City of Hoopeston Committee of the Whole met July 20.
Here is the minutes as provided by the committee:
I. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ATTENDEES:
Council Members: Mayor Crusinberry, Clerk Lane, Jeff Wise, Alex Houmes, Bill Goodwine, Carl Ankenbrand, Robin Lawson, Lourdine Florek and Chad Yaden.
Others present: Dawn Layden, Brad Hardcastle, Terry Buhrmaster, Kelly Ferrel, Jeff Keith, Carol Hicks, Joel Schuler, Fire Chief Joel Bird, and Sergeant Jeremy Welch.
II. Building Security
Joel Schuler presented information on building security.
He had an estimate for securing 14 doors at City Hall. The cost would be $7840.09. Use of these keyless entries would be versatile to accommodate the City’s needs. A central computer would be the control located in the dispatch. Locks can be activated and deactivated in seconds. They could be on a timer and each employee would have a fob or card that would allow them to only access doors that they are authorized to enter.
The mayor suggests that the Electronic Entry should be phase one of security to the buildings.
The system could also be used as time clock for employees, could be utilized on cell doors, and could be extended to other city buildings.
Also, the city will look into installing bullet proof glass and panels at the water and dispatch offices.
III. Personnel
Discussion on hiring a full-time employee that could be shared among departments was discussed. A help wanted ad will be run for full time position and CDL or ability to acquire a CDL is desirable.
IV. Unfinished Business
Bzzz’S Bar was discussed. The roof is peeling off because it was damaged during the fire. The fire is still under investigation. The business registration has been revoked.
The mayor will meet with Attorney Mockbee regarding the Essex building and Lester’s building. Alderman Yaden would like to hire a more experienced or specialized attorney to look into prosecuting outside of the City Court for nuisance properties
V. New Business
The subject of the Illinois Regulation on Recreational Adult Cannabis sale and use was discussed. Council members agreed a public hearing should be held to discuss the topic. The city will need to either prohibit or regulate the sale and use.
Also liquor licenses and gaming parlors were brought up by the Mayor. There has been interest in new businesses opening gaming parlors in the city. Liquor licenses are available, but the mayor is reluctant to hand out new ones.
VI. Executive Session
Alex moved to go into Executive Session and Robin seconded the motion.
The committee went into Executive Session at 7:58 p.m. to discuss personnel.
The discussion topic was nepotism among city employees. According to the Employee Handbook a married couple could not be in a supervisor/employee relationship with one another. The matter needs addressed and run by the attorney.
Council came out of Executive Session at 8:20 p.m.
Alderman Florek moved to adjourn seconded by Houmes. Meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
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