Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Jan. 31.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Wise called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm following the pledge of allegiance.

II. ROLL CALL – The following 5 alderpersons were present: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, and Porth. Alderpersons Garrett, Highfill, and Scharlach were absent. Mayor Wise, Clerk Hardcastle and Attorney Miller were also present.

III. AMENDMENT OR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – Attorney Miller asked to alter the language about the executive session to include potential litigation and potentially purchasing 209-211 E. Main St. Alderman Porth made the motion to accept the amended agenda.

Alderwoman K. Ferrell seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

IV. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

V. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Alderwoman K. Ferrell made the motion to enter into executive session to discuss potential litigation and potential purchase of property. Alderwoman Lawson seconded the motion. Attorney Miller added that this was pursuant to the Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2c5-11. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, Porth – Nays: None – Absent: Garrett, Highfill, Scharlach) and the council went into executive session at 7:05 pm with a vote of 5-0. Alderwoman K. Ferrell made a motion to come out of executive session. Alderman Eyrich seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, Porth – Nays: None – Absent: Garrett, Highfill, Scharlach) and the council came out of executive session at 7:42 pm with a vote of 5-0.

VI. APPOINTMENT OF CITY TREASURER – Alderman Eyrich made the motion to appoint Yolanda Woods as City Treasurer. Alderman M. Ferrell seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, Porth – Nays: None – Absent: Garrett, Highfill, Scharlach) and Yolanda Woods was appointed City Treasurer by a 5-0 vote.

VII. DOWNTOWN DEMOLITION PROJECT BACKFILL – Mayor Wise advised that the new plan for backfill at the demolition sites will be to take the bricks to the city slab and backfill the lots with clay and 6” of black dirt. This will increase the cost of the project by about $75,000.

Alderwoman K Ferrell made a motion to approve this change. Alderwoman Lawson seconded the motion. Alderwoman K. Ferrell gave some background on the previous plan to use the bricks as backfill. After getting feedback, we would like to switch it to dirt to allow for future building on the lots. Alderman Porth asked if this would apply to all the lots being demolished. Mayor Wise answered that it would not include the old Chronicle property or the old Coss property. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, Porth – Nays: None – Absent: Garrett, Highfill, Scharlach) and the change of backfill material was approved 5-0.

VIII. 209 & 211 E MAIN ST – Alderwoman K. Ferrell made a motion to approve condemnation of these properties. This was based on the engineer’s report and in the interest of the public’s safety. Alderman M. Ferrell seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, Porth – Nays: None – Absent: Garrett, Highfill, Scharlach) and approval of condemnation of the properties was approved 5-0.

IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None

X. NEW BUSINESS – None

XI. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further action to come before the council, Alderwoman K. Ferrell moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderwoman Lawson seconded the motion. Motion was carried 5-0.

https://cityofhoopeston.com/special-council-minutes-1-31-2024/