City of Alton - Committee of the Whole Meeting on Jul 8, 2024

On July 8th, 2024, the Committee of the Whole convened for a meeting. All members, including McAfee, Strabel, Brown, Meehan, Elliott, Jan, and Allen, were present, with no absentees. The meeting commenced with a public forum addressing city business, where it was motioned to give each speaker five minutes to address the council. There were two speakers scheduled, and a motion was made to suspend the rules to allow more time and conversation with the speakers.

Rob Holmke from Alt Marina was the first speaker. He presented the current state of the marina, highlighting that many components were reaching the end of their reliable service spans. Despite recent city-funded projects, such as replacing the main backflow apparatus, ADA-approved pedestrian entrance floats, water heaters, and dredging the harbor, significant issues remained. Holmke emphasized the need for replacing the exposed wood decking, which had rapidly deteriorated, causing safety hazards. He proposed using concrete decking as a solution, citing its durability, low maintenance, and safety advantages.

Holmke's presentation detailed the financial aspects and benefits of concrete over wood or composite decking. He urged the council for a positive recommendation on the resolution to replace the marina's decking with concrete. Council members engaged in a detailed discussion, asking questions about funding, maintenance, and future capital projects. The marina's funding sources, such as slip fees and the city's role in covering larger capital expenditures, were also discussed.

Greg Brown also spoke, supporting Holmke's points and emphasizing the importance of the marina as a city asset. He highlighted the economic and community benefits of maintaining the marina, including its role in hosting events and attracting visitors. Brown assured the council of the feasibility and long-term benefits of the proposed concrete decking.

The meeting proceeded with the approval of various resolutions and motions, including the authorization of demolition proceedings, acceptance of materials proposals for the MFT Street Maintenance Program, and funding allocations for city projects. Council members also discussed ongoing issues such as weed control, youth violence, and the impact of the temporary closure of Gordon Moore Park.

Chief of Police Jared provided insights into the challenges of youth violence, emphasizing the need for community involvement and better parenting. Public Works Director Mike Kane discussed the department's efforts in weed control and the challenges posed by limited manpower. The council also considered the potential for expanding youth employment programs and collaborating with the school district to address community needs.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, reflecting the council's ongoing commitment to addressing city issues and improving community welfare.