Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Feb. 18

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, and Scharlach. Mayor Wise and Clerk Hardcastle were also present. Attorney Miller was present on Zoom.

III. AMENDMENT OR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – Alderman M. Ferrell moved to approve the agenda as presented. Alderman Scharlach seconded the motion. Motion was carried 8-0.

IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING – Alderwoman Lawson made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous council meeting.

Alderman Scharlach seconded the motion. Motion was carried 8-0.

V. APPROVAL OF THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS – Alderman Eyrich moved to approve the payment of the city’s bills. 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 bills were approved 8-0.

VI. PRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None

VII. PETITIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None

VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS

a. EYRICH – Nothing to report.

b. K. FERRELL

i. ELECTRONIC RECYCLING – The spring electronic recycling event will be held on April 5, 2025 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on the east side of McFerren  Park near the Lion’s Club shelter.

c. M. FERRELL

i. PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING – The Parks Committee will be having a meeting on February 25, 2025 at 6:00 pm.

d. GARRETT

i. PARKING IN THE 300-BLK OF E MCCRACKEN – Alderman Garrett reported that he has been getting several complaints about vehicles parked along the street causing visibility issues for vehicles turning on to Market St. Mayor Wise asked Alderman McElhaney to have Superintendent Gocking look into the parking issue and make sure the curbs are marked and if signs need to be put up. Alderman Eyrich asked if the complaints were from neighborhood residents or park goers. Garrett advised that they were residents. Alderman Eyrich commented that we need off street parking for Northside Park on the Third St side. Alderman M. Ferrell said that he is going to investigate it.

e. LAWSON – Nothing to report.

f. MCELHANEY

i. NEW DUMP TRUCK RESOLUTION – Alderman McElhaney presented resolution 2025-29 to purchase a new dump truck for the Street and Alley Department. This truck will be replacing a 22-year-old truck that has a cracked frame. The old truck will still be used to haul trees away so that the new truck bed is not damaged. The money for the new truck is already in the accrual fund for the department. Alderman Garrett replied that this is what the accrual funds are for and we will not be raising water bills, as had been said on social media. Alderman Garrett went on to comment that if citizens have questions, to please contact their alderperson instead of posting on social media. Alderman Eyrich stated that water and sewer fees go to fund the Water Department only. Alderman McElhaney made a motion to approve the resolution. 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 resolution 2025-29 was approved 8-0.

g. PORTH

i. BUDGET – Alderman Porth will be contacting all alderpersons about next year’s budget. 

h. SCHARLACH

i. AMBULANCE CONTRACT – The ambulance contract has been drafted and are waiting for the final OK from the fire committee and the city attorney.

XI. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None

XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS – None

XIV. MAYOR COMMENTS

a. FIREWORKS – The fireworks vendor has made contact for this year’s show, and they do have July 3 open. The mayor would like to see another non-profit take over the fundraising for the fireworks. Total cost is $20,000-$25,000. The city donates $5,000 annually but the rest must be raised.

XV. COMMENTS FROM THE ATTORNEY

a. CITY COURT – Attorney Miller reported that he attended city court last week and it went well.

b. UPDATES – Eric Eves has been ill this week, so he does not have any major updates.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further action to come before the council Alderman Garrett moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderwoman K. Ferrell seconded the motion.

Motion was carried 8-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm. 

https://cityofhoopeston.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-18-25-Meeting-Minutes.pdf