Kankakee Times

City of Watseka City Council met July 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor John Allhands at 6:30pm. Present were Aldermen Barragree, Marcier, Cahoe, Miller, Anderson, Muench & Alderwomen DeLahr. Absent was Alderwoman Rohlfs.

A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Miller to Approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of June 27th, 2023. Motion passed 7-0.

Public Comment-None

Ordinances, Resolutions, Agreements & Proclamations-None

Consent Agenda-None

Standing Committee Reports

• Finance, Legal and Audit

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Anderson to pay claims in the amount $207,008.09. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Marcier to Accept and Place on file the June Treasurer Report. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Barragree Purchase double brackets for the new Hometown Hero banners $6500 from Promotion line item. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Miller Gold Star Memorial Donation $10,000 from Promotion line item, this will be a pledge for now not a check, money is there. Motion passed 7-0.

Mike Lynch was present he handed out 2 handouts with insurance quotes and he went over them. The council did ask a few questions that Mr. Lynch was able to answer. A Motion was made by Anderson, seconded by DeLahr Employee Health Insurance discussion and action to go with United Healthcare. Motion passed 5-2 with Alderman Cahoe and Marcier voting no.

Watseka Ford Revolving Loan/sales Tax Agreement discussion and action. Dave, Cindy, and John Bell were present. They gave the council handouts and on the first page Dave Bell shared numbers, amounts, etc. The council did have some discussion and questions with Mr. Bell. John Bell then spoke to the council next on the second page. The Bells were there to ask the council to terminate the existing agreement and accept a new agreement they had put together. A few members of the council would like to see the new agreement as a 5-year not 10-year agreement. No action was taken this will go back to the committee.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Anderson Homefield Energy as Electric Supplier. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Cahoe Middleport Township deny annexation into Iroquois County. Motion passed 7-0.

• Public Works/Water Wastewater-None

• Public Safety-None

• Code Enforcement

A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by DeLahr Façade Grant to La Potosina for $5,000. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Anderson Adopt A Lot 316 S. Yount Ave. to Amanda Kaczkowski. Motion passed 7-0.

• Liquor Committee-None

• Personnel Committee-None

• Miscellaneous Business

Cameras for Parks and Council Chambers discussion and action: Discussion was had that this might be a good idea as there was almost an abduction by Manteno. The children’s safety is very important. Discussion was then had on vandalism that the cameras could be very helpful with that too. Discussion went back and forth regarding abductions and vandalism. It was brought up that maybe the former bids need to be revised as it has been a while, not sure if those costs are still accurate. A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Anderson Cameras for the 4 parks. (Kay, Westside, Lakeview & Peter’s) and council area not to exceed $25,000 and this will be posted on the City’s website as soon as it can be posted. Motion passed 6-1 with Alderman Cahoe voting no it does not include all the parks.

A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Anderson to get bids on the other 2 parks. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Barragree to Adjourn at 8:04pm. Motion passed 7-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/council-minutes-7-25-23.pdf