Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston Council met March 6.

Here is the minutes as provided by the council:

I.Call to order

Mayor Crusinberry called to order the regular meeting of the City of Hoopeston at 7:00 p.m. on March 6, 2018 at City Hall.

II.Roll call

Clerk Lane conducted a roll call. The following alderpersons were present: Anderson, Ankenbrand, Florek, Goodwine, Hamilton, Houmes and Yaden as well as Mayor Crusinberry and Attorney Mockbee. Alderman McElhaney was absent.

III. Approval of Agenda

Alderman Houmes moved to approve the agenda seconded by Anderson. Agenda was approved 7-0.

IV.Approval of minutes from last meeting

Clerk Lane read the minutes of the February 20th meeting. Alderman Houmes moved to approve seconded by Florek. Minutes were approved as read 7-0.

V. Presentations

None

VI. Payment of Bills

Alderman Houmes moved to approve payment of bills with a second by Yaden. Bills were approved for payment by roll call vote 7-0.

VII.Reports of Officers

a)Alderman Ankenbrand stated that there are 100 Firemen’s Cash Bash tickets remaining.

b)Alderwoman Florek reported that the city was in compliance with the Public Health Department’s regulations of the city’s water for the previous twelve months. The water department employees have been kept busy with the recent flooding as well as reading meters.

c)Alderman Goodwine postponed action on the Cable Franchise Agreement.

d)Alderman Hamilton had nothing to report.

e)Alderman Yaden announced the bids for the perpetual care will be opened at 10:00 a.m. on April 3rd.

f)Alderman Houmes reported that the smaller landscaping displays at the park will be done away with and larger scale displays will be constructed. The Rotary Club is planning to construct and pay for one of the large displays. Also Park employees Paul and Roger have attended a landscaping class at DACC.

g)Alderman Anderson presented information on a service agreement contract known as “Martin Max” that would cover repairs on the new end loader that was recently purchased. He made the motion to authorize the mayor to sign the seven year contract with Martin Equipment at a cost of $4464 per year. Alderman Houmes seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken and Resolution 2018-3 authorizing the mayor to sign the service agreement was approved 7-0.

A motion was made by Anderson and seconded by Houmes to send to the zoning committee a request for closure of Lincoln St. Street from First Avenue to the railroad tracks. Teasdale Foods made the request for the closure to allow the company to connect the buildings on each side of the street. It also is safety concern in that lift trucks cross the street going from one building to another. Roll call vote was taken and council approved 7-0 to send the request to the zoning committee.

Alderman Anderson apprised council that the city would be hiring C-2 Engineers rather than Fuhrmann Engineering for future projects. Personnel changes at Fuhrmann have prompted the decision. Tracy Billings, with whom the city has worked in the past, has moved from Fuhrmann to C-2 Engineering which also has an office located in Hoopeston.

In response to traffic problems in the alley behind Silgan Containers, the Street and Alley department will be closing the alley to trucks and rerouting Silgan employees through the West parking lot. The change will become effective April 1.

VIII. Petitions to Council

None

IX. Communications

The EPA has determined that the loan for which the city has applied for the Sanitary Sewer Project does meet the criteria for the loan. Alderman Houmes asked what to tell

residents who call and ask about fixing the flooding. He wondered if this project would help the ongoing situation. This project will not stop the flooding of certain areas of town during heavy rains.

X. Unfinished Business

Mike Bane reported on situations with the Ray Williams property and Jesse Zarate’s property.

XI. New Business

None

XII. Mayors Comments

The mayor informed council that Senator Barickman would assist communities with becoming home rule municipalities. Changes in the home rule laws will allow smaller communities to become home rule.

Also, a Forum on a county-wide 1% sales tax for schools will be held at the American Legion on March 14.

Hoopeston Retirement Foundation has requested a meeting with council members regarding building remediation. The mayor announced a meeting of the whole to be held Tuesday March 13 at 7:00 p.m. for this discussion.

XIII. Public Comment

Leon Poulson addressed council regarding the building last known as Lester’s Drug Store that is between his building and the Sewing Boutique. Bricks are crumbling away and the roof has been leaking causing mold and damage to walls of the buildings.

XIV. Executive Session

Alderman Hamilton moved to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel. Goodwine seconded the motion and council went into Executive Session at 7:46 p.m.

Alderman Hamilton moved come out of Executive Session with a second from Florek. Council came out of Executive Session at 8:46 p.m.

XV.Adjournment

Alderman Ankenbrand moved to adjourn seconded by Anderson. Council adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

http://cityofhoopeston.com/city-council-minutes-362018/