Board Meeting Minutes March 4th, 2020
After an opening prayer and pledge of allegiance, President Michael Suarez called the meeting to order.
Deputy Clerk Karen Manso recorded attendance in the absence of Clerk Richard Ramirez. The following were in attendance: Trustees: David Suarez, Raul Munoz, Robert Belba, Michael Fiudo and Charles Arriola. Trustee Guadalupe Hernandez was absent. Also, in attendance were; Treasurer Juan Mena, Police Chief/Administrator, Scott Penny, Fire Chief Robert Allen and Public Works Director Roger Juenger.
The motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting of February 19, 2020 was made by Raul Munoz and seconded by Robert Belba. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; Michael Fiudo, pass; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Guadalupe Hernandez was absent. Motion Passed
Treasurer’s Report – No Report
At this time Mayor Suarez ask Trustee Charles Arriola to introduce his guest, Ken Keltner of Diversified Services.
Mr. Keltner was asked to present a plan for reseeding the soccer field at Maryland Avenue and the Granby Park. Mr. Keltner gave a detailed outline of the process his company would use. To start the proposal the cost would be $4,800.00 and depending on the circumstance the total project, to be completed by July of 2020, would not exceed $12,000.00.
Mr. Keltner thanked Mayor Suarez and the board for having him and provided his phone number for any questions.
Clerk’s Report
Deputy Clerk Karen Manso presented a Business License Application, Paletas LLC, 2700 N 37th Street, Hugo Rivera, Owner. Mr. Rivera was in attendance and verified the business at this address is contained to production of his “paletas”, a frozen treat. No retail sales will be conducted at this location.
With no objection the motion was made by Raul Munoz and seconded by Charles Arriola to approve the Business License Application, Paletas LLC, 2700 N 37th Street, Hugo Rivera, Owner. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; Michael Fiudo, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Guadalupe Hernandez was absent. Motion Passed
Ms. Manso presented a Building Permit Application 4110 Collinsville Road, Replacing Concrete Parking Pad, Charles James Arriola, Owner.
The motion was made by Raul Munoz and seconded by Robert Belba to approve the Building Permit Application 4110 Collinsville Road, Replacing Concrete Parking Pad, Charles James Arriola, Owner. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; Michael Fiudo, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Guadalupe Hernandez was absent. Motion Passed
Deputy Clerk Manso presented a Building Permit Application for 3203 N 62nd Street, 1O’x16′ Shed, Jose Velasco, Owner.
With everything in order, the motion was made by Charles Arriola and seconded by David Suarez to approve the Building Permit Application for 3203 N 62nd Street, 1O’x16′ Shed, Jose Velasco, Owner. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; Michael Fiudo, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Guadalupe Hernandez was absent. Motion Passed
Lastly, the Deputy Clerk presented Resolution 2020-03 a Resolution of Support of the Application to the Community Development Block Grants Department for Funding the Cookson Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Director Juenger reported the grant was denied last year and this year’s approval of the project is the relining of Cookson Road between 41st Street and 42nd Street.
The motion was made by David Suarez and seconded by Charles Arriola to approve Resolution 2020-03 a Resolution of Support of the Application to the Community Development Block Grants Department for Funding the Cookson Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; Michael Fiudo, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Guadalupe Hernandez was absent. Motion Passed
At this time Ms. Manso introduced Approval of Code Red Warning System Notification Software, Three Year License Agreement. Mayor Suarez proceeded with a brief explanation with some help from Fire Chief Allen.
CodeRED is a software application fully integrated with the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) to send alerts via the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and other public alerting systems.
The mayor explained the system is not limited to weather alerts but can be used for city based alerts. The mayor used an example of a carjacking that occurred in New Baden. The suspect got away and the chase ended at the corner of Locust and 39th Street when he stopped the car and ran. While the suspect was at large law enforcement went door to door alerting residents to remain indoors. This type of situation could have been broadcast to all village residents through CodeRED. Mayor Suarez reported residential use of the system is one of choice and interested persons would sign up.
Chief Allen further described the system to be specific to the municipal weather alerts as opposed to generic for St. Clair County, as used by other media, such as television and radio.
The agreement proposed is for 3 years with an annual fee of $2,066 to the village. Fire Chief Allen reported 5 years ago such a system would be in the range of $10,000.00 per year. Those present, including the public attendance, agreed it would be an asset to the community. The system is also bilingual, and “pick your language”, is an item in the set up.
The motion was made by Raul Munoz and seconded by David Suarez to approve the purchase of CodeRED Warning System Notification Software in the amount of $2,077.00 per year for 3 years. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; Michael Fiudo, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Guadalupe Hernandez was absent. Motion Passed
Report of Police Chief/ Administrator
Chief Penny reported to those present that the department has been looking to replace the current police reporting software. The current software is close to 30 years old and requires manual data entry. Inquiry with other departments resulted in the Omnigo system as the most popular. The system is designed for on scene report generation. The chief also reported as of July, the state of Illinois will be changing reporting codes to reflect the federal codes now being used by the FBI. The Omnigo System will come with the new coding. The cost of the product is $12,940.00 for the first year and $10,440.00 annually, after.
With no objections the motion was made by Charles Arriola and seconded by David Suarez to approve the purchase of the Police Reporting System Software, Omnigo Software in the amount of $12,940.00 for the first year and $10,440.00 each year after. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; Michael Fiudo, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Guadalupe Hernandez was absent. Motion Passed
Chief Penny also reported the hardware used in the police car video system is also outdated. The server used for the system that is used to download the video data taken from the individual cars is failing. The chief presented a bid from the current company the department has been using, Watchguard, in the amount of $6,645.00, to replace the server.
Again, with no objection, the motion was made by David Suarez and seconded by Robert Belba to approve the bid submitted by the company, Watchguard, to replace the current in car video system estimated at $6,645.00. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; Michael Fiudo, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Guadalupe Hernandez was absent. Motion Passed
Report of Zoning Administrator – No Report
Report of Fire Chief
Fire Chief Allen reported the monthly siren test was successful yesterday, Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
The chief reminded those present the Trivia Night is March 7, 2020 in the Community Center. The tables have been sold out and the add book has been very well received. The chief also reported the Annual Awards Dinner is scheduled for March 28, 2020 and asked the mayor and trustees to save the date. Invitations are forth coming. The chief is working on getting a long time St. Louis Fire Chief as a speaker.
Report of the Public Works Director
Public Works Director Juenger reported the panel that controls the sewer pumps at 5200 Collinsville Road is failing. The pump is operating on 1 pump instead of 2. Vandevanter Engineering estimated $9,995.00 to replace the panel. There was a brief discussion regarding alternatives. Mayor Suarez asked the director to get another bid if possible.
Committee Reports
Police/Public Safety-Chair- Charles Arriola
Outside the grass situation, Trustee Arriola reported Ameren has scheduled March 16, 2020 to begin work at the Maryland soccer field.
Economic/Finance, Development, Planning, and Tourism – Chair – Michael Fiudo – No Report
Fire Protection – Chair – Robert Belba, Sr. – No Report
Community Relations & Communications – Chair – Raul Munoz – No Report
Public Health & Housing – Chair- Guadalupe Hernandez – Absent No Report
Streets, Sewers, Grounds, Building & Parks – David Suarez – No Report
President’s Report
Mayor Suarez reported the spring newsletter is due to be released April 1, 2020. He asked those present to be sure to get any announcements, general information or advertising to the editor as soon as possible.
Mayor Suarez informed those present any questions or concerns regarding the recent outbreak of the Corona Virus can be directed to the Center for Disease Control / St. Clair County Health Department websites. The sites stay updated. They recommend not bothering with masks they will not help, but, do be mindful of washing your hands and do not go out if you are sick.
Public Comment
Katie Heaton of the Fairmont City Library announced the East Egg Hunt is April 4, 2020. The EPA has promised to redo the field but they will not start until after the egg hunt. Marie Johnson, who usually solicits funds for the event, has moved to Florida. Katie will be going into village businesses to solicit funds this year.
The library board is currently looking for a new director. Katie also reported Karina Almeida has found a better paying position and is leaving the library. They are collecting applications and have interviews set up for next week. The library manager was excited to have a number of local applicants.
Municipal Bills
The motion to approve payment of the bills as presented in the amount of $19,358.65 was made by David Suarez and seconded by Raul Munoz. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; Michael Fiudo, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Guadalupe Hernandez was absent. Motion Passed
Adjournment
With that, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Charles Arriola and seconded by Raul Munoz. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; Michael Fiudo, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Guadalupe Hernandez was absent. Motion Passed
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
Karen Manso
Deputy Clerk
March 4, 2020