Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Sept. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Wise called the council meeting to order following the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. ROLL CALL: The seven council members that were present were Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Highfill, Lawson and Porth.

III. Mayor Wise put forth Tim Scharlach for 3rd Ward Alderman. The nomination to approve the appointment was made by Eyrich and seconded by Lawson. Roll call vote was taken. All seven council members voted aye, approving the appointment of Tim Scharlach as Alderman for Ward III Alderman. Clerk Lane swore in Tim Scharlach as Alderman Ward III.

IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: K. Ferrell moved to approve the agenda with the removal of the Food Truck Ordinance item. It was seconded by M. Ferrell. The council approved the agenda by voice vote 8 to 0.

V. MINUTES OF PRIOR COUNCIL MEETING: K. Ferrell moved to approved seconded by M. Ferrell. The minutes were approved 8 to 0.

VI. PAYMENT OF BILLS: K. Ferrell moved to approve payment of the bills seconded by Highfill. Roll call Vote was taken. Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Highfill, Lawson and Porth voted aye. Scharlach voted Present. Bills were approved for payment.

VII. NO PRESENTATIONS

VIII.NO PETITIONS TO COUNCIL

IX. PUBLIC COMMENT: Residents living on E. Washington St. Addressed the council with some of their problems about the parking situation along the street. Preston VanDeveer, Marguerite Swan Schouffler and Steve Compton were heard from.

X. NO EXECUTIVE SESSION

XI. REPORT OF OFFICERS

a) Eyrich reported on the water department and the analysis that was done on the financial situation of the cost of providing water to the community. Currently it is losing about $289,000 for the year. New updates are not in the budget and the department just fixes the problems as needed. The need to establish fees for haulers to the waste treatment plant is being looked at.

b) K. Ferrell announced a new business in town, C&S Automotive. The electronics collection will be Sat. Oct. 14 from 10 am to 2 pm.

The architect working on the downtown demolition project has requested that the city waive the bidding on the asbestos abatement. It will be a specialized project needing specialization in asbestos removal. K. Ferrell moved to waive the bid for the asbestos project. Eyrich seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken. All eight council members voted aye, approving that the bidding be waived. K. Ferrell then moved to hire Triple A Asbestos which was the low bid of those recommended by the architect. Lawson seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken. All eight council members voted to approve hiring Triple A Asbestos. Bid specs should be out by Thursday for proposals on the demolition project.

c). M. Ferrell reported that an updated list will be made for tree removal. Let the city know if you want to be put on the list. A resolution is needed for the Safe Routes to School. Action will be taken at the next meeting.

d) Garett reported that the cemetery road has been completed.

e) Highfill reported that contracts and agreements with the parks and organizations will be looked at. 

f) Lawson announced the Bar-B-Q Cops for Kids fundraiser to be October 7th.

g) Porth had nothing to report.

h) Scharlach had nothing to report.

XII. COMMUNICATIONS; Mayor Wise read a proclamation for Constitution Week. 

XIII. NO UNFINISHED BUSINESS

XIV. NO NEW BUSINESS

XV. MAYOR COMMENTS

Mayor Wise attended a meeting with Vermilion Advantage regarding Brownfield grants. The city will need to establish a Solar Farm Ordinance as a Solar Farm request has been made to the city. The mayor responded to the parking situation that was referred to in public comments.

XVI ATTORNEY COMMENTS

Attorney Miller has been reviewing sample ordinances for solar farms.

He is reviewing TIF agreements.

He is still working on the yield sign ordinance.

He is reviewing the building inspector contract.

He informed the council that all emails must be saved, and a back-up system needs to be in place.

XVII ADJOURN: 

K. Ferrell moved to adjourn, and M. Ferrell seconded the motion. The council meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

https://cityofhoopeston.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/council-meeting-minutes-9-19-23-Copy.pdf