Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Oct. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER by Mayor Wise following the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. ROLL CALL- The seven council members present were Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Highfill, Lawson and Porth. Scharlach was absent.

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA- Action on the yield sign ordinance will not be taken tonight. Motion to approve amended agenda was made by K. Ferrell and seconded by Lawson. Amended agenda was approved 7 to 0.

IV. MINUTES FROM PRIOR COUNCIL MEETING- Eyrich moved to approve seconded by M. Ferrell. Minutes were approved 7 t0 0.

V. PAYMENT OF BILLS- Lawson moved to approve payment of the bills seconded by Porth. Roll call vote was taken and bills were approved for payment seven to zero.

VI. NO PRESENTATIONS

VII. NO PETITIONS TO COUNCIL

VIII.PUBLIC COMMENT- Bill Goodwine addressed the council regarding the opening of bids. He stated that he knew of no exception that permitted the opening of sealed bids at an executive session. The city attorney was in agreement with Mr. Goodwine. Opening of demolition bids for the downtown will be pulled from executive session and added to regular agenda.

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION-Lawson moved to go into executive session to discuss possible litigation seconded by M. Ferrell. Roll call vote was taken and council went into Executive session at 7:10 pm seven to zero. Eyrich moved to come out of Executive session seconded by Garrett. Roll call vote and council came out of executive session at 7:28 pm.

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS

a) Eyrich reported that the Commercial dumping fees are still being looked at. No decision has yet been made but the city and haulers are keeping better track of the dumping. 

b) K. Ferrell reported that electronics recycling had been slower than some previous events. However, electronics were cleaned out of the Chronicle building saving some landfill costs. Alderwoman Ferrell also reported on the bids for the downtown demolitions. No paperwork was presented to the clerk regarding these bids.

c) M. Ferrell made a motion to adopt an Ordinance prohibiting the use of Engine Braking Noise. Highfill seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken and Ordinance 2024-9 was adopted seven to zero.

d) Garrett made a motion to approve settling a payout to Paul Kelnhofer pending the attorney ‘s review. Eyrich seconded the motion. Roll call vote six aye, Eyrich, K. Ferrell, Garrett, Highfill, Lawson, and Porth. One no vote by M. Ferrell. The motion passed six to one. It is noted that no legal paperwork was presented to the clerk regarding this vote.

e) Highfill reported on a softball meeting.

f) Lawson had nothing to report.

g) Porth reported that renegotiation of the extension with Homefield Electric aggregate is in the works.

h) Scharlach slipped in late but had nothing to report.

XI. NO COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL

XII NO UNFINISHED BUSINESS

XIII NO NEW BUSINESS

XIV NO ADDITIONAL COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR.

XV ATTORNEY COMMENTS

The deed has been prepared for Bzz’s Bar and title work completed. Back taxes will be forgivren. Waiting on a resolution from the newest owner of the Chronicle building.

Food Truck revisions have been made.

The property at 520 W. Main is close to a deed.

Yield signs need traffic directions.

Attorney is looking into requirements to change from an alderman election to an at large election.

XV ADJOURN

Motion by K. Ferrell, second by M. Ferrell. Council adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

https://cityofhoopeston.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/REGULAR-COUNCIL-MEETING-Copy.pdf