Kankakee Times

City of Watseka City Council met Feb. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor John Allhands at 7:00pm. Present were Aldermen Marcier, Cahoe, Garfield, Barragree, Rushbrook, Miller & Alderwoman Musk & Ulfers.

Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Barragree to Approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2022. Motion passed 8-0.

Public Comment: None

Miscellaneous Business

A Motion was made by Cahoe, seconded by Musk Police and Fire Commission discussion and Appointments of Nita Dubble, Roy Johnson, Alex Knapp, Ron Gocken Mayor shared that Terry pence resigned and that Nita will be taking his place. Motion passed 8-0.

Ordinances, Resolutions, Agreements & Proclamations

• Ordinance #2634-Amending Title 11, Building Regulations of the Watseka City Code, By Changing the Permit Fees Applicable to Certain Construction Activities

• Ordinance #2635-Amending Chapter 3, Finances and Taxation, Chapter 4, City Taxes, by Adding Article F, Simplified Municipal Telecommunications Tax, of the City of Watseka

Consent Agenda

• Ordinance #2634-Amending Title 11, Building Regulations of the Watseka City Code, By Changing the Permit Fees Applicable to Certain Construction Activities

• Ordinance #2635-Amending Chapter 3, Finances and Taxation, Chapter 4, City Taxes, by Adding Article F, Simplified Municipal Telecommunications Tax, of the City of Watseka

• Ordinance #2634-Amending Title 11, Building Regulations of the Watseka City Code, By Changing the Permit Fees Applicable to Certain Construction Activities Tabled no action was taken.

A Motion was made by Cahoe, seconded by Ulfers to accept Ordinance #2635-Amending Chapter 3, Finances and Taxation, Chapter 4, City Taxes, by Adding Article F, Simplified Municipal Telecommunications Tax, of the City of Watseka five areas discussed were Street, Alley, Curb, Sidewalk and Gutter. Motion passed 7-1 with Alderwoman Musk voting no.

Standing Committee Reports

• Finance, Legal and Audit 

A Motion was made by Rushbrook, seconded by Garfield to pay claims in the amount $492,990.23. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Garfield to Accept and Place on file the January Treasurer Report. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Rushbrook, seconded by Miller TIF 4 Reimbursements to Steve Cross -463 W Mulberry St. for $1869.97. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Garfield, seconded by Cahoe TIF 4 Reimbursements to Steve Cross-226 W Park Ave. for $1995.56. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Rushbrook, seconded by Ulfers Transfer $37,000 from general fund 1-10-8000 into IMRF 4-10-9000. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Rushbrook, seconded by Marcier Transfer $179,600 from general fund 1-10- 8000 into streets & alleys 6-10-9000. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Rushbrook, seconded by Marcier Transfer $20,000 from general fund 1-10-8000 into social security 3-10-9000. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Garfield, seconded by Miller Clifton Larson Allen Engagement Letter $35,095.50 for fiscal year 2021-22. Motion passed 8-0.

• Public Works 

A Motion was made by Cahoe, seconded by Garfield Move forward with the repairing of 17 streets and borrow $1,551,645 at 3.078% with a monthly payment of $15,039 and use gas tax money to repay the loan. City Attorney Cainkar stated he spoke with Walter at Iroquois Federal he is going to get back with City Attorney Cainkar on the particulars of the loan this is authorizing the City Attorney to prepare the ordinance. Motion passed 8-0.

• Public Safety 

A Motion was made by Ulfers, seconded by Cahoe Promote Lt. Joshua king to Deputy Chief effective 2-22-22 with pay rate to be determined and take effective 5-1-22. Motion passed 8-0. 

• Code Enforcement 

None

• Water/Wastewater Report 

None, Alderman Cahoe did ask Keith from Robinson Engineering to provide the council with an update on the new well and a second location possibly behind the fire station, Keith gave a quick update.

• Personnel Committee 

Mayor stated that this committee met reviewed resumes no action was taken.

• Miscellaneous Business 

Carlile Group Discussion and Possible Action-tabled

Police Pension Bond Discussion and Possible Action-City Attorney is preparing the ordinance. Utility Tax Discussion-Discussion was had amongst the council two parts of info were handed out to the council Mayor shared if you drive any of the roads in town we need funding someway we need a consistent road program or infrastructure. Alderman Cahoe reported Ameren & Nicor were looked at, however not every citizen has Nicor so that one will not be used the city is out of options and the city needs the citizens to help with road repairs he feels this is an equal way to do it Telecommunications and Ameren can be taxed. A Motion was made by Cahoe, seconded by Barragree to have the Ordinance prepared for the Utility Tax. Motion passed 7-1 with Alderwoman Musk voting no.

Reports from Officers- None

Alderman Garfield asked about mowing is this going to be put out for bids, City Clerk Hibbs will leave a note asking Cathy to pull the contract for this.

A Motion was made by Ulfers, seconded by Garfield to Adjourn at 7:40pm. Motion passed 8-0.

http://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/council-meeting-2-22-22.pdf