Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Feb. 4

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 7 alderpersons were present: Eyrich, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach. Alderwoman K. Ferrell was absent. Mayor Wise and Clerk Hardcastle were also present. Eric Eves from Attorney Miller’s office was on Zoom.

III. AMENDMENT OR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – Alderman Garrett moved to approve the agenda as presented. Alderman Eyrich seconded the motion. Motion was carried 7-0.

IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING – Alderman M. Ferrell moved to approve the minutes from the previous council meeting. Alderwoman Lawson seconded the motion. Motion was carried 7-0.

V. APPROVAL OF THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS – Alderman McElhaney moved to approve the payment of the city’s bills. Alderman Eyrich seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: K. Ferrell) and the bills were approved 7-0.

VI. PRESENTATIONS – None

VII. PETITIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None

VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS

a. EYRICH

i. VFW MURAL UPDATE – Alderman Eyrich met with a local contractor. It was determined that it was too costly to remove the murals since they are painted on the drywall. Digital photographs were taken, free of charge by Jenna Kruse, of the murals with the hope of enlarging them and putting them in frames. He also emailed the state WFW commander requesting some of the memorabilia from the VFW to be displayed in other places.

Mayor Wise thanked Alderman Eyrich and his wife, Holly, for all their work on this.

b. K. FERRELL

i. Absent.

c. M. FERRELL

i. Nothing to report.

d. GARRETT

i. Nothing to report.

e. LAWSON

i. NEW DISPATCHER – Alderwoman Lawson reported that the police department has hired a new dispatcher, Erica Goodrum.

ii. E-BIKES AND SCOOTERS – Reminded residents that electric or low speed bicycles and scooters need to be licensed with the city. Mayor Wise also reminded that they need to be insured. Alderman McElhaney advised that as of January 1, 2025, the state banned them unless authorized by the municipality. Alderwoman Lawson said that she would investigate it.

f. MCELHANEY

i. CIVIC CENTER REMODEL – Mayor Wise asked if there was an update on the civic center remodel. Alderman McElhaney and Alderman M. Ferrell both advised that they are still in discussions about this.

g. PORTH

i. Nothing to report.

h. SCHARLACH

i. AMBULANCE CONTRACT – The contract is now back in Arrow Ambulance’s hands. Alderman Garrett asked if they agreed to the changes. Mayor Wise answered that it is still in Carle’s hands.

XI. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COUNCIL

a. STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST – Clerk Hardcastle reported that the list of people who need to fill out the statements has been sent to the County Clerk. This year, the list is larger to include department heads, planning and zoning commission, zoning board of appeals, and the police commission.

b. KEEP VERMILION COUNTY BEAUTIFUL – Mayor Wise advised the group has sent a letter to the city asking if we want to continue our membership. Alderman Porth advised the city dropped membership last year.

XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

a. BUDGET – Mayor Wise advised that departments need to start going through their budget requests for the coming year. Alderman Porth advised that at the next meeting, he will be providing dates to start discussing the budget.

XIV. MAYOR COMMENTS

a. GAIL LANE AGREEMENT – Gail Lane signed the agreement with the city, and she will be taking possession of the wall and 3ft beyond the wall. The mayor has contacted Brian Silver to complete the work on the basement wall. She has until May 1, 2025, to make a decision on the siding.

b. ORDINANCE 2025-14 – THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF 303 E MAIN ST – The owner of 301 E Main St has met with the mayor several time and with Vermilion Advantage. 301 shares a rubber roof with 303. 303 was up for the tax auction and someone won the auction but had not paid for it. In order for the county to cancel the sale, the city had to take possession of the property. The city will purchase the property for $2000 plus a $50 filing fee. The city will then immediately sell the property for $2050. Eric Eves gave an overview of the process. Alderman Garrett moved to approve the ordinance. Alderwoman Lawson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, M. Ferrell, Garrett, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: K. Ferrell) and the ordinance was passed 7-0.

XV. COMMENTS FROM ATTORNEY

a. CONTRACTS – Eric Eves advised that the ambulance and Teasdale Foods contracts were sent and awaiting feedback.

b. ACTON CASES – Both cases are at a standstill due to a death in Acton’s attorney’s family.

c. HERMAN CASE – The city has filed a motion of default.

d. GARRISON CASE – The correct person has been served but it is not at the point for filing for a motion of default.

e. 819 S FIFTH ST – Alderman McElhaney asked for an update on this property.

Eric advised we will be filing the notice of intent to demolish. He had spoken with the third heir, and he indicated that he would sign the documents. The plan is to keep moving forward with the intent to demolish.

f. EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK – Eric has some draft paperwork. Mayor Wise advised that it needs to be reviewed cover to cover. Eric said that he can do that, he just needs to know any specific concerns or issues the mayor has.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT – With no other business to come before the council, Alderman Garrett moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman M. Ferrell seconded the motion.

Motion carried 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 pm.

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