Kankakee Times

City of Gilman City Council met December 9. 

Here is the minutes as 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, Bachman aye, and Fancher aye. Clerk Morris and Treasurer Johnson were also present.

                       Moved by McGehee           Seconded by Elliott

to approve the minutes from the regular meeting held on November 11, 2019. All aye.

                       Moved by McGehee           Seconded by Fancher

to approve the transfer of $7,000.00 from the general fund to the road & bridge fund. All aye.

Resident Gerald Whitlow was present and spoke as an Iroquois County Board member about the proposed Communication Services Agreement between Iroquois County and the City of Gilman, along with the county’s bill for the same in the sum of $2,141.61. Iroquois County Board member Chad McGinnis met with Mayor Theesfeld and Alderman Eimen late last week to discuss the proposed Agreement as well. The council has many questions for the County including, but not limited to, what authority does the County have to bill the City and why is Gilman billed but Danforth, Crescent, Donovan, etc. are not. After a lengthy discussion between Mr. Whitlow, Iroquois County Board member (and resident of Gilman) Barb Offill and Alderman Eimen, the issue of the Agreement died for lack of a motion.

As a resident, Mrs. Offill commented on how narrow the driving lanes on North Central Street become when long pick-up trucks are parked, especially in front of Boondocks. Mayor Theesfeld advised of the possible grant for streetscaping North Central Street, which project may be done in 2021.

                       Moved by Elliott                   Seconded by McGehee

to formally approve two additional gaming permits for Pilot, which were issued December 2, 2019. All aye.

                       Moved by Kraft                    Seconded by Bachman

to approve payment of $202,361.04 to Iroquois Paving Corporation for the North Thomas/East Second Street project. All aye. Mayor Theesfeld advised that this is not the last payment due for the project.

After a discussion regarding adult-use cannabis establishments, it was

                        Moved by Kraft                    Seconded by Elliott

to approve Ordinance No. 19-20-10 amending Chapter 18.08, Definitions and Interpretation of Terms, Chapter 18.20, Business Districts, Chapter 18.28, Light Industrial Districts, and Chapter 18.32, Heavy Industrial Districts, of Title 18, Zoning, of the Gilman Municipal Code, pertaining to adult-use cannabis. All aye.

                         Moved by Kraft                    Seconded by Fancher

to approve Ordinance No. 19-20-09 imposing a municipal cannabis retailers’ occupation tax, at the rate of 3% of the gross receipts from sales. All aye.

Alderman Bachman had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Elliott stated that a resident had approached him about the possible purchase of the former Kuipers’ Sales lots or the former Green Lantern/Cook lots, all now owned by the City.

Alderman Fancher had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Eimen advised that the second bill from Tholens’ Landscaping & Garden Center for $2,800.00 is for trees planted in the former Kuipers’ Sales lots owned by the City. He also advised that the City previously did not receive any desirable police applicants and will again advertise for the position of an additional police officer. A short discussion was had about contacting Onarga and/or Danforth to work out some sort of shared police officer.

Alderman McGehee had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Kraft recommended that the City cut down a large tree on East Fifth Street, as it is dying and dropping branches. Matt Price will be contacted.

Additional trees that need to be removed were discussed.

                          Moved by McGehee          Seconded by Elliott

to approve the bills as they were presented, and to approve the Balance Sheet, and Profit and Loss Statement dated December 9, 2019 as presented. All aye.

Mayor Theesfeld asked the council for names of a possible city zoning board member, to replace Jason Scharp who resigned.

                          Moved by Fancher              Seconded by McGehee

to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:48 p.m. All aye.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1z91tLQmWTewX2J_kQixdUvzJRKuPLgyg