Chambana Sun

City of Monticello City Council met Aug. 12

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, KOON, BURRIS, YOON

Absent: BROADRICK

Also Present: Terry Summers, City Administrator; Maura Metcalf, Finance/HR; Callie McFarland, Director of Community Development; Lt. David Lansford, MPD; Chief John Rupkey, MFRD

Public Participation:

Ty Alexander participated in person and spoke regarding 716 E Grant and its poor condition. He is thinking about selling his house and wants to know how this house will affect his property values. With no family living in the house or the area, what is the homeowner’s responsibility on the upkeep of their home? Jerry Sanders spoke next regarding the same issue. Mr. Sanders states this has been going on for years. The house is falling down and it is depreciating the neighbors’ home value. There is trash in the yard, the front door is wide open, the fence is falling down, and there is a dog going in and out of the house. In addition there is someone that goes in and out of the house and there is a stream of traffic at night. Mr. Sanders said they see very little police presence in the neighborhood. He is disappointed that the City lets a property look like this and would like the City to step back and look at this and do something about it.

No remote participation.

Consent Agenda:

Claims Report (Claims dated July 23, 2024 through August 12, 2024)

Meeting Minutes – City Council Meeting Minutes, July 22, 2024

Permit Report – July 2024

Fire Report – July 2024

Police Report – July 2024

Treasurer’s Report – May 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024

Budget Report – June 2024

Hotel/Motel Tax Report December 31, 2023

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

Mayor’s Report:

Registration for the 14th Monticello Bootcamp Program is now open. Find out more information and register at monticellobootcamp.com. Upcoming events include Monticello schools beginning this Friday, Monticello Railway Museum will run the Southern 401 in Steam this weekend, and the Apple Dumpling Festival will be this Friday and Saturday in downtown Atwood. The Mansfield Homecoming is this Friday and Saturday in downtown Mansfield, and the Piatt County Museum’s Annual Quilt Festival is Saturday at the Cisco Center. Illini Super Jets Model Air Show and Event is August 21-24 at Eli Field.

Old Business:

None

New Business:

None

Aldermen’s Report:

Alderman Koon asked for an update on oil and chip, hoping it will be completed by the start of school. Mr. Summers informed him it should be completed by this Wednesday. Alderman Koon also referenced the Grant/Buchanan Street project, and reminded that this is on the homecoming parade route, and it is critical it is done prior to homecoming.

Police Chief’s Report:

Officer Wooten is graduating PTI August 22nd, and will begin field training on the 24th. Mayor Stoner asked if this hire will make the department full (no they will still be one officer short). Lt. Lansford said they have been spread thin, working extra hours and overtime.

Fire Chief’s Report:

Chief Rupkey reviewed his monthly report, and discussed the fire at the courthouse. There was a good response from surrounding departments. Contents of the room the fire started in were lost, and it is believed the cause was electrical.

City Administrator’s Report:

Mr. Summers addressed the oil and chip scheduled to begin tomorrow and finish Wednesday. In regard to the Grant/Buchanan project, concrete work has begun. Milling and paving is set to begin in September. The bid opening for Burke Park is this Thursday, and the pool will close for the season on Thursday as well.

Closed Session: Real Estate: Setting Price for Sale/Lease 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6)

At 7:22pm a motion was made by Alderman Brock, seconded by Alderman Woodham, to enter into Closed Session 5 ILCS 120/2 ( c)(6) Real Estate: Setting Price for Sale or Lease. Mayor Stoner stated that following Closed Session he did not anticipate action would be taken.

A motion was made by Alderman Brock, seconded by Alderman Woodham, to adjourn the meeting at 7:32pm.

https://www.cityofmonticello.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/7634?fileID=6050