Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Sept. 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Crusinberry called meeting to order following the Pledge.

II. ROLL CALL: Conducted by City Clerk: Present were Aldermen Ankenbrand, Florek, Goodwine, Lawson, McElhaney and Wise. Yaden was absent. Attorney Wessner was present.

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion by Florek, second by Wise voice vote 6-0 approved.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING: Motion by Lawson, second by Wise voice vote 6-0 approved.

V. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Motion made by Lawson, seconded by Florek to pay bills. Roll call vote taken and bills were approved for payment 6-0.

VI. NO PRESENTATIONS

VII. NO PETITIONS

VIII. REPORT OF OFFICERS

Mayor Crusinberry announced that Alderman Houmes has stepped down and letters of interest to fill the Ward 3 vacancy will be accepted through October 23.

A) Ankenbrand made a point of clarification that there has been misinformation on social media regarding infrastructure fees. He clarified that infrastructure is water and sewer, not tearing down of buildings.

B) Florek reported a watermain break close to Seminary and Market. She stated that the water going to the McFerren building had been capped. The building has been sold and workers have been seen inside. The cap will need to be removed and leaks could be found as a result.

C) Goodwine had nothing to report.

D) Wise moved to approve final payment of the MFT project in the amount of $125,135.13 with a second from Ankenbrand. Payment was approved by roll call vote 6-0.

E) Lawson put Nuisance Ordinance 2021-2 on hold to clear up some wording. It will be presented for vote at next council meeting.

F) McElhaney had nothing to report.

IX. NO COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL

X. NO UNFINISHED BUSINESS

XI. NO NEW BUSINESS

XII. MAYORS COMMENTS

Topics addressed by Mayor Crusinberry:

Bzzz’s Bar building: The owner’s attorney has been in touch with the city’s attorney.

Certified letter has been sent.

“Countryside Mall” 217 E Main: Certified letter was sent and received. Mayor and owner had discussion. Mayor gave owner two weeks to get engineer and contractor estimates if building can be repaired.

Rebuild Illinois Public Infrastructure Grant: So far grants awarded have been zero. There are 350 applications to be reviewed.

Land Bank: Mike Davis, Executive Director of the Land Bank has been actively working on grants. Application for a $250,000 grant for residential demolition has been made. The Land Bank is looking for additional properties in need of demolition.

Other funding may be coming from other entities.

Mayor is working with the Land Bank to hire a structural engineer with credentials.

McFerren Park Baseball Diamond: School Superintendent Mr. Richardson has approached the city wishing to discuss playing the middle school baseball games at the baseball diamond in the park. There is plenty of parking and space to spread out with awnings.

Park Basketball Hoops: Silgan Containers has offered to pay up to $2000 to replace damaged BB hoops with new goal posts and hoops. This would cover just over 50% of the cost of the estimated amount. More information to come.

Election Packets available September 22. Filing date December 14-22.

XIII. PUBLIC COMMENT

A resident questioned why the garden meter is no longer allowed. The program has been discontinued.

EMA director Brad Hardcastle reported that the new computers have been ordered and are set to be delivered. The disinfecting sprayers are in. These expenditures are covered through CURES PROGRAM.

XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSON

Goodwine moved to go into executive session to discuss litigation with a second from Florek. Council went into Executive Session at 7:48 p.m.

Goodwine moved to come out of Executive Session seconded by Ankenbrand. Council came out of Executive Session at 8:38 p.m.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Ankenbrand moved to adjourn seconded by Wise. Council adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

https://cityofhoopeston.com/city-council-minutes-9-15-2020/