Kankakee Times

City of Watseka City Council met Aug. 22.

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 and Rohlfs.

A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Anderson to Approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 25th, 2023. Motion passed 8-0.

Public Comment-Ted Horner was in attendance he shared that the city, the chamber, and other organizations are encouraging people to move to Watseka, this is a good place to live. Last Thursday the events that happened in our town reflects our image, the police force needs to send a message to the bad guys to not come here. Mr. Horner had a copy of the Times-Republic newspaper from last Saturday and he read the number of police calls and what they were for, 61 calls in one week and 8 of those were domestic calls in a population of 4600 people. Mr. Horner feels radar needs to be run but our current police are unable to do that with all the paperwork they have to do. Mr. Horner feels we should be doing everything to give the police force what they need to get the job done, including more officers. We need to develop our image again and he is speaking on behalf of other constituents, he is making a plea tonight if money is the issue let’s take donations the police need to be a priority of Watseka. Mike VanHoveln was also present he reminded the council that September 18th starts no cash bail. Crime is going up he would like the Times-Republic to keep those stats of crime, and to utilize the municipal court, one year from now he would like to see the crime status anything that can be done to help the police let’s do it.

Ordinances, Resolutions, Agreements & Proclamations

• Ordinance #2686-Authorizing the Acceptance of a Donation of Real Property Located at 560 N 4th St. Watseka, IL.

A Motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Miller Ordinance #2686-Authorizing the Acceptance of a Donation of Real Property Located at 560 N 4th St. Watseka, IL. Motion passed 8-0.

Standing Committee Reports

• Finance, Legal and Audit

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Barragree to pay claims in the amount $550,190.98. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Cahoe to Accept and Place on file the July Treasurer Report. Motion passed 8-0.

• Public Works/Water Wastewater

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Muench Mulberry St. Resurfacing Program-Bid from IPC $320,277.43. Motion passed 8-0.

• Public Safety-None

• Code Enforcement

A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Anderson DNR Phase XIV-538 E. Oak, 301 N. 2nd, 210, 214, & 216 W. Ash-Lee farms $59,200.00. Motion passed 8-0.

• Miscellaneous Business

-Watseka Ford sales Tax abatement discussion and direction-John Bell was present. John thanked Scott Anderson for live streaming the meetings as this shows Watseka is pro-business, as per the discussion at the last meeting our partnership with the city, we did what we said we would do. Customers coming to Ford are spending their money in town also as we take them to Steak n’ Shake, Walmart, etc. The city would like to see a 5-year contract versus a 10-year contract he would like to know the objections from the council individually, if possible, as to why they are against it. The council shared their thoughts that 10- year is too long, not knowing what things will be like in 10 years. Discussion was had on doing a 5-year and then revisit if needed. Some of the council felt that they would like to finish out the current contract and then discuss a new one. Mr. Bell shared in theory the city would not be giving anything up if they have never received it before he then asked if anyone had put their figures to a pencil. Mr. Bell was asked to come back to a meeting and bring the cost of the new building, how it’s financed and the percentage, etc. Most of the council were in favor of staying with the current contract and revisiting this in 2027. Alderman Muench feels we need to support this business and give them their contract as it is an existing business this will add more jobs how we can possibly help bring new business to town if we aren’t working with our existing businesses. Maybe we don’t need to save money today let’s get businesses in here the former council worked with those businesses. No action was taken.

A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Miller Appoint Valorie watts to the Watseka Public Library Board. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by DeLahr to go into Executive Session at 7:10pm. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Miller exit Executive Session at 7:42pm. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Anderson to Adjourn at 7:43pm. Motion passed 8-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/council-minutes-8-22-23.pdf