Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Feb. 20.

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 8 alderpersons were present: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Highfill, Lawson, Porth, and Scharlach. Mayor Wise, Clerk Hardcastle, and  Attorney Miller were also present.  

III. AMENDMENT OR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – Alderman M. Ferrell moved to approve  the agenda as presented. Alderman Porth seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0. 

IV. AMENDMENT OR APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE PRIOR COUNCIL MEETING – Alderwoman K. Ferrell moved to approve the minutes from the February 6, 2024 meeting and the minutes from the February 6, 2024 study session. Alderwoman Highfill  seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0.  

V. APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF BILLS – Alderman Eyrich moved to approve the payment of  the city’s bills. Alderwoman Lawson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken  (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Highfill, Lawson, Porth, and Scharlach – Nays: None – Absent: None) and payment of the bills was approved 8-0.  

VI. PRESENTATIONS – Jane Sweeney from Keep Vermilion County Beautiful requested the  city join their organization at the corporate level. Rates have not been raised in the 8  years that Mrs. Sweeney has been involved with the organization. Corporate  sponsorship allows the city to apply for a $1000 grant to beautify the area. The city would also have 2 representatives to the KVCB board.  

VII. PETITIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None 

VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT – None 

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

a. Alderwoman K. Ferrell moved to go into executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS  120/2(c)(2) the purchase of real property for the use of the public body. Alderwoman  Lawson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Highfill, Lawson, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None -Absent: None) and  the council entered executive session at 7:08 pm.

b. Alderwoman K. Ferrell moved to come out of executive session. Alderman  Scharlach seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell,  M. Ferrell, Garrett, Highfill, Lawson, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None -Absent: None) and the council exited executive session at 7:45 pm.

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS  

a. Eyrich  

i. Nothing to report.  

b. K. Ferrell 

i. Nothing to report.  

c. M. Ferrell 

i. Nothing to report. 

d. Garrett 

i. Nothing to report. 

e. HIGHFILL 

i. 2003 FORD EXPLORER BID – Alderwoman Highfill reported that the Parks Department is taking bids for the 2003 Ford Explorer. Minimum bid is $500. Bid opening will be March 1 at 10:00 am with approval of the bids at the next council meeting.  

ii. THE PUMP FUNDRAISER – The Pump will be having a karaoke contest the  next 2 weekends.Proceeds from the contest will be given to the Parks  

Department for beautification.  

iii. POOL HIRINGS – The pool is currently looking for an assistant manager and lifeguards for the upcoming season.  

f. LAWSON 

i. Nothing to report.  

g. PORTH 

i. FY 2025 BUDGET SHEETS – Alderman Porth announced that he will be distributing FY2025 budget worksheets next week to begin work on the new budget.  

h. SCHARLACH  

i. Nothing to report. 

XI. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None 

XII. UNIFINISHED BUSINESS 

a. KELNHOFER ALLEY VACATION – Alderman Garrett asked if there was any update on the Kelnhofer Alley Vacation issue. Mayor Wise answered that there has not been any updates.  

XIII. NEW BUSINESS – None 

XIV. COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR  

a. 511 W MAIN ST DEMOLITION – Bid packets will be sent out soon for the demolition of this burned out home.  

b. LAND ACQUISITION – 209-211 E. MAIN ST – Alderman Eyrich moved to authorize the  mayor to negotiate for the acquisition of 209-211 E. Main St. Alderman Porth seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, Garrett, Highfill, Lawson, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell -Absent: None) and the  motion was carried 6-2. 

c. PUBLIC HEARING – Announced that the Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Musketeer Wind Turbine project on February 28, 2024 at 6:00 pm at city hall.  

XV. COMMENTS BY THE ATTORNEY  

a. 209-211 E MAIN ST – Work has been busy generating the notices to the owners of these properties.  

b. HOTEL TAX ORDINANCE – Work on this is nearly complete.  

c. SOLAR ORDINANCE – Work is ongoing with Attorney Keyt on this ordinance.

d. MUNICIPAL COURT – Attended the monthly municipal court. 

XVI. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further action to come before the council, Alderwoman K. Ferrell moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman M. Ferrell seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0. 

https://cityofhoopeston.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2-20-24-Meeting-Minutes.pdf