Chambana Sun

City of Gibson City Council met June 24

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: P Ray Hankes : A

Ward #3 Scott Davis: P Doug Parsons: P

Ward #4 Denis Fisher: A Laura Miller: P

Visitors: Chief Rosendahl, Admin Shull, Attorney Marc Miller, Treasurer Vickie Lorenzen, Chairman of CDAP Tracy Epps, Natalie & Jenny DeSchepper of Rising Bakery, Resident Terry Roesch, and Jean Noellsch for Ford County Chronicle.

Pledge led by Alderman Sarantakos.

Motion to approve Minutes of June 10, 2024 made by Alderman Davis, 2nd made by Alderman Tongate; Alderman Sarantakos corrected newspaper article stating her question was about Getty Lawncare, not Benjamin Landscaping, motion carried 6-0.

Committee:

Alderman Davis - reported that the Finance Committee met last week to review this year’s fiscal budget, a few adjustments will be made and hope to have it ready for the next regular meeting Agenda.

Alderman Parsons – reported that Supt. Martin believes the annual street work resurfacing will begin in the next two weeks, letters of reminder will be sent to homeowners on affected streets regarding parking. Parsons also asked if one of the sirens was not working properly. Chief Rosendahl stated it has been reported and will be repaired.

Alderman Sarantakos – Asked if the city has any feelers out for grant money or an insurance claim to help with costs stemming from the extensive tree damage from the recent storm. Administrative Asst. Shull replied that the City insurance will help cover costs of Glad Tree Service and outsourced help.

Treasurer – Vickie Lorenzen read the May Treasurer Report and there were no comments or questions.

Motion made by Alderman Sarantakos to pay 8 checks from the Bond Account in the amount of $17,161.32, 2nd made by Alderman _________, motion carried ____.

Bills:

Motion made by Alderman Parsons to pay General Fund checks in the amount of $146,764.12. 2nd to this motion made by Alderman Wyant, motion approved 6/0.

New Business:

• New Business

A. CDAP Committee Chairman Tracy Epps reported that his committee met earlier today with Jenny and Natalie DeSchepper, owners of Rising Bakery and discussed their application for a CDAP loan. Committee unanimously recommended the council to approve a CDAP loan in the amount of $50,000, 10-year fixed rate, 20-year amortization term 2%. Both Natalie and Jenny DeSchepper were present and explained how Rising Bakery came about; reported how much work they are doing on the building, mostly at night so as not to disturb their neighbors, are targeting to open in August or September. Alderman Davis made a motion to approve the recommendation of a grant in the amount of $50,000.00 with terms as indicated; 2nd made by Alderman Tongate; motion approved 6/0.

B. Motion made by Alderman Sarantakos to approve a FACADE grant in the amount the maximum, $5,000 2nd by Alderman Davis, to help pay for new storefront windows at 216 N. Sangamon, Rising Bakery. Their cost is actually $16,480.00 and a 50% match would be $8,240.00, which is over the maximum of $5,000.00 allowed per grant. Motion to approve the Façade grant in the maximum amount of $5,000 passed 6/0.

C. Discussion and consideration of purchase of a new police vehicle, presentation by Chief Rosendahl. Chief explained that it has been 3-4 years since his department purchased a new squad car, and he explained that local business MCS, Todd McNutt has developed a program to install all the necessary lights, sirens, equipment on vehicles for police departments. McNutt purchased a 2022 Dodge Durango from Bradbury Autos last year, for $39,548.00 which is less than the state price of $44K+. McNutt customizes the vehicle to Chief’s specifications and sells the vehicle with all equipment at a cost of $77,447.68

Motion by Alderman Parsons to approve the purchase of a new police squad car as presented by Chief Rosendahl, for a total cost of $77,447.68, amount planned in budget, 2nd made by Alderman Wyant. Chief Rosendahl stated that he is using some remaining CoVid funds to help save in his overall budget, and the car will be ready within 2 weeks.

Motion carried 6/0.

Chief Rosendahl also asked Mayor and council if the city crew can paint onto downtown sidewalks our rule of ‘No Bicycles, Skaters, Scooters’ on sidewalks. All agreed as it was done in the past and should be done as a reminder.

D. Alderman Susie Tongate presented a quote from Neighborhood Ace Hardware to purchase clear lights for city trees located on Sangamon Avenue between 7th & 10th Streets, 200 lights per tree (120 strings and 25 extension cords) all of the time except when blue lights are on during holiday months. Motion made by Alderman Sarantakos to approve this purchase of lights at a cost of $1,663.55, 2nd made by Alderman Tongate, motion carried 6/0.

E. Mayor Dickey presented an appraisal made by Rick Bowen for 15.07 Acres, Lot 17, from the Jordan Industrial Park at a cost of $23,000 an acre/ 15.00 acres, total of $345,000. Mayor Dickey stated that after ‘squaring up’ the property lines, the actual acreage is 15.07, $346,610.00 total offered by Earthrise Energy. Mayor Dickey also noted that the project will be screened with live evergreens and fencing to protect glare from Jordan Pond area. Attorney Miller presented Ordinance 2024-0-06, allowing for the sale of this property, and providing the real estate contract and survey as exhibits. Miller noted changes from the printed copy that his office will make before Mayor signs the Ordinance. First Page – Lot 17 (delete 19B), price change to $346,610.00 and, change Board of Trustees / Village to City Council and City. Motion to approve Ordinance 2024-O-6 as presented made by Alderman Miller, 2nd by Alderman Sarantakos, motion carried 6/0.

Motion made by Alderman Davis, 2 nd by Alderman Miller, meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

https://gibsoncityillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/June-24-2024-Minutes-.pdf