Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Finance, Legal & Audit Committee met Aug. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Marcier, Cahoe, Barragree, Miller, Anderson, Muench, Alderwomen Rohlfs, and DeLahr and Mayor Allhands

GUESTS: Erik Reader with Reader Area Development Group

Alderman Marcier opened the meeting at 6:30 pm. There was no public comment. Erik Reader spoke regarding his economic development proposal for the city. They have done work in Havana and Aldeo Illinois as well as other communities that needed their downtown revitalized. Their business will help the city to attract businesses as well as helping with a budget to get buildings conditions ready for resale. Alderwoman DeLahr stated the city has already hired Nextsite to help attract new businesses.

Alderman Marcier makes a motion to recommend to the council to accept the July Treasurer report and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 9-0. Alderman Marcier stated City Treasurer Marcia Craft reinvested the Cd’s $500,000 at 5.29% for 6 months and $500,000 for 6 months at 5.25%.

Alderman Marcier stated he wants to discuss the next steps for the lot at 122 W Walnut St. He stated they had a good meeting on site a couple of weeks ago with different residents and the Alderpersons. Alderman Marcier is thinking about a budget of $5000-$8,000 to start with. Alderman Anderson stated he has spoken to the owner of La Potosina and he also owns the business next to the lot at 120 W Walnut St. and he would be interested in taking this lot. Alderman Anderson would like to give this lot to him with the understanding he would attach this lot to the existing building and then the city would be getting tax money from the lot. Alderman Anderson would like for the city to replace the fence and then he would be responsible for the grading and seeding of the lot. The committee is ok with this, Mayor Allhands will contact the owner and see what he is thinking.

Alderman Marcier stated the city, and the county will be hosting an electronic recycling event September 9th from 9:00 till noon at the Riverside Parking lot at 1490 E Walnut St.

Mayor Allhands stated he would like input from anyone that wants to talk about any adjustments they would like to see happening in the budget.

Alderman Marcier stated he and Alderman Miller have met with Ruder Communication about the cameras in the parks and the council chambers. Once a quote is received, he will let everyone know.

Alderman Marcier stated everyone has in their mailbox a memo from Building Inspector Eric Brandt regarding the donation of 560 N 4th St. This home is in the DNR grant but the homeowner received more insurance money so now he wants to donate the property to the

City. The DNR grant will pay for the demo of the residence. Alderman Anderson stated when this happens to let the fire department know so they can use it for training. The committee is ok with the donation and an ordinance will be prepared for the full council meeting next week.

Alderman Marcier stated he would like to discuss the employee health insurance. He stated there are twenty-nine employees affected and if the city stays with United Health Care there will be more out of pocket expenses for the employees. Alderwoman DeLahr stated no the city choose United Health Care and no more discussion was had.

Alderman Anderson asked about the ARPA funds, what did the city receive and what is left. Alderman Barragree stated the city received around $600,000 and none of that has been spent and the money is be to be used for well #11.

Mayor Allhands stated he has a list of properties that will be on the tax sale, and he thinks the city needs to acquire a couple of them.

Alderman Marcier makes a motion to adjourn at 7:40 pm and Alderman Anderson seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/finance-8-15-23.pdf