Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met May 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro-Tem Goodwine.

II. ROLL CALL

Council members present were Ankenbrand, Florek, Goodwine, Houmes, Lawson, Wise and Yaden. Mayor Crusinberry and Attorney Wessner were also present and McElhaney was absent.

III. AGENDA APPROVAL

Houmes moved to amend the agenda having Joel Schuler’s report before officers’ reports. Florek seconded the motion which passed 7-0.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Houmes moved to approve minutes of the April 21st meeting seconded by Lawson. Minutes were approved 7-0.

V. PAYMENT OF BILLS

Houmes moved to approve payment of bills seconded by Florek. Roll call vote 7-0 approved payment of bills presented.

VI. PRESENTATIONS

Compliance officer Joel Schuler addressed council concerning his reporting of citations. Some members feel more specific information is needed on the reports.

VII. NO PETITIONS TO COUNCIL

VIII. REPORTS OF OFFICERS

a) Ankenbrand had nothing to report on Police Committee.

b) Florek reported on the need for the SCADA system replacement that controls the water plant. She made a motion to approve the replacement of the SCADA water system at a cost of $76,635. Goodwine seconded the motion and the motion passed by roll call vote 6-1 with Yaden being the only no. It will be paid with infrastructure fee funds.

Regarding complaints about the discontinuance of the garden meters, Florek stated that the meters were outdated, and parts are no longer available. She also stated that there was no increase in water rates this year.

c) Goodwine reporting on the Finance Committee made the motion to hire Russell Leigh and Assoc. to do the annual audit not to exceed $7600. Lawson seconded the motion which passed by roll call vote 7-0.

Discussion on temporary procedures for paid leave for the COVID-19 was heard and Wise made the motion to approve 100% paid leave for COVID-19 related cases. Yaden seconded the motion which passed by roll call vote 7-0.

Goodwine commented on the probable reduction in Sales tax income to the city due to the closure and reduction of business resulting from COVID-19. He also reported the Bulk Collection went smoothly, and that signage has been placed at the burned-out house on First Avenue.

d) Wise reported that alley clean-up is taking place. He also reported that tree stumps will be removed but the problem tree removal has priority.

e) Yaden had no report on the Cemetery committee.

f) Houmes reported that the park employees are doing Spring clean-up. There is a new score board for the Pony League field. He also reported on the gravel-bed nursery the park department will use to hold trees for future plantings. The park has received 320 trees of different varieties.

g) Lawson had nothing to report from the Fire Committee.

IX. NO COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL

X.UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Per EMA Director Brad Hardcastle, COVID-19 restrictions may be loosened by the end of May with opening of parks and baseball fields but still will follow state guidelines.

XI.NO NEW BUSINESS

XII.MAYOR COMMENTS

Mayor Crusinberry emphasized the golf cart ordinance rules that drivers must be at 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

The sign ordinance needs reviewed as questions and complaints have come up.

Three properties have been submitted to the Land Bank for demolition.

He would also like to look at charging a fee when the fire department uses a property for training since the property is only required to clean up the site whereas other property owners must pay demolition costs as well if the house isn’t used by the fire department.

XIII.NO PUBLIC COMMENT

XIV.EXECUTIVE

Lawson moved to go into Executive Session to discuss litigation and seconded by Wise. Council went into Executive Session at 8:44 p.m.

Florek moved to come out of Executive Session seconded by Lawson and council came out of Executive Session at 8:49 p.m.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Ankenbrand moved to adjourn seconded by Houmes. Council adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

https://cityofhoopeston.com/city-council-minutes-5-05-2020/