Chambana Sun

City of Gibson City Council met Sept. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Dickey.  

Roll Call: 

Ward #1 Susie Tongate: P    Erick Tjarks: A 

Ward #2 Randy Wyant: P     Ray Hankes: P 

Ward #3 Scott Davis: P         Vacancy: _________ 

Ward #4 Denis Fisher: P       Laura Miller: P 

Others present: Supts. Link & Martin, Admin. Scott Shull, Chief Rosendahl, Officer Rosenbaum,  Karen Kummerow – GC Recycling, Theresa Rueck – Syd & Sadies, Mike Friend – Farnsworth Group,  Suzanne Stachura – GC Chamber / Busey Bank, and Jean Noellsch – Ford County Chronicle. 

Pledge was led by Alderman Hankes. 

Alderman Miller made a motion approve minutes of August 22, 2022 with a correction – she abstained  on the vote for Horsch Radish liquor license for their Oktoberfest. Clerk Jan Hall noted the correction,  2nd to the Motion with correction by Alderman Hankes, Motion to approve minutes as corrected carried 6/0. 

Visitor Comments: 

Engineer Mike Friend gave updates on the preconstruction meeting that took place this morning at  the GAH parking lot and made special emphasis that work on the seal and chip begins tomorrow,  weather providing (need 55+ temps and no rain). Absolutely strictest of terms regarding traffic flow  and no parking on streets as they are under construction (maps available on City Facebook page).  Supt. Link and city crew are hanging notification door hangers as well. The surface will be drivable within hours after chips are rolled down. 

West & 10th Street Project – Opperman Construction is submitting drawings for approval as required  and Friend asked for a preconstruction meeting date & time to be scheduled this week with Aldermen  Tongate & Tjarks (representing Ward 1 and Hearthside) Supt. Link, Mayor Dickey, Kyle Vancil – to  coordinate work schedule and staging with the contractor and Hearthside.  

Suzanne Stachura – representing Gibson City Chamber of Commerce requested closing part of  Sangamon Avenue on Tuesday October 25th from 4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. to allow the Chamber Fright  Night annual event. Mayor Dickey asked Supt. Link to work with Chamber on barricades at 9th &  Sangamon to allow for traffic to continue to the east at 9th. Council agreed with this request.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

Alderman Wyant reported that he held a Water/Sewer Committee meeting on September 1st, and at  this time the committee recommends eliminating the tiered billing system which gives a gradual break  as usage increases, and primarily affects big industry. Wyant explained that the intent is to generate  income from those big users that is needed to keep the system up to date with repairs and  improvements. Straw poll requested by Mayor Dickey, council supports this change, and Mayor  Dickey requested Atty. Miller to make the appropriate changes to the water fee ordinance hopefully  for action at next meeting. 

Approval of Bills:  

Motion made by Alderman Miller to pay 5 checks from TIF2 in the amount of $13,367.12 ,2nd by  Alderman Davis, Motion carried 6/0. 

Motion made by Alderman Hankes to pay General fund bills in the amount of $422,151.78; 2nd by  Alderman Tongate. Discussion – Alderman Fisher noticed that Barrow Tree Service has increased  their hourly rate by $25.00 and would like to know who authorized the increase in pay. Supt. Link  stated that he was not aware of that increase but did inform council that he asked for bids on 2 trees  that need to come down soon. Barrow stated that his hourly rate and procedure will stand and did not  provide a bid cost. Link also reached out to Falck Tree Service, and intends to reach one more, the  service with the low bid to include removal, stump grinding and all clean-ups. No further discussion at  this time, and the vote to pay general bills passed 5/0, Fisher cast the ‘no’ vote. 

NEW BUSINESS: 

A. Consideration of Syd & Sadie’s Façade Grant Application. Application submitted, total costs of  improvements to upper level of the building: $225,000.00+. Façade grant to be used for windows and  fire escape. Maximum allowed per Grant is $5,000. Alderman Davis asked about the cost break down for the windows and that amount is quoted at $11,750+. Motion made by Alderman Wyant to  approve Façade Grant in the amount of $5,000 upon completion of project and submission of paid  invoices / copy of checks. 2nd by Alderman Hankes, Motion carried 6/0. 

B. Presentation by Karen Kummerow for Consideration of Recycling Contract. Ms. Kummerow  presented council with history chart of 16 years recycling numbers and noted the increase from 22  tons collected in 2005-06 – to 83 tons collected 2021. Rates for passes to citizens have remained the  same, and contract cost has risen very slowly. Alderman Tongate made the motion to approve  renewal of the recycling contract $650 monthly/$7800 annually, 2nd made by Alderman Fisher, motion  carried 6/0. 

C. Consideration to approve Valve Stop Tool with Accessories - Move to OLD BUSINESS on next  Agenda per Mayor Dickey. 

D. Motion to Enter Executive Session Pursuant to 5ILCS 12/02 ©(i) for the Limited Purpose to  Consider the Employment and Compensation of one or more city employees. Motion made by  Alderman Davis @ 7:30 p.m., 2nd by Alderman Wyant, motion carried 6/0.

E. Return to Open Session @ 7:45 p.m. for the approval of employment and compensation of one or  more city employees.  

Motion to approve hiring Kaleb Kraft as a GCPD patrol office as recommended by Chief Rosendahl @ $27.89 per hour 2-weeks vacation, start date of September 26th, 2022 made by Alderman Wyant,  2nd by Alderman Davis, Motion carried 6/0. City Clerk Jan Hall administered the oath of office to  Officer Kraft, and Mayor and council welcomed his return to GCPD. 

Motion to Adjourn made by Alderman Davis, 2nd by Alderman Hankes, all in favor, meeting adjourned  at 8:10 p.m. 

 https://gibsoncityillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Sept.-12.2022-Minutes.pdf