Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Finance, Legal & Audit Committee met Sept. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Marcier, Cahoe, Barragree, Anderson, Miller, Muench, Alderwoman DeLahr, Mayor Allhands

ABSENT: Alderwoman Rohlfs

GUESTS: Watseka Family Festival

Alderman Marcier opened the meeting at 6:30 pm. There was no public comment. The Watseka Family Festival gave the committee a brief update of finances and a report of how well the festival was received by all that attended. They estimated 5000 people were in attendance over the 3 days. Alderman Marcier makes a motion to recommend to the council to donate $50,000 to the Watseka Family Festival and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

Alderman Marcier makes a motion to recommend to the Council to accept the August Treasurers report and Alderman Anderson seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

Alderman Marcier stated there is a TIF 4 disbursement to be made. Alderman Marcier makes a motion to recommend to the Council to pay JR Developments a TIF 4 disbursement of $1975.41 and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

Mayor Allhands stated the 3 bankers have met and are offering Watseka Ford’s revolving loan rate of $250,000 at 3.75% for 3-9 years or 3.79% for a 10 year term. Mayor Allhands will contact John Bell with this information.

There was a short discussion about the vacant lot downtown. Alderman Marcier asked the committee if the city should do a little bit of something in the lot yet this year. The committee after some discussion decided to put up a wooded privacy fence along the back. Public works will do this work.

There was also a brief discussion about the JC Penny building. Alderman Marcier stated he has contacted Tom Bennetts office to see if there are any funds available to help with the demolition of the building. Alderman Marcier requested $250,000.

Alderman Marcier makes a motion to adjourn at 6:58 pm and Alderman Cahoe seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/finance-9-19-23.pdf