Collinsville Economy Rebounding From Bad 2020

By Stephanie Malench

smalench@timestribunenews.com

The April 27 meeting of the Collinsville City Council began with Mayor John Miller reading two proclamations for the month of May.

The first one declared May Building Safety Month. The theme for Building Safety Month 2021 is “Prevent, Prepare, Protect. Building Codes Save”. In observance of the month, Americans are asked to consider the commitment to improve building safety and economic investment at home and in the community and to acknowledge the essential service provided to all of us by local and state building departments, fire prevention bureaus and federal agencies in protecting lives and property.

The second proclamation  declared May Motorcycle Awareness Month. Because motorcycles are a common and economical means of transportation that reduces fuel consumption and road wear while contributing to a significant way to relieve traffic and parking congestion, the proclamation asks for all roadway users to unite in the safe sharing of roadways within the city and state.

After reading the proclamation, Miller reminded everyone that grass clippings in the street  create hazardous conditions for motorcycles and should be blown back into the grass after mowing.

For the first council discussion, Chief Financial Officer Kris Mooney  gave updates on the purchasing policy. Department heads can now spend up to $10,000 without council approval instead of $5,000 and the City Manager’s limit increased to $30,000 from $20,000.

The City Manager can also get approval for expenditures between $30,000 and $50,000 by email approval of the council. If two councilmen object, the item must go before the whole city council at the next meeting.

The second update Mooney gave the board was the first quarter financial review. sales, hotel/motel, food and beverage, and property taxes receipts have come in above the  projections set due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

This has led to the deficit for FY21 being 45% lower that the budgeted deficit.

During announcements from City Staff, Public Works Director Dennis Kress announced that the city would be holding a free yard waste drop off event on May 7 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on May 8 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at their facility at 850 S. Morrison. Yard waste must be in paper bags and proof of residency in the city of Collinsville is required.

Under new business, a bid was awarded to Key Equipment and Supply Company for $254,750 to purchase a 2021 Elgin Pelican street sweeper, replacing the 2004 model.

An ordinance was passed allowing Miller to enter into a contract to purchase shelter kits  for the new shelters at Woodland Park. The metal shelters will be paid for through Metro East Parks and Recreation and Madison County PEP grant funds.

Separate bids will be conducted to construct the shelters.

The council approved renewing the annual agreement with Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau for $100,000  to be paid in quarterly payments. The Bureau is starting a Sports Commission this year with City Manager Mitch Bair serving on the committee.

The last resolution passed for the evening authorized the filing of a petition for detachment and disconnection of parcels of real estate from the State Park Place Fire Protection District within the corporate limits of the city of Collinsville. This is due to Fairmont Park racetrack paying taxes to both fire departments even though Collinsville responds to any calls made from the facility.