Chambana Sun

City of Paxton City Council met Dec. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The monthly meeting of the Paxton City Council was held at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

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

Roll call showed the following aldermen in attendance: Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson, and Withers. Also, in attendance were: Mayor Bill Ingold, Treasurer/Comptroller Tammy Jensen, Police Chief Coy Cornett, Water/Sewer Supervisor Bob Carleton, Street/Alley Supervisor Jesse Houtzel, Attorney Marc Miller, and members of the audience and press.

The mayor led the meeting in the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES

Mayor Ingold asked if there were any changes, corrections or additions that needed made to the minutes from the November Council meeting. Alderman Wilson made a motion to approve the minutes of the November Council meeting. Aldermen Pacey seconded the motion. All approved on a voice vote.

LIST OF CLAIMS

Alderman Evans made a motion to approve the lists of claims, except for the claims for EIEC and DHM. Alderman Pacey seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Pacey, Wilson, and Withers. Eight ayes, motion carried.

Alderman Withers made a motion to approve EIEC bill. Alderman Pacey seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Evans, Geiken, Pacey, and Withers. Abstain – Crutcher and Wilson. Six ayes, two abstains, motion carried.

Alderman Wilson made a motion to approve DHM bill. Alderman Pacey seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Pacey, and Wilson. Abstain – Withers. Five ayes, one abstains, motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT AND INVESTMENT REGISTER

The reports have been emailed to all Aldermen. Alderman Wilson made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Investment Register. Alderman Geiken seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Pacey, Wilson, and Withers. Eight ayes, motion carried.

Chief Cornett introduced Destiny Thornsborough. She is the 8th officer in the City of Paxton Police Department.

FINANCE/BUDGET – ALDERMAN WILSON

Discuss and Approve updated language changes to Chapter 33 – Alderman Wilson asked that this item be tabled to go into Exec Session prior to discussing and approving the updated language. Review and discuss 12/9/2021 bids received for the Paxton Streetscape project. Three bids were submitted and they were very competitive. Toby’s $1126705.64, Cross $1462112.26 and Iroq Paving $1037912.29 were the bids received for the work requested. The recommendation is to accept Iroquois Paving Corporation as the low bidder. Authorize Farnsworth, Mayor and City Clerk to prepare Contracts for execution by Iroquois Paving Corporation for review and approval at the 1/11/2022 City Council Meeting. Farnsworth was very pleased with the bids received based on the current costs of materials and labor. Alderman Wilson asked if there was any vote needed this evening and there is nothing needed at this time.

PUBLIC WORKS – ALDERMAN WITHERS

Discuss Draft proposal for Drainage Issues Work – Alderman Withers stated that a draft proposal was sent out and an updated proposal was needed as one area was left out and the mayor has requested that a long term planning meeting be held to discuss the plan for spending. Jess reported that 50 trees have been cut down, the trucks are ready for winter. Bob stated only a few issues have come up and so far they have all been manageable. 5 hours of OSHA training has been done by the street and sewer department members. $520,000 for new diffusers, blowers, pumps, vfd’s and labor is the estimate received and it will be reviewed in the January meeting. Water issue by Farmers Merchants bank last week and the issue was fixed by Jesse and the street guys.

PUBLIC SAFETY – ALDERMAN PACEY

Discuss and Approve the purchase of hams for ERS volunteers – This is something that falls under the mayor discretion so no vote is needed.

Chief Cornett discussed 325 E Chestnut and it caught on fire again. This property owner has been in the court system . 640 E Patton is finishing up in litigation so hopefully that will be taken care of soon. 7 officers in Narcon training and 4 officers in MOAC training. 55 applications have been received so far. 17 with law enforcement training, 8 military training,

CITY PROPERTY – ALDERMAN EVANS

Discuss and Approve Purchase of Air Burner – The mayor stated that this is another item that should be listed as a priority and discussed in the long term planning meeting. The mayor stated that the USDA loan is offering 1% interest so that is something We recently had a random visit from an OSHA representative and nothing was wrong however some suggestions were made on improvements that could be made with items like lights, fire extinguisher placement and training. The mayor stated that the city is being very proactive with changes needed. 3 people still need AED and CPR trained.

LICENSE, PERMIT, ZONING & INSURANCE – ALDERMAN GEIKEN Discuss and Approve Changes from Planning Committee Meeting – Mayor Ingold stated that the planning commission met this evening prior to the council to discuss the dissolution of the planning commission and setting the intent to combine the ZBA and

A new map is now available and Alderman Pacey forwarded the update to Mayor Ingold. Alderman Pacey asked if we need to notify the property owners of the changes to the map. Attorney Miller stated that the property owner of any property. Must identify the property as well as anyone within 250 ft. to notice them of the changes. This should also be published in the paper. Public Hearing in front of Planning/ZBA and then in front of council. Alderman Wilson suggested getting a meeting set soon for the ZBA so they can have input into the meeting schedule.

COMMUNITY – ALDERMAN HOEDEBECKE

No meeting or information this month.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – ALDERMAN COX

Discuss and Approve Results of Public Meeting for DCEO DSBS Closeout. The DCEO DSBS meeting was held at 6:45pm this evening. Elm Street Ventures – no public comments and this information will be forwarded to the state tomorrow.

LONG TERM PLANNING- ALDERMAN CRUTCHER

Alderman Will asked if there was any update on the car wash and the mayor stated that they are waiting on an electronic panel to arrive.

OTHER BUSINESS -

At 8:09 p.m. Alderman Wilson made a motion to enter into Executive Session for the limited purpose of discussing collective bargaining contract for city employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(2). Alderman Pacey seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Cox, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Satterlee, Wilson, and Withers. Eight ayes, motion carried.

Regular session resumed at 8:32 p.m.

Alderman Wilson made a motion to approve the Contract with the FOP, Ordinance 21-7. Alderman Evans seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Cox, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Satterlee, Wilson, and Withers. Eight ayes, motion carried.

At 8:33 p.m. Alderman Wilson made a motion to enter into Executive Session for the limited purpose of discussing the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1). Alderman Withers seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Cox, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Satterlee, Wilson, and Withers. Eight ayes, motion carried.

Currently there are 2 employees whose phones are currently paid in full by the city and Alderman Wilson wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of the situation. These employees are not covered by collective bargaining. This was a hold over from past practice when people needed full access contact. The discussion is that Bob and Jesse will be affected by this change. Tammy and Heather are being considered for the cell phone allowance as they both interact with their phones for city business. Alderman Wilson wanted to make sure everyone was aware what the changes would entail. Bob and Jesse would have the option to have a phone provided through the city with a separate number however this a change to what may be conceived as a benefit. These employees have the option of getting a new phone through First Net, they can port their number and have no cost.

Regular session resumed at p.m.

At 8:51 p.m. Alderman Withers made a motion to adjourn tonight’s regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council. Alderman Cox seconded the motion. All approved on a voice vote.

Alderman Withers made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 pm and was seconded by Alderman Wilson. All approved on a voice vote.

https://www.cityofpaxton.com/DocumentCenter/View/499/12-14-2021-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes-PDF