The city of Urbana no longer will collect fees, approve purchases or perform other financial duties for the Urbana Youth Sports program. The Urbana City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution passing those duties to the youth sports organization, which City Finance Director Lee Williams noted is a nonprofit, limited liability corporation. He added the state will add the organization to its list of entities to be audited periodically.
Director of Administration Bruce Evilsizor said the group has been reimbursing the city for youth-sports purchases several years and that the city and the organization will be working on an agreement concerning the responsibilities of both parties.
Williams said the arrangement will save the city some expenses and staff time.
Also Tuesday, the council authorized a $56,778 contract with Freisthler Paving, Sidney, for this summer's limited paving program. High Street is to be paved from Miami to Reynolds. Dellinger is to be paved from Main Street to East Lawn Avenue. Assistant to the Director Doug Crabill said Salem Township will reimburse the city for part of the Dellinger paving. He also said state Route 55 and Oakland will be paved as part of the state's paving program this year, with the city kicking in 20 percent of the costs.
The Freisthler contract includes paving a path through the playground area at Melvin Miller Park, making playground equipment compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Rather than paving more streets this year, the city intends to purchase a DuraPatcher for about $55,000 to do a more effective, longer-lasting job on street patching.
In other action, the council heard the second reading of a resolution authorizing an agreement with the County Commission to provide legal counsel to indigent people charged with city violations. Funding will come from the municipal court budget. In 2009, these costs totaled $13,000. In 2008, the costs were $19,000.
The council also:
•Authorized amendments creating water and sanitary sewer "capacity fees" to be charged developers for capital improvements and amendments increasing water and sanitary sewer tap-in fees for new developments.
•Opted to leave an amendment to sidewalk-curb repair legislation on the table until further information is obtained.
•Heard Darrell Heckman, chair of the Charter Review Committee, say the group will have final meetings March 4 and 18, then present charter review proposals to the council. These proposals will be on the November ballot for Urbana residents to consider.
•Heard Water Superintendent Bob Munch say Connie Woodruff is retiring after 30 years of service.
•Heard Councilman Gene Fields note there is a Ward 1 vacancy on the Building and Zoning Board of Appeals and that anyone interested should contact the administration office at 652-4304.
•Heard Mayor Ruth Zerkle compliment city crews for dealing with the streets during the recent wintry weather.
•Heard Council President Marty Hess express condolences to the family of former council clerk Patty Livingston, who died Monday.
•Entered into executive session to discuss property and personnel following a motion by Councilman Robert Thorpe. Councilman Larry Lokai voted against the motion.
Kathleen Fox can be reached at kfox@urbanacitizen.com
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