on agenda: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 1:30 p.m.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea



Around 1:49 p.m. the meeting was back to order in open session.


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman David Daugherty to approve the minutes of the Executive Session and that they remain closed: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea


Andy Clarke’s Incentive Pay
Mr. Clarke presented a bill for his incentive pay on the Port District Project in the amount of $5,000.
This is certainly a bill that will need to be paid but the consensus of the Committee was that we should probably wait until the Port District Committee is actually a functioning committee which all indication is that the Committee appointment should be complete and a meeting of the committee set soon thereafter.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman David Daugherty to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 1:58 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea








DATE: Tuesday, February 2, 2010
TIME: 2:30 p.m. (2:56 p.m.)
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Charles Barfield, and David McManus, with Alderman David Daugherty and Alderwoman Kim Brown both absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Andy Clarke, Steve Vantreese and members of the G Squared Group: Richard Taylor, Rick Elhert, Rob Getz and Becky Marlow.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Robert Midnight to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on December 17, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea

There was a brief introduction of the G Squared Group representative present for today’s meeting then a motion made to go into closed session.




Moved by Alderman Nathan Anderson and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to go into Executive Session for discussion of items listed on the agenda: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 3:10 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea


Around 4:07 p.m. the meeting was brought back to order in open session.

Moved by Alderman Nathan Anderson and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to approve the minutes of the Executive Session and that they remain closed: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 4:08 p.m.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea








DATE: Thursday, December 17, 2009
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, David Daugherty, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, David McManus and Kim Brown with Alderman Charles Barfield out of town. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, Andy Clarke, Brenda Westbrooks and Tera Temple.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Present
Anderson Present


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on October 27, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea






Riverfront Development Update

Andy Clarke and Rick Abell met with members of the Square D Development Group out of Louisville, KY last evening and early this morning. They had to return to Louisville so were unable to attend this meeting.
Their Engineering people from GEOTECK will be coming in after the first of the year to do core drillings. They will want Joe and Brian with Engineering, Inc. to be there when they do the drilling.
The property east of the railroad has not been surveyed so the City needs to go ahead and have that done as soon as possible.
The question about the excess dirt from Harrah’s sludge pounds was brought up and it was decided that is an issue that will have to be address in the very near future with both the development group and Harrah’s.
The consensus of the committee and Councilmen was to move forward with the survey and to give Harrah’s a courtesy call just to let them know what we are doing. A proposal for the needed survey will be obtained and brought back for approval.
Andy Clarke said that there will be a couple of other development teams come in after the first of the year to start doing evaluations. There will be retail development people, residential development people and so on.






Road behind Pizza Hut

This road is owned by Jeff May and Mike Saylor and the City Council have discussed obtaining ownership of this road for several years now. The owners are ready to work out an agreement and the consensus of the Committee and Councilmen present is it is time to move forward and work out an agreement with the Owners to obtain the road.


Port District Update

The Governor was here yesterday and signed the bill and the next step is to appoint a board and the Governor has said that his appointments will be confirmed in the next 2 to 3 weeks.


Moved by Alderman David Daugherty and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to go into Executive Session for Sale, Lease or Exchange of Real Estate and Threaten Litigation: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 1:50 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea


Around 2:36 p.m. the meeting was brought back to order in open session.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the Executive Session and that they remain closed: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea


Moved by Alderman David Daugherty and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 2:37 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea





DATE: Tuesday, October 27, 2009
TIME: 2:00 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, David Daugherty, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Charles Barfield, and Kim Brown with Alderman David McManus absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, CFO Patricia Suttles, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Andy Clarke and Jim Hall.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Present
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meetings held on September 30, 2009 and those of October 21, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea


Rural Development Paperwork
Alderman Robert Midnight said that it seems that Rural Development is waiting on the City to pass an ordinance before they process the paper work for the Intermediary Relending Program where they lend the City $750,000 that the City can in return lend out at a 4.5% interest rate.
Mr. Midnight said that the way it works is that there are two committees set up that the applicants have to go before in order to receive the funds. He said the first committee is with Southern Five and they are very strict. The second committee has been appointed by the Mayor and they are Randy Rushing, Chris Cromeenes, Kristy Stephenson, Ben Schmidt and Don Pulliam who has since gone back to Harrisburg so we will need a replacement for him.
There was a lot of confusion regarding the program so it was decided for everyone to go over the proposed ordinance and to have another meeting when Tiffany with Southern Five, present to answer any questions. She is the one we would need to talk with.

River Front Development – Port District
Andy Clarke reported that the Port District passed the House with flying colors and now goes to the Senate for a vote tomorrow. They don’t expect any problems with passing it through the Senate. Andy said everything looks good so far. We need 36 votes to pass it. He said we should know for sure after Thursday.
Andy said the only thing some seemed to question was the potential tax increase of .05% but it is not an automatic increase and would have to come to a vote here but Mr. Abell said he didn’t think it would ever come to a vote or pass if it did. The amount of the increase wouldn’t be enough to really bother with.


Moved by Alderman Nathan Anderson and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to go into Executive Session for items listed on the agenda: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 2:37 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea


Around 4:16 p.m. the meeting was called back to order in open session.


Moved by Alderman Nathan Anderson and Second by Alderman David Daugherty to approve the minutes of today’s Executive Session and those of October 21, 2009 meeting and that they all remain closed: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Absent
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea







Moved by Alderman David Daugherty and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson recommend to the full Council to approve Mr. Andy Clarke’s contract with noted changes as discussed in Executive Session: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Absent (had to go to work)
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea

Moved by Alderman Nathan Anderson and Second by Alderman David Daugherty to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 4:19 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Absent
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea







DATE: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
TIME: 1:00 p.m. (1:15 p.m.)
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Kim Brown, and Charles Barfield with Aldermen David Daugherty and David McManus absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Attorney Rick Abell, Andy Clarke, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, along with Square D Group members; Richard Taylor, Steven Strand, and Rick Elhert.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Robert Midnight to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on September 30, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea

It was decided that they would try to have another Industrial Committee Meeting on Tuesday, October 27th at 2:00 p.m.
Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to go into Executive Session for items listed on the agenda: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 1:20 p.m.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea

Around 2:41 p.m. the meeting was called back to order in open session.

The minutes of the Executive Session are to be approved at a later date.

Moved by Alderman Nathan Anderson and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED -2:42 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea
















DATE: Thursday, August 13, 2009
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, David Daugherty, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, and Charles Barfield with Aldermen Kim Brown, David McManus and Mayor Billy McDaniel all absent. Also present were Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, CFO Patricia Suttles, Treasurer Kristy Stephenson, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Andy Clarke and the following members of G Group: Richard Ehlert, Richard Taylor, John Bleidt and Steven Strand.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Present
Anderson Present


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on August 5, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea
Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to go into Executive Session for items listed on the agenda: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea


Around 3:39 p.m. the meeting was brought back to order in open session.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the Executive Session and that they are to remain closed: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent (left between 2:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. to go to work)
Anderson Yea


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 3:41 p.m.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea








DATE: Wednesday, August 5, 2009
TIME: 1:00 p.m. (1:20 p.m.)
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, David Daugherty, William Carrell, Charles Barfield, and Kim Brown with Aldermen David McManus and Nathan Anderson both absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Attorney Rick Abell, CFO Patricia Suttles, City Treasurer Kristy Stephenson, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Andy Clarke, Joe Matesevac and Brian Giltner, Mr. Richard Boykin, Steve Vantreese, Richard Kruger and Terry Foster.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present (had to leave early for a Doctor’s appointment)
Daugherty Present
Anderson Absent

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman David Daugherty to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on July 8, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Absent



Report from Mr. Richard Boykin
Mr. Richard Boykin, who is a consultant (lobbyist) for the City of Metropolis in Springfield and Washington DC, was present today to meet everyone since his contacts have mainly been by phone.
He said he is here to help build a better life for the citizens of Metropolis and is very proud to have the opportunity to be here and to work with the City on their Economic Development Goals.
He is working on behalf of the City of Metropolis in Springfield as well as Washington DC and is trying to get a number of needed projects funded in the upcoming year. He is working on getting a Port District Authority passed and hopes that will happen soon.
He was contacted by the City yesterday regarding the difficult issue you are having regarding sewer rate increases. He has put the City in touch with a person in his office that is working very hard to help with this and at present we are waiting on a phone call that we hope will help us keep the sewer rates down.
Mayor McDaniel said that he was very glad to have Mr. Boykin on our team and that his office is working very hard to help us with our sewer rate issue with EPA which we really appreciate.


TIF3 Discussion
Attorney Richard Kruger has been working on a new TIF District for the City of Metropolis which will be the 3rd one.
Richard said that TIF3 would be different from the others because it is smaller, just 2 City blocks of which the City owns most of, and there will be no need for a bond issue.
Richard said that Andy Clarke is working with 2 developers that are looking at the possibility of putting condos in this area.

The Councilmen were given copies of the proposed TIF3 prior to the meeting and Mr. Kruger briefly went over it with them as follows:
Page 5 - discusses the reasons TIF3 is needed
Pages 6 & 7 – layout advantages to the City (needed housing & job creation)
Page 50 – breaks down development cost to the City (street construction, sidewalks, drains, etc.)
Richard told the Committee that he believes they can use some of the money from the TIF to do improvements in Franklin Park which is where our City Pool is located.
Mayor McDaniel added that he believes this TIF is very vital to the City of Metropolis especially with the economy as it is at the present.

Mr. Kruger also presented the Committee with another map showing a possible TIF4 out in the area of the Interstate. He believes this one is very much needed and the cost to do it could be paid with TIF funds.
The Councilmen present were very interested in the TIF’s and said they would take them to the full Council at the next Council Meeting.

Since Alderman Mizell had to leave early for a Doctor’s appointment the Committee no longer had a quorum so they just declared the meeting closed at 2:04 p.m.












DATE: Tuesday, July 8, 2009
TIME: 2:55 p.m.
PLACE: Council Chamber in City Hall

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, David Daughtery, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Charles Barfield, David McManus. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Deputy City Clerk Cherie Bush, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, CFO Trisha Suttles, Andy Clarke, and Steve Vantreese, Rodney Grentzer, and Dave Stuckenberg.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daughtery Present
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman Nathan Anderson and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on June 17, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daughtery Yea
Anderson Yea

Committee Chairman Alderman Robert Midnight stated that Andy Clark was there to give an update on the Rodney Grentzer Project and on the Award of the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP).
Andy Clarke stated that the city has been approved for $750,000 in the IRP with this program the city will pay 1% interest for 30 years and re-loan it at 4 ½%.
He stated that the procedures are a lot more stringent there are over 15 pages of information that the applicant has to fill out.
Mr. Clarke stated as you know Rodney Grentzer has been approved for a CDA Loan of $35,000 and he would also like to be the first recipient of a $150,000 IRP loan. He stated that for collateral Mr. Grentzer has the Ferry St. and the 5th St. buildings. Mr. Grentzer has a contract with Keith Jennings to purchase Ferry St.
Andy Clarke said that what he and Mr. Grentzer want is a tentative agreement that he will get the loan based on him meeting the qualifications.
Mr. Clarke passed out a draft of the City of Metropolis Intermediary Relending Program (Program Summary) this outlines limitations, valuing collateral, terms, preferences, costs, and the process.
Alderman Robert Midnight asked how long it will take for this to be in place. Mayor Billy McDaniel stated that we have to send a letter back to the State and then approve at a Council meeting. Someone stated approximate 150 days.
Andy Clarke stated that Rodney Grentzer is asking for a total of $185,000 between the CDA loan and the IRP. There is a cap of $150,000 per project on the IRP.
Alderman Nathan Anderson asked if this was federal or state money.
Corporate Counsel Rick Abell stated that it is federal funds.
Andy Clarke stated that Rodney Grentzer has an appointment with Shawnee College to help him set up his business plan. Rodney will be putting this in his wife’s name.
Southern Five Planning will be administering the loan at 2% for each loan up to $15,000 a yr.
Alderman Nathan Anderson stated that the city will actually be making 1-1/2% interest.
Corporate Counsel Rick Abell stated that Southern Five Planning will be administering this; however Andy Clarke will also oversee it.
Chief Financial Officer Patricia Suttles stated that it scares her that the City has to pay this back.
Corporate Counsel Rick Abell said that the City has to start within the 3 years to pay back the money; and the City’s obligation is to pay back to the fund itself as long as we do not pledge our funds as collateral.
Alderman Robert Midnight stated that normally we would have out IRP already set up; however since it is just starting we will be doing paper work for both the IRP and for Mr. Grentzer at the same time. He said that Mr. Grentzer fits a good loan because of his collateral.
Andy Clark stated that the loan application for Mr. Grentzer will be reviewed by Randy Rushing, Kristy Stephenson, Don Pulliam, Ben Schmidt, and Chris Cromeens.
Also Corporate Counsel Rick Abell stated that Rural Development also has a say in who qualifies for these loans as well.
After further discussion Alderman Robert Midnight stated that they need to give Rodney Grentzer tentative approval for this loan for the Intermediary Relending Program; he also asked if the committee needs to take any action on the IRP today.
Mayor Billy McDaniel said that the Council itself will approve the IRP and he will sign a letter of intent and get that sent in then.

Moved by Alderman David Daughtery and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to give Rodney Grentzer tentative loan approval for the IRP Intermediary Relending Program: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daughtery Yea
Anderson Yea

Committee Chairman Alderman Robert Midnight asked Andy Clarke to update the Committee on any other items.
Andy Clarke said that Dave Stuckenberg was here and he needed to know where the Billboard was to be placed at the industrial park.
Mayor Billy McDaniel stated that we did an aerial and as far as he knew the best place was where the road dead ends behind the spec building there by the woods. There was some discussion concerning having to cut the edge of the woods off. After further discussion it was agreed to put the billboard in the corner of the lot and Andy Clarke stated that they would talk with Jackie Sawyers concerning the power.

Committee Chairman Alderman Robert Midnight stated that we did have economic loans to discuss however the family decided to take care of this.

Mayor Billy McDaniel reported on the bulldozer. He stated that Mr. Charles Richie was in his office and they discussed a tentative order for a large dozer or a front end loader. Mr. Richie thought he could find one thru the federal program. Also he may be able to find 3 – 4 portable generators with 20-60 KVA’s. Mayor McDaniel said that he gave Mr. Richie model # for a Case.


There was some discussion concerning the street lighting at the Metropolis Inn where the City took over the power from Ameren. Mr. Jan Stewart wants lights there where Ameren used to have them. It was determined that if he wants lights there he will need to run a service there and we will hook them up. However they will go thru the Metropolis Inns meter. Mayor McDaniel said that these are not normal street lights and we do not maintain parking lot lights for business. We did tell him if one of the lights went out they supply the bulb and we would take a truck out and change it.

There was discussion concerning the easements in the Hospital addition that the city may have to look into enforcing the easements, right-of-ways, etc. There was also mention of a fence that was put up in Pheasant Cove that enclosed a city pad mount transformer.

Moved by Alderman Robert Midnight and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to go into Executive Session to discuss items listed on the agenda Time 3:20 p.m.: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daughtery Yea
Anderson

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the Executive Session and they remain closed: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daughtery Yea
Anderson Absent

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman David Daughtery to adjourn Time 3:45 p.m.: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daughtery Yea
Anderson Absent





DATE: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
TIME: 2:00 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Charles Barfield, and David McManus with Alderman David Daugherty Absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, CFO Patricia Suttles, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Andy Clarke, and Steven Vantreese.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on May 20, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea





Update on Economic Development
Mr. Andy Clarke and Alderman Robert Midnight both told the Committee that there is nothing to report at this time since everything is in the beginning stages.



Not on agenda but discussed:
(Miss Metropolis Pageant)
Alderman Midnight told the Committee that we failed to provide the $3,400 funding that we normally provide for the pageant. They are requesting it and in talking with CFO Patricia Suttles there are funds available in the budget to do this then we would need to make sure we put in our upcoming budget for next years.
The general consensus was to have Mrs. Suttles find the money for the funds for now then to see it is in the upcoming budget.


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to go into Executive Session for reasons listed on the agenda: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 2:13 p.m.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea


Around 2:54 p.m. the meeting was called back to order in open session.


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the Executive Session and that
they remain closed: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to recommend to the full Council to authorize the Mayor to send letters to Developers acknowledging expiration of all agreements: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 2:57 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea







DATE: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
TIME: 3:00 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Charles Barfield and David McManus with Aldermen Richard Corzine Sr. and David Daugherty both absent. Also present were Mayor Bill McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Treasurer Kristy Stephenson, Tera Temple from the Planet, Andy Clarke and citizens Rodney Grentzer and Kevin Thies.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Present


Moved by Alderman Nathan Anderson and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on May 8, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea



Eagle Asphalt
Kevin Thies is present today seeking a CDAP loan of $25,000 from the City. Mr. Thies is buying Mr. Rodney Grentzer’s building at 721 East 5th Street (2 year lease purchase with balloon after year 2 - $220,000).
Mr. Thies is putting in an asphalt business where he stores and sells asphalt to contractors as well as the public and is requesting the loan to help purchase a bulk storage tank for his business. He is anticipates employing 5 to 7 people.
Mr. Thies agreed to a second mortgage on the building after he purchases it in 2 years.
There was 3 phase power in the building but has been taken out. Mr. Thies was informed it would be up to him to pay to have it put back in if he determines he needs it.
After some discussion Mr. Thies decided he would probably go another route but that the City would have the Light Superintendent look at it and see if he could give him some ideal of cost for 3 phase to be installed.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to recommend to the full Council to approve a CDAP loan to Eagle Asphalt in the amount of $25,000 pending approval of all necessary paper work: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea



Economic Development Update

(Port District)
Mr. Andy Clarke reported that he has been busy on the Port District and that Andy Stein and Richard Boykin are both working diligently on it as well.
They met with Madigan’s Office and are pushing hard but it looks like Madigan will not put it on the docket until the September 1st Veto Session.
Andy Clarke said he has met with Mr. Bill Heart several times and that Mr. Heart has been talking with the Speaker of the House and will be speaking with him again tonight.


(Kiosk)
Andy Clarke reported that we are waiting on Mr. Timothy White to put the building up. He has talked to him several times but can’t seem to get him moving. Mr. Clarke said our goal was to have it up by Memorial Day. He said he will talk to the Mayor and see if he can talk to Mr. White.


Michael’s Pizzeria
Mr. Rodney Grentzer is selling his building at 721 East 5th Street to Mr. Kevin Thies and is buying Keith Jennings building on lower Ferry Street to put his Pizzeria in. He is offering his building at 721 East 5th as collateral and will have an assignment with Mr. Thies on the building.
Mr. Grentzer expects to retain 2 employees and employ 4 more. He was seeking around $50,000 in CDAP funds but was told there was only $35,000 available. He was ok with the $35,000.


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to recommend to the full Council to approve a CDAP loan of $35,000 to Rodney Grentzer for a Pizzeria contingent on approval of all necessary paper work: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 3:52 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea









DATE: Wednesday, May 6, 2009
TIME: 3:00 P.M. (3:15 P.M.)
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Alderman Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, David Daugherty, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Charles Barfield, Richard Corzine, Sr., and David McManus. Also, present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, CFO Tricia Suttles, Andy Clarke and Terri Johnston.
ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Present
Anderson Present
Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 4-8-09 as presented. MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea

Andy Clarke made presentation of potential business:
Sealing & Paving Company (Eagle Asphalt-Owner: Kevin Thies) wanting to open business in old Don Amoco building. To hire approximately seven people from city or Massac County @ $10.00 - $15.00 per hour. Asking for $25,000.00.
Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell Second by Alderman David Daugherty to recommend to the full Council to loan $25,000. Eagle Asphalt from the revolving loan fund to set up a sealant and paving business at the old Don Amoco location subject to Deco guidelines and lease purchase with owner: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea

Andy Clarke also presented the idea of Metropolis becoming a Riverport District. Sandy Stein and Brandon Phelps to help get paper work through legislature. $50,000.00 needed for this of which Weston would pay one-half. This will be put on agenda by consent of a letter of engagement.




Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTIN CARRIED – TIME 3.55 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea




DATE: Wednesday, April 8, 2009
TIME: 1:30 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, David Daugherty, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Charles Barfield, Richard Corzine Sr., and David McManus. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks and Andy Clarke


ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Present
Anderson Present



Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on March 31, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea



Old Laidlaw Property
Alderman Robert Midnight told the Committee that Mr. Miller with the State was concerned that there might be a problem with Friends of Fort Massac acquiring the old Laidlaw property and making it a part of the Park and open to the public. It has been determined that it would be Commercial use and not Residential so Mr. Miller was ok with it.
Mr. Rick Abell said that he didn’t see an issue with it either.

Mr. Miller did say that all the piles on the property where buildings have been torn down must be removed before the City can receive an NFR Letter.

Alderman Carrell brought to everyone’s attention that there has been an electric line trenched from the entrance gate south to the office building and he felt it should be checked out to see if it is on the City or Mr. Kotter.
The consensus was to have it checked out.

The consensus was to put on Monday Night Council Agenda to approve the Resolution for the Sale of the Old Laidlaw Property.


T.I. Industries
Mr. Andy Clarke said that T.I. Industries is a skate board manufacturing business and that he is still working with them to get their projection. It was said that they are asking for a lot and that we are waiting on proof that they are what they say they are and can do what they say they can do. NO ACTION AT THIS TIME.

Economic Consultant
Mr. Sandy Stein will not be submitting a consulting proposal to the City but Barnes & Thornburg have. They are proposing a monthly retainer of $5,500 to perform consulting services for the City. The City will not be responsible for any out of pocket expenses. Their proposal is good through December 31, 2009.

Around 2:00 p.m. Mr. Richard Boykin who is with Barnes & Thornburg was on speaker phone to answer any questions the Councilmen had regarding the proposal.
Mr. Boykin told the Council that they are a firm of 500 attorneys with offices in Washington DC; Chicago; Atlanta; Michigan and Indiana. In fact he said they are the largest firm in the State of Indiana.
He has worked in government services for 12 years and has been with Barnes & Thornburg 3 years now.
The following questions and answers were given:

Q: Alderman Richard Corzine asked what kind of matches would
grants have.
A: Mr. Boykin replied that it depends on the type of grant. Some have no match requirements but some have 80/20 with the 20% being the local match.

Q: Alderman David Daugherty asked what amount of money should
they ask for when applying for grants.
A: Mr. Boykin said to ask for the amount that is needed for the project.


Q: Alderman William Carrell asked Mr. Boykin why they had reduced their original retainer fee to $5,500.
A: Mr. Boykin said that yes they reduced it and that the City will not be responsible for any expenses only the monthly fee. The reason being that they want the City to try them out to see what he and the firm can provide for the City by the end of December with anticipation that the fee will go up with the next contract when they have proven themselves.

Q: Alderman Jerry Mizell asked Mr. Boykin if he had any knowledge of the City’s Riverfront Projects.
A: He has been in conversations with Andy Clarke and Shawn Temple regarding the projects and if hired by the City he would sit down and try to prioritize the projects and come up with 3 or 4 to work on.

Q: Alderman David McManus asked if he would tell the City Council if they were wasting time on any of their projects.
A: He said Yes that he didn’t want to waste his time either and wanted to add value so at the end of the contract there is incentive to continue the contract.

Mayor McDaniel told Mr. Boykin that the economy has hurt the City’s projects and that we need something tangible to sink our teeth in and produce something.
Mr. Boykin said he understands and is looking forward to the opportunity to deliver.

Mr. Abell asked Mr. Boykin if he has worked with the Scenic By- Way Program.
Mr. Boykin said yes and that he has worked with the Department of Agriculture folks before.
Mr. Abell told Mr. Boykin that the Council would have to give him direction if he was hired but that we do have projects that are in stages of submission that we would need to discuss.
The conference call with Mr. Boykin ended around 2:35 p.m.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman David Daugherty to recommend to the full Council to recommend approving consulting proposal with Barnes & Thornburg: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea


Not on Agenda but discussed:

(Installation of line in Sports Park)
Alderman William Carrell said that J.K. Thomas is in the process of putting in the 2 inch line in the Sports Park and now it seems that we need larger flush plugs which will cost around $1,800 which is over the Mayor’s spending cap so he is asking for a consensus to authorize Mr. J.K. Thomas to go ahead and order the flush plugs then put in on the next Council agenda to approve the purchase, if the Councilmen are so inclined to do so.

The consensus of the Councilmen was to authorize Mr. Thomas to go ahead and order the plugs and place it on the next council agenda to approve the purchase.




(A & K Building)
Mayor McDaniel told the Councilmen that as they know the City has been using the old A & K building behind El Tequila’s for storage at no cost to the City. Mr. Kotter wants to sell the building and ask if the City wants to buy it. The Mayor said he went out and looked at it really good along with Mr. Clarke and they don’t believe it would be anything the City would want. He said that we do have Christmas decorations and things stored in the building so if the Council doesn’t object he is going to have everything moved to the Spec building to store for now.
There were no objections.


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 2:39 p.m.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea











DATE: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
TIME: 1:31p.m.
PLACE: Council Chamber in City Hall

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Charles Barfield, Richard Corzine Sr., David McManus. David Daughtery was absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Deputy City Clerk Cherie Bush, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, CFO Trisha Suttles, Andy Clarke, and Steve Vantreese.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daughtery Absent
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on March 17, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daughtery Absent
Anderson Yea

Committee Chairman Alderman Robert Midnight stated that there was one item on the agenda that could be done in open session and he wanted to start with the old Laidlaw contract. He asked if there were any questions on the Resolution to approve the contract for the sale of surplus real estate and also on the Contract to Purchase Real Estate.
Alderman David McManus asked about the property lines and if we have had it surveyed and what “word of mouth” means.
Alderman Robert Midnight said that we had it surveyed; however we do not have it specifically marked.
Andy Clarke said that in “word of mouth” means in real estate terms they are not going to actually go out and put markers up.

Alderman Robert Midnight said that the one item that concerned him was the property line entrance of Laidlaw. He asked if we were planning to have this straightened out prior to the sale and has anyone discussed this with Kotter.
Mayor Billy McDaniel thought that this had been discussed some and we would have some more time.
Alderman Richard Corzine asked if we need to retain land for the bike path.
Corporate Counsel Rick Abell stated that it should come off of Big Johns and the Kotter property.
Also Rick stated that there are two contingencies for the sale of the old Laidlaw property the money and the letter from NFR. He said that he would like to set and outside date; that after a certain amount of time has passed that both parties could walk away from the sale. He had spoke to the ladies and they said 2 years however we put 5 years and we can shorten it.
After further discussion it was the consensus of the committee to make it 2012 and if it is not completed then we need to look at the project all over again.


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to recommend to full Council that we approve the Acceptance of the Resolution and Contract for the old Laidlaw Property: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daughtery Absent
Anderson Yea


Moved by Alderman Robert Midnight and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to go into Executive Session to discuss items listed on the agenda Time 2:44 p.m.: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daughtery Absent
Anderson Yea



Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the Executive Session and they remain closed: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daughtery Absent
Anderson Yea

Moved by Alderman Nathan Anderson and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to adjourn Time 2:50 p.m.: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daughtery Absent
Anderson Yea






DATE: Tuesday, March 17, 2009
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, David Daugherty, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Charles Barfield, and David McManus with Alderman Richard Corzine Sr. absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, CFO Patricia Suttles, Andy Clarke, Brian Giltner, Joe Matesevac, Frank Walsh, Steve Vantreese and David Stukenburg with the Billboard Company.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Present
Anderson Present


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on March 4, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea





Electrifying Billboards
Andy Clarke informed the Committee that there is no power in the area of the Industrial Park where the billboards are to be erected and they need lights to be seen at night.
Mr. Clarke said he talked with Head Lineman Keith Stokes and he gave him a ballpark figure of $10,000 to run underground wiring to supply City electric for the billboards.
Mr. Clarke added that the power would not only be for the signs but would be there for any future growth in the area.
Mr. David Stukenburg with the Billboard Company said they are willing to pay the monthly electric bill for the billboards.
It was brought up that underground would be more expensive to run than overhead.
After some discussion by the Committee and Councilmen present it was decided that they would rather have the electric underground virus overhead so they agreed to authorize expending the money to run the electric underground to the billboards.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to recommend to the full Council to approve approximate cost of $10,000 to run underground wiring to supply electric for the billboards in the City’s Industrial Park: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea




Update on Economic Development

Mr. Andy Clarke told the committee that as a whole everyone is waiting for the credit and stock market to get better.

Alderman Midnight asked when Walgreens is expected to open and Mr. Clarke said it would be around June or July. He said that they will really move on after the roof is on.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to go into Executive Session for reasons listed on the agenda: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea


Around 2:24 p.m. the meeting was called back to order in open session.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the Executive Session and that they remain closed:
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea



Not on the agenda but discussed

(Lagoon Lining Project at WTP)
Joe Matesevac with Engineering, Inc. said that the contractor suggested rock be put on the trench so the lawn mower can’t get to the lining. And J.K. Thomas asked that rock be put on the berm between the 2 lagoons for easier access.
Mr. Matesevac told the Committee that the contractor has given an estimate of $4,400 to add the rock to his contract.
Joe said this is still well within the project limit.
The consensus of the Committee was to have it put on the next Council agenda for approval.

(Stimulus Money)
Brian Giltner told the Committee that IDOT has been notified of the amount of stimulus money they will receive and that the City’s portion will be $196,000.
He said that the stipulation is that the money must be used for urban collector to qualify. Brian said that 12th Street from US 45 to Filmore Street qualifies as does 19th Street from North Avenue to Hwy 45. However the Old Marion Road to the creek going to the High School does not qualify.
Brian Giltner was asked to check to see if it would still qualify if they do 12th Street from US 45 to Catherine Street instead of stopping at Filmore Street.
Mr. Giltner said that a survey would need to be done to determine right of ways.
The consensus was that 12th from the Chevrolet Garage to Filmore definitely needs to be done so Brian Giltner was told to go ahead and have the survey done to determine the right of ways.

(FEMA MEETING)
Tricia Suttles told everyone that they met with FEMA today and that now we need to nail all our cost down. She said their people were very nice and very helpful. They have been helping us with what is allowed as well as what is not allowed and that pretty well everything so far will be allowed.
Tricia said that they have assigned us a person to work directly with us. She said it looks very positive and we are working to get it done within the 60 days we have to do it in.

(Sidewalk Complaints – Alderman McManus)
Alderman David McManus reported that he has received a complaint about the two automotive businesses on Ferry Street blocking the sidewalks with vehicles.
Alderman Jerry Mizell said that he has had complaints also and that Officer David Koch is working on it.


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 2:38 p.m.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea






DATE: Wednesday, March 4, 2009
TIME: 2:30 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Charles Barfield, Richard Corzine Sr., and David McManus with Alderman David Daugherty absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, Andy Clarke and Tera Temple.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on February 12, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea






Update on Economic Development:
Andy Clarke gave the following updates:

(Walgreens) They are coming along quickly weather permitting and are consolidating all lots into one.

(Spec Building) Mr. Clarke reported that some people are coming in today to look at the spec building and possibly by tomorrow we may have a memorandum of understanding on the building.

(The Bell Caster Group) Mr. Clarke said that they are to come down for a site visit and to bring another group with them. Nothing definite yet but we are on their target list.

(Interstate Contacts) Mr. Clarke said that companies are slow right now due to the economy but he is working on contacts regarding possible location near the Interstate. He said that we want to be ready when they are.

(Verizon Tower location) Alderman Robert Midnight inquired as to where the tower is to be erected. There is a rumor that it will be in the County and not the City now. He was told that it has been moved from the first location near Stoner’s Steakhouse to property behind Comfort Inn.






Bid for Old Laidlaw Property
The bids for this property were opened at 3:00 p.m. during today’s meeting. There was only one bidder and that was the Friends of Fort Massac. Sharon Burris with the Friends of Fort Massac was present to answer any questions anyone might have regarding their bid proposal for the old Laidlaw property. In the bid packet she provided enough copies for everyone to have and review. The City Clerk passed the copies out to everyone after opening the bid packet. The Committee then took out enough time for everyone to review the bid.
Mayor McDaniel said he hated to ask but thought it needed to be asked that since their bid is based on grant funds, how sure are they of receiving those funds. He said the reason he is asking is that the City has been very disappointed in some grants they have been involved in and are still waiting to receive some funds promised.
Ms. Burris said that was a fair and good question and she replied that they have been given the best assurance they can have from the State. 100% sure they can’t be but wish they could. She said they have been as upfront and honest as they can be.

Mr. Rick Abell reminded everyone that the property would be sold on a contract basis with the title remaining with the City until the cleanup is complete and we have received an NFR letter. Mr. Abell also said that if the Council decides to sell the property to the Friends of Fort Massac we would need to decide on a closure date.






Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to recommend to the full Council to accept the Friends of Fort Massac’s proposal to purchase the old Laidlaw property: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 3:37 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea







DATE: Thursday, February 12, 2009
TIME: 2:00 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen William Carrell, Charles Barfield, David McManus, Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, David Daugherty, and Nathan Anderson with Alderman Richard Corzine Sr. absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, CFO Patricia Suttles, Andy Clarke, Sue Barfield, Sharon Burris, Butch Adams, Thomas Meyers and Tera Temple.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Present
Anderson Present


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on January 6, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea




Resolution for Sale of Old Laidlaw Property
Sharon Burris and Sue Barfield who are with the Friends of Fort Massac were present and told the Committee that they were the only bidder in the previous bidding process for the Old Laidlaw property and understand why the City had to reject their proposal and start over. Their only problem now is time. They have a grant ready to submit to Springfield on February 13th but it is incomplete without an attachment letter from the City stating the City’s willingness to sell the property to them which they know the City can’t do unless they are the successful bidder when the property is advertised for sale again. They are respectfully asking the City to expedite the Resolution for the Sale of Surplus Property and to award the bid prior to March 13, 2009. If the Friends are not the successful bidder, their grant can be withdrawn as incomplete and other grants can be moved up for the funds that they would have received. If they are the successful bidder, their grant can be moved on to the federal level where it has every indication of being awarded. They cannot, in clear conscience, hurt other entities that need funds for their projects.
If the Friends are awarded the grant money, it should be made available to them by fall of 2009 or spring of 2010. This would be a two phase grant with $700,000 plus funding.

The committee went over the draft proposal that was prepared by Mr. Rick Abell and the following changes were to be made to the document:
1. Take 7.(j) out completely
2. 7.(i) take the word “specific” out
3. 8. Fill in blanks with Tom Miller at 2009 Mall Street, Collinsville, Illinois, 62234, (618)346-5154
4. 9. Fill in blanks with $5,000.00 and 30 days
5. 13. Fill in blanks with 4th day of March, 2009

It was the consensus of the Committee to schedule a Special Called Council Meeting for February 17, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. to review and approve the revised Resolution.

The proposals are to be opened during an Industrial Committee meeting to be held on March 4, 2009 at 2:30 and hopefully be able to recommend a successful bidder for the Council to approve at the March 9, 2009 Council Meeting.


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman David Daugherty to recommend to the full Council to accept the revised Resolution for sale of the Old Laidlaw property: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea

Old Laidlaw Property Cleanup
Alderman Robert Midnight said that Terracon who, is the company doing the cleanup of the Old Laidlaw Property has pulled out due to the rain and excessive water. They said they will need to do some retreating due to the heavy rain and will be back later to do just that. They will then start the monitoring process and provide the City with reports.

Mr. Abell told the Committee that Peoples Bank of Mt. Vernon has developed their own Economic Development Corporation and are looking to do revitalization projects in different communities. They would like to come down and look around and meet with the City on March 17th or 18th if possible.
The consensus of the Committee and Councilmen present was that March 18th would probably work out better than the 17th to meet with them.
Mr. Abell said he would get back with the group and set the meeting for around noon on the 18th.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – 3:22 P.M.
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea








DATE: Tuesday, January 6, 2009
TIME: 1:30 P.M. (1:38 P.M.)
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Robert Midnight, Jerry Mizell, Nathan Anderson, William Carrell, Charles Barfield, Richard Corzine Sr., and David McManus with Alderman David Daugherty absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, CFO Patricia Suttles, Chanel 6 News media, Billy Hillebrand, Larry Douglas, Jason Farmer, Steve Vantreese, Terry Angle, Homer Stevens, Pamela Barrett, Tommy Reed and Joe Matesevac.

ROLL CALL
Midnight Present
Mizell Present
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on December 4, 2008 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea



Bill Gower Variance
This issue had been discussed prior but was brought up again today to be reconsidered as requested by Mr. Gower.
Pam Barrett who lives on Barger Drive was present to object to the variance. She passed out a petition and photos showing the condition of the present property owned by Mr. Gower. She said his original plans and photos for the Mobile Home Park were beautiful but look nothing like them at present. She said it is not being maintained and a sewer line is caving in.
Mrs. Barrett asked who would monitor the park if Mr. Gower is given the variance and construction workers camping trailers are allowed to be in the mobile home park. She also questioned if the Lafarge construction workers would be the only ones allowed to use the park or would he allow others to come in as well.
She said she realizes Mr. Gower needs to make money to be able to make improvements but doesn’t believe the revenue he would generate will be enough opposed to the problems that may follow.
Mrs. Barrett questioned why the local real estate people are not helping out by allowing them to rent to the construction workers instead of allowing them to go into the mobile home park.
Alderman Midnight pointed out that LaFarge has postponed their expansion due to the economy so Mr. Gower may not even need the variance at this time.
Aldermen McManus and Mizell were both against the variance.
Mayor McDaniel said that Lafarge has delayed their project for 18 months and that others are moving projects back as well due to the economy so the availability of the park for the workers may not be needed so there may be no need to do anything for now.
The ownership and maintenance of Haydn’s Lane was discussed as well. Mr. Abell said it is a public right of way and for public use and that no one is obligated to do anything to the road at this point.
It was the final consensus of the Committee to recommend to the full Council to deny Mr. Gower’s Special Use Permit as requested.


Moved by Alderman Robert Midnight and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to recommend to the full Council to deny Special Use Permit requested by Mr. Bill Gower regarding his Mobil Home Park: MOTION CARRIED
Midnight Yea
Mizell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea


Update on Economic Development
Alderman Robert Midnight said that there wasn’t anything to report at this time.
Mayor McDaniel said that Andy Clarke will probably have some updates at the next Council meeting.

Mr. Abell did say that the time has expired on the agreement with InnerG on the City’s Spec Building so the agreement is now null and void. Mr. Abell said he sent a letter to Mr. Ulrich but has heard nothing back from him. Mr. Abell said that at the next Council Meeting the Council just needs to render the agreement null and void.
It was the consensus of the Committee and Councilmen present to have Mr. Abell to put this on the next Council meeting agenda.




“New” Resolution for proposed sale of the Old Laidlaw Property
Mr. Abell provided the Councilmen with copies of a new resolution for proposed sale of the old Laidlaw property. Everything was not published in the paper as was needed so the City had to reject the proposal(s) received on the property and start over. That is why Mr. Abell is presenting a new resolution for the Council’s consideration. Mr. Stratemeyer asked that the City make their proposal clearer and Mr. Abell said he also took into consideration suggestions made by the Friends of Fort Massac. Mr. Abell said he tried to be specific, clear and fair for whoever might bid on it. He felt that all proposals should come up to that of the Friends of Fort Massac.
A couple of the Aldermen questioned the need for a new proposal and asked if we could just use the same one.
Alderman Robert Midnight said that Mr. Tom Miller with EPA has expressed concern that the City be very clear in the resolution as to the level of cleanup the City is in the process of doing on the property. It needs to be clear that it can only be used for commercial or industrial use and could never be used for residential or green space.
Mr. Midnight said that if the buildings are not gone after the cleanup is done then EPA is going to be very upset.
Mr. Abell said that the title is to remain with the City until cleanup is completed.
It was stated that after the injections are done the sites have to be monitored for a year so it will be next February at the earliest.







Old Theater Property
Alderman Mizell asked the status