Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Jan. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Wise called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm following the pledge of allegiance.

II. ROLL CALL – The following 6 alderpersons were present: Eyrich, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Highfill, Lawson, Porth. Alderwoman K. Ferrell and Alderman Scharlach were absent. Mayor Wise and Clerk Hardcastle were also present. Brian Lawlyess was in attendance in place of Attorney Miller.

III. AMENDMENT OR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – Alderman Porth moved to approve the agenda as presented. Alderman M. Ferrell seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.

IV. AMENDMENT OR APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE PRIOR MEETING – Alderwoman Lawson moved to approve the minutes from the January 2, 2024, council meeting as presented. Alderman Eyrich seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.

V. PAYMENT OF THE BILLS – Alderman Porth moved to approve the payment of the city’s bills.

Alderman M. Ferrell seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Highfill, Lawson, Porth – Nays: None – Absent: K. Ferrell, Scharlach) and payment of the city’s bills was approved 6-0.

VI. PRESENTATIONS – Jack Curry from Nexamp gave a presentation on a proposed solar project to be situated just outside the city limits on the east side of town. This solar project would be within the city’s zoning jurisdiction. Mayor Wise commented that the city has retained an attorney to draft a solar ordinance.

VII. PETITIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None

VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS

a. EYRICH

i. RETIREMENT RECEPTION: Alderman Eyrich announced the retirement reception for retiring city officials and employees. The reception will be held on January 31, 2024, at City Hall. Alderman Eyrich commended Water Superintendent Steve Baker on his 47 years of service to the city.

b. K. FERRELL

i. Absent.

c. M. FERRELL

i. Nothing to report.

d. GARRETT

i. Nothing to report.

e. HIGHFILL

i. COMMITTEE MEETING: The park committee will have a meeting on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 6:00 pm to discuss the proposed sports complex.

f. LAWSON

i. Nothing to report.

g. PORTH

i. Nothing to report.

h. SCHARLACH

i. Absent.

XI. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COUNCIL – Clerk Hardcastle read an announcement of Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s mobile office hours. A representative from her office will be at city hall on January 30, 2024, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a. AGREEMENTS WITH SPORTS LEAGUES: Alderman Garrett asked if agreements had been put in place for them to use city parks and facilities. Alderwoman Highfill advised that they have not been completed yet. Mayor Wise advised that the two different softball groups met recently and that it was a good meeting.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS – None

XIV. MAYOR COMMENTS

a. INVENERGY CONTRACT – A few minor modifications were made by Invenergy. A representative from Invenergy went over the changes and presented a clearer map of the turbine placements and transmission lines. Mayor Wise announced that there will be a public hearing regarding the placement of the wind project prior to the February 6, 2024, council meeting beginning at 6:30 pm.

b. DOOR ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM – Mayor Wise announced that the current access control system for doors within city hall is not functioning correctly and the system will have to be replaced. The city will be putting together a Request for Proposals to be sent out and bids will be taken at that time. 2 firms have indicated that they will bid on the project: 1 from Watseka and 1 from Danville. Mayor Wise thinks the project will cost around $15,000. This project could possibly be done in 2 phases. Phase 1 would be a replacement of the current system and controls already in place. Phase 2 would be additional devices that the city would like to be placed under the system.

c. WARMING CENTER – City Hall will be open as a warming center due to the forecasted frigid temperatures.

d. MAPLE SCHOOL CONCERNS – Mayor Wise met with the principal from Maple School regarding reckless driving around the school. The school also requested no U-turn signs to be placed on Fourth St. between Maple and Lincoln streets. The Street and Alley department will be putting those signs up. Alderwoman Lawson stated that she spoke with Chief Kelnhofer about this, and they will be doing extra patrols around the school during drop off and pickup times.

e. DUCTWORK CLEANING SCAM – There is a post on Facebook Marketplace targeting Hoopeston residents to come and clean their ductwork. Mayor Wise warned citizens about this scam and to be mindful of such things.

f. DOWNTOWN BUILDING DEMOLITIONS – Reviewed the already demolished buildings in the downtown area. Mayor Wise reported that some preliminary discussions have already taken place with some potential developers.

XV. ATTORNEY COMMENTS

a. 511 W. MAIN ST – Signatures have been obtained for this property, just waiting on the documents to come through.

b. 819 DIXIE HWY – Notices have been sent out this week.

c. HOTEL/MOTEL TAX – Paperwork is mostly prepared for this ordinance.

d. AMBULANCE AGREEMENT – Some revisions have been made to the agreement. Awaiting action from Alderman Scharlach.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

a. There being no further action to come before the council, Alderman Garrett moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman M. Ferrell seconded the motion. Motion was carried 6-0.

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