Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met July 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER by Mayor Crusinberry

II. ROLL CALL conducted by clerk Lane.

Council members present were Ankenbrand, Florek, Houmes, Lawson, McElhaney, Wise and Yaden; Alderman Goodwine was absent. Also present was Attorney Wessner.

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion made by Houmes seconded by Lawson approved 7-0.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING

Motion made by Houmes and seconded by Florek. Minutes approved 7-0.

V. PAYMENT OF BILLS

Motion made by Houmes to approve payment seconded by Lawson. Roll call vote approved bills for payment 7-0.

VI. PRESENTATIONS

Central Illinois Land Bank Authority-Mike Davis informed council of goals of the Land Bank Authority. The Land Bank Authority acquires residential properties and if rehabilitating the properties is not possible will demolish them. Grants are available and the group is applying for them. A possible match from Hoopeston Retirement Village Foundation may also be available.

VII. RPORT OF OFFICERS

a) Ankenbrand presented a resolution agreement for Mutual Aid with Ford County. Lawson seconded the motion and roll call vote 7-0 approved Resolution 2021-4.

Animal control officer had asked whether or not chickens were allowed in the city. The existing ordinance generally would not allow fowl because of the 150- foot rule. Sherry Klemme, animal control officer, had suggested a permit and she would do inspections. The police committee will review ordinances from other cities and look into an ordinance update.

b) Florek reported two bids received for the Route 1 water and sewer extension. Cross Construction was the lower bid at $121,700. Florek made the motion to accept the bid seconded by Houmes. Roll call vote was taken, and the motion was approved 7-0.

She also announced that the splash pad at the park was open.

c) An annual refund payment to the school from TIF fund needs to be made. The payment of $35,000 was made in a motion by Florek. These funds are a reimbursement for the all-weather track that was installed. Houmes seconded the motion. Roll call vote 7-0 approved the disbursement of the $35,000 to the school.

In absence of Alderman Goodwine Florek presented the budget for approval. The need to use reserved funds was questioned by Houmes and Yaden. Florek moved to adopt the budget as presented with a second by Ankenbrand. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Ankenbrand, Florek, Lawson, McElhaney and Wise voted aye. Houmes and Yaden voted no. The budget was approved 5-2. The budget hearing will be July 21 at 6:45 p.m. at City Hall.

d) Wise had no information to report on the Thompson Ave Reconstruction.

e) Yaden had nothing to report.

f) Houmes announced that demolition derby will be held at the park annex on September 6. Council members were in consensus that if all insurance coverage was cleared by the city’s insurance, there would be no objection.

g) Lawson was reporting on property at 936 E Young that was a nuisance and questioned the status of Bzzzs Bar. The paperwork is waiting at the fire marshal per the Mayor.

IX. NO COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL.

X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Yaden moved to rescind the EMA COVID 19 guidelines. Houmes seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken with Florek, Houmes, Lawson, McElhaney and Yaden voting yes and Ankenbrand and Wise voting no. Mayor Crusinberry also cast a no vote. The motion failed to meet the super majority so was not passed.

XI. NEW BUSINESS none

XII. MAYOR REMARKS

“Our Town Hoopeston” had been aired on Channel 3 WCIA. The weeklong look at Hoopeston emphasized positive images of the city. Human interest stories had been submitted by the Mayor.

The property at 601 S First Ave does requires asbestos abatement. It can be done by Class 2 OSHA trained company.

XIII. PUBLIC COMMENT

Kelly Ward of Health Chek-Health Coaching Inc. addressed council regarding her business. It offers blood screening and drug testing.

XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Yaden moved to go into Executive Session to discuss litigation with a second by Florek. Council went into Executive Session at 8:21 p.m. 7-0.

Yaden moved to come out of Executive Session seconded by Houmes. Council came out of Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. 7-0.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Ankenbrand moved to adjourn seconded by Yaden. Council adjourned at 9:03 p.m. with a vote of 7-0.

https://cityofhoopeston.com/city-council-minutes-7-07-2020/