Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Code Enforcement Committee met June 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Alderman Miller, Garfield, Barragree, Cahoe, Marcier, Alderwoman Musk

ABSENT: Mayor Allhands, Alderwoman Ulfers and Alderman Rushbrook

GUESTS: Building Inspector Eric Brandt and Code Enforcer Bill Stanley

Alderman Miller opened the meeting at 7:20 pm. There was no public comment. Building Inspector Eric Brandt reported on the following projects:

DNR Mitigation Grant: Eric stated the next 4 houses have been put out for bid, 101 Fidler Ct, 528 N 5th, 801 S 2nd St, and 247 S Yount Ave. Bids were advertised and Lee Excavating was the only bidder at $36,500.00. Alderman Garfield makes a motion to recommend to the Council to accept the bid from Lee Excavating for $36,500 and Alderman Cahoe seconded. Roll call carried 6-0.

231 W Park Ave: Eric stated the county trustee now has this property and it has been discussed before that when the trustee got it the city should purchase it. Alderman Garfield makes a motion to purchase 231 W Park Ave from the County Trustee and Alderman Marcier seconded. Roll call carried 6-0.

Façade Grant: Eric reported he has a façade application from 342 W Walnut. They are wanting to tear out landscaping and install new, install a new sign, install a handicap sidewalk and install a new flagpole with lighting. They are requesting $5,000.00. Alderman Garfield makes a motion to recommend to the Council to accept the façade grant for 342 W Walnut for $5,000.00 and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 6-0. 904 N Chicago St: Eric stated the house burnt down and the owners were allowed to keep the garage for 1 year contingent that they would build a new home. As of now no permits have been given out. After some discussion Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to recommend to the Council to start demolition proceedings and put a lien on the property. Alderman Barragree seconded. Motion passed 5-1 with Alderwoman Musk voting no. Ordinance Citations: Eric reported he has written 20 citations and 35 written warnings

Alderman Cahoe stated several properties on Walnut St need mowed.

Code Enforcement Bill Stanley reported on the following properties:

208 N 2nd St: resident has been given an extension on eviction by the judge, her vehicle has been towed that she abandoned on city property. Bill reported he has talked to the owner and he is still wanting to tear it down.

256 N 2nd St: empty lot and all the paperwork for foreclosing on lien has been sent to Attorney Cainkar

Towed: 7 vehicles to impound, and more are pending

Crime Free Rental: Bill stated 1 more letter will be sent out from the police department giving 14 more days and then fines will be sent out. There has been numerous inspections done with only minor problems. It was estimated about 100 landlords have not complied yet.

Lot of S Maple St (Gasoline Alley): Bill stated he and Eric have looked at this property and it is in the city limits and the owner is in the process of cleaning it up.

Alderman Cahoe stated the following properties need attention: West Side Bar and the house across the street need mowed, and the Dralle Building on N Jefferson has issues with the roof. Alderman Cahoe also stated Eric and he have been given permission from James Bertrand daughter to demolish the home at 413 N Kay. Alderman Cahoe stated public works could do this and put it in a dumpster. Alderman Garfield asked if the city would then tax possession of the property and Alderman Cahoe stated no that was not discussed. It was stated the property taxes have not been paid. Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to recommend to the Council to have public works demolish the home at 413 N Kay and put a lien on it and Alderman Marcier seconded. Roll call carried.

Alderman Garfield stated the Electronic Recycling event will be held September 10th from 8-12 at the Riverside Parking lot and he is asking for volunteers.

Alderman Miller makes a motion to adjourn at 7:41 pm and Alderman Garfield seconded. Roll call carried 6-0.

http://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/code-enforcement-6-14-22.pdf