Kankakee Times

City of Momence City Council met Dec. 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council Meeting of the City of Momence was held in the Council Chambers at 29 N. Dixie Highway, Momence. Mayor Chuck Steele called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL

Roll was called by the Clerk with Aldermen Salomone, Carbonaro, Metz, Clark, Rehmer, Cook, Temple and Cope.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

Alderman Rehmer made motion to approve the minutes of the December 2, 2019 council meeting. Alderman Temple seconded the motion with Aldermen Salomone, Carbonaro, Metz, Clark, Rehmer, Cook, Temple and Cope voting yes.

APPROVAL OF THE BILLS

The bills were discussed at tonight's Budget and Finance Committee Meeting.

Alderman Salomone made motion to approve the bills for payment. Alderman Metz seconded the motion with Aldermen Salomone, Carbonaro, Metz, Clark, Rehmer, Cook, Temple and Cope voting yes.

CITZEN FORUM –

1. Lorna Osborn – Apartment Complex/tax revenue – provided a financial statement showing that original figures were not correct. $51344.98 would be paid in taxes. She was told she was disrespectful towards low income people, she stated she was not and only stated facts.

2. Frank Koehler – Vision 2030 – author of the report – creating a vision for what Momence could be in 2030, looking to work with the residents. The list of suggestions is to suggest what could be done in the next 3 years and next 5 years

3. Beth Crouch – friends of Conrad Park – Santa at the Cabin, mayor filled in as Santa. Thank you to the Mayor for his service. She served as the director of public housing in Illinois, educating on the section 42 housing. She was appointed by Governor Edgar, and is willing to answer any questions that may arise.

4. Larry Crouch – Vision 2030 – working on for a year, 15 recommendations over the next 3-5 years. Next phase is to continue collecting results, asking for ward meetings to be set asking for more input. The goal is to have these meetings in late January/early February, hoping for a report to the council by the end of February. The five major employers are looking for affordable housing for their employers.

5. John Bevis – marijuana dispensary in Momence – administrator for Kankakee County Health Department. He is speaking on behalf of the Department of Health, recommending to not have a dispensary in the area. This is an addictive drug; opioid abuse is becoming a problem in areas where marijuana is used. Suicide attempts are rising.

6. Kate Reed – marijuana dispensary – concerned about the students in the community. The young people in the area look at the officials as role models.

7. Paige Salomone – affordable housing – pro opinion, there are many families that are struggling that have come to her looking for housing options.

8. Katie and Brandon Russell – Jackson Commons – asking for a no vote on this issue. Schools are understaffed, classes are over capacity. This would cost the tax payers more money than what we would get back on the tax revenue. The fence issue is a concern, Woda said they would not due to the expense to maintain. There are other areas in the community that should be used instead of the area wanted. The reviews online are not good, should be looked at seriously.

OLD BUSINESS – Alderman Metz met today about water/sewer rates, Baxter and Woodman will get back with the council in January with results.

ALDERMANIC REPORTS –

1. David Cook – Discuss and Vote on Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation Zoning change from agriculture to multi-family. Zoning board recommended an approval. Woda Companies presentation, Alderman Salomone reached out to Bunkerhill Indiana to get some facts, informed Alderman Salomone that no issues with Woda Cooper and were happy with the way the building were maintained/upkeep. Alderman Cope followed up with some realtors and employers in town, and there is a need. She is frustrated with some of the current rentals and feels that this will be beneficial. She had also reached out to the schools; the schools are excited for the possible increase of students. Alderman Rehmer raised concerns on the water/sewer usage. Alderman Cook made motion to approve zoning change from agriculture to multi-family, Alderman Cope seconded the motion with Aldermen Cope, Temple, Cook, Carbonaro and Salomone voting yes. Aldermen Rehmer, Clark and Metz voted no. Motion passed.

2. Rebekah Cope – Discuss and Vote on Marijuana Ordinance 851– the ordinance is unchanged. Reading of the ordinance – no dispensary. Alderman Cope made motion to approve, Alderman Temple seconded the motion with Aldermen Salomone, Carbonaro, Metz, Clark, Rehmer, Cook, Temple and Cope voting yes.

3. Alderman Salomone – BF meeting 7:15 PM January 16, 2020

Treasurer report –

Department Heads – not done with leaves

MAYORAL REPORT

Alderman Metz made motion to adjourn, Alderman Rehmer seconded the motion with Alderman Salomone, Carbonaro, Metz, Clark, Rehmer, Cook, Temple and Cope voting yes.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM

http://cityofmomence.com/minutes/191216%20Council%20meeting.pdf