Chambana Sun

City of Hoopeston City Council met Aug. 5

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, Schlarch. Alderman Garrett was absent. Mayor Carter and Clerk Hardcastle were also present. Eric Eves was present on Zoom for Attorney Miller.

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

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

V. APPROVAL OF THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS – Alderman McElhaney moved to approve the payment of the city’s bills. Alderwoman Lawson 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. Eddie Jones representing Frontier Communications announced that his company would be getting a permit to solicit door-to-door for internet service.

b. An online commenter asked Mayor Carter when he would start the Saturday talks at the library and also asked when he was going to lower water bills. Mayor Carter announced that he will put in the Corntageous News when he will start the events at the library again.

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None

X. REPORT OF OFFICERS

a. EYRICH

i. CARBON SEQUESTRATION – Alderman Eyrich announced that the governor has signed into law SB1723 which prohibits carbon sequestration under the Mahomet aquifer, where Hoopeston gets its water from.

ii. CROSS CONNECTION SURVEY – The city will be sending out a crossconnection survey to everyone who has a water account. This is a requirement from the IEPA and it is not mandatory for residents to complete. This survey will help find out if there are any problems with existing water services.

b. K. FERRELL

i. RECYCLING EVENT – Alderwoman K. Ferrell reminded residents of the upcoming Electronic and Appliance recycling event being held on September 6, 2025.

ii. INSURANCE FOR EVENTS – Alderwoman K. Ferrell also reminded residents that for events that take place on city property and is being advertised, the organizer needs to be insured and the city listed as additionally insured.

c. M. FERRELL – Nothing to report.

d. GARRETT – Absent.

e. LAWSON –

i. SERGEANT PROMOTION – Alderwoman Lawson announced that Brody Herman was recently promoted to sergeant.

ii. ROAD DANGERS – Alderwoman Lawson advised that several skateboarders and e-bikes have not been stopping at stop signs and have been riding dangerously on city streets. The police department is on the issue.

f. MCELHANEY

i. DEPARTMENT VACANCY – Alderman McElhaney announced that there is an opening in the public works department and they city is currently accepting applications. 

g. PORTH

i. RESOLUTION 2026-8 – VAN HYFTE GRANT LAB AGREEMENT – Alderman Porth presented this resolution for approval. Alderwoman Lawson seconded the motion. The finance committee met and agreed that there is funding available in this year’s budget. Alderman McElhaney asked about the previous grant writer? Alderman Porth answered that the previous grant writer was paid on an as needed basis. Alderwoman Lawson stated that if the departments need something to get ahold of Nicole. Alderman Porth stated that a list of priorities needs to be formed and the finance committee would build that list. The finance committee will meet again with Nicole Van Hyfte to figure out the next moves. A roll call vote was taken (Ayes: Eyrich, K. Ferrell, M. Ferrell, Lawson, McElhaney, Porth, and Scharlach – Nays: None – Abstentions: None – Absent: Garrett) and the resolution was approved 7-0.

ii. CITY INSURANCE – Alderman Porth advised that he met via conference call with the broker for the city’s insurance. They are asking for secondary bids. This includes all city insurance except employee health insurance.

h. SCHARLACH – Nothing to report.

XI. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COUNCIL – None.

XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS – None

XIV. MAYOR COMMENTS

a. APPRAISALS OF CITY PROPERTY – Mayor Carter sent out the appraisals of the city owned lots to the alderpersons.

XV. COMMENTS FROM THE ATTORNEY

a. FIFTH ST PROPERTY – Eric Eves announced that there will be a motion to default on Wednesday and the city is asking the judge to let the city demolish the structure.

Alderwoman Lawson stated that the next-door neighbor would take it down and would like to purchase it. Eric advised that this is a complicated case but there is still a process to transfer it to the neighbor.

b. ESSEX BUILDING – The attorney for Acton has filed a response to the city’s complaint after the motion to dismiss was rejected. There is a status meeting on Wednesday about this case.

c. HOTEL TAX – Alderman Porth asked what the status of the paperwork for the hotel tax. Eric answered that they have the paperwork ready and he would send it to Alderman Porth.

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 8-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.

https://cityofhoopeston.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/8-5-25-Meeting-Minutes.pdf