Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met May 20

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

II. ROLL CALL – The following 7 alderpersons were present: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, and 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 Scharlach seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.

IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING – Alderman McElhaney moved to approve the minutes of the previous council meeting. Alderman Eyrich seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.

V. APPROVAL OF THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS – Alderman M. Ferrell moved to approve the payment of the city’s bills. Alderman McElhaney 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 7-0.

VI. PRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL –

a. Jason Longfellow was absent.

b. Nathan Stinson from the Wittingham Agency gave a presentation on a life insurance product for covering city employees.

VII. PETITIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None

VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT

a. Gavin Spencer addressed the council proposing changing the chicken ordinance to allow ducks and other fowl. Alderwoman K. Ferrell advised that it will be addressed at an upcoming Civic Committee meeting.

b. Al Carl addressed the council about his upcoming zoning variance request.

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS

a. EYRICH

i. MARKET ST WATER MAIN PROJECT – Alderman Eyrich gave an update on this project. Progress is moving forward. The water main should be installed by the end of next week. They would then need to do testing and the project is still slated to be completed by the end of June.

ii. GARDEN METERS – Citizens who choose to use garden meters to water their gardens or fill their pools, the cost of those meters will be increasing. The new cost of the meters will be $67, and the city will be placing an order for a dozen meters soon.

b. K. FERRELL

i. UPCOMING RECYCLING EVENTS – Alderwoman K. Ferrell advised that she is looking to have an appliance recycling event in early to mid-August.

c. M. FERRELL

i. POOL OPENING – The opening of the public pool will be delayed until June 1, 2025, due to the cooler weather.

ii. PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING – The Parks Committee will be having a meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025 at 6:00 pm.

d. GARRETT – Absent.

e. LAWSON – Nothing to report.

f. MCELHANEY

i. EMPLOYEE UPDATE – The Street and Alley Department has moved a seasonal employee to full-time. We will be conducting interviews to fill 1 more full-time position.

g. PORTH – Nothing to report.

h. SCHARLACH

i. FIRE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE – The fire department has parked their water tender in front of city hall due to the construction on Market St. When the  construction is complete, it will be moved back.

XI. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COUNCIL - None

XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS – None

XIV. MAYOR COMMENTS

a. ORDINANCE 2026-2 – ZONING VARIANCE FOR 325 W ELM ST – Mayor Carter presented this ordinance for approval. Alderman Eyrich moved to approve the ordinance. Alderwoman K. 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 7-0.

XV. COMMENTS FROM THE ATTORNEY

a. ESSEX PROPERTY – Attorney Miller advised that a judge denied the defendants motion to dismiss. There may be some additional motions filed but the case is moving forward. Steve Beckett is still representing the city in this matter.

b. MUNICIPAL COURT – Attorney Miller advised that municipal court was held on Wednesday.

c. 209-211 E MAIN ST – Attorney Miller advised that they are working on the simplest way to sell the property. There may be a resolution at the next meeting. The agreement has to be within 80% of the appraised value.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further action to come before the council Alderwoman K. Ferrell moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman McElhaney seconded the motion. Motion was carried 7-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm. 

https://cityofhoopeston.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5-20-25-Meeting-Minutes.pdf