Kankakee Times

Momence City Council met Friday, Dec. 16.

The Momence City Council meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Here are the minutes as provided by Momence:

THE CITY OF MOMENCE

Momence, IL 60954 ALDERMEN

Diann Denton John Rehmer MICK PORTER, Mayor Carolyn Navratil David Cook JENENE HENSON, Clerk Nova Metz Mark Lesyna MARGARET PETERSON, Treasurer Charles Steele Jr. John Metz Sr.

MOMENCE CITY COUNCIL Monday, December 19, 2016 Council Meeting Time: 7:30 P.M.

The City Council Meeting of the City of Momence was held in the Council Chambers at 29 N. Dixie Highway, Momence. Mayor Mick Porter called the meeting to order.

Moment of silence was held for the death of K-9 Pete.

ROLL CALL

Roll was called by the Clerk with Aldermen Navratil, Steele, Rehmer, Cook and John Metz present. Also present was Mayor Mick Porter. Aldermen Denton, Nova Metz and Lesyna were absent. Alderman Nova Metz arrived at 7:40P.M.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

Alderman Rehmer made a motion to approve the Public Hearing, Regular and Executive Session minutes of the December 5, 2016, Council Meeting as presented. Alderman Cook seconded the motion with Aldermen Navratil, Steele, Rehmer, Cook and John Metz voting yes.

APPROVAL OF THE BILLS

There was not a Budget and Finance Committee Meeting held tonight because there were not enough committee members present. Several bills were added to be paid: $983 reimbursement to Main Street Momence for marketing paid out of CTAP Visitors Bureau grant. Call One phone bill $2,151.59, out of general and water fund. AT&T bill of $271.64 out of general and water fund. Liberty Mutual workman’s compensation insurance monthly premium of $4,457.93 is to be split between general, water and sewer fund. Alderman Cook made a motion to approve the added bills and current bills for payment. Alderman Navratil seconded the motion with Aldermen Navratil, Steele, Rehmer, Cook and John Metz voting yes.

OLD BUSINESS - none

ALDERMANIC REPORTS

Alderman Cook stated that a Local Improvement meeting held tonight regarding Route 1 Chevrolet and City property’s vacating a portion of the alley and possibly selling surplus property. Concerns expressed will be addressed.

Discuss and vote on moving part-time officer to full time. Council addressed hiring part time police officer as full time effective December 21, 2016, at $40,541.13, which is pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. Alderman Nova Metz arrived at this time (7:40P.M.) Alderman Rehmer made a motion to hire part time officer Jessica Rourke as a full time officer as stated above. Alderman Cook seconded the motion with Alderman Navratil, Nova Metz, Steele, Rehmer, Cook and John Metz voting yes.

Mayor Porter explained the Travel Expense Ordinance. State of Illinois required this ordinance to be filed by January 1, 2017. Illinois Municipal League provides template. There are limits on reimbursements of spending of City funds when taking trips. Reimbursement request form must be submitted and approved before travel. Alderman Cook made a motion to pass an ordinance regarding travel, meal and lodging expenses. Alderman Rehmer seconded the motion with Aldermen Navratil, Nova Metz, Steele, Rehmer, Cook and John Metz voting yes. Ordinance # 823.

DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS - none

TREASURER REPORT – Treasurer Becky Peterson – absent

CITIZEN FORUM (was held after Treasurer Report)

US Fish and Wildlife Presentation by John Rogner: Overview of the Kankakee Refuge and how they plan to operate it. Declining wildlife population and habitat changes were the main reason for the Kankakee Refuge. Opportunities would be provided for residents to get outdoors at certain places in the refuge. Most of the concerns from the residents were flooding, drainage, declining property values and loss of tax revenue. Sand from Indiana was also questioned and stated as being a huge problem. Marsha Tedford, Momence Township Assessor, stated that 2015 assessed taxes would be negatively affected. Willing/unwilling sellers were questioned along with what power a resolution from the City would have. Mr. Rogner stated that Fish and Wildlife will look at the issues to see if a resolution could be met.

MAYORAL REPORT - none

EXECUTIVE SESSION - none

Alderman Navratil made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Rehmer seconded the motion with Aldermen Navratil, Nova Metz, Steele, Rehmer, Cook and John Metz voting yes. Meeting adjourned at 9:34P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Jenene Henson, City Clerk