Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met March 3.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order

Mayor Crusinberry called council meeting to order following Pledge of Allegiance.

II. Roll Call

All eight council members were present as was Attorney Wessner.

III. Approval of Agenda

Alderman Houmes moved to approve the agenda seconded by Lawson. Agenda was approved 8-0.

IV. Minutes of Prior Meeting

Houmes moved to approve the minutes of the February 18th council meeting. Florek second the motion and minutes were approved 8-0.

V. Payment of Bills

Houmes moved to approve payment of bills seconded by Yaden. Bills were approved by roll call vote 8-0.

VI. Presentations

None

VII. Reports of Officers

a) Ankenbrand reported that bids will be taken and opened at 10:00 a.m. on April 3, on a 2005 Trailblazer and a 2007 Crown Victoria owned by the Police department.

b) Florek reported that Hoopeston Police Dispatch is now receiving JULIE locating orders that can now be relayed to the water department 24 hours a day.

Applications are being taken for Lifeguards at the swimming pool. If not enough can be hired, the pool will not be able to open.

c)Goodwine had nothing to report.

d)Wise reported that Donahue and Associates is requiring a contract to establish continuing professional and engineering services related to MFT expenditures.

Wise made the motion to approve the Mayor enter into the agreement with a second from Ankenbrand. Roll call vote approved the agreement 8-0.

e) Yaden presented information on a digital system for cemetery record-keeping. Because the department has accumulated a surplus of funds for the year, he felt now is the time to make the change. He made the motion to spend up to $25,000 for digitizing records with a second from Alderman Wise. Roll call vote was taken. Council approved the motion 7-1 with Alderman Goodwine voting no.

Bids on an old truck will be taken and opened April 3 at 10:00 a.m.

f) Houmes updated council on the progress of the security system. Updates to the program are still being made. Houmes also asked for updates on three properties that have been burned beyond repair and felt that council should be taking some action on the situation.

g) Lawson reported that Hospitality day is March 7 at the fire station. Firemen’s Cash Bash and Firemen’s Ball will be May 2. There will be a TV and keyboard and components collection March 21 at the Grant Township Garage. There is a fee for disposing of tv’s.

h)McElhany moved to allow the Street Corner collection for Special Olympics on March 14 with a second from Lawson. Roll call vote with Ankenbrand, Florek, Goodwine, Lawson, Wise and McElhaney voting yes, Houmes and Yaden voting no. Motion passed 6-2. McElhaney then moved to approve the Poppy Day street corner collection on May 16 with a second from Florek. McElhaney, Wise, Ankenbrand, Florek, Goodwine and Lawson voted yes and Houmes and Yaden voted no. Motion passed 6-2.

VIII. Petitions to Council

None

IX. Communications

None

X.Unfinished Business

The mayor reported that Justin Acton’s attorney has had no response from Mr. Acton. Mayor Crusinberry will again try to get in touch with his attorney regarding the status of the agreement on the Essex building.

XI. New Business

XII.Mayor Comments

Mayor Crusinberry will be meeting with Bill Nichols and the Executive Director of the Land Bank regarding cleaning up some abandoned properties. There has been money granted for such purposes and they will be looking at combining some funds with other cities that may help it stretch further.

The mayor was contacted by the owner of the Schumacher building about using the factory for growing Cannabis. There was no consensus from council to reverse the cannabis ordinance.

Teasdale Foods has hired ERH to clean the lagoons. A fee increase will begin in April.

Upcoming events the Mayor commented on included the Fourth of July Celebration and fireworks. While Carle will give $25,000 towards the display other businesses and support are needed to help with funding it.

The mayor said that it is important for everyone to fill out the census forms when they arrive as the report is important for funding and grants.

XIII. Public Comment

There is a dead-end alley behind 734 E Main and the resident stated that vehicles were turning around.

When asked about the Food locker and Moose building the mayor responded that the Land Bank could only do residential buildings.

XIV. Executive Session

Alderman Houmes moved to go into Executive Session to discuss litigation and property acquisition seconded by Lawson. Council went into Executive Session at 7:56 p.m.

Yaden moved to come out of Executive Session seconded by Florek. Council came out of Executive Session at 8:43 P.M. No action taken.

Adjourn

Ankenbrand moved to adjourn seconded by Florek. Council adjourned at 8:44 p.m.

Gail Lane

City Clerk