Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston Council met November 7. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the council:

I. Call to order

Mayor Crusinberry called to order the regular council meeting of the City of Hoopeston at 7:00 p.m. on November 7, 2017 at City Hall.

II. Roll call

Clerk Lane conducted a roll call. The following six council members were present: Anderson, Ankenbrand, Florek, Houmes, Hamilton, and McElhaney. Aldermen Goodwine and Yaden were absent. Attorney Mockbee was present.

III. Approval of Agenda

Alderman Houmes moved to approve the agenda seconded by Anderson. Agenda was approved 6-0.

IV. Approval of minutes from last meeting

Clerk Lane read the minutes from the last meeting. Alderwoman Florek moved to approve minutes of October 3, 17 and the October 30 special meeting with a second by Houmes. The minutes were approved 6-0.

V. Presentations

None

VI. Payment of Bills

Alderman Houmes moved to approve payment of bills seconded by Hamilton. Roll call vote was taken and bills were approved for payment 6-0.

VII. Reports of Officers

     a) Alderman Ankenbrand reported on the Ambulance committee meeting that was held on October 25. Arrow Ambulance is requesting a new Ambulance. The current three ambulances have 265,000, 193,000, and 85,000 miles. The cost of a new gas powered ambulance will be about $153,223 which is less than diesel powered ambulance. Delivery will take about 300 days once ordered and payment will not be due until delivery. A resolution to purchase the ambulance will be voted on next meeting.

     b) Alderwoman Florek announced the bids awarded on the surplus equipment. The bids awarded were: 91 Ford pick up to Greg Shipman for $1250, Skid Steer to Danner Construction for $766.16, and the trencher to Drew Hall for $506.37. Alderman Houmes seconded Florek’s motion to accept these bids. Roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.

     c) Alderman Hamilton presented the proposed 2018 Tax Levy Ordinance. The proposed tax levy is for the amount of $777,705. Hamilton explained that the levy is down this year however the Police Pension is up $50,000 to adjust for under reporting from prior years. The public hearing for the Levy will be held December 5, 2017. The levy is available for public view at the water department.

     d) Alderman Houmes announced the only bid received for the perpetual care grave blankets was from Yaden Christmas Trees in the amount of $52.50 for each of the 39 blankets. Houmes made the motion to accept the bid seconded by Florek. Roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.

     e) Alderman Anderson reported that the Street and Alley Department will be replacing an end loader. The cost of the end loader will be $90,950 after trade in. The motion to make the purchase was made by Anderson with a second by Houmes. Roll call vote was taken and the purchase was approved 6-0. The decision on whether or not to purchase the maintenance program will be made later.

Because of the roof situation on City Hall, Anderson recommended the city be more proactive regarding maintenance of the city’s buildings. He suggested that assessment of the buildings be done annually.

     f) Alderman McElhaney reported on the conditions of properties at 105 and 107 E. Main St. When 105 was being torn down, the adjacent building began to come down. It was learned that the tax trustees owned the 107 E. Main building. Because of its instability, McElhaney moved to retain Terry Glynn to disassemble the building for $2000 plus trucking and landfill fees. Houmes seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.

VIII. Petitions to Council

None

IX. Communications to Council

None

X. Unfinished Business

None

XI. New Business

Alderman Hamilton brought up the possible closure of the Lincoln Street railroad crossing. Emergency coverage of the city needs to be considered. Also turn-around areas would be needed to protect the curbs when trucks are guided through the route by GPS.

Alderman Houmes asked about a time line on the hiring of a permanent police chief. The mayor stated that he has been reviewing resumes and narrowing down to those who fit the city’s needs, which include longevity, professionalism and management experience.

XII. Mayor Comments

The State of Illinois will be celebrating the Bicentennial year in 2018. There will be a coordinated flag raising of the Bicentennial Flag on December 4 at noon. Also the mayor remarked on the lighting of the flag by the Christmas Light Committee for Veteran’s day.

Other remarks by the mayor included thanking Bill Nichols who has served on the Economic Develop Committee since 2003. He is now representing Hoopeston on the Land Bank.

XIII. Public Comment

Comments were heard regarding the properties that have been bought on the tax auctions. Some residents were wondering if a contract could be made between the purchasers and the city, or liability insurance required.

XIV. Executive Session

None

Adjournment

Ankenbrand moved to adjourn seconded by Anderson. Council adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

http://cityofhoopeston.com/city-council-minutes-11072017/