Chambana Sun

City of Paxton City Council met Oct. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The monthly meeting of the Paxton City Council was held at 7:00p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

Mayor Ingold called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

Roll call showed the following aldermen in attendance: Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. Also, in attendance were Mayor Bill Ingold, Treasurer/Comptroller Tammy Jensen, Police Chief Cornett, Water/Sewer Supervisor Bob Carleton, Street/Alley Supervisor Jesse Houtzel, Attorney Marc Miller, Mike Friend, and members of the audience and 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 September Council meeting. Alderman Wilson motioned to accept the minutes. Aldermen Hoedebecke 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, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. Eight ayes, motion carried.

Alderman Withers made a motion to approve the EIEC bill. Alderman Hoedebecke seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Alderman Cox, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey and Withers. Abstain – Crutcher and Wilson. Six ayes, two abstains, motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT AND INVESTMENT REGISTER

Mayor Ingold asked if any members of the Council had any questions for the Treasurer’s Report and Investment Register. There were no questions, Alderman Wilson made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Investment Register. Alderman Hoedebecke seconded the motion. All approved on a voice vote.

FINANCE/BUDGET – ALDERMAN WILSON

Alderman Wilson stated that there were no Pay Requests for approval this month to discuss. Wilson stated that we have received our last payments from American Rescue Act and Rebuild Illinois Fund. Tammy stated that the annual audit is still in progress. She hopes that it will be ready for presentation during the November meeting.

PUBLIC WORKS – ALDERMAN WITHERS

Alderman Withers stated there is nothing on the agenda for Public Works and no meetings. Supervisor Carleton stated that there was a meeting in September with Mike Friend and Mike Lutz to get permits signed. He has an upcoming meeting to talk about I & I with Mike Friend. Carleton stated that they did hydrant flushing and tested the water for lead and copper. They had 20 testing sights, with 18 sights coming back with zero lead or copper, and 2 sights testing at 1.1 per billion. Carleton also mentioned that they are working on a brick issue at the sewer plant filter building. There is talk about removing the brick, but they’re waiting on estimates. Mayor Ingold asked if Carleton would update the Council on the water issue between Farmer’s Merchant Bank and the building at 119 W Pells St. Carleton stated that IRWA had been out to try to locate the leak, but they were unsuccessful. They plan to start digging soon to fix the issue.

Supervisor Houtzel stated that they are finishing up their summer project of fixing sidewalks and pouring a new entrance to the library. They are also working on replacing light poles. Alderman Evans stated that there has been an issue with children pulling on the banner hooks that are attached to the light poles. Mayor Ingold said he talked to Farnsworth group, and it was suggested that the city puts banners up to keep this from happening. Mayor Ingold also stated that they will have to do some reconfiguring when its time to put up the Christmas stars and the flag poles are in the way.

Alderman Evans asked if the issue with water standing on the corner at La Hacinenda was resolved yet. Mayor Ingold stated that it has not yet been resolved yet. Mike Friend, representative of Farnsworth group, stated that he had talked to the individuals in charge of this repair, and they will be addressing it.

Mayor Ingold stated that he had the individuals in charge of removing the construction signs in town, as they are no longer necessary.

PUBLIC SAFETY – ALDERMAN PACEY

Alderman pacey stated that they did not have a meeting. But there are a few things on the agenda they wish to discuss. The first item being an addition to the Chapter 138. The current city ordinance allows for the seizure of vehicles that are involved in certain crimes. Chief Cornett stated that previously the Chapter 138 covered the seizure of vehicles that are involved with the following crimes: A certain amount of cannabis, controlled drug substances, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while license was suspended or revoked, or no valid driver’s license. Chief Cornett proposed that this ordinance cover additional crimes: sexual assault, sexual abuse, indecent solicitation of a child, solicitation to meet a child, traveling to meet a minor, possession of child pornography, residential burglary, burglary, attempted fleeing and eluding, and aggravated fleeing and eluding. Cornett explained that they are already included in the Article 36 items, so the vehicles could already be seized but it would be under the State of Illinois, and the vehicles would not be returned until the case is completed, which could be years down the road. A motion to approve the additions to Chapter138 was made by Alderman Pacey. Alderman Evans seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes- Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. All ayes, motion carried ORDINANCE 22-16.

Alderman Pacey stated that the second item to discuss was the approval of the May 2023-May 2024 dispatch contract with ford county sheriff’s office. He stated that it’s the same contract that they had last year. With no changes. He recommended that Council approve this contract. A motion for approval was made by Alderman Pacey, and seconded by Alderman Evans. Roll Call: ayes- Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. All ayes, motion carried.

Alderman Pacey brought up the third item on the agenda. Amending Ordinance Chapter 33 as it relates to Police Captain. Pacey states that that ordinance currently refers to the Captain as the “Night Captain” and specifies specific hours that the captain is supposed to work. Pacey stated that they are requesting the removal of the word “Night” and to refer to the Captain as supervisory non-union. But this will not restrict the hours or shifts that that person will work. Chief Cornett spoke that it does not technically state the hours or shifts that are required from this individual. That the title “Night Captain” only causes confusion. Alderman Pacey asked if the captain was also the evidence officer. Chief Cornett said that the captain did not want to also be the evidence officer. Currently, the evidence officer is officer Sink. Cornett said that officer Sink is good with paperwork and is meticulous. Pacey made a motion to approve Ordinance Chapter 33. Alderman Withers seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes- Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. All ayes, motion carried ORDINANCE 22-17.

Council moved on the fourth item on the agenda. Alderman Pacey talked about the addition of a stop sign on West Orleans St and South Maple St. He stated that they are not looking for an approval during tonight’s council meeting but rather to discuss and get information. Chief Cornett discussed the traffic data. Alderman Pacey moved to table the approval till next month’s meeting.

Chief Cornett stated that the Halloween parade will be October 31st at 4pm on Market St starting at Orleans St and ending at the Firehouse. After the parade the children can trick or treat down the business district, with residential trick or treating hours will start at 5pm.

Chief Cornett stated that he had a meeting with Flock Safety, a license plate reader company. Which is the same company that Rantoul is currently using, and Iroquois County currently has 8 throughout their County. The purpose of these plate readers is to send a notification to the local authorities if a license plate that is “Hot” drives past that reader. This will allow local authorities to intercept that vehicle. Cornett said that although the camera system is free, you do have to pay for installation which is $750 per camera. With an additional $2500/per camera per 2-year contract. Alderman Crutcher raised concern about privacy of residence and the policies on data logging, storage and selling. Mayor Ingold quickly stated that those are good question that we would need to ask the company. Alderman Pacey suggested that they plan a committee meeting to talk more about Flock Safety.

Chief Cornett stated that officer Pat McNally is the new Police Officer. He started his career in 1999 and has worked for the city of Watseka and the Iroquois Co. Sheriff department.

Chief Cornett moved on to discuss 325 E Chestnut St. property. Stating that they went to court over this property on Sept. 22nd for the house and the property. The property owner was found guilty for the property and that has 21 days to clean up property after which he will be charged a daily penalty. Cornett said that he did not think the property would be cleaned up on time, and ultimately, they would seek a warrant to clean up the property. The judge also signed the demolition of the property which the owner has 30 days to appeal that ruling.

Mayor Ingold stated that to clarify the hiring of officer McNally, was since Capt. Johnson will be leaving December 1st to become the new Sheriff, they were looking to hire someone with experience.

Chief Cornett mentioned that they had another arrest over the weekend targeting Child Sexual predators.

CITY PROPERTY – ALDERMAN EVANS

Alderman Evans stated that they only had one item for discussion and no meetings. He asked the mayor to speak on the topic. Mayor Ingold suggested that they adjourned this meeting tonight until 7pm October 26th so that TIF Attorney, Tony Schuering could attend to discuss eminent domain powers for the City of Paxton.

Alderman Evens stated that Pells Park pavilion received new lights and that they look good. Mayor Ingold added that they removed the old lights and replaced them with four LED lights and repairs were made to the outlets as well. Mayor started that Ameren will be putting in two poles and two lights at the park. Ameren is not charging the city for the insolation. The electricity for the lights will be $51.00 a year per light.

Mayor Ingold stated that they also are replacing the playground equipment at Pells Park and Bixby Park. It’s estimated that the city will receive the equipment in 32 weeks. The order for the equipment has been placed. Mayor Ingold was pleased that they stayed under budget.

LICENSE, PERMIT, ZONING & INSURANCE – ALDERMAN GEIKEN; Alderman Geiken stated that there was no meeting, but he did have a few items to discuss. The first item to discuss was to discuss and approve recommendations from planning and zooming commission for the rezoning of 639 N. Market St., 637 N. Market St., 635 N. Market St., 615 N. Market St., 603 N. Market St., 210 W. Center St., 226 W. Center St., 242 W. Center St., 258 W. Center St., 235 N Taft St., and 2 Parcels on Homes St. Geiken states that it was the recommendation of the zooming board to approve. Alderman Pacey made a motion to approve Ordinance 22-18, Alderman Geiken seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes – Aldermen Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. All ayes, motion carried

Alderman Pacey made a motion to approve Ordinance 22-19 an Ordinance approving language related to nuisance and vacant buildings. Alderman Cox seconded the motion. Roll Call: Aldermen Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. All ayes, motion carried.

Alderman Wilson made a motion to approve a 9th Class “C” Liquor License. Alderman Withers seconded the motion. Roll Call: Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson, Withers. 6 Ayes, 1 Abstain, 1 No. Motion carries

COMMUNITY – ALDERMAN HOEDBECKE

Rachel Crutcher, resident of Paxton, stated she has come to Council on a couple of occasions to ask for the chicken Ordinance to be changed. She encouraged the council to approve the Ordinance that would allowance most residence to own up to 6 hens within the city limits. Her proposal would be to reduce the two requirements of 150ft from the road down to backyard, and 150ft from neighboring resident to 25ft. She also proposed additional safeguards: have a permit restriction, restriction of roosters, allowing only 6 hens, and a requirement for hens to be always kept in a coop or a run. Crutcher also stated that she polled a position with the Paxton residents in favor of having Urban Chickens. She has collected a total of 96 signatures. She asked again for the Ordinance to be reconsidered allowing residents of Paxton to own chickens.

Alderman Geiken asked if council should consider taking a vote to discuss urban Chickens and changing the Ordinance in more depth. Mayor Ingold agreed, suggesting a vote would determine interest.

Attorney Marc Miller suggested that the council members take a poll on whether there is supported to look at ways to allow chickens in Paxton. After some discussion on wording. Alderman Geiken stated that he would like to vote on if there is a need for a committee to proceed forward to look at way of allowing chickens in Paxton. Miller suggested that Alderman Geiken state his position on whether to move forward and for other council members to state theirs. The final total was 3 Yes’s and 5 No’s determining that there is no need to move forward.

Fred Krauth, resident of Paxton, spoke up on how he also is supporting urban chickens.

Alderman Pacey stated his concerns in changing the Ordinance to allow more chickens in town. Mayor Ingold stated that he has received several phone calls and emails from residents who are not in favor of allowing more chickens in town. Pacey asked if the Ordinance should go to referendum. Attn. Marc Miller suggested an Advisory referendum to Council members.

Kristen Larson, resident of Paxton, stated she also has come to speak about changing the chicken Ordinance. Suggesting that allowing chickens in town would bring in more residents. Kristen urged council to reconsider.

Alderman Hoedebecke stated that they did not have a meeting but there is an item on the agenda that he would like to schedule a committee meeting for on November 8th ,2022 at 6pm. To hear a presentation on a mapping program.

Alderman Pacey stated that Western Illinois has a program for communities

Alan Meyer, representative of the Paxton Chamber of commerce, spoke on the recent events the Chamber has held. He talked about the Wine and Chocolate that was help on September 1st. They had over 150 participants and their gross revenue was $7,562.00. There were twenty businesses participated.

Meyer also spoke on the Paxton Swine n Dine that was held during September as well. Stating that it was a huge success. More downtown businesses participated this year and plans for next year are already underway. Meyer asked the council to consider increasing the budget for next year as there has been an increase in costs.

Mayor Ingold stated they will be purchasing new trash cans for downtown he was hopeful that there would be money left in the Street Scape project to cover those costs. He is planning on looking for new benches for the sidewalk corners as well.

Mayor Ingold stated that Champaign Signal and Lightings will be coming on October 18th to put up new stoplights at the intersection of Market Street and Pells Street, and Market Street and State Street.

He also stated that a trip hazard was reported at the Commander building’s entrance. They have placed a yellow strip there to hopefully alert people and they also plan to put another yellow strip at La Hacienda’s entrance.

Mayor Ingold also mentioned that he has now received a key for the circuit box controls the outlets for the light poles.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – ALDERMAN COX

Alderman Cox stated that they did not have a meeting. However, he does have one thing on the agenda, which is to discuss and approve an Ordinance approving a redevelopment agreement by and between the City of Paxton, Illinois and Christie Humphrey, of 544 south Market Street, authorizing execution thereof and other actions in connection there with.

Christie Humphrey, owner of 544 South Market Street, asked for the Council’s agreement using TIF funds of $19,000 for new siding, roof repairs, porch repairs and fence to approve her home. Alderman Cox motioned to approve the Ordinance; Alderman Evans seconded. Roll Call: ayes – Aldermen Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson and Withers. All ayes, motion carried ORDINANCE 22-20

Mayor Ingold asked that the second item on the agenda be postponed until the adjourned meeting on October 26th as they did not have an estimate yet.

Mayor Ingold stated that he has received other requests for the grants from residents in the TIF district. He mentioned that the Arcade has a new awning coming and a sign taken down. Ruby Jewel has a new awning coming as well.

LONG TERM PLANNING – ALDERMAN CRUTCHER

Alderman Crutcher stated that he did not have anything for long term planning and not meetings.

OTHER BUSINESS:

There is a Community Committee Meeting Scheduled for November 8, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. in Council Chambers.

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Hoedebecke and Seconded by Alderman Withers. All Ayes.

Meeting was adjourned at 8.31pm

https://www.cityofpaxton.com/DocumentCenter/View/553/10-11-2022-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes-PDF