Chambana Sun

City of Monticello City Council met Nov. 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. Alderman Burris then led the Council in prayer. Roll call was taken by the City Clerk.

Roll Call:

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

Absent: NONE

Also Present: Terry Summers, City Administrator; Maura Metcalf, Finance/HR; Chief Rob Bross, MPD; Chief Joh Rupkey, MFRD; Brett Baker, Public Works Director; Jim Grabarczyk, Director of Planning & Development; Callie McFarland, Director of Community Development (remote); Carlos McClellan, Recreation Director; Mindy Condis, Aquatics and Program Director (remote); Nancy Frazee, Utility Billing Clerk

Public Participation:

None

Consent Agenda:

Claims Report (Claims dated October 29, 2024 through November 12, 2024)

Meeting Minutes – City Council Meeting Minutes, October 28, 2024; City Council Closed Session

Meeting Minutes, October 28, 2024

Treasurer’s Report – February 29, 2024, August 31, 2024, September 30, 2024

Permit Report – October 2024

Fire Report – October 2024

Police Report – October 2024

A motion was made by Alderman Reed, and seconded by Alderman Yoon, to approve the Consent Agenda items. The motion passed 10-0.

Mayor’s Report:

Candidates running in the Consolidated General Election can file petitions November 12 – 18.

Upcoming events include Polar Express which begins this Friday, Ugly Sweater shopping downtown November 21, a Christmas Market on Saturday, November 23, and the Reds of Christmas on November 29.

Old Business:

None

New Business:

Ordinance 2024-51: An Ordinance Approving an Encroachment Permit at 219 West Washington, City of Monticello, Piatt County, IL

The City of Monticello has received an application from Bucks Pond Properties for a permit to allow installation of a patio cover structure on City property at 219 West Washington to cover their outdoor seating area. The structure would be anchored to the concrete, but not the building.

If approved, the structure would be constructed in general accordance with the plans submitted.

Sections 94.075 – 94.079 of the City Code allow issuance of Revocable Encroachment Permits for certain privately-owned structures on City property after the City Council has reviewed the request and passed an Ordinance allowing such a structure.

Because the 219 W. Washington Street property is a contributing structure in the Courthouse Square National Historic District, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) must review and provide input to prevent installations and modifications that are complimentary, not detrimental to the Historic District. On November 5, 2024 at 4:00pm the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a special meeting to discuss the project as submitted. The HPC recommended granting the encroachment permit but did request a small change to some diagonal cross members and the applicant agreed. James Helmuth with Bucks Pond Properties was present for any questions.

A motion was made by Alderman Broadrick, seconded by Alderman Pearcy, to approve Ordinance 2024-51. The motion passed 10-0.

Resolution 2024-52: Truth in Taxation Law Resolution

State Statutes establish procedures and requirements for determining the amounts of money necessary to be raised from a property tax levy by a municipality. In accordance with The Truth in Taxation Law, the City Council must approve an estimated tax levy at least twenty days prior to adoption of the final levy. If the estimated property tax levy is less than 105% of the prior year levy, the City would not be required to advertise its intent and hold a public hearing on the levy.

City Administration has estimated the FY 2025 property tax levy to be $923,631.00, which is approximately 4.9% over the previous year’s levy. Terry Summers reminded all that 4.9 % is the total increase, not the increase individuals will see in their tax bill. Alderman Koon asked why we go with 4.9% each year, and Terry responded that legal counsel has advised us not to leave money on the table, and discussed that this allows us to capture the new homes being built. Alderman Burris remarked that we spend every bit of that money.

A motion was made by Alderman Brock, seconded by Alderman Reed, to approve Ordinance 2024-52. The motion passed 9-1 (Koon).

FY2025 Budget – Discussion Only

The proposed FY 2025 Budget was reviewed and discussed, and Terry reminded all this is a working document. In regard to General Fund Capital Improvements, Terry presented two possibilities – 12A and 12B: Option 12A provides for Freedom Park to be completed at $1,890,000 and nothing done with Oberheim Park; Option 12B would see Oberheim Park, Phase One, completed in FY2025 at $8,000,000, and nothing done with Freedom Park. These two options were discussed at length, with direction eventually given to present option 12B with the proposed budget.

Aldermen’s Report:

Alderman Brock encouraged everyone to come out and see the Sages play in the 3rd round of the playoffs at home this Saturday. He also invited all to enjoy Christmas at Allerton and the fabulous representation of Santa Claus that will be there.

Alderman Yoon asked that people please donate blood as it is always needed, and mentioned a blood drive is coming in November.

Police Chief’s Report:

None

Fire Chief’s Report:

Chief Rupkey reviewed the monthly report and discussed the training the department received.

City Administrator’s Report:

Terry shared with the council that Jill Potts has turned in her resignation from the position of Administrative Assistant/City Clerk, effective at the end of December. Terry stated he appreciated all that Jill does and has done, and that she has been an asset to City Hall. Terry, Mayor Stoner and Council wished Jill the best in her future endeavors.

A motion was made by Alderman Woodham, seconded by Alderman Brock, to adjourn the meeting at 9:13pm.

https://www.cityofmonticello.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/7779?fileID=6151