Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met June 3

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. Alderman Garrett was absent. Mayor Carter and Clerk Hardcastle were also in attendance. Attorney Miller was present on Zoom.

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 – Alderwoman Lawson 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 McElhaney moved to approve the payment on the city’s bills. 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: Garrett) and the bills were approved 7-0.

VI. PRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None.

VII. PETITIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None.

VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT

a. Adam Spencer addressed the council regarding the allowance of ducks in the city. Alderwoman K. Ferrell advised that the Civic Committee met, and they did not recommend ducks being allowed in the city.

b. Josh Clifton addressed the council regarding his ongoing complaint with the police department and how they handled a case. He also complained about the police department buying new squad cars instead of hiring additional officers.

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS

a. EYRICH

i. MARKET ST WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT: Alderman Eyrich advised that all the new piping is in place and has been pressure tested. The next steps are for biological testing. Once those tests come back, they can start doing the hookups along the line. The project is still slated for completion at the end of June.

b. K. FERRELL

i. APPLIANCE RECYCLING COLLECTION – Alderwoman K. Ferrell announced that there will be an appliance recycling event held on August 8, 2025. Residents need to call city hall to get on the list by August 1, 2025. The appliances need to be out on the curb the night before for pickup.

ii. ELECTRONIC RECYCLING – The next electronic recycling event will be held on September 6, 2025 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at McFerren Park. There is a charge for televisions, but other electronics are free.

iii. ORDINANCE 2026-3 – CHANGING 17.24.070B – Alderwoman K. Ferrell reviewed this ordinance which would change wall height on garages from 10 ft to 12 ft. This is a common variance that the Planning and Zoning Commission grants and they are in favor of changing the ordinance. Alderwoman K. Ferrell moved to approve the amended ordinance. Alderman Eyrich seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: Garrett) and the ordinance was approved 7-0.

iv. ORDINANCE 2026-4 – CHANGING 6.04.010 – Alderwoman K. Ferrell reviewed this ordinance that would prohibit the keeping of livestock in the city and removing the allowance to keep livestock if you were outside 150 ft of a residence. Alderwoman K. Ferrell moved for approval. Alderman Scharlach seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: Garrett) and the ordinance was approved 7-0.

c. M. FERRELL

i. CIVIC CENTER REMODEL – This project is still moving forward. 

ii. CIVIC CENTER CLOSED ON THE WEEKENDS – Alderman M. Ferrell reminded residents that the Civic Center is closed on the weekends unless it is rented.

d. GARRETT – Absent.

e. LAWSON –

i. PERMITS REQUIRED – Alderwoman Lawson reminded residents that their golf carts and electric scooters need to be permitted.

ii. SOLICITORS – There were some solicitors out in town last weekend and the police officers were able to take care of them.

iii. ATVS – Several ATVs have been towed recently.

iv. CALLS FOR SERVICE – So far this year, the police department has handled over 3,500 calls for service.

v. POWER SHIFT – Due to school being out and the School Resource Officer being put back on the patrol schedule, the 6:00 pm – 2:00 am power shift is staffed.

f. MCELHANEY

i. NEW HIRE – Alderman McElhaney advised that the Public Works department has hired a new employee for the Street and Alley section, and they will be starting soon.

g. PORTH

i. YEAR END BUDGET SHEETS – Alderman Porth advised that the end of the year budget sheets have been sent out. He asked all department heads to review them and make sure to let him or Trish know if something does not look right.

ii. PROPERTY – Alderman Porth has received a couple emails about the property between Subway and Cox Memorials. He will be contacting them tomorrow.

h. SCHARLACH

i. Nothing to report. 

XI. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COUNCIL - None

XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS – None

XIV. MAYOR COMMENTS

a. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SALE OF SURPLUS LAND – Mayor Carter advised that this resolution would be tabled pending getting appraisals back.

XV. COMMENTS FROM THE ATTORNEY - None

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 7:21 pm. 

https://cityofhoopeston.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6-3-25-Meeting-Minutes.pdf