Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Code Enforcement Committee met July 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Barragree, Marcier, Miller, Alderwomen Ulfers and Musk and Mayor  Allhands 

ABSENT: Aldermen Cahoe, Garfield and Rushbrook 

GUESTS: Building Inspector Eric Brandt and Code Enforcement Bill Stanley 

Alderman Miller opened the meeting at 7:00 pm. There was no public comment. Building  Inspector Eric Brandt reported on the following properties: 

DNR Grant: there are 3 houses ready to be demolished, and another closing on August 4th,  after that there are no more scheduled.  

Façade Grant: No new applications have been received 

904 N Chicago St: the 60-day notice has been sent and is up 8/15/22 

Ordinance Citations: 25 written citations have been issued and 2 written warnings 502 E Ash St: the house has been raised and a 30-day permit was given, Attorney Cainkar  said the city can still procced with demolition. The current permit is up 7/15.  Photovoltaic Systems (Solar): Eric gave the committee a copy of the solar ordinance from  Manteno, he stated the city might want look into changing the current ordinance. He is  suggesting the committee look at this and come back with necessary changes next month. He  thinks height restrictions and ground mounts need to be discussed next month. Adopt A Lot: Barry Brutlag who lives at 410 W Park would like to adopt 247 S Yount Ave, 303  and 305 S Yount Ave and 421 W Park Ave. Mike Nasers who lives at 107 W Juanita would like  to adopt 109 and 111 W Juanita. This will be put on the agenda for full council. WalMart: Eric stated Walmart has called asking for 2 more cargo containers because they have  extra merchandise. They would like the 2 extra until January 2023. After some discussion the  committee is ok with this as long as they are on the north side of the building or even the  northwest corner of the building.  

101 Bell Rd: Eric stated Watseka Ford has applied for a variance, they would like to expand  the parking area. The variance meeting is July 26thright before full council. A lengthy discussion  was had concerning their lot on N Jefferson St. The variance for that lot expired in 2015 and  nothing has been done since. Eric will talk to them about the N Jefferson lot.  

Code Enforcement Bill Stanley reported on the following:  

208 N 2nd St: the property has been cleaned up and a new family member will be moving in.  Bill stated someone broke in and stole all the copper piping.  

252 N 2nd St: foreclosure in process  

Citations: 21 for junk vehicles were issued for August court, 2 for RV violations, and 2 for  property violations 

Crime Free Rental: final letters were sent out, approximately 70 property owners still non compliant, fine are beginning to be sent, inspections are continuing with most places are up to 

code with only minor problems. Bill stated the tickets are for $500 each and can be reoccurring  each month until they comply. Court date will be August 25th.  

Fines & Collections: $1050 paid in fines and $230 in collections.  

Mayor Allhands asked about properties at 5th & Elm and 6th & Elm. Eric stated the property  owners have been sent a citation.  

There was some general discussion about the corner of S 4th & Walnut properties.  

Alderman Miller makes a motion to adjourn at 7:30 pm and Alderwoman Ulfers seconded. Roll  call carried 6-0. 

http://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/code-enforcement-7-12-22.pdf