Chambana Sun

City of Gibson City Council Met Aug. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Call to order by Mayor Daniel Dickey at 7:00 pm.

Roll Call: Ward #1 Susan Tongate, Absent; Greg Houtzel, Absent

               Ward #2 Randy Wyant, Present; Aaron Franks, Absent  

               Ward #3 Scott Davis, Present; Michelle Celeschi, Present

               Ward #4 Denis Fisher, Present Laura Miller,

Others present: City Staff: Administrator Peg Stalter, Treasurer Scott Shull, Supts. Wayne Link & Tyler Martin, Captain Roy Acree, (please see attached list for full visitor list).

Alderman Susie Tongate led council in Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Dickey recognized opened the meeting at 7:10 p.m.

Alderman Miller made a motion to approve the 7-day Proclamation of Gibson City Disaster/Emergency, 2nd by Alderman Davis. Proclamation is the first thing needed to open doors for assistance. MC 6-0. Mayor Dickey then requested the 30-day extension of Proclamation, motion made by Alderman Celeschi and 2nd by Alderman Tongate.

Mayor then asked each attendee to introduce themselves and their business or affiliation.

Lee Shannon and Don Wenzel representing Illinois EMAT (Emergency Management Assistance Team). They arrived at the GCFPD Saturday, worked with the Mayor, Fire Chief, Police Dept., City Staff, and are helping coordinate efforts and calls for more assistance. The EMAT services are free and work as a mutual aid coordinator with various agencies.

Mayor Dickey requested a motion to approve spending not to exceed $100,000 from the City Emergency funds for flood related bills. Motion made by Alderman Miller, 2nd by Alderman Davis, MC 6-0. Mayor stressed the majority will probably be spent of debris removal, and that he does not want the general fund/budget tapped for flood related expenses. All agreed.

Alderman Wyant was acting Mayor Pro-tem on Thursday, the day of the flood, and he thanked everyone for their fast cooperation in organizing help.

Debris removal plan started today at noon, of city staff, township and volunteers are picking up flood debris left curbside. Stress placed on the need for sorting debris, leave it widespread rather than a tall pile for safety. Working with Ken Lee at his landfill.

Individual volunteers are asked to sign up at the New Beginnings church and sign a liability waiver.

City Facebook page is being continually updated with new information.

Mayor Dickey stated that a financial donation fund is being set up and handled by Bank of Gibson City, and ultimately there will be a committee to determine and vet applications for financial assistance from this fund. All requests need to be accompanied by documentation/pictures.

Reason that each house was not canvassed, the threshold needed was met very quickly. No need to continue the canvass and able to keep moving forward.

Team Rubicon is a volunteer organization of veterans who assist individuals with what they refer to as ‘muck outs’, removal of household debris, and removal of flood damaged flooring, drywall, ceilings, at no cost to the homeowner. Their contact information is available on the city Facebook page.

This coming Saturday, August 21st, there will be a MARC Event held at the Kruse Center from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MARC stands for Multi-Agency-Resource-Center.

This event hosts a wide variety of agencies/resources for help to flood victims. It’s a ‘one-stop shop’ to answer questions and assist flood victims.

The city is working diligently with all agencies to coordinate and provide the best services available to local flood victims.

SBA loans may come into play, and if so, they are available to small businesses, homeowners, and tenants. SBA provides 2% of less interest on loans over a 30-year period.

Being no further business, motion to adjourn made by Alderman Celeschi, 2nd by Alderman Miller, all in favor, meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

http://www.gibsoncityillinois.com/images/August_16_2021_special_minutes.docx