Chambana Sun

City of Monticello City Council met Feb. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Stoner called the meeting to order and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Steve Keagle with Lodge Church led the Council in prayer. Roll call was taken by the City Clerk. 

Roll Call: 

Present: VOGT, LIVELY, CARY (after being sworn in) WOODHAM, BURRIS, KOON, BROADRICK, PEARCY 

Absent: REED, BROCK 

Also Present: Terry Summers, City Administrator; Maura Metcalf, Finance/HR; Callie McFarland, Director of Community Development; Chief Rob Bross, MPD; Chief John Rupkey, MFRD; Jim Grabarczyk, Director of Planning and Development  

Public Participation: 

No remote or in-person participation 

Consent Agenda: 

Claims Report (Claims dated January 9, 2024 through January 22, 2024 and Claims dated January 23, 2024 through February 12, 2024) 

Meeting Minutes – City Council Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2024 

Permit Report – January 2024 

Fire Report – January 2024 

A motion was made by Alderman Broadrick, and seconded by Alderman Woodham, to approve the Consent Agenda items. The motion passed 7-0. 

Mayor’s Report: 

None 

Old Business: 

None 

New Business: 

Mayoral Appointment – Cole Cary, Alderman Ward 2 

A motion was made by Alderman Vogt, and seconded by Alderman Pearcy, to approve the appointment of Cole Cary to Alderman, Ward 2. The motion passed 7-0. Mr. Cary was then sworn in by the City Clerk and took his seat at the table. 

Sangamon Valley CEO Presentation 

Lisa Sheppard, Facilitator for the Sangamon Valley CEO Program, began by expressing appreciation for the City’s involvement in and support of this program. Two of the five student participants, Cole Sowinski and Rylan Good, were present to share the benefits of the program. Both noted that they have increased confidence, gained an understanding of the importance of making connections, improved organizational skills, and recognized the value of following through  on a promise. The trade show will be held on May 1st at the Allerton Community Building. 

Resolution 2024-04: A Conditional Use Permit Allowing for Mixed Use Occupancy that Includes Retail, Residential (short term rental), and a Tavern at 315 W Washington, City of Monticello, Piatt County, IL 

Jim Grabarczyk presented the following: 

Applicant- T & R Ventures (Todd Thornton) is requesting a revision to a previously approved Conditional Use Permit (2022-48) that allowed for mixed use occupancy. The parcel is Zoned B – Business. The new proposed uses are retail, residential (short term rental), and a tavern at 315 W Washington, Monticello, Illinois. 

Mr. Thornton was present online for questions. Mr. Grabarczyk shared that he received one comment from an adjacent property owner (Kelly’s Accounting) in favor of this project. Council members asked questions regarding the tavern use and entrances to the building. 

A motion was made by Alderman Woodham, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to approve Resolution 2024-04. The motion passed 8-0. 

Ordinance 2024-05: An Ordinance Approving a Redevelopment Agreement Between the City of Monticello and Michael Heiniger Concerning the Property Located at 818 S Market Street, Monticello, Illinois  

Callie McFarland presented the following: 

Applicant: Michael Heiniger (owner), 818 S. Market Street/Hedgerow Pottery (occupant), and adjacent vacant space 

Project Description: The owners of the property would like to improve the existing sink, and add an additional restroom for the second tenant. 

Estimated Project Construction Window: February, 2024 

Estimated Project Cost: $22,000.00 

Recommended Reimbursement: 50% of total cost, up to $10,000 

A motion was made by Alderman Vogt, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to approve Ordinance 2024-05. The motion passed 8-0.

Ordinance 2024-06: An Ordinance Approving a Redevelopment Agreement Between the City of Monticello and Jackson Property Development LLC– 204 W Washington Street Concerning the Property Located at 204-206 W Washington Street, Monticello, Illinois 

Callie McFarland presented the following: 

Applicant: Jackson Property Development LLC- 204 W. Washington Street (owner), 204-206 W. Washington St./Modern Blend Salon Co. (1st floor occupant), and adjacent vacant 1st floor space 

Project Description: 

The owner of the property would like to remove the wooden deck/canopy, install a window where the walk-out door was on the 2nd floor, and repair the masonry and façade. 

Estimated Project Construction Window: Spring, 2024 

Estimated Project Cost: $21,000.00 

Recommended Reimbursement: 50% of total cost, up to $10,000 

Ms. McFarland shared that 206 W Washington is one of the City’s available but not usable properties, and all the tenants on the block are in favor of this work. The deck and balcony will be removed, and the look of the building will be similar to what has been done with their other properties. 

A motion was made by Alderman Broadrick, and seconded by Alderman Woodham, to approve Ordinance 2024-06. The motion passed 8-0. 

Ordinance 2024-07: An Ordinance Approving a Redevelopment Agreement Between the City of Monticello and 501 W Bridge St, LLC Concerning the Property Located at 501 W Bridge  Street, Monticello, Illinois 

Callie McFarland presented the following: 

Applicant: 501 W. Bridge St. LLC (owner), 501 W. Bridge St./Occupants: ReMax/The Foster Team, We Farm Organics, Sage City Insurance Group LLC  

Project Description: 

The owner of the property would like to remove the shingled façade and replace with a metal awning, and install a new guttering system. 

Estimated Project Construction Window: Spring, 2024 

Estimated Project Cost: $11,588 

Recommended Reimbursement: 50% of total cost, up to $5,794 

A motion was made by Alderman Broadrick, and seconded by Alderman Burris, to approve Ordinance 2024-07. The motion passed 8-0.

Ordinance 2024-08: An Ordinance Approving a Redevelopment Agreement Between the City of Monticello and Balance & Beauty, LLC Concerning the Property Located at 214 W Washington Street, Monticello, Illinois  

Callie McFarland presented the following: 

Applicant: Balance & Beauty, LLC (prospective owner), 214 W. Washington Street 

Project Description: The owner of the property would like to replace the roof and gutters, remove two trees, replace outer doors and windows, façade work.  

Estimated Project Construction Window: Spring, 2024 

Estimated Project Cost: $27,890 

Recommended Reimbursement: 50% of total cost, up to $15,000 

This property has been vacant for 20 years, and there have been serious concerns about the integrity of the masonry on this building and 212 W Washington. The City hired a structural engineer to get an opinion prior to work getting done. 

A motion was made by Alderman Koon, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to approve  Ordinance 2024-08. The motion passed 8-0. 

Ordinance 2024-09: An Ordinance Approving a Redevelopment Agreement Between the City of Monticello and Harlean Swing Concerning the Property Located at 212 W Washington  Street, Monticello, Illinois  

Callie McFarland presented the following: 

Applicant: Harlean Swing (owner), 212 W. Washington Street 

Project Description: The owner of the property would like to contract a complete grind and tuckpointing of the west wall. 

Estimated Project Construction Window: Spring, 2024 

Estimated Project Cost: $24,000 

Recommended Reimbursement: 50% of total cost, up to $15,000 

A motion was made by Alderman Vogt, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to approve  Ordinance 2024-09. The motion passed 8-0. 

Resolution 2024-10: A Resolution Repealing and Replacing the City of Monticello’s Employee Policy Manuals 

Terry Summers presented the following: 

The City of Monticello requested updates for its Employee Policy Manual to accomplish the  following objectives:

1. Have the full-time and part-time/seasonal policy manuals consolidated to apply to all employees 

2. Ensure compliance with the Paid Leave for All Workers Act (820 ILCS 192)

3. Review and amend policies as required to ensure compliance with other employment laws 

A motion was made by Alderman Woodham, and seconded by Alderman Vogt, to approve  Resolution 2024-10. The motion passed 8-0. 

Ordinance 2024-11: An Ordinance Declaring Surplus Property and Authorizing the Purchase  of Property  

Terry Summers presented the following: 

This ordinance provides for trading in our 2017 Ford Transit Van towards a 2023 Chevrolet  Silverado 2500 from Rick Ridings, trading in a 2015 John Deere Gator towards a 2024 John Deere Gator from AHW and trading in a 2008 John Deere Tractor towards a 2023 John Deere Tractor from AHW. This fleet replacement was discussed and approved within the fiscal year 2024 budget.  

A motion was made by Alderman Broadrick, and seconded by Alderman Burris, to approve  Ordinance 2024-11. The motion passed 8-0. 

Ordinance 2024-12: An Ordinance Establishing Special Service Area Number Five (Dancing Acres Subdivision) in the City of Monticello  

Callie McFarland presented the following: 

Dancing Acres Subdivision, a residential subdivision off of Old Route 47 on the west side of town, when fully built out, will provide 60 single family lots. Phase 1 of the subdivision currently has 18 lots that recently became available. 

As per state statute, the Council must approve the attached ordinance establishing a special service area. The City Council approved the proposing ordinance (2023-52) September 25th, 2023. The required public hearing was published in the November 8th, 2023 edition of the Piatt County Journal Republican, and the hearing conducted at the November 27th, 2023 City Council meeting, with no public comment made. 

The subject area will be levied a maximum fifty cent ($0.50) tax per one hundred dollars ($100.00) of equalized assessed value for a maximum of twenty (20) years. The developer will be reimbursed the SSA contributions for each year to offset eligible costs identified in the ordinance for the life of the SSA. 

A motion was made by Alderman Burris, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to approve Ordinance 2024-12. The motion passed 8-0. 

Aldermen’s Report: 

Alderman Cary thanked the Mayor and Council for his appointment and is excited to be here.

Alderman Lively reported she had a constituent reach out to her regarding parking downtown and offering one 30-minute parking spot on each side of the square. 

Alderman Koon voiced a concern about the power poles that are damaged near Camp Creek. These are telecommunication lines and have been reported in the past, but will be looked into again.  

Police Chief’s Report: 

Chief Bross reports that Jason Shumard has retired (January 27, 2024) from MPD after eighteen years of service. A candidate is currently undergoing a background check, and an offer will be made if this check comes back ok. A successful search and rescue effort for a 14-year-old was completed on January 22nd. Chief discussed an application for a 50/50 grant for new body cameras, as the current ones have little technical support.  

Fire Chief’s Report: 

Chief Rupkey reviewed the monthly report, stating the number of calls received in January (72) is the most ever received in a month since he has been on the fire department. The State Marshall gave MFRD a refresher course on department responsibilities in January. Chief said the reunification drill went well. Alderman Vogt commented that it is phenomenal to see Police and  Fire work together, and added Chief Bross set the stage for the agency cooperation. Chief Rupkey also thanked Callie McFarland for her work on submitting grants for the department. 

City Administrator’s Report: 

Mr. Summers welcomed Alderman Cary. He confirmed that the City’s bond rating did move to AA. Tim King will be at one of the next two meetings to discuss this with the Council. Mr. Summers said to expect the Appropriation Ordinance the last meeting in February or the first meeting in March. 

Closed Session: 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(22) Review of Closed Session Minutes 

At 7:50pm a motion was made by Alderman Vogt, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to enter  into Closed Session 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(22) Review of Closed Session Minutes. Mayor Stoner stated that following Closed Session, action would be taken on Resolution 2024-13 in Open Session. 

At 8:01pm, a motion was made by Alderman Burris, and seconded by Alderman Vogt, to come out of Closed Session.  

Resolution 2024-13: Release of Closed Session Minutes 

The Council discussed and reviewed the Closed Session Minutes and determined the following  minutes should be released: June 20, 2023. This will be added to Resolution 2024-13. 

A motion was made by Alderman Woodham, and seconded by Alderman Burris, to approve  Resolution 2024-13. The motion passed 8-0.

A motion was made by Alderman Vogt, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to adjourn the meeting at 8:01pm.

https://www.cityofmonticello.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/7352?fileID=5805