Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Code Enforcement Committee met Oct. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Cahoe, Barragree, Marcier, Mayor Allhands

ABSENT: Aldermen Miller, Garfield and Rushbrook and Alderwoman Musk GUESTS: Building Inspector Eric Brandt, Code Enforcement Bill Stanley

Mayor Allhands opened the meeting at 7:10 pm. There was no public comment. The following properties were discussed:

IDNR Flood Mitigation: Ron Davis with IDNR requested another copy of the current agreement. Eric stated this agreement expires on December 31, 2022.

904 N Chicago St: the contract seller is asking for a 90-day extension. The owner’s son and daughter are taking over, and they don’t want a lien put on the property. 502 E Ash St: the footing was poured last week now there is a 10-day waiting period before the blocks can be laid.

Photovoltaic Systems (Solar): there will be a zoning hearing before the council meeting on the 25th of October

207 W Maple St: This was put out for bid and the only bid that came in was from Lee Excavating for $14900.00. Eric stated there is asbestos in the residence. Façade Grants: Nothing to report

309 W Hickory St: this residence has flooded, and it is not on the flood mitigation grant. The son has inherited it and would like to donate it to the city. All property taxes have been paid and there are no liens on the property, and it is next to 305 N Kay that the city already owns. The committee is ok with this

239 W Park Ave: this residence has flooded and it’s not on the flood mitigation grant. The owner is wanting to donate it to the city. The committee is ok with taking the property. CRS Training: Eric thanked the committee for sending him, he stated it was a very intense 4 days 8 hours each day of training. He stated at the present time the city is at a class 8 with 1349 points, to get to a class 7 1500 points are needed. He stated if the city accepts donations of homes that have been flooded this will help with the needed points. There was some discussion on asking for deed transfers on the DNR lots.

Mayor Allhands stated the has talked to Southlawn Dale Properties about their properties on E Walnut St. He offered to remove the fines if he would donate the property, but it seems he isn’t interested in doing this. He will have Attorney Cainkar foreclose on the liens.

The condition of 414 W Walnut was discussed but it is occupied by the owner at this time. It was tabled for now.

Code Enforcement Bill Stanley stated he and Eric held the last crimefree rental seminar on Saturday and only 3 people attended. $500 citations have been issued to the landlords that have not complied. Bill stated landlords are beginning to like this ordinance as it speeds up the process to evict someone should they need to.

Mayor Allhands reported both positions are up in the 4th ward, one will be a 2 year term to fulfill Monna’s term and the other is a 4 year term to replace Alderman Rushbrook.

Bill Stanley stated he is looking at retiring soon but he would like to stay on part time as code enforcement by working 30 hours a week. The committee is ok with this as they stated there is plenty to do.

http://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/code-enforcement-10-11-22.pdf