Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Dec. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. Mayor Wise called council to order at 7:00 p.m. following the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. Appointment to vacant Alderman seat postponed until the next council meeting.

III. ROLL CALL: Council members present were Eyrich, Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, Porth and Richards. Gonzalez was absent.

IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion made by Ferrell seconded by Eyrich to approve the agenda. Agenda was approved 6-0.

V. MINUTES OF PRIOR COUNCIL MEETING: Lawson moved to approve minutes, seconded by Lawson. Minutes were approved 6-0.

VI. PAYMENTS: Richards moved to approve payment of bills seconded by Porth. Roll call vote was taken and bills were approved for payment 6-0.

VII. PRESENTATIONS: Election Packets for the April 4, 2023 are available. They can be picked up at City Hall and filing dates are Monday Dec. 12 through Monday December 19. Clerk Lane will be at City Hall to collect Petitions on Monday 12, Wednesday 14, Friday 16 and Monday 19 from 8:30 am 1:00 p. m.

VIII. NO PETITIONS TO COUNCIL

IX. NO PUBLIC COMMENT

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS:

A) Eyrich had nothing to report.

B) Ferrell mentioned thanks to the firefighters.

C) Garrett had nothing to report.

D) Gonzalez was absent.

E) Lawson reported that a Police Committee meeting was held on Dec. 1. It was determined that a new squad car is needed. Also, an investigator will be placed on first and second shift, a sergeant will be placed on all three shifts and sergeants will get a pay increase.

She also reported that the Façade committee met and the Program was reviewed and compared with programs of other communities. It was determined that the guidelines are in accordance with other communities.

F) Porth summarized the Liability insurance. The increase in premium is due to frequency of claims as well as additional vehicles. He made the motion to accept the Gallagher Insurance coverage which was seconded by Garrett. Roll call vote was taken and the motion to accept Gallagher insurance coverage was approved 6 to 0. Porth made a motion to approve the Tax Levy Ordinance. Because the increase was less than Five Percent no public hearing was required. Garrett seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken and the motion to approve Tax Levy Ordinance 2023-10 was approved 6-0.

G) Richards reported that the skate park was completed. The lights are on a 90-minute timer.

XI. NO COMMUNICATIONS

XII. NO UNFINISHED BUSINESS

XIII. NO NEW BUSINESS

XIV. MAYOR COMMENTS

The Plan commission has approved request of the closure of the alley between 100 E Lincoln and East Maple. Paul Kelnhofer will be the purchaser of the property. The alley is blocked off from the closure of Lincoln St. Eyrich made the motion to close the alley and approve sale of the alley. Ferrell seconded the motion. Roll call vote taken and the motion passed 6-0. The amount of the sale will be according to statute and expenses involved.

Mayor Wise requested the approval of Micael Ferrell to the Citizens Advisory Committee. Lawson made the motion to approve seconded by Richards. Roll call vote was taken. Eyrich, Garrett, Lawson, Porth and Richards voted aye. Ferrell voted present. Motion passed with 5 ayes and one present.

Property at 1009 W. Main St has been quit claimed to the city. Silver Brothers gave an estimate of $5400 to clean up the property. Lawson made a motion to approve Silver Brothers to clean up the property seconded by Richards. Roll call vote 6-0 approved the motion.

NAPA has asked the city to cover the cost of a frontage road to the new building. Richards made a motion to pay for the frontage road seconded by Ferrell. Discussion was held by council members. Roll call vote was taken on the motion. All six council members voted no. The motion failed.

A new business has opened: Vape and Tobacco

XV. ATTORNEY COMMENTS:

Attorney Miller informed council of some progress on Bzzs Bar and the Coss property. The deed to 1009 W Main has been obtained.

XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Lawson moved to go into Executive Session to discuss litigation and property acquisition. Eyrich seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken 6-0 and council went into Executive Session at 7:35 p.m.

Garrett moved to come out of Executive Session seconded by Ferrell. Council came out of Executive Session at 8:25 p.m. with a vote of 6-0.

XVII. ADJOURN

Richards moved to adjourn seconded by Garrett. Council adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://cityofhoopeston.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Minutes-Dec.-6-2023.pdf&hl=en_US