Kankakee Times

City of Watseka City Council met July 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Miller to Approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes from June 25th, 2024. Motion passed 8-0.

Public Comment-Kira Ebert the Chief of Staff for State Representative Jason Bunting shared that their office is here to help the city with anything they may need she also handed out her business card and a flyer for free admission to several museums for families to take advantage of. Please contact Kira if you would like free admission.

A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Muench to go into a Public Hearing Public on an Ordinance Providing for a Budget and Appropriation for General Corporate and Other Purposes for the Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2024, and Ending April 30, 2025, for the City of Watseka, Iroquois County Illinois. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Miller to exit the Public Hearing and return to the regular council meeting. Motion passed 8-0.

Public Comment-Jacob Carlile with Carile Group-Mr. Carlile was in attendance regarding the historical district Opera House/old JC Penny’s building. He passed out a handout and was ready to answer any questions. Mayor Allhands read a few emails from Mayors of other towns regarding a historical district. Mayor Allhands does not feel that Mr. Carlile should eat his bill as he did nothing wrong, and the city should pay this bill. Mr. Carlile thanked the mayor for giving him the information that he needed, the mayor said he could not take credit as the ladies from the historical society did all the research, he thanked them. Several members of the council had questions; Mr. Carlile answered their questions the best he could. The Carlile Group plans to present in October so that the National Park Service can sign off. Discussion was had on where the city is at with this process, how long it takes for approval, the success rate. Another discussion was had on demolishing the penny’s building and what happened to that plan. Discussion was had on the condition of the building itself. Mayor Allhands stated that is in limbo right now. Mayor Allhands also shared that there is misconception that this is not being done solely for the penny’s building. Alderman Anderson asked about cost Alderman Miller had a few figures, but nothing concrete as Eric with Code Enforcement is still waiting on some prices. Ladies from the historical society would like to see the building saved with all its history. A member of the audience suggested the community form a committee to host fundraisers to try and repair the building. It was also mentioned that the city could gift the penny’s building to the historical society if they wanted it.

Ordinances, Resolutions, Agreements & Proclamations

• Intergovernmental Agreement for Emergency Medical Services Between the City of Watseka and The Woodland Fire Protection District

• Ordinance #2712- Providing for a Budget and Appropriation for General Corporate and Other Purposes for the Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2024, and Ending April 30, 2025, for The City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Resolution #2024-2- Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code -5th St to Fairman Ave; Kay Street to North Street; North Street to UPRR Tracks

Consent Agenda

• Intergovernmental Agreement for Emergency Medical Services Between the City of Watseka and The Woodland Fire Protection District

• Ordinance #2712- Providing for a Budget and Appropriation for General Corporate and Other Purposes for the Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2024, and Ending April 30, 2025, for The City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Resolution #2024-2- Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code -5th St to Fairman Ave; Kay Street to North Street; North Street to UPRR Tracks

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Barragree to set the Consent Agenda. Motion passed 8-0. A Motion was made by Marcier seconded by DeLahr to accept the Consent Agenda. Motion passed 8-0. Standing Committee Reports

• Finance, Legal and Audit

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Barragree Claims in the amount of $288,675.33. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Muench Accept and place on the file the June Treasurers report. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Rohlfs, Alderman Anderson asked if they said they would eat this cost, then why are we paying it. Carlile Group Historical District Additional Funding $7750. Motion passed 6-2 to not pay this. Voting no were Alderman Anderson, Cahoe, Marcier, Miller, Barragree and Alderwoman Delahr. Motion did not pass.

Approval of Dumpster Lock Reimbursement Program-tabled

Public Works/Water Wastewater

A Motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Rohlfs Battle Ax Tree Grinder $20,895 from Mccullough’s pay from 6-10-6900. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Cahoe, seconded by Anderson Engineering Services Agreement: 5th St. to Fairman Ave; Kay St to North St; North St to UPRR Tracks. Motion passed 8-0. Public Works Director Loren shared that bidding is open for the Locust sewer, he has 2 bids he would like a special called meeting for next week to approve this.

Public Safety - None

Code Enforcement-None

Miscellaneous Business

Kendra Warner-1-week additional vacation. Everyone was in favor of Mike Cainkar’s letter that she is not eligible. No motion was made.

Executive Session-Pending Litigation

A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Marcier to enter Executive Session. Motion passed 8-0.

A motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Barragree to exit the Executive Session and return to the regular council meeting. Motion 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by DeLahr to adjourn at 7:42pm. Motion passed 8-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/council-meeting-7-23-24.pdf