Chambana Sun

City of Gibson City Council met June 10

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Dickey at the Moyer Library.

Roll Call:

Ward #1 Susie Tongate: P Sarah Sarantakos: P

Ward #2 Randy Wyant: A Ray Hankes : P

Ward #3 Scott Davis: A Doug Parsons: P

Ward #4 Denis Fisher: P Laura Miller: A

Visitors: Chief Rosendahl, Admin Shull, Supts. Martin & Duncan, Farnsworth Engineers Michael Lutz & Zach Knight, Mike Bleich coordinator of annual cleanup day, resident Terry Roesch and Reporter Mindy Basi.

Pledge led by Alderman Parsons.

Motion to approve Minutes of May 13, 2024 made by Alderman Sarantakos, 2nd made by Alderman Tongate, motion carried 5/0.

Committee: Alderman Tongate informed council that she has an estimate from Neighborhood Ace Hdwe to purchase clear lights for the trees downtown, to be lit 10 months a year. The total is under $1,400.00, but due to not being on the Agenda, Mayor suggested a straw poll. Alderman present were in favor 4 yes, 1 no. Mayor Dickey asked Alderman Tongate to circulate the actual quote and see that it is on the Agenda for our next regular council meeting.

Supt. Martin – informed council the new meter installation project is about 50% complete, will probably take 2 more months to complete. Alderman Fisher asked who is responsible for calling and making an appointment. Supt. Martin replied that the name on the water bill is the person who receives the letter.

Supt. Duncan – in reply to Alderman Sarantakos query about progress on Falcon Pointe and Railside Estates. Duncan reported Falcon Pointe is making progress, Railside has some changes to make with their engineers, MSA, and it is taking longer.

Bills:

Treasurer/Admin Reports:

Motion made by Alderman Hankes to pay 3 checks from T.I.F. 2 account in the amount of $78986.00, 2 nd made by Alderman Sarantakos: motion approved 4, 1, abstention from Alderman Fisher.

Motion made by Alderman Sarantakos to pay 1 check from Downtown T.I.F in the amount of $77,750.00 to Kevin Hustedt per qualifying costs submitted for Hustedt Jewelry, 2nd made by Alderman Tongate. Alderman Sarantakos commented on the length of time it is taking for the remodeling and reopening of the jewelry store, and voiced disappointment that we are losing sales tax dollars to the Bloomington Hustedt Jewelers. Mayor Dickey clarified that we have no control over sales tax, it is paid where the purchase is made. Motion approved 4, 1, abstention from Alderman Fisher.

Motion made by Alderman Hankes to pay 5 checks from the Bond Account in the amount of $69,564.52, 2nd made by Alderman Parsons, motion carried 5/0.

Motion made by Alderman Sarantakos to pay General Fund checks in the amount of $208,631.55, 2nd to this motion made by Alderman Fisher, motion approved 5/0.

New Business:

A. Discussion and Consideration of Façade Grant (matching fund 50% up to $5,000) Application for 120 E. First Street (Marc’s on First) Motion made by Alderman Tongate to approve the Façade Grant in the maximum amount of $5,000 (50% would be $5,920), 2nd made by Alderman Fisher, motion carried 5/0.

B. Discussion and Consideration to rescind Ordinance 2023-O-12 / TIF 2 Agreement with Benjamin Landscaping. Mayor Dickey informed council that we should wait on this because Mr. Benjamin is considering the previously written and approved TIF 2 agreement. Will be on next Agenda.

C. Discussion and Consideration of Farnsworth Task Order 2024-3 for engineering services for the WWTP Improvements – Long Term Control Plan Update, NPDES Permit Modifications and IEPA SRF Project Plan. Total cost $84K. Supt. Duncan explained that this is addresses long range planning and reporting for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He stated that we need to catch up on some reporting and then move forward and eventually plan for a new wastewater treatment facility to be built. Mayor Dickey asked if the design would include room for expansion if needed. Answer, yes. Motion to approve FW Task Order 2024-O-3 in the amount of $84,000 made by Alderman Sarantakos, 2nd by Alderman Parsons, motion carried 5/0.

D. Discussion and Consideration Ordinance 2024-O-05 Amended Water/Sewer Rates to include the annual 4% at the first billing of each new fiscal year, and a correction previously passed that raised the disconnect/reconnect fee from $25 to $200. Supt. Martin stated that this pays for the paperwork and call-out for connections. City Attorney Marc Miller clarified that this Ordinance is a housekeeping issue of previously voted on changes. Motion to approved Ordinance 2024-O-05 made by Alderman Tongate, 2nd by Alderman Hankes, motion carried 5/0.

E. Discussion and Consideration of Purchase of a push camera system – Supt. Duncan explained this camera is a hand-held that can be used easily on a daily basis, where the other camera purchased last year is a tractor model and does not fit in all pipes. His recommendation is the Coe Equipment camera @ a cost of $12,719.47. Motion to approve this purchase in the amount of $12, 719.47 made by Alderman Sarantakos, 2nd by Alderman Fisher, motion carried 5/0.

F. Consideration to Adopt Ordinance 2024-O-6 Annexing 16+/- acre trat of land being the SW ¼ S1 T23N R7 E 3rd PM Providing Plat Approval. This Ordinance is to approve the process of annexing the 16+/- acres in the NE past of town to move forward with the drainage plan. Attorney Miller recommends holding off on this Ordinance due to a conflict between state and local ordinance and whether or not there is a need for a Plan Commission public hearing and recommendation.

Alderman Fisher offered a Motion to table this Ordinance, all in favor. Attorney Miller also recommends the discussion of updating our code to be in line with the state language. No action taken at this time, but Mayor Dickey asked that this be added to the Plan Commission Agenda for the meeting on July 8th.

G. Consideration and Approval of ServPro Proposal for cleaning and remediation at City Hall. City Hall administrative offices have been temporarily relocated and Serv Pro has provided an estimate of $62,105.57 remediation from damage caused by leaking roof. Supt. Martin clarified this is for remediation only, does not include new flooring, updating electrical system, replacement of ceiling/walls. That will be discussed and decided at a later date. Alderman Sarantakos asked if this expense of remediation is a cost we plan to recover, and Mayor Dickey stated that legal counsel will include this amount, but we need to move forward. Fees will be paid from general funds. Motion made by Alderman Parsons to approve the Serv Pro bid in the amount of $62,105.57. Alderman Tongate made a 2nd to this motion, motion carried 5/0.

Mike Bleich, coordinator of annual cleanup day asked if council would consider spending funds from the beautification fund towards costs that may be incurred for tire disposal. Hull Family Tire will accept the tires on cleanup day, and all cleanup services are for residents of Gibson City. Mr. Bleich wrote and received a grant of $250 for cleanup day from Thrivent. Part of the money is for refreshments and supplies for the volunteers, and rather than limit the number on tire disposal, asks for city to contribute if needed. Also, he asked that any funds donated remain in the Beautification Fund. Council will assist on costs of tire disposal.

Motion made by Alderman Parsons, 2nd by Alderman Tongate, meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

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