Chambana Sun

City of Gibson City Council met July 11.

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       Ray Hankes Present

Ward #3 Scott Davis Present           Michelle Celeschi Present

Ward #4 Denis Fisher Absent Laura Miller Present

Others present: Mike Friend – Farnsworth Group, Supt. Wayne Link, Administrative Assistants Peg Stalter and Tucker Cribbett, Sargent Jason Moore, Jean Noellsch-Ford County Chronicle, Tom & Sharon Heavilin – GC Restoration Committee, Rob Schmitt, Bill Kirby – GAH Summer Bash, Regina & Logan Luparell & Eric & Mitch Quinley all from Scout Troop 29, and Mike Taylor.

Boy Scout Mitch Quinley led council in Pledge of Allegiance.

Alderman Hankes made a motion approve minutes of June 27, 2022, 2nd by Alderman Tongate. Motion to approve minutes carried 7/0.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Streets & Alleys Chairman Erick Tjarks turned to Engineer Mike Friend to report on the bid opening that took place today at 2:00 p.m. Friend reported that one bid was received for the hauling of trap rock for the chip/seal project. Bid was $105/ton, total 1400 tons @ $147,000, received from Frontier Materials LLC in Missouri. The second bid opening will be held this coming Thursday, July 14th @ 9:00 at city hall. This is for the actual oil & chip work to be done. Mayor Dickey agreed that there will be a special council meeting held on Thursday, July 14th @ 7:00 p.m. via ‘Zoom’, and city hall will be open per statutory requirements for any public who wish to attend. Admins will prepare and send the Agenda including Zoom information in the morning.

Economic Development Chairman Celeschi will report as listed on the Agenda. 

Approval of Bills:

Motion made by Alderman Davis to pay General fund bills in the amount of $138,715.49, 2nd by Alderman Celeschi, motion carried 7/0.

Motion made by Alderman Miller to pay 3 checks from TIF 2 totaling $48,683.25, 2nd by Alderman Wyant, motion carried 7/0.

New Business:

A. Consideration of presentation by Bill Kirby for the GAH “Summer Bash” on August 20th, 2022. Mr. Kirby addressed council and stated that everything is moving forward as planned for the GAH Summer Bash that is scheduled for August 20th. Mayor Dickey explained that Kirby needs to work with City Clerk Jan Hall to obtain the local special event liquor license that was approved at last council meeting. Kirby plans to attend each council meeting approaching the festival to answer any questions that may come up.

B. Consideration of property improvement grant application for GC Restoration Association at 107 N Sangamon. Sharon Heavilin presented 2 bids for demolition and removal of the add-on white building at the alley-side of 107 N. Sangamon. Mayor Dickey stated that the grant allows for up to $5,000 in matching funds. The low bid came from Boyle Excavating in the amount of $10, 052.00. Alderman Hankes made a motion to approve the maximum allowed of $5,000.00 from the property improvement grant program, 2nd by Alderman Tongate. Motion carried 7/0. Administrative Assistant reminded Heavilin that she is to turn in a copy of the bill and canceled check to receive the grant money.

C. Consideration of special event license for Mark’s on First to provide alcohol for the remaining Car Cruise Nights which are: July 15th, August 19th, and September 16th. Per Mayor Dickey this item will not be acted on tonight per owner’s request.

D. Discussion and consideration on moving forward with Industrial Park property sale. Economic Development Chairman Michelle Celeschi reported on her committee meeting held at 6:00 p.m. this evening prior to council. Committee discussed the sale of Lot 15 consisting of 8.36 acres in Jordan Industrial Park to Bryan Benjamin of Saybrook, who intends to build a landscaping business there. The property appraised for $146,000, and city by law can accept no less than 80% of that appraisal. Alderman Celeschi made a motion to sell at 80% of appraisal=$116,800 for Lot 15 in Jordan Industrial Park from Bryan Benjamin. 2nd made by Alderman Davis. Motion carried 7/0.

E. Discussion and consideration of improvements for the downtown area. Alderman Celeschi obtained 2 quotes for replacing trash cans and benches in the downtown area between 7th & 10th Streets. Reason for replacement is the current receptacles are rusting through at the bottom. Alderman Celeschi made a motion to purchase 16 trash cans and 2 benches for this area at a cost not to exceed $20,000.00 (see attached quote) 2nd made by Alderman Tongate, motion carried 7/0.

Note made that any civic group or individual is welcome to purchase a bench at a cost of $2,000.00 as a memorial or honor and city will place a plaque to acknowledge same.

F. Alderman Miller made the motion to enter Executive Session of pursuant to SILCS 12/02 (c) (i) for the limited purpose to consider the employment and compensation of one or more city employees, 2nd by Alderman Wyant, motion carried 7/0, council entered Executive Session at 7:40 p.m.

G. Return to open session for the approval of employment and compensation of one or more city employees. Motion by Alderman Tjarks to approve an additional 4% cost-of living increase retroactive to May 1st to all employees, including GCPD, with exception of Tucker Cribbett due to him being a ‘new hire’ and still on probation; and additionally grant a merit raise of $1.50 to Joe Buff, and a merit raise to Taylor Braasch of $1.00 per hour. 2nd made by Alderman Hankes. Motion carried 7/0. Alderman Tjarks made a motion to hire Mike Taylor as a full-time employee on Streets & Alleys, at a rate of $23.00 per hour with full benefits, starting as soon as possible. 2nd by Alderman Davis, motion carried 7/0.

Motion to Adjourn made by Alderman Davis @ 8:20 p.m., 2nd by Alderman Tongate, all in favor

https://gibsoncityillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/July-11-2022-Minutes.pdf