Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met May 16

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

II. ROLL CALL: Council members present were Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, and Porth.

III. AGENDA APPROVAL: Motion by K. Ferrell to approve seconded by Eyrich. Voice vote 6 to 0 approved the agenda.

IV. MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING: Two corrections were noted: spelling of Kellie Ferrell’s name and insertion of the word “waste” water treatment to be made in Eyrich’s report. Lawson moved to approve minutes as corrected seconded by M. Ferrell. Voice vote 6 to 0 approved minutes.

V. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Eyrich moved to approve payment of bills seconded by Porth. Roll call vote taken. Bills were approved six to zero.

VI. WARD 1 ALDERPERSON: With a vacancy in Ward I, Mayor Wise asked for approval of his appointment of Angela Highfill. Eyrich moved to approve the appointment of Angela Highfill and Lawson seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken. The six council members present voted to approve the appointment of Angela Highfill as Alderperson Ward I.

Alderwoman Angela Highfill was sworn in by Clerk Lane.

VII. PRESENTATIONS: Nikki Wilson representing First Church of God, asked for community support for an Outreach to be held on September 16 at 6:30 pm

VIII.NO PETITIONS TO COUNCIL

IX. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Vicki Wood expressed the need for a fence around the playground at Mcferren Park. April Jones reported on Skate Park updates.

Jared Alwardt commented on Food Trucks allowed in the city.

X. EXECUTIVE SESSION: K. Ferrell made a motion to go into Executive Session to for contract discussion. Lawson seconded the motion. Roll call vote 7 aye and zero no. The Council went into Executive Session at 7:23 p.m. K. Ferrell moved to come out of Executive Session, seconded by Eyrich. The council came out of Executive Session at 7:36 pm. Roll call vote 7 to 0. XI. REPORT OF OFFICERS:

a) Eyrich reported that a new employee, Nicholas Blakey, has been hired to work full time in the water department for now, then will be shared with the Parks department.

b) K. Ferrell reported that the electronics collection went well. American Ramp Co. Came and made repairs to the Skate Park ramps and rails. Ribbon cutting will be May 27 at 3:00 p.m. August 5 will be a Skate Jam. Alderwoman Ferrell tabled action on a grant writing contract to obtain more information. She proposed several ordinances to the council. First, she made the motion to adopt a Shipping Container ordinance which was seconded by Eyrich. Roll call vote was taken. Alderpersons Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, Porth and Highfill voted yes.

Garret voted no. Ordinance 2024-2 was adopted six to one. Next ordinance she presented was a Food Truck Ordinance. After discussion, a daily fee of $20 was agreed to. Ms. Ferrell made the motion to adopt the Food Truck Ordinance with a second from Eyrich. Roll call vote was taken. Alderpersons Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, Porth and Highfill voted yes, Garrett voted present. The ordinance numbered 2024-3 was adopted with no dissenting votes. A motion to adopt an ordinance regulating yard sales was made by K. Ferrell and seconded by Porth. Roll call vote was taken. All seven council members present voted yes. Ordinance 2024- 4 was adopted 7-0. An amendment to the Building Permit Ordinance will be looked at and re worked by Attorney Miller. A grant application due on June 7 will not be pursued at this time. Finally, Alderwoman Ferrell will be looking into Cannabis Sales.

c) Garrett reported there have been three water leaks at the cemetery. A meter to monitor the water usage will be installed.

d) Highfill will be Park Chairman.

e) Lawson had nothing to report.

f) M. Ferrell had nothing to report.

g) Porth had nothing to report.

XII. NO COMMUNICATIONS TOO COINCIL

XIII.NO UNFINISHED BUSINESS

XIV.NO NEW BUSINESS

XV. MAYOR COMMENTS

Bid specs will be going out for the demolition of downtown buildings.

The attorney is waiting on the return of the Chronicle Contract.

An attorney out of Peoria has been engaged regarding the Essex building.

No sidewalk bids were received.

A vacancy for Alderperson in Ward III exists. Interested people contact the mayor. 

XVI. ATTORNEY COMMENTS

Work toward a solution on 511 W. Main is proceeding.

The Coss Case is progressing.

XVII. ADJOURN

K. Ferrell moved to adjourn seconded by M. Ferrell. The council adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

https://cityofhoopeston.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/May-16-2023-Council-Meeting-1.pdf