Chambana Sun

City of Paxton City Council met Aug. 9.

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 7:02 p.m.

Roll call showed the following aldermen in attendance: Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. Also, in attendance were Mayor Bill Ingold, Treasurer/Comptroller Tammy Jensen, Police Chief Cornett, Water/Sewer Supervisor Bob Carleton, Attorney Marc Miller, Mike Friend, and members of the audience and Will Brumleve, 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 July Council meeting. Alderman Wilson motioned to accept the minutes. Aldermen Cox seconded the motion. All approved on a voice vote.

LIST OF CLAIMS 

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

Alderman Withers made a motion to approve the EIEC bill. Alderman Evans seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Cox, Evans, Geiken, Pacey and Withers. Abstain – Crutcher and Wilson. Five ayes, two 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 Cox seconded the motion. All approved on a voice vote.

FINANCE/BUDGET – ALDERMAN WILSON 

Alderman Wilson made the motion to approve the monthly pay request for Iroquois Paving for July 2022 for the Streetscape Monthly cost of $74,323.92. Alderman Pacey seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. Seven ayes, motion carried.

Alderman Wilson stated the city did receive the insurance bill and the amount was a little higher than in the past however it was up a bit related to the fire last year.

PUBLIC WORKS – ALDERMAN WITHERS 

Alderman Withers stated that the AC unit went out at the ERS Building and Dogtown Heating and Plumbing recharged the AC unit and then discovered there was a crack and leak in the system. Alderman Withers stated that while it is difficult to wait to make changes, he would prefer the council wait until both Heat and A/C work can be done. ERS Director Ed Hanson to reach out and get quotes on repairs/equipment. Alderman Withers made the recommendation that Mr. Hanson be permitted to spend up to $10,000 under the mayor’s discretionary budget to receive bids for A/C unit repair. Council members expressed agreement with that recommendation.

Water/Sewer Supervisor Carleton stated that work was completed at the waste water treatment plant and there were some issues. The valves and actuators were replaced and the last one had a problem with the valve. That will be taken apart and repaired.

Alderman Evans stated that he was approached about water standing in spots following rains on Market Street. Alderman Evans concern was that with all the work having been done on Market Street, there really shouldn’t be deep puddles of standing water.

PUBLIC SAFETY – ALDERMAN PACEY 

Nothing to discuss.

CITY PROPERTY – ALDERMAN EVANS 

Alderman Evans made the motion to add the honorary distinction/name, (no addresses would be affected), rename corner of Pells St. and Market as Honorary James Kingston Way and leave the sign up indefinitely. Alderman Geiken seconded the motion. Roll Call: Ayes – Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Wilson and Withers. Present – Pacey. Motion carried.

Jeannie Kingston addressed the council and thanked them for honoring Jim in this way.

Mayor Ingold stated that the bees were relocated to the Buckley area from the Pells Park Pavilion. Mayor Ingold also stated that there continues to be some vandalism taking place in the restrooms and it is frustrating that this continues when so much work is being done out there.

LICENSE, PERMIT, ZONING & INSURANCE – ALDERMAN GEIKEN; 

Alderman Geiken discussed the Class E license approved last month and turned the discussion over to Alderman Pacey. Alderman Pacey stated that there is a requirement that the Class E license states that a percentage of the sales be included for food that is separate from alcohol sales. Alderman Pacey asked for the licensing to remain the same. Jason, manager from Monical’s of Paxton, asked the council to consider changing the age to serve liquor. Bassett training is required – Alderman Geiken found the area that needs to be changed and that is the elimination of part b of the Class CA license and elimination of some wording under part 7. Alderman Pacey stated that the draft ordinance in part f needs to say age 19-20. Alderman Geiken made the motion to change the ordinance with the edits listed above, Ordinance 22-11, Alderman Withers seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. Seven ayes, motion carried.

Rachel Crutcher addressed the council in regards to her previous request to have chickens in the yard. She stated, “I am seeking a change to the ordinance and am asking for that ordinance to be changed from 100 feet to 25 feet to a neighboring residence. This request includes additions to the ordinance for restrictions to limit quantity of pens, roosters and runs required for the chickens.” Dawn Stack addressed the council regarding the status of a letter sent from the Chamber of Commerce Member in regards to the requests made to enforce the codes of the city. Alan Meyer also addressed the council. Alan mentioned that the recent fire in Gibson City is an example of how a fire can destroy parts of a city and be detrimental. Alan stated that problems in one business can impact neighboring businesses. Alan asked that the council consider the businesses as well. He asks that the council consider how losing a business would impact the city. Alderman Geiken agreed with the statements made by the audience and understands the frustration held by the audience chamber members. Alderman Pacey stated that there are funds available through TIF and other reserves for businesses. Alderman Pacey recommended the mayor reach out to the city attorney or TIF attorney to see what other options the city holds with businesses violating codes. Alderman Geiken asked what the process for ordinance violations is and Chief Cornett stated that the city attorneys are aware of the situations and at this time it is in the process of being worked out between legal teams. Mr. Meyer spoke to safety code violations and how those might affect businesses and take the problem out of the city’s hands. Chamber members are concerned of everything from collapse, fire, and structural issues.

COMMUNITY – ALDERMAN HOEDEBECKE 

Alderman Withers reminded the council and audience that the Paxton Swine and Dine will be held September 17th and roads uptown will be blocked off. Alan Meyer stated that the Wine and Chocolate Walk will be on October 1st and they are hoping to attract approximately 200 people to the event.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – ALDERMAN COX 

Alderman Cox would like to request an Economic Development meeting be set to meet with the TIF attorney to discuss options for business.

LONG TERM PLANNING- ALDERMAN CRUTCHER 

On September 10th there will be a recycling event held. This event will not be city sponsored. Nominal fees will be charged for some items. Mayor Ingold also mentioned that the city clerk, Suzie Shell, has tendered her resignation due to accepting a position with a requirement that she not be able to hold an elected position. Mayor Ingold has reached out to a couple of people to fill the role and asked if anyone had any other suggestions or recommendations.

OTHER BUSINESS 

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

At 7:55 pm Alderman Pacey made the motion to enter into Executive Session for the limited purpose of discussing the employment and/or compensation of one or more city employees, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c). Motion seconded by Withers. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. Seven ayes, motion carried.

Regular Session resumed at 8:03pm.

Alderman Evans motioned to adjourn. Alderman Withers seconded the motion. All ayes on voice vote. 

https://www.cityofpaxton.com/DocumentCenter/View/539/08-09-2022-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes-PDF