Chambana Sun

City of Gibson City Council met Aug. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Call to order at 7:00 p.m. by City Clerk Jan Hall in Mayor Dickey’s absence. Clerk Hall stated that Mayor Dickey appointed Randy Wyant as Mayor ProTem in his absence. Clerk asked for a Motion to approve same. Alderman Miller made the motion and 2nd by Alderman Davis to appoint Alderman Wyant as Mayor ProTem, motion carried 6/0.

Roll Call:

Ward #1 Susie Tongate: Present    Erick Tjarks: Absent

Ward #2 Randy Wyant: Present     Ray Hankes: Present

Ward #3 Scott Davis: Present        Vacancy:

Ward #4 Denis Fisher: Present      Laura Miller: Present

Others present: Supt. Link, Chief Adam Rosendahl, Vickie Lorenzen, Mike Friend – FW Group, Jeremy James – Copper Creek Construction, Sam Horsch representing Horsch Radish Restaurant, and Jean Noellsch – Ford County Chronicle.

Pledge was led by Alderman Fisher.

Alderman Hankes made a motion approve minutes of August 8, 2022, 2nd by Alderman Tongate, Motion to approve minutes carried 6/0.

Visitor Comments: Engineer Mike Friend felt it important that our staff members be recognized. He complimented Clerk Jan Hall, Admins Peggy Stalter and Taylor Braasch for their joint efforts in seeing that all documentation for IDOT that was needed on short notice was taken care of expediently. Also noted that while at City Hall, employee Dave Merritt showed great courtesy and assistance to someone needing help entering the building.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Alderman Tongate recognized the city crew for their extra efforts over the past weekend with all special events that took place.

Supt. Link reported that during efforts to repair the handicap lift at city hall, he found that it is not repairable and is looking for costs for total replacement.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Scott Shull presented the July report to council. (see attached)

Approval of Bills:

Motion made by Alderman Fisher to pay 1 check from TIF2 in the amount of $1,809.00, to Fehr Graham for new pool engineering fees. 2nd by Alderman Davis, Motion carried 6/0.

Motion made by Alderman Miller to pay General fund bills in the amount of $210,235.09; 2nd by Alderman Davis, Motion carried 5 in favor/ Alderman Wyant abstained due to having entered an invoice from his business

OLD BUSINESS:

Consideration of North Park Roof Replacement Bid; Mayor ProTem Wyant suggested council may act on this later in the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consideration of Mayor appointment of Vickie Lorenzen to fill vacancy for City Treasurer effective September 6, 2022. Motion to approve appointment as presented made by Alderman Miller, 2nd by Alderman 2nd, Motion carried 6/0. Vickie Lorenzen was sworn into office by Clerk Jan Hall, with Lorenzen’s effective date beginning September 6, 2022.

B. Consideration of Resolution #05-2022, Proposed Illinois Tax Increment Financing District Public Redevelopment Project. Attorney Marc Miller reviewed the motion and summarized to council that this Resolution again sets forth the agreement of council to move forward in with a proposed downtown TIF District for public redevelopment projects. The intent is to hopefully create and recapture some of the expenditures going to Capital Improvements, such as roofing and lift at City Hall buildings and other public improvements in the downtown area. .Alderman Davis made the Motion to Approve Resolution 2022#05-R as presented, 2nd by Alderman Tongate, Motion carried 6/0.

C. Consideration of Horsch Radish Façade Grant Application in the maximum amount allowed of $5,000.00 ($5,082.27 is 50% of the total estimate of $10,164.53) to replace blue awnings on the front of building. Mr. Horsch gave a summary of progress and plans and requested city assistance as available. Motion made by Alderman Tongate to approve facade grant in the amount of $5,000.00, 2nd made by Alderman Hankes. Motion carried 6/0. Alderman Davis reminded Horsch that funds are paid out after the improvement is made and the paid invoice/copy of check are submitted, and if the amount should come in lower than the estimate, it will be 50% of that amount.

D. Consideration of Horsch Radish Oktoberfest event. Sam Horsch explained his ideas for their first Oktoberfest Event at Horsch Radish, setting the date of October 1st from 3:00 p.m. – 9/10 pm. Requesting city approval to fence off part of Sangamon Avenue directly in front of their restaurant and host customers at long tables and provide grilled food items and craft beers. Horsch is working in conjunction with Riggs Brothers Brewing of Champaign and will work on details with Mayor Dickey. Supt. Link and Chief Rosendahl both voiced support of the street closure. Link suggested Horsch work with businesses that will be affected by closure but noted those will be limited on a Saturday afternoon/evening. Motion made by Alderman Tongate to approve requests in support of Horsch Radish Restaurant’s first Oktoberfest as presented. 2nd made by Alderman Hankes; motion carried 6/0.

E. Consideration of Change Order of Additional City Hall Building Roof Costs. At this time, Jeremy James represented Copper Creek Construction addressed the council regarding his onsite inspection of the city hall buildings roofs and N. Park Pavilion Roof. James stated that there is extensive water damage and wood rot on the existing structure, that a revised plan has been discussed with Supts. Link and Martin. James explained two options, one at a cost of $275,000 and the other at $360,000. The original bid in the amount of $170,000 was approved at last meeting for city hall / garage / police dept. roofs. After much discussion, James recommends the $360,000 complete tear off and installation of all new roofing material, with a 35-year warranty. Alderman Davis questioned where the funds will be coming from, and it was discussed to use the budgeted and approved amount of $175,000 as the down payment upon contract signing, and the balance to be paid after completion. Mayor ProTem Wyant added that city also has $7.5 million dollars approved in bonds for capital expenditures if necessary.

Alderman Davis made the motion to approve the installation of a new roof by Copper Creek Construction at a cost not to exceed $360,000, to be paid through the anticipated Redevelopment Project Area established by the Gibson City Downtown TIF District approved this date contingent upon verification for it’s qualification by the City TIF consultants, otherwise to be paid from General funds. 2nd to this motion made by Alderman Fisher. Mayor Pro Tem Wyant asked if this can be accomplished before ‘snow flies’ this year. Jeremy James confirmed the work will be done and he will provide the office with all necessary contracts and insurance certificates tomorrow for review and signatures. Motion approved 6/0.

Mayor ProTem Wyant asked to return to the Old Business item of the North Park Pavilion which is reported to be in similar extensively damaged condition. After questions and answers between council and James regarding methods, licenses, warranties, council agreed to accept the previous bid from Copper Creek Construction for the North Park Pavilion at a cost not to exceed $64,000. Mr. James offered a $5,000 scholarship fund to the city which will be discussed and decided how to distribute at a later date. Motion to approve the N. Park bid not to exceed $64,000, possibly to be paid from TIF 2, made by Alderman Davis. 2nd by Alderman Tongate. Motion carried 6/0.

Motion to Adjourn made by Alderman Miller, 2nd by Tongate, all in favor, meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

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