Chambana Sun

City of Monticello City Council met June 10

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 then taken by the City Clerk.

Roll Call:

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

Absent: YOON

Also Present: Terry Summers, City Administrator; Maura Metcalf, Finance/HR; Chief Rob Bross, MPD

Public Participation:

None

Consent Agenda:

Claims Report (Claims dated May 29, 2024 through June 10, 2024)

Meeting Minutes – City Council Meeting Minutes, May 28, 2024

Permit Report – May 2024

Police Report – May 2024

Fire Report – May 2024

Treasurer’s Report – April 30, 2024

A motion was made by Alderman Reed, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to approve the Consent Agenda items. The motion passed 9-0.

Mayor’s Report:

Applications are being accepted for the Monticello Building Improvement Grant program for eligible properties. The Monticello Farmer’s Market will kick off the season this Thursday from 3-6pm on the State Street side of the square. WCIA is celebrating Monticello with their Our Town series. Watch the 4, 5, and 6pm broadcasts for special stories on the community. The week will wrap up with a live broadcast from downtown Monticello this Friday. Father’s Day weekend is at Monticello Railway Museum this Saturday and Sunday. Eli Aerotow, the giant-scale glider model air show is June 12-June 16. This event brings international visitors to the facility. The Piatt County Trailblazers 69th Annual Rodeo is next Thursday through Saturday at the Piatt County Trailblazers facility. The rodeo parade steps off at 10am Saturday morning through downtown.

Old Business:

None

New Business:

Ordinance 2024-30: An Ordinance Establishing Compensation for Certain City Officials

Earlier this year, compensation adjustments were discussed during the Aldermen reports. Records research indicate that the last compensation adjustment(s) must have occurred prior to 2003.

Ordinance 2024-30 will increase the compensation for the Mayor, Alderperson, City Clerk, and Planning and Zoning Board Members as follows:

Current Proposed

Mayor $500 per month $750 per month

Alderperson $300 per month $500 per month

City Clerk $300 per month $500 per month

Planning and Zoning Board Member $25 per meeting $50 per meeting

Because compensation adjustments cannot occur during existing terms of office, the compensation adjustment will not occur until May, 2027. Alderman Brock stated this increase is justifiable (due to length of time since last increase) and hopes this will help fill open spots on the Council in the future. Alderman Cary voiced that he acknowledged Alderman Brock’s point, but feels that compensation should not be the main influence in serving on the Council.

A motion was made by Alderman Brock, and seconded by Alderman Broadrick, to approve Ordinance 2024-30. The motion passed 8-1 (Cary).

Aldermen’s Report:

Alderman Pearcy gave a thank-you for the patching that was completed on Main and Hamilton Streets.

Alderman Brock appreciates the sewer work that he had requested in the past being fixed. He also asked that Public Works complete some cleaning on storm drains this summer.

Alderman Broadrick requested an update on the driveway work at a residence on Washington St. Terry Summers informed him that Public Works is reaching out to the residents and attempting to plan the work but residents have not been responsive. (The work on this driveway approach will cause parking issues for the residents because of their location.)

Police Chief’s Report:

Chief Bross reviewed training that will occur this summer to include training on taser use, medical issues, and evidence protocol. Mayor Stoner appreciates the training.

City Administrator’s Report:

Terry Summers asked that gratitude for a job well done be extended to Officer Forman, referencing a thank-you letter from a visitor to Monticello with car trouble that he went above and beyond to assist. Mr. Summers informed the Council he attended a meeting recently with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars regarding plans for Freedom Park moving forward without the statue. A meeting also was held with Farnsworth regarding Oberheim Park as he has been asked by Council to get an updated cost estimate and explore phases. He is hoping to have some figures later this year. Alderman Woodham asked about the timetable for Burke Park. Terry informed him the construction will begin in late August/early September (after the close of the pool for the season) and will go into the Spring of 2025.

A motion was made by Alderman Brock, and seconded by Alderman Cary, to adjourn the meeting at 7:15pm.

https://www.cityofmonticello.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/7512?fileID=5938