City Council Meeting Summary 02.18.2020
Next City Council Meeting – March 2nd at 6:00 PM
Official Minutes available at www.cityofmonmouth.com
1– Presentations Or Citizen Inquiries
No citizens addressed Council this evening.
The City welcomed and swore-in two new firefighters to the department tonight. The new hires are Connor Benson from Warren County and Wesley Wenger from Fairview Illinois. They will attend the Illinois Fire Service Institute next month before their assignment to a shift.
2- Police Department Monthly Report – Chief Switzer
- The department has been conducting a lengthy investigation into a string of burglaries since October of 2019. As a result of the investigation, the department executed a search warrant at 817 South C Street. This search warrant provided valuable evidence for MPD to arrest Randall J. Bell, who is charged with six different Residential Burglaries and Possession of Methamphetamine. Chief Switzer wished to recognize the dedication and talents of Investigator Hepner, Investigator Kramer and Investigator Mcvey who all worked the case daily.
- Several drug-related investigations were also conducted over the last month and have resulted in search warrants being conducted at several different locations at the same time. These investigations and search warrants resulted in the arrest of 7 different individuals.
- Lt. Bratcher conducted A.L.I.C.E. training at 3 local churches.
3- Fire Department Monthly Report – Chief Rexroat
- Captain Cozadd has been working with local agencies to coordinate a mock DUI accident for the local high schools to educate students on the consequences of drinking and driving. The event is being planned for mid-April. Agencies involved in the planning include the Fire Department, Police Department, Monmouth-Roseville High School, United High School, Warren County Coroner, Warren County States Attorney, Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service, Warren County 911, and helicopter service is to be determined.
- Chief Rexroat assisted Director Clark with new construction inspections at Holy Family Medical Center, U.S. Cellular, and Sidetrax.
- Tanker 7 was removed from service from the Fire Department after agreeing to sell it to the Central Warren Fire Department. The truck was picked up by Central Warren on January 20th. Funds acquired from this sale will be used to help purchase a new ladder truck.
- Tower 22 was taken to Alexis Fire Equipment to have pulleys on the ladder repaired.
- Chief Rexroat also thanked Firefighter Osborn for his work with Invisible Fence of The Quad Cities. The department recently has received a donation of pet oxygen masks form invisible fence that can be used with Cats and Dogs in the event they are in need of oxygen after a traumatic event.
4- Approval of 2nd Amendment to Smithfield Agreement
The City maintains a pre-treatment facility that is used to treat Smithfield’s waste stream before it enters the main treatment plant. Smithfield and the City maintain an agreement which states that Smithfield will be responsible for costs incurred during the improvement and operation of the pre-treatment facility since they are the sole user of it.
An amendment is being made to the agreement that will allow for additional improvements to infrastructure and an appropriate payment schedule.
A motion was made for approval and was approved.
5- Monmouth-Roseville District 238 Community Signage Project Request
MR238 would like to place customized banners on light poles around the town square that will help promote their sports program. These banners will be provided at no cost to the municipality.
A discussion was held by City Council regarding the use of the signs and the duration of the installation. No action was taken on this tonight and will return at the next City Council meeting after further information is obtained.
5- Resolutions & Ordinances
- 20-004 – Variance for Signage – 1001 W. 11th Avenue – Love’s Travel Stop
Love’s Travel Stops has requested a sign variance that will allow them to place a sign at a height greater than 40 feed. Due to the topography of the bridge and the overpass, Love’s would like to place a sign that is 75 feet in height. A sign that is located at this height will allow travelers adequate time to stop as the overpasses will not obscure it.
This item went before the Zoning Board Of Appeals last week and has been forwarded to City Council with a favorable recommendation.
A Motion was made to follow the ZBA recommendation and was approved.
- 20-005 – Declaration Of Surplus Property – Police Department Radios
Last year the Police Department upgraded their radio system to a digital system that rendered their existing system incompatible. The department has a number of handheld radios that it would like to declare surplus. These radios will be made available for purchase to regional fire departments who still use analog repeater systems.
A motion was made to declare the excess property surplus and was approved.
- 20-003 – Variance – 1130 East Broadway – Barbershop (2nd reading)
Freeman Dovo of F&A Barbershop has requested a variance that would allow operation of a home-based business. Dovo currently operates a barbershop in the 100 block of North Main Street and would like to move his business to his private residence at 1130 East Broadway. This request was presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals in late January. No objections were heard from the immediate neighbors, and the Zoning Board has given the variance a recommendation for approval. A motion was made to follow the board’s recommendation and was approved.
6- Other Business
No other business was discussed tonight
7- Executive Session
No executive session was held tonight.
***Report compiled by Ken Helms, City Of Monmouth***
