Chambana Sun

City of Gibson City Council met March 11

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by City Clerk Jan Hall in Mayor Dickey’s absence. Council voted unanimously to appoint Alderman Scott Davis to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem for tonight’s meeting.

Roll Call:

Ward #1 Susie Tongate: P    Sarah Sarantakos: P

Ward #2 Randy Wyant: P     Ray Hankes : P

Ward #3 Scott Davis: P        Doug Parsons: A

Ward #4 Denis Fisher: P      Laura Miller: P

Pledge led by Alderman Sarantakos.

Motion to approve Minutes of February 26, 2024 made by Alderman Fisher, 2nd made by Alderman

Sarantakos. Motion carried 7/0.

Visitors: Jeremy Janes representing Copper Creek Construction, contractor on our city hall roof, updating council that an engineer for the insurance company will be here tomorrow to inspect the roof, and later this week Copper Creek has hired another engineer for a second opinion. The process is picking up speed and he will keep all informed and work through Supt. Martin.

Harvest Fest Committee was present to share ideas for this year’s event and provided a financial report to council. Noted 2024 will be the 10th year of this event. Date is September 14th, and committee has decided to make this a one-day event. Set-up for the event will be on Friday the 13th, with coordination through police department and Supt. Martin. Committee asked to be on the Agenda for March 25 to make their request for financial sponsorship from the city. Last year the donation was $7,500.

OLD BUSINESS:

Adrianna Burella representing Solar Provider Group, and landowner Robert Loftus (owner of the 76 acres) attended to answer any questions regarding the Solar Farm project and Pre-Annexation Agreement with the City. Ms. Burella updated the council that permits are being obtained, a kick-off meeting was held with Ameren, and all the project is moving forward. Atty Marc Miller explained to council that within the Pre-Annexation Agreement is a clause to abate taxes for 10 years if the property annexes prior to reaching Commercial Operation. Alderman Hankes made the motion to approve passing Ordinance 2024-O-2 / Pre-Annexation Agreement, with Alderman Sarantakos making the second; motion approved 7/0.

Committee Reports – Alderman Fisher reported on an Ordinance Committee meeting held this evening at 6:00 p.m. for and update on revisions of first draft. All members, Clerk/Coordinator Hall, Chief Rosendahl, and Supts. Martin, Duncan & Asst. Supt Nolte were all present to provide insight.

Meeting was adjourned and Chairman Fisher has called for the next meeting to be Monday, March 18th at 5:30 p.m.

Alderman Tongate announced Car Cruises will continue beginning May 17, June 21, July 19, and August 16 on Sangamon between 7th and 10th Streets. Also, Red White & Tunes event will be held on Saturday July 6 at Mark’s on First. Noted that this is not a chamber or city sponsored event.

Bills:

Motion made by Alderman Tongate to pay 4 checks from T.I.F. 2 account in the amount of140,370.30, 2nd made by Alderman Sarantakos, motion approved 7/0.

Motion made by Alderman Sarantakos to pay 1 check from T.I.F. 3 account in the amount of $2,200.86, 2nd made by Alderman Tongate, motion approved 5 ayes and Aldermen Davis & Miller abstained due to owning property in TIF 3.

Motion made by Alderman Wyant to pay 2 checks from (Water) Bond account in the amount of $107147.00, 2nd made by Alderman Miller, motion approved 7/0.

Motion made by Alderman Hankes to pay General Fund checks in the amount of $275,387.17, 2nd made by Alderman Sarantakos; motion approved 7/0.

New Business:

A. Discussion and Consideration of Task Order # 077 for DCEO Grant Assistance from Donohue & Associates in the amount not to exceed $3,500.00 for the $40K grant received from the State for improvements in our water infrastructure. Supt. Martin explained the fee to Donohue & Associates will come from the $40K grant funds. Motion by Alderman Wyant to approve Donohue Task Order #077 not to exceed $3,500 for assistance in grant writing. Alderman Fisher made the 2nd to this motion; vote was 7/0 in favor.

B. Discussion and Consideration of the City Sponsoring/Contributing to the GAHHS Summer Bash. CEO Rob Schmitt and Bill Kirby of Gibson Area Hospital presented initial plans for the 4th annual ‘Summer Bash’ to be held Saturday, August 17th downtown on Sangamon Avenue from 7th Street north to 9th or 10th Street. The event began as an appreciation to all who helped through the CoVid epidemic, and being successful it has continued, growing each year. This year the main event features Bret Michaels with Jefferson Starship. The crowd is anticipated to reach between 8-10K people. Much planning and coordination will be needed, has begun with Lt. Acree. Supt. Martin asked about handling parking in residential neighborhoods and blocking residents private drives – and also asked if trash receptacles will be dumpsters. Kirby stated they will have extra volunteers to take trash to the dumpsters. Schmitt and Kirby will continue to work closely with the city and Schmitt is requesting a $10K donation from the city for this event. This is the first time they have asked for financial assistance from the City. Motion was made by Alderman Hankes to approve the $10K donation, 2nd by Alderman Tongate, motion carried 7/0.

C. Alecia Skinner, owner of A. Renee Boutique, announced that Jeannine Litwiller of Strictly Kids is celebrating her 30th year in business in Gibson City this year. An event is scheduled for Saturday, March 30th from 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. “Hop into Spring”. They have arranged to have 3 food truck vendors and Skinner asked if they could be parked along the south side of 9th Street east of Sangamon Avenue. She is not asking to block the street. Chief Rosendahl asked that she check with his department to see that each has their permit for the day. Council gave their unanimous consent for the trucks to be parked on 9th as explained.

Alderman Hankes made a motion to adjourn with a 2nd to motion by Alderman Sarantakos. All in favor, meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

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