Chambana Sun

City of Gibson City Council met Feb. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Dickey in council chambers at City Hall.

Roll Call:

Ward #1 Susie Tongate Present 

Erick Tjarks Present 

Ward #2 Randy Wyant Present 

Vacancy

Ward #3 Scott Davis Present 

Michelle Celeschi Absent 

Ward #4 Denis Fisher Present 

Laura Miller Present 

Junior Alderman Hailey Wahl Present

Others present: Administrative Assistant Taylor Braasch, Katie & Cody Garrett, Engineer Mike Friend of Farnworth Group, Supts. Martin & Link, Officer Rosenbaum, and (see attached log-in sheet)

Alderman Randy Wyant led council in Pledge of Allegiance.

Recognition of Visitors:

Justin Carpenter & Billie Jo Denny stood to be recognized as representatives of the annual Harvest Fest. Justin asked for approval of September 9 & 10, 2022. Council agreed, and the committee will return and work with the city as plans develop.

Alderman Miller made a motion approve minutes of February 14, 2022, 2nd by Alderman Tjarks. Motion to approve minutes carried 7-0.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Scott Shull presented the monthly treasurer’s report (see attached), no questions or comments from council.

Administrative Report None.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Alderman Tongate reported that the Economic Development Committee met at 6:30 p.m. this evening and talked with Brian Benjamin and Rick Bowen about Benjamin’s interest in purchasing property in the Jordan Industrial Park to move his landscaping business here from Saybrook. Mayor Dickey explained this is preliminary and the council will proceed with the City Attorney on getting the ground appraised and the process of setting the price.

Alderman Miller called a Personnel Committee Meeting for Monday, March 7, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the Administrative Positions and the committee will go into Executive Session to discuss specific applicants.

Approval of Bills:

Motion made by Alderman Fisher to pay 1 check from T.I.F. #2 - $6,144.00. 2nd by Alderman Tjarks. Motion carried: 6-0.

Motion made by Alderman Fisher to pay General Fund bills in the amount of $104,721.72. - 2nd made by Alderman Wyant Motion carried 6-0.

Old Business:

A. Katie Garrett resubmitted an amended application for a business façade grant for her property at 302 N. Sangamon, formerly known as ‘The Hair Hutch,’ owned by McNutt’s. The new application total is $8,770.00 of which the City can opt to pay up to 50%. Alderman Davis made a motion to approve 50%, or $4,385.00, 2nd by Alderman Tongate. Motion carried 7-0.

New Business:

A. Mayor Dickey has asked for council approval to appoint Resident Ray Hankes to fill the vacant seat in Ward 2, created when Alderman Aaron Franks resigned and moved from his ward. Motion to approve this appointment made by Alderman Davis, 2nd by Alderman Miller. Visitors Rep. Bennett, Tom Davis, Eric Tjarks and President Zumwalt of GC Rotary all stood and voiced support for Ray Hankes. Roll Call vote, Motion carried 7-0. City Clerk Jan Hall then administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Hankes and he took his seat at the council table.

B. Consideration of Ordinance # 2022-O-02, amending the fee schedule for water line shut-offs and re-hookups as recommended at last meeting by our Supts. Martin & Link. Supt. Martin explained that this increase from $25 to $100 for each shut-off and turn-on at the curb stop is necessary because there are a few that abuse the privilege and it is very costly in manhours to the city, especially during evening and weekends. Resident Glenn Riddle stated that he felt it was quite a raise but understood when it was explained that the City will give people one last $25 rate but advise them that the rate is going up. Mayor Dickey recommended this Ordinance be tabled until Supt. Martin and Attorney Marc Miller can review it together.

C. Consideration of Resolution 2022-R-2, setting meeting dates for 2022-2023 Fiscal Year. City Clerk Jan Hall explained that the resolution sets forth the regular meetings for city council are the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in council chambers as stated by Ordinance. Motion to approve 2022-R-2 made by Tongate, 2nd by Miller, motion passed 7-0.

Motion to adjourn made by Alderman Hankes, 2nd by Alderman Fisher, meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

https://gibsoncityillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/02.28.2022-Minutes.pdf