Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Dec. 17

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 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – Alderwoman K. Ferrell moved to approve the agenda as presented. Alderman McElhaney seconded the motion. Motion was carried 8-0.

IV. APPORVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUSE COUNCIL MEETING – Attorney Miller wanted it noted that under the Mayor’s Comments it was noted that Acton filed paperwork on the property. Attorney Miller advised that Acton filed paperwork on the old Coffee Cup property, no the Essex Building. Mr. Acton has not answered the suit on the Essex Building yet. Alderman Eyrich moved to approve the minutes with the above note attached. Alderwoman Lawson seconded the motion. Motion was carried 8-0.

V. APPROVAL OF THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS – Alderman M. Ferrell moved to approve the payment of the city’s bills. Alderwoman K. Ferrell seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, 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. RESOLUTION 2025-24 – AWARDING BID FOR MARKET ST WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT – 4 bids were received and Iroquois Paving was the lowest bid. This project is 80% reimbursable from the IEPA. Alderman Eyrich moved to approve the resolution. Alderwoman K. Ferrell seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: None) and the resolution was approved 8-0.

b. K. FERRELL

i. Nothing to report.

c. M. FERRELL

i. Nothing to report.

d. GARRETT

i. Nothing to report.

e. LAWSON

i. Nothing to report.

f. MCELHANEY

i. Nothing to report.

g. PORTH

i. RESOLUTION 2025-25 – AWARDING BID FOR LIABILITY INSURANCE – Alderman Porth presented this year’s liability insurance bid. There was a slight reduction from the previous year’s premium. This bid just covers liability insurance, not health insurance. Alderman Porth moved to approve this resolution. Alderman Eyrich seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: None) and the resolution was approved 8-0.

ii. ORDINANCE 2025-13 – ARPA FUND REALLOCATION – Alderman Porth reviewed the list of projects for the remaining ARPA funds. These funds were reallocated due to the hotel project demise. Alderman Porth moved to approve the ordinance. Alderman Garrett seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: None) and the ordinance was approved 8-0.

h. SCHARLACH

i. AMBULANCE CONTRACT – Arrow Ambulance has the contract now to review, the committee is waiting to hear back from them.

XI. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COUNCIL

a. CANDIDATE PETITIONS – Clerk Hardcastle announced that no challenges were made to the nominating petitions that were received for the 2025 Consolidated Election. The election documents have been sent to the Vermilion County Clerk.

XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS – None

XIV. MAYOR COMMENTS

a. RESOLUTION 2025-26 – AWARDING BID FOR 511 W MAIN ST – 2 bids were received for the property. Ginger Bertram submitted a bid for $1013 and Alfredo Puebla submitted a bid of $1101. Ginger Bertram owns the adjoining property and would use the lot to have a yard. Alfredo Puebla wants to put up a pole barn. It was noted that Puebla has outstanding obligations to the city. Alderwoman Lawson mentioned that adjoining property owners should have priority. Alderman Garrett made a motion to accept Ginger Bertram’s bid for the property. Alderwoman Lawson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: None) and the resolution was approved 8-0.

b. RESOLUTION 2025-27 PURCHASING 303 E MAIN ST – Mayor Wise reported that the owner of 301 E Main St would like to purchase 303 E Main since it is an adjoining property and he needs to make a roof repair to the common roof. Mayor Wise met with County Treasurer Duncan since the property is currently held by the tax trustees. The purchase price is $2050. Attorney Miller stated that the way the resolution is drafted, it is stated that the Mayor may enter into a contract, not that he must enter into a contract. Attorney Miller is working on the contract so that the city would not be stuck with it if the deal with the owner of 301 E Main falls through. Alderman Eyrich moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Garrett seconded the motion. Alderwoman K. Ferrell asked why this was going through the city instead of the property owner of 301 E Main getting the property on his own. Mayor Wise advised that since the properties were bought separately at the tax auction, and the payment was not made on 303 E Main, the tax trustees are only willing to sell to a municipality at this point and not just any private buyer. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: None) and the resolution was approved 8-0.

c. RESOLUTION 2025-28 – ACCEPTING NEXAMP SOLAR’S COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENT – Attorney Andy Keyt presented this resolution. When the solar project starts generating power, the developer would provide a $10,000 payment to the city and then a $10,000 per year payment. This agreement would run for 20 years. Alderman Porth moved to approve the resolution. Alderman M. Ferrell seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: None) and the resolution was approved 8-0.

XV. COMMENTS FROM ATTORNEY

a. CONTRACT FOR 303 E MAIN – Attorney Miller’s office is currently working on the contract for the purchase of this property.

b. ACTON LAWSUITS – Attorney Miller recommended to Mayor Wise the hiring of Steve Beckett to assist Attorney Miller’s office with the litigation regarding Mr. Acton. Attorney Miller feels that a specialized attorney will be advantageous to the city.

c. MUNICIPAL COURT – Attorney Miller reviewed the most recent monthly municipal court. The court is currently working on 408 S Second Ave.

d. FIFTH ST PROPERTY – The school district superintendent requested the city clean up the Fifth St property. Attorney Miller stated that work is still continuing on the property.

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. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.

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