Chambana Sun

City of Paxton City Council met March 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The monthly meeting of the Paxton City Council was held on Tuesday, March 14th, 2023, at 7:00pm in the City Council Chambers.

Mayor Ingold called the meeting to order at 7:01pm.

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, Attorney Marc Miller, Water/sewer Supervisor Bob Carleton, Street/Alley Supervisor Jesse Houtzel, and members of the audience.

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 January Council meeting. Alderman Wilson motioned to accept the minutes. Alderman Cox seconded the motion. All approved on a voice vote.

LIST OF CLAIMS

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

Alderman Withers made a motion to approve the EIEC bill. Alderman Pacey 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

The reports have been emailed to all Aldermen. Alderman Wilson made a motion to approve the Treasure’s Report and Investment Register. Alderman Pacey seconded the motion. All approved on a voice vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT

FINANCE/BUDGET – ALDERMAN WILSON

David Kaeding from Pheasants Forever shared that they will be hosting their 38th annual banquet on Saturday. Kaeding shared that in the past the City of Paxton has donated $250 to their banquet, and he asked if we would continue to donate. Alderman Wilson made a motion to donation $250.00 to Pheasants Forever. Alderman Evans seconded the motion. Roll Call: ayes- Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson, and Withers. All ayes, motion carried.

PUBLIC WORKS – ALDERMAN WITHERS

Alderman Withers stated that there are a few items on the agenda, and they did just have a meeting to discuss participation in the 120 Water program.

Water/Sewer Supervisor Bob Carleton shared that 120 Water is a company that helps City’s with the inventory of water lines of every house in Paxton. They are set up with the EPA and provide templates, letters, etc. They also work with the courthouse to find records that indicate what kind of water lines are in each house and if there are any lead water lines. The preliminary inventory is April 15, 2023, with the main inventory being April 15, 2024. The price for two years would be $11,700.

Alderman Withers shared that during the meeting with 120 Water, Liz Johns shared that the City is eligible for a $30,000 grant to help fund the project and make necessary purchases. Alderman Pacey motioned to approve Participation in 120 Water Program but not to exceed $12,500. Alderman Withers seconded the motion. Roll call: ayes- Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey, Wilson, and Withers. All ayes, motion carried.

Mayor Ingold shared that they currently have just under $121,000 in Motor Fuel Tax. The bid to repave seven roads in town was $381,562.00, which includes construction and engineering costs.

Mayor Ingold stated that they may have to take funds out of the general account. Tammy shared that they get an average of $12,000 to $15,000 in the MFT account a month. She also shared that they have money in Rebuild Illinois, if this project qualifies for those funds.

Street/Alley Supervisor Jesse Houtzel brought up the suggestion of chipping some of the less traveled streets to save on costs. Alderman Pacey motioned to table approval of MFT projects until next month.

Water/Sewer Supervisor Bob Carleton shared that the new underground piping project at the sewer plant will start this week.

PUBLIC SAFETY – ALDERMAN PACEY

Alderman Pacey motioned to approve intergovernmental agreement between the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority and City of Paxton for Demolition and Abandonment Actions Pursuant to the Illinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/11-31-1. Alderman Geiken seconded the motion. Roll call: ayes- Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey Wilson, and Withers. All ayes, motion carried.

Police Chief Cornett shared that they have hired a new Paxton Police Officer, Brandon Fang. He served in the Army before joining the police force.

CITY PROPERTY – ALDERMAN EVANS

Alderman Evans shared that their only item on the agenda is to discuss drainage projects with Farnsworth.

Mayor Ingold asked what the status was with INI and putting in monitors. Mike Friend from Farnsworth stated that he obtained pump data from pump station. He has completed the analysis of that data and has identified the areas where the flow meters will be installed. Mike shared that he and Bob needed to visit each area where these meters will be installed to see what the physical area looks like and what modifications may be needed. Mayor Ingold said that he, Bob, and Jesse would sit down in the next day or so to make a list of which locations should be prioritized and the cost of the projects and share that with the Aldermen.

Alderman Evans shared that the lights on the clock are not working. Mayor Ingold is waiting for a quote from an electrician.

LICENSE, PERMIT, ZONING & INSURANCE – ALDERMAN GEIKEN

Holly Galvin, attorney from Martensen, Niemann, & Galvin was present, she shared the details on the annexation and road dedication. Holly stated that there are three steps to this process; The first step would be to annex the 18-foot strip at the bottom of Allison Drive. The second step would be to have the road accepted into the subdivision. Lastly, the third step would be to dedicate the street to the City. Kelly Birkey privately funded the pavement of the road. Holly added that it does look beautiful. Alderman Evans motioned to approve ORDINANCE 23:06, 23:07, AND 23:08 - APPROVE TO SUBDIVISION, ANNEXATION, AND STREET DEDICATION. Alderman Geiken seconded the motion. Roll call: ayesAlderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey Wilson, and Withers. All ayes, motion carried.

Scott Harden, owner of Grandstand Concerts. His company does most of the fairs and festivals in the surrounding area. Scott and Allen Meyer recently bought a building in Paxton which they plan to turn into a concert venue and have office space for Grandstand Concerts. They plan to host two concerts a month  starting in October. Alderman Geiken motioned to approve ORDINANCE 23:09 - ADDITIONALCLASS C LIQUOR LICENSE. Alderman Withers seconded the motion. Roll call: ayes- Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey Wilson, and Withers. All ayes, motion carried.

COMMUNITY – ALDERMAN HOEDECKE

Alderman Pacey motion to Approve Authorizing Mayor to Commit $20,000 for IHDA Strong Communities Program. Alderman Evans seconded the motion. Roll call: ayes- Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey Wilson, and Withers. All ayes, motion carried.

Alderman Withers motioned to Approve ORDINANCE 23:10 CHAPTER 38 TO THE CITY OF PAXTON CODE OF ORDINANCE, PERTAINING TO A MUNICIPAL CODE HEARING DEPARTMENT WITH THE CITY OF PAXTON, AND OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. Alderman Geiken seconded the motion. Roll call: ayes- Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey Wilson, and Withers. All ayes, motion carried.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – ALDERMAN COX Aldermen Cox motioned to REPEAL ORDINANCE 20-25 REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH PAXTON PACKAGING. Alderman Withers seconded the motion. Roll call: ayes- Alderman Cox, Crutcher, Evans, Geiken, Hoedebecke, Pacey Wilson, and Withers. All ayes, motion carried.

LONG TERM PLANNING – ALDERMAN CRUTCHERAlderman Pacey suggested working with the Park District to join in an intergovernmental agreement for drainage.

OTHER

Mayor Ingold stated that he would like to schedule a meeting with License. Zoning, and Permit to discuss people having retail businesses out of their house.

Alderman Pacey motioned to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Hoedebecke seconded the motion. All ayes, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07pm.

https://www.cityofpaxton.com/DocumentCenter/View/628/03-14-2023-City-Council-Meeting-MinutesPDF