Chambana Sun

City of Monticello City Council met Feb. 26

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Stoner called the meeting to order and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Rodney  Burris led the Council in prayer. Roll call was taken by the Deputy City Clerk. 

Roll Call: 

Present: VOGT, LIVELY, CARY, WOODHAM, REED, BURRIS, BROADRICK, BROCK Absent: KOON, PEARCY 

Also Present: Terry Summers, City Administrator; Maura Metcalf, Finance/HR; Callie McFarland,  Director of Community Development; Chief Rob Bross, MPD 

Public Participation: 

Caitlin McClain addressed the council regarding concerns of higher-than-average cases of  glioblastoma deaths in the City of Monticello. She lost her father-in-law, and his best friend recently from glioblastoma. She spoke to the Illinois Epidemiologist and they had record of 13 cases in  Monticello and said the average of cases is 3 persons per 100,000. They indicated Monticello has a higher-than-average amount of cases in the United States and all rural counties in IL. Farmers have the highest rate of glioblastomas, it affects men more than woman, and typically people in  their 60s. They feel it is caused by either the soil, air, or water. She feels something is going on with such a high number here, and most people are affected lived within walking distance. She is concerned with the spraying of farm fields in or near the city limits. She would like the city to help her get answers so no other family has to deal with this type of loss.  

Jessica Evans spoke regarding the same topic. Her father-in-law, John Evans, lost his battle with  glioblastoma last year. The disease took his ability to communicate, and take care of himself. It  was brutal on the family. A glioblastoma is a malignant tumor that affects brain or spinal cord and grows fast. It is typically 8 months from diagnosis to death. The 5-year survival rate is 5.9%. Only  1% live 10 years. We have to do something to stop this. She would like the City Council to assist them getting more information to get answers.  

Steve Shreffler would like the City Council to help them find answers.

Consent Agenda: 

Claims Report (Claims dated February 13, 2024 through February 26, 2024) Meeting Minutes – City Council Meeting Minutes, February 12, 2024 

Treasurer’s Report – December 31, 2023 

A motion was made by Alderman Woodham, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to approve the Consent Agenda items. The motion passed 8-0. 

Mayor’s Report: 

Mayor Stoner announced a new business opening this spring, Back Alley Boutique & Collectibles.  He also gave a reminder for some upcoming events: The 10th Piatt County Antique Day is this  Saturday from 9am – 3pm with 11 shops participating in Atwood, Monticello, Cisco and Mansfield. Tickets are also available for Bunny Eggspress, an Easter Egg Hunt and train ride March 29th &  30th. Don’t forget to check the job board on the City website for updates on area businesses that  are hiring.  

Old Business: 

New Business: 

Resolution 2024-14: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Real Estate Sales Agreement Between the City of Monticello and Friends of the Kickapoo Rail Trail 

Terry Summers presented the following: 

This property purchase was approved in the fiscal year 2023 general fund recreation capital  improvements. The expenditure was deposited in an Escrow account late last year in anticipation  of a closing to occur early this year. The property consists of approximately 1.2 miles of former  railroad right-of-way currently owned by Friends of the Kickapoo Rail Trail (formerly Heartland  Pathways) from Green Apple Lane to North 625 East Road. This purchase will also transfer ownership to the City of Monticello (previously held under a permanent easement) of the former railroad right-of-way from Green Apple Lane to Railroad Street, an additional 1.2 miles. This  resolution approves the real estate sales agreement and authorizes execution of the closing documents. City forces will clear the rail bed of dense vegetation this year with pavement surfacing to occur in a future budget.  

A motion was made by Alderman Woodham, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to approve  Resolution 2024-14. The motion passed 8-0. 

Ordinance 2024-15: An Ordinance Amending Title XI, Chapter 111 of the City of Monticello Code of Ordinances Concerning Liquor License Procedures 

Callie McFarland presented the following: 

For many years, it has been the practice of the City Council to eliminate any open liquor licenses,  requiring any potential licensee to request creation of an additional license from the City Council. This was done through council action. With the rising demand for liquor licenses, the competition to fill potentially available licenses has increased. Legal counsel has advised a “fair” way to address applicants when liquor licenses come available, minimizing risk as a “first come, first served” procedure might cause. 

This ordinance will automatically reduce a liquor license that becomes available upon closure of  the business, without council action. Just as it’s done currently when an individual makes a request for a liquor license, Staff will present the business concept and proposed location, with City Council having the oversight on approval. 

A motion was made by Alderman Broadrick, and seconded by Alderman Woodham, to approve  Ordinance 2024-15. The motion passed 8-0. 

Aldermen’s Report: 

Alderwoman Vogt commented that she was going to miss the Fieldhouse. She also commented that she had experienced a loss from glioblastoma from someone that lived in  White Heath. 

Police Chief’s Report: 

Chief Bross thank Mary Vogt for all her work on the county reunification program. He feels we are ahead of the other communities.  

City Administrator’s Report: 

None 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Vogt, and seconded by Alderman Burris, to adjourn  the meeting at 7:23 pm.

https://www.cityofmonticello.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/7369?fileID=5831