Chambana Sun

City of Paxton City Council met Feb. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

Mayor Ingold called the meeting to order at 7:01 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 Cornett, Attorney Marc Miller, Water/Sewer Supervisor Bob Carleton 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 January Council meeting. Alderman Wilson motioned to accept the minutes. Aldermen Geiken seconded the motion. All approved on a voice vote.

LIST OF CLAIMS

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

Alderman Hoedebecke made a motion to approve the EIEC and DHM bills. Alderman Pacey seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Cox, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, and Pacey. Abstain – Crutcher, Wilson and Withers. Five ayes, three abstains, motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT AND INVESTMENT REGISTER

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

FINANCE/BUDGET – ALDERMAN WILSON

Alderman Wilson asked Comptroller Jensen if she had any updates for the council. She reports that IMRF contacted her about the need to complete a compliance report and the city passed with no issues. Currently looking for a new auditor group because the current auditor will not be handling municipalities any longer.

PUBLIC WORKS – ALDERMAN WITHERS

Discuss and Approve Replacement of Valves and Operating Switches at Waste Water Treatment Plant – Water/Sewer Supervisor Carleton explained that these switches are critical to the operation of the system. These valves control the flow of the water in/out of the cells. There are weighted levers on them and this controls how chemicals are pushed through the system. These new parts are guaranteed for 2,000,000 cycles. The price is for the switches only and then the installation will be contracted out. Approximate time frame to receive parts may be up to 16-18 weeks. Supervisor Carleton is looking at grant possibilities to see if assistance with the purchase may be available with the cost. Supervisor Carleton is asking for approval to order the parts. Comptroller Jensen stated the funds are available through Rebuild Illinois….to help with infrastructure costs. $280,000 is currently available through Rescue Act Fund and $197,000 is available from Rebuild Illinois Fund. Both funds can be used for infrastructure. She suggested that the Rebuild Illinois Fund be used since that has been used for some items already for the Treatment Plant. Discussion about these issues being paramount to caring for the citizens of the city. Alderman Withers made the motion to use up to $60,000 from Rebuild Illinois for the purchase of parts for the water treatment facility. Alderman Evans seconded the motion. Roll Call – Ayes: Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. Eight ayes, motion carried.

Alderman Withers asked how it was going with water meters. There are approximately 700 meters remaining to be updated. Alderman Withers also commended the city workers with the work they did during the winter storm with some water issues that occurred. Supervisor Carleton mentioned the blowers at the waste water plant and that Mr. Friend has experts looking at the issues so that the final report can be completed showing cost estimates for capital expenditures as well as explanations of the work that needs to be completed. Mr. Friend will do a final review of the report and get that sent over to the mayor to share with the council.

PUBLIC SAFETY – ALDERMAN PACEY

Chief Cornett reported that Sheila Liggett’s property at 640 E Patton St has some asbestos that was found and it will be removed on February 18 and then the house can be demolished before the next council meeting. The property at 325 E Chestnut is still going through the court system as there are some liens on the home. Chief Cornett reports that he ordered four more body cameras so every officer will have a body camera as well as the hub for these units. The entire cost was less than $5000. This will coincide with the new Safety Act coming out in 2024. Officers are continuing to attend training as needed. Officer Johnson and Yates attended a three day training. Officer Stafford attended a 40-hour class for new detective/investigator training. Officer Brandon will begin a training on Monday for School Resource Officer Training and when he returns from training, he will go full time at the schools. Alderman Evans offered condolences for the loss of Brian Norton. Chief Cornett reports Brian was on the part time roster for the city.

CITY PROPERTY – ALDERMAN EVANS

Discuss and Approve Environmental Land Use Control for Parcel ID 11-14-18-280-001. The property in question is a small area between Kathy’s salon and Just Hamburgers on 45 and Ottawa St. The mayor is not sure how long the city has owned this property however it is something we need to be aware of and that we will agree to comply with the environmental law. Attorney Marc Miller reported that by signing this agreement we acknowledge that there is gasoline in this area and that the city will need to follow the protocols required if digging in this area is ever required for work. Alderman Evans made the motion to authorize the mayor to execute an Environmental Land Use Control Agreement for a parcel bearing Parcel Identification Number 11-14-18-280-001 in consultation with the city’s special legal counsel for environmental issues. Alderman Geiken seconded the motion. Roll Call – Ayes: Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. Eight ayes, motion carried.

Alderman Evans asked what happens if the state comes in with an issue or plan with this property and Attorney Miller explained that the state is already aware and IEPA is involved.

Supervisor Carleton asked what road showed potential for contamination and Alderman Pacey stated that the area stretches from the highway through the railroad.

LICENSE, PERMIT, ZONING & INSURANCE – ALDERMAN GEIKEN COMMUNITY – ALDERMAN HOEDEBECKE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – ALDERMAN COX

LONG TERM PLANNING- ALDERMAN CRUTCHER

Alderman Crutcher and the mayor sat down and reviewed the list of items that need repairs and will review with council once the costs are projected for final reviews.

OTHER

Alderman Wilson motioned to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Hoedebecke seconded the motion. All ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:38pm.

https://www.cityofpaxton.com/DocumentCenter/View/513/02-08-2022-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes-PDF