Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met April 18

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY MAYOR WISE FOLLOWING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

II. ROLL CALL: Six council members were present: Miller, Eyrich, Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson and Porth.

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Garrett moved to approve the agenda seconded by Miller. Agenda was approved 6-0.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Eyrich moved to approve minutes of the prior meeting seconded by Ferrell. Minutes were approved 6-0.

V. APPROVAL OF BILLS: Lawson moved to approve payment of bills seconded by Garrett. Bills were approved for payment roll call vote 6 to 0.

VI. NO PRESENTATIONS

VII. NO PETITIONS TO COUNCIL

VIII.NO PUBLIC COMMENT

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Ferrell moved to go into Executive Session to discuss Grant Writing.

Garrett seconded the motion. With a vote of 6 to 0, council went into Executive Session at 7:06 pm. Ferrell moved to come out of Executive session seconded by Garrett. Council came out of the Executive session at 7:20 pm with a vote of 6 to 0.

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS;

a) Eyrich explained the proposed Maple Street water/sewer extension project. The sale of lots and building of homes along the street are unable to progress without water and sewer. The project is estimated to cost $350,000. Property tax values will increase to the city from developed and improved properties. Alderman Porth interjected with information on the budget that will still need to be voted on at a special meeting. He adjusted the pending budget to include the proposed project. Eyrich made the motion to go ahead with the project seconded by Garrett.

Roll call vote was taken and all six council members voted aye to proceed with the project.

Eyrich reported that a new meter at the lagoon at the water treatment plant will be installed by city workers saving a few thousand dollars. He is requesting additional part time help for the department to help with installation of the 900 new meters waiting to be installed. Also, the parks need additional help. It was agreed to hire a full-time employee who can work as a floater to help with any department needing extra help.

b) Ferrell announced the electronics recycling Saturday May 13 10-1 at park annex.

c) Garrett had a constituent approach him wanting to clean up the trash along the railroad tracks near his property and wondered about disposing the trash in a city dumpster.

d) Gonzalez will be resigning from Ward 3 Alderman, so anyone interested in filling the vacancy should contact the mayor.

e) Lawson announced that a surplus ambulance will be put out for bids. The ambulance is no longer used but it does run. Estimates for repairs to the malfunctioning emergency sirens are being obtained.

f) Miller received an estimate for repairing and refinishing the civic center stage floor to be about $6000. The estimate included sanding and refinishing, filling in the gaps and applying a polyurethane finishing coat. She made the motion to go ahead with the stage repairs seconded by Lawson. Roll call vote was six ayes and zero no. The motion passed. Miller also has been working with Bailey Hill on Civic Center drawings.

g) Porth asked for final input on the budget. Lawson had a request for the license plate reader system for the Police Department. He will make additional changes tonight and have Dawn type it out tomorrow for display to the public for 10 days. A special meeting will be held Friday April 28 with the budget hearing at 6:00 and vote on the budget at 6:15 pm.

h) Richards is resigning so there is a two-year position open for Ward I Alderman.

XI. NO COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL

XII. NO UNFINISHED BUSINESS

XIII. NEW BUSINESS – Lawson asked about the Food Truck Ordinance, the garage sale ordinance and storage ordinances. The attorney is working on all three.

XIV. COMMENTS BY MAYOR- Because of the short notice to obtain an alternate fireworks vender, the city’s fireworks will be held on June 24th.

Golf cart renewal registrations are due.

A.J. Garrison is working on getting Buzz's Bar torn down. Swinford is the owner of the project. Main Street remains blocked off until the building is down.

ADJOURN: Motion made by Ferrell, seconded by Lawson.

Council adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Vote 6-0.

https://cityofhoopeston.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/COUNCIL-MEETING-4-18-23-Copy.pdf