Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Oct. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER BY Mayor Wise following the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. ROLL CALL: Seven council members were present: Ankenbrand,

Eyrich, Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, Porth and Richards. Alderman Gonzalez was absent.

III. AGENDA: Ankenbrand requested amending the agenda to move Executive Session following Public Comment. Ferrell also noted a correction to paperwork on the Variance for 918 Sprague Rd. Ferrell made a motion to approve the amened agenda and Garrett seconded the motion. Voice vote taken and the amended agenda was approved 7-0.

IV. MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING: Garrett moved to approve minutes seconded by Lawson. Minutes were approved by voice vote 7-0.

V. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Richards moved to approve payment of bills seconded by Ferrell. Roll call vote was taken and bills were approved for payment 7-0.

VI. PRESENTATIONS:

Linzer Products Presentation: Described business, distribution outlets, and number of employees.

Vermilion County Housing Authority: Explained projects and demolition for Parkview Court.

VII. NO PETITIONS TO COUNCIL

VIII. NO PUBLIC COMMENT

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Ankenbrand moved to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel. Lawson seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken and council voted to go into Executive Session at 7:28 p.m. Ankenbrand moved to come out of Executive Session seconded by Garrett. Council came out of Executive Session at 8:02 p.m.

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS

a) Ankenbrand reminded drivers to be vigilant and watch for school buses stopping for children.

b) Eyrich made a motion to approve the purchase of a Valve Insertion machine and Inflatable Trench Box in the amount of 92,950. The purchase was budgeted. Ankenbrand seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.

c) Ferrell Announced a tire collection Saturday Oct. 22 from 9 to noon at the park annex. She also made a motion to purchase a $150 business membership to Keep Vermilion County Beautiful, seconded by Lawson. Council passed the motion by roll call 7 to 0.

d) Garrett had nothing to report

e) Gonzalez was absent however the mayor asked for a motion to approve the Payment to SNC Construction for the Sidewalk Program. Ankenbrand moved to approve the payment seconded by Garrett. Roll call vote was taken and the payment of $84,389.89 was approved 7-0.

f) Lawson had nothing to report.

g) Porth made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-5 Foreign Fire Insurance. Garrett seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken and Resolution 2023-5 was passed 7-0.

h) Richards reported on the skate park. There have been some material shortages so completion may not be until December.

XI. COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Candidate petitions are available for Alderman and Mayor seats.

XII. NO UNFINISHED BUSINESS

XIII. NO NEW BUSINESS

XIV. MAYOR COMMENTS:

The Housing Authority Coop Agreement is tabled.

A letter of support is needed for the Parkview Court Project. Ferrel made a motion to approve a letter of support to Vermilion County Housing Authority for the Parkview Court Project. Lawson seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Ankenbrand, Eyrich, Ferrell, Lawson, Porth and Richards voted yes and Garrett voted no. The motion passed 6-1.

The Planning Commission recommended a variance for property located at 918 Sprague Rd. For a Massage Business. Ferrell moved to approve the variance, seconded by

Eyrich. Roll call vote was taken. Eyrich, Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, Porth and Richards voted yes. Ankenbrand voted no. The variance was approved by voice vote 6-1.

Trick or Treat Hours will be October 31 from 5 to 8 pm.

A motion was made by Ferrell to approve an Ordinance Creating the Position of Police Director and Appointing Director (2.32.240) The motion was seconded by Richards. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Ankenbrand, Eyrich, Ferrell, Garrett, Porth and Richards voted yes. Lawson voted no. Ordinance 2023-8 was approved 6 to 1.

Updates on downtown properties was given by Mayor Wise. Overview of other projects and development was heard, including looking at motel development.

JC’s Spooktacular will be Monday Oct. 24 from 5:30 to 7:00 downtown.

XV. ATORNEY COMMENTS: Still waiting to hear from insurance on Bzzz’s Bar.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: Ferrell moved to adjourn seconded by Ankenbrand. Council adjourned at 8:41 pm.

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