Chambana Sun

City of Paxton City Council met April 30.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The adjourned monthly meeting of the Paxton City Council was held at 7:00 p.m., via Zoom meeting.

Mayor Ingold called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Roll call showed the following aldermen in attendance: Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Johnson Anderson, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. Also, in attendance were: Mayor Bill Ingold, Treasurer/Comptroller Tammy Jensen, Public Works Director Mark LeClair, Police Chief Coy Cornett, City Attorney Marc Miller, EMA Director Ed Hanson, and members of the audience and press.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Alderman Pacey asked EMA Director Hanson to elaborate on the Mutual Aid Agreement. There were questions about the reimbursement aspect and the liability to the City. There were also issues with neither agency being accredited. EMA Director Hanson talked to Terry Whitebird about this, and this whole document was written by the State’s Attorney. They think that if there are any questions/issues, they can talk to him about them and get these things changed. If the Council members will email EMA Director Hanson with the issues that they see, he will work on getting the agreement adjusted. There was some discussion on some of the issues. There was discussion on potential costs if the agency remains an EMA. There was a question of returning to an ERS. This topic is still in discussion. This item has been tabled for the time being.

Alderman Satterlee joined the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Grant applications were emailed to the Aldermen, and Freddie Beth Schmutte was in attendance to discuss the applications as well. Five applications met all of the requirements and were submitted. Essential businesses are not eligible for these grants. Restaurants are not considered essential businesses. Alderman Wilson made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 20-8 RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR ARCADE CAFÉ, LLC DBA ARCADE CAFE, RESOLUTION 20-9, RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR LEADING EDGE SALON, RESOLUTION 20-10, RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR TERI HANCOCK DBA PICKET FENCE FLORIST, RESOLUTION 20-11, RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR PUEBLO LINDO, INC., AND RESOLUTION 20-12 RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR PRO-TYPE PRINTING, INC. Alderman Withers seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Johnson Anderson, Pacey, Satterlee, Wilson and Withers. Eight ayes, motion carried.

Alderman Geiken spoke regarding the TIF attorney. Mayor Ingold let the Council know that he contacted Jacob and Klein, in Bloomington, and spoke with them today. They are representing the Warner Family Dynasty Trust. This would be a conflict of interest for them and either the City or the Trust would not be able to use them if they are working with any areas that the Trust is involved in. There are new developments that are needing legal action completed regarding the TIF.

Alderman Pacey mentioned another office in Bloomington and asked for City Attorney Miller’s input on the conflict of interest. There was discussion on this. There was a question on the TIF experience of this law firm. The question was asked if the TIF attorney can be hired at the May meeting or if there is anything pressing. There are two pressing things, but they can be put off for now. It was noted that the City is not entering into any agreement to use Brown Hays & Stephens for a designated timeframe. If the City decides that it no longer wants to work with them, they are free to find another group. Alderman Evans made a motion to approve Brown Hays & Stephens as TIF attorneys. Alderman Withers seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Johnson Anderson, Wilson and Withers. Nays – Alderman Pacey and Satterlee. Six ayes, two nays, motion carried.

OTHER

The Mayor and Freddie gave an update on the StreetScape project. The environmental review was taking place but those personnel are now working on COVID-19 items. However, the City does have the Notice of State Finalist Award, which means the funds have been awarded and can’t be taken away. The deadline of December 31, 2020, is not an issue now that the money is awarded. Once things are back to normal, the City will go forward with the bids. The City now has two years to complete the project, and Freddie has every confidence that it will not take that long.

Farnsworth is moving forward with the MFT work.

At 7:40 p.m. Alderman Evans made a motion to adjourn tonight’s meeting of the Mayor and City Council. Alderman Withers seconded the motion. All ayes - motion carried on a voice vote.

https://www.cityofpaxton.com/DocumentCenter/View/358/04-30-2020-Adjourned-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes-PDF