Kankakee Times

City of Gilman City Council met May 9.

Here are 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: Fancher aye, Eimen aye, McGehee aye, Kraft aye, Bachman aye, and Elliott aye. Clerk Kraft, Treasurer Morris and Jasmine Ramos from the Onarga Fire Department were also present.

Moved by McGehee              Seconded by Elliott

to approve the minutes from the regular meeting held on April 11, 2022. All aye.

Moved by McGehee               Seconded by Kraft

to approve the transfer of $5,000.00 from the general fund to the road & bridge fund and transfer $40,000.00 from general fund to sanitary sewer fund. All aye.

Mayor Theesfeld advised the council that the Engineering Proposal for the Revolving Loan Fund came in at $8,640.00 for the new water plant building. We need to get the process started for the EPA loan forgiveness application assistance from Piggush Engineering. The project could take three years to complete. We should get the loan forgiveness of 50% right away with 1% interest for remaining amount.

Moved by Kraft                      Seconded by Bachmann

to approve the Engineering Proposal for Revolving Loan Fund Application Assistance for $8,640.00 for the New Potable Water Plant Building. All aye.

Moved by Elliott                     Seconded by Fancher

to approve the 2022-2023 appointments.

All aye. 

Mayor Theesfeld advised the council that the Iroquois Economic Development Association has been very active in the community and their meetings are well attended. The city has not donated since 2012 and he recommended the city donate. They have a new director with increased activity in helping develop sites in the county. They are gearing to commercial and state programs to help Iroquois County.

Moved by McGehee               Seconded by Eimen

to donate $2500.00 to the Iroquois Economic Development Association. All aye.

Mayor Theesfeld advised there is a preconstruction meeting for the downtown construction project Wednesday May 11th. He hopes to have construction starting soon.

He also stated that Incobrasa has expressed interest in tying into our sanitary sewer. John from ERH has tested the water and said it would help the sewer plant. Rates will be discussed at a future meeting.

Pam Irvin did not attend the meeting. Council did discuss the need for the stop sign to be moved on 6th Street. Aldermen Fancher will talk with residents about it. An ordinance would have to be approved to move the stop sign.

Jasmine Ramos with the Onarga Fire Department asked the council if the city would be interested in donating money for the July 4th fireworks. Mayor Theesfeld asked for additional information so it could be discussed at the next meeting.

Alderman McGehee had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Eimen clarified that the Industrial Park property is not owned by the City of Gilman. Mayor Theesfeld stated it did not cost the city money to develop it.

Alderman Kraft asked if the city could clean up the lot in front of McMillan’s building and put new mulch around the trees.

Alderman Bachman had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Elliott asked about when the construction on the tile near Park St. Mayor Theesfeld will have flags removed. There is a water main that is to close and 3 sets of fiber optics that are in the way causing a delay. Neil Piggush will talk to AT&T about moving fiber optics so the project can be started.

Alderman Fancher had nothing to discuss.

Moved by Fancher                  Seconded by Elliott

to approve the bills as they were presented, and to approve the Balance Sheet, and Profit and Loss Statement dated May 9, 2022 as presented. All aye.

Moved by McGehee               Seconded by Fancher

to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. All aye.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x74Hc-BvKGGwG3loZ7ymhePv7EunTVLz/edit