December 19, 2011

The regular meeting of the Frontenac City Council, December 19^th, 2011 at Town Hall was called to order at 12:00 Noon by Mayor Kennedy.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.  Roll call was answered by Papish, Kotzman, Bridwell, Macary, Quenoy, Hipfl, Chiappetti and Menghini.

Minutes of December 5^th, 2011 were opened for discussion.    A motion was made by Papish and seconded by Macary to approve the minutes.  This motion was unanimously approved.

Appropriation ordinance #1565 was opened for discussion.  A motion to approve appropriation ordinance #1565 was made by Quenoy, seconded Menghini and unanimously approved.

Mayor Kennedy opened the public hearing on the 2011 amended budget at 12:03 p.m.  Hipfl inquired what the amendment was and if it included the 5% rate increase for water/sewer rates.  Dan explained that the amendments were for increased revenues in the water fund from loan and grant proceeds that we cannot foresee.  The general fund was also increased due to an increase in sales tax revenues.  In the water and sewer fund, expenditures accompanied the incomes from projects approved for grant/loan funds.  A motion was made by Kotzman to approve the amended 2011 budget.  This motion was seconded by Quenoy and unanimously approved.
Mayor Kennedy closed the public hearing at 12:05 p.m.

Mayor Kennedy invited the Council to attend the Christmas Luncheon on Thursday, December 22^nd at 12:00 Noon.

Police Chief’s Report:  Randy advised that he had checked the area around Wilson and Mckinley in the Saia addition and there is a need for additional street lighting in the area.  Chief Flora is to determine locations and Westar will be contacted for installation.

Council Members Comment:  Hipfl advised that he had received phone calls inquiring about the increase in the Public Recreation membership from $10.00 to $25.00.  Dan advised that this was a Recreation Board decision and they meet the first Wednesday of each month.  This needed to be addressed with the Rec Board.  Bridwell inquired if the City received reimbursement from the County for Ron Albertini’s expenses such as meals and motel expenses.  Dan advised yes that the County pays half of the expenses for Ron.  Bridwell also inquired on the trash that was near the city park on Linn Street.  Randy and John both advised that it had been taken care of.

City Administrators Report:  Dan reviewed the November balance sheet.  The general fund cash balance is lower than it has been in the recent past.  This is being caused from the increasing drop in funds filtered to the City from the State.  Without the increased sales tax which was presented by the finance committee or raising the mil, this would continue to decline.  Dan advised that we transfer $100,000.00 from the general fund annually to recreation and sewer funds and he would like Council to authorize Resolution 2011-06, authorizing the transfer of sufficient funds from the water fund to the general fund to maintain a positive cash balance through 2011 and authorizing for the transfer back into the water fund that same amount after our January tax distribution.  A motion was made by Chiappetti, seconded by Bridwell and unanimously approved to pass resolution 2011-06.

City Clerk’s Report:  Doug advised Council that the amended Personnel Manual had been provided for their review.  This manual includes updates in current labor related laws and guidelines, updating the USERRA laws, FMLA laws and addressing computer and cell phone use.  No changes have been made to employee sick leave or vacation leave.  The local firm “Research Services” had been contracted to assist in the update, researching current labor laws and comparing to other city personnel manuals.  Research Services will be doing annual updates to keep up with changes as our old policy was written more than ten years ago. A motion was made by Macary, seconded by Bridwell and unanimously approved to accept the “2011 Personnel Policies and Guidelines.”

With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Quenoy, seconded by Menghini and unanimously approved.