Kankakee Times

City of Gilman City Council met Sept. 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the city council was called to order by Mayor Theesfeld. Council responding to roll call were: McGehee aye, Eimen aye, Kraft aye, Elliott aye and Fancher aye. Clerk Morris and Treasurer Johnson were also present.

Moved by McGehee Seconded by Fancher to approve the minutes from the regular meeting held on August 12, 2019. All aye.

Moved by Fancher Seconded by Elliott to approve the transfer of $15,000.00 from the general fund to the road & bridge fund. All aye.

Mayor Theesfeld recommended the appointment of Darrel Bachman as Ward 2 Alderman to replace Fred Voigt who recently resigned. It was

Moved by Eimen Seconded by McGehee to appoint Darrel Bachman as Ward 2 Alderman to serve until the spring 2021 election. All aye.

Two residents from S. Main Street were in attendance and advised the council that a driveway is sinking on their street, and discussed their concerns about not having a crossing guard at the intersection of Route 24 and S. Main Street. Mayor Theesfeld advised the residents that although it is not the City’s responsibility, the City will have Chief Anderson monitor the area to the extent that he can do so.

Moved by McGehee Seconded by Kraft to approve payment of $108,020.72 to Iroquois Paving Corporation from the MFT fund. Mayor Theesfeld noted that the final bill is $33,031.06 less than the bid due to changes made to the original plan. All aye.

Moved by Kraft Seconded by Elliott to approve the purchase of 322 S. Hartwell Street from Jeffrey A. Miller for $500.00, with the City paying all closing costs and real estate taxes. All aye. Mayor Theesfeld has contacted Lee Farms Excavating to provide an estimate for the demolition of the structure on that property.

Moved by Eimen Seconded by McGehee to approve and adopt Ordinance No. 19-20-05 amending the language regarding Class D liquor licenses to specifically state an opening time of day. All aye.

Moved by Elliott Seconded by Bachman to approve payment of $247,728.12 to Iroquois Paving Corporation from the 2019 Bond Project Fund for the N. Thomas/E. Second St. project. All aye.

Moved by Eimen Seconded by McGehee to formally approve the Application for Liquor License of the Gilman Old Boys & Girls Association for a September 14, 2019 Class B special event license, which was previously issued on August 16, 2019. All aye.

Mayor Theesfeld advised the council of the status of the plans for the proposed Central Street streetscaping project, as the grant is due to be submitted by November 2019. A street and alley committee meeting had been held on August 16, 2019 regarding this proposed project.

Moved by McGehee Seconded by Kraft to close the MFT Certificate of Deposit at Prospect Bank and transfer those funds ($101,617.38) to the MFT checking account. All aye.

Mayor Theesfeld advised of the City’s acquisition of the former Betty Theofield property at 311 N. Central Street, with no funds paid to the owner, but the City paying all closing costs and real estate taxes.

Moved by Kraft Seconded by Eimen to approve said acquisition. All aye.

Alderman Bachman had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Elliott had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Fancher had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Eimen advised the council of the September 18, 2019 zoning board of appeals hearing regarding adult-use cannabis and inquired if any council member had any questions, comments or restrictions to be placed on any future adult-use cannabis businesses in the City limits.

He also advised that there will be no agreement between the City and the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department for an officer to patrol in Gilman at this time, as the Sheriff does not have the staff to cover a 40-hour work week in Gilman, and is even unsure about whether there is staff to cover 24 hours per week.

Alderman Eimen further stated that he would like to see some antique light strings in the vacant lot next to 122 N. Central St. before Old Boys in 2020. He also stated that he would like for the City to hire area teenagers next summer to do work to keep the City clean, such as picking up garbage, using a weed-eater, etc.

Alderman McGehee had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Kraft advising that he is looking into the City purchasing a 4-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle (UTV) for plowing snow on the City sidewalks, etc.

Moved by McGehee Seconded by Fancher to approve the bills as they were presented, and to approve the Balance Sheet, and Profit and Loss Statement dated September 9, 2019 as presented. All aye.

Moved by McGehee Seconded by Elliott to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:06 p.m. All aye.

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