Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Dec. 3

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Wise called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm following the pledge of allegiance.

II. ROLL CALL – The following 8 alderpersons were present: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach. Mayor Wise, Clerk Hardcastle, and Attorney Miller were also present.

III. AMENDMENT OR APPORVAL OF THE AGENDA – Alderwoman K. Ferrell moved to approve the agenda. Alderman M. Ferrell seconded the motion. Motion was carried 8-0.

IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING – Alderman Garrett moved to approve the minutes from the previous council meeting. Alderman McElhaney seconded the motion. Motion was carried 8-0.

V. APPROVAL OF THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS – Alderman McElhaney moved to approve the payment of they city’s bills. Alderwoman Lawson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: None) and the bills were approved 8-0.

VI. PRESENTATIONS – None

VII. PETITIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None

VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS

a. EYRICH

i. Nothing to report.

b. K. FERRELL

i. Nothing to report.

c. M. FERRELL

i. Nothing to report.

d. GARRETT

i. Nothing to report.

e. LAWSON

i. RESOLUTION 2025-23 – FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION – Alderwoman Lawson moved to approve the resolution awarding a $5000 façade grant to Lance Raver for the work on his building. Alderman Scharlach seconded the motion. The grant application and photos were shared with the council. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: None) and the resolution was approved 8-0.

f. MCELHANEY

i. LEAF PICKUP – The Street and Alley Department is wrapping up leaf pickup in the next week.

ii. SNOW ROUTES – Alderman McElhaney reminded residents to abide by the snow routes once they are put into effect.

g. PORTH

i. ORDINANCE 2025-12 - TAX LEVY – Alderman Porth reviewed the tax levy.

The levy increased by about $18,000 which is less than 2%. Alderman Porth moved to approve the ordinance. Alderman M. Ferrell seconded the motion.

A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: None) and the ordinance was approved 8-0.

ii. INSURANCE – The Finance Committee met 2 weeks ago to discuss the insurance proposals. Alderman Porth has met with both insurance companies that placed put in proposals and the Finance Committee will meet on December 10, 2024, at 3:00 pm to discuss the proposals. This would include all insurance except health insurance.

iii. GROCERY TAX – The Finance Committee will be addressing the 1% grocery tax soon.

h. SCHARLACH

i. AMBULANCE CONTRACT – The proposed contract with Arrow Ambulance is still being reviewed by the committee. The city will submit their revisions to Arrow this week.

ii. LADDER TRUCK – The surplus ladder truck will be going to Mowery Auction soon.

iii. FIRE STATION DAMAGE – The main fire station was damaged recently due to a vehicle colliding with it. Claims have been made to the city’s insurance.

XI. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None

XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS – None

XIV. MAYOR COMMENTS

a. HOTEL DEVELOPMENT – Mayor Wise advised that he did receive an email from the investment group, but it was the same communication has he had been getting.

Attorney Miller advised that there was slight movement in the request, but he was neutral on whether it was enough progress. The council agreed to stand by the last vote, which was to return the money to the county if sufficient progress had not been made. This allows the county to reallocate their money and the city to reallocate the remaining ARPA funds.

b. ESSEX BUILDING – Mayor Wise advised that the city will be pursuing an aggressive stance on the Essex property and getting the property back. Attorney Miller advised that Mr. Acton filed paperwork on the last day to do so and it will be a contested matter. Mayor Wise stated that if the city gets the property back, it will be turned over to the hotel developers.

c. ARPA FUNDS – The remaining ARPA funds left from the hotel development will need to be allocated by the next meeting. Attorney Miller advised to make sure and check with the accountants on the matter.

XV. ATTORNEY COMMENTS

a. SMALL CLAIMS ACTIVITY – Attorney Miller reviewed the ongoing small claims activity involving the city.

b. FIFTH ST PROPERTY – Since one of the heirs has disappeared, Eric is going a different route to get the property cleaned up.

c. BURNED OUT PROPERTIES – Mayor Wise and Eric will be sitting down to come up with ways to streamline action on the burned-out properties.

d. 627 E YOUNG – This property is in step 2 of the process on getting it cleaned up.

Alderwoman K. Ferrell advised that she needs to meet with Attorney Miller on the next steps.

e. MCFERREN BUILDING – Alderman Garrett asked about action on the downtown McFerren building. Mayor Wise answered that he met with the owner and will be meeting with them again and including Vermilion Advantage.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further action to come before the council, Alderwoman K. Ferrell moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Garrett seconded the motion. Motion was carried 8-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:37 pm.

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