Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Finance, Legal & Audit Committee met Aug. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

ABSENT: Alderman Muench

GUESTS: Resident John Whitman

Alderman Marcier opened the meeting at 6:30 pm. There was no public comment. John Whitman spoke on behalf of the group trying to save the Opera House. Mr. Whitman stated they are a group of private citizens that want to work with the city to take ownership of the building. They are going to call themselves the Watseka Community Renewal. They are working on getting a 501C3 but that takes 3-6 months. After getting that they would like for the city to give the deed and the title to the group. They want someone from the city to work with. It was stated the project will cost 1 million dollars or more to complete. The group is looking for grants and trying to raise the money so that when finished it will be self sufficient. The group is asking for the city to fix the roof before they possibly take possession. There was discussion about the damage to the Traditions Bar building next door. The stucco is coming off the opera house and causing damage to that building. When it rains it leaks on both ends of the building.

Alderman Anderson stated he is not in favor of fixing the opera house roof and giving the building to the group, if the city is going to fix the roof, then the city should keep the building and reap the possible benefits from it being fixed up. Anderson stated the city could donate $100,000 and then give the building to the group and let them do the project. Anderson stated he would like to get more than 1 bid from a structural engineer. The only bid the city has now is from Carlile. Alderman Anderson also stated he put a poll on Facebook to ask the residents should the city demolish the building or repair it, and the majority of the people voted to demolish it.

Alderwoman DeLahr stated for the city to fix the roof it will cost between $150,000 to $200,000, another $224,000 to stabilize and only $294,500 to demolish it. Alderman Cahoe stated 9 months ago the committee agreed to fix the roof and the wall to Traditions.

Alderman Barragree stated he feels if the city is going to fix the roof, then the city should keep the building.

Alderman Miller stated if the city keeps the building and repairs it prevailing wage will need to be paid, if the city gives the building away then prevailing wage is not an issue. It was also discussed to get 2 more bids for RFP’s.

Mr. Whitman stated if the city decides to give the building to the group, they would like a letter of agreement to go with the title and deed. It was decided to have Alderman Miller and Marcier work with the group.

The committee agrees to get the wall for Traditions fixed.

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

The only bid received for the demolition of 345 W North St was from Lee Excavating for $7850. Alderman Marcier makes a motion to recommend to the Council to accept the bid from Lee Excavating for $7850 to demolish 345 W North St and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

Alderman Marcier stated Mary’s Emporium has applied for 2 façade grants: 128 W Walnut for $2458 and 132 W Walnut $5000. Alderman Marcier makes a motion to give 2 façade grants to Mary’ s Emporium: 128 W Walnut for $2458 and 132 W Walnut $5,000. Alderman Cahoe seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

Employee health insurance was discussed next. The current plan has increased 14%. After a short discussion Alderman Marcier makes a motion to accept the current plan increase of 14% and Alderman Cahoe seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

Alderman Marcier reminded everyone of the Electronic Recycle that will be held September 7th from 9-noon at the Riverside parking lot.

Alderman Marcier stated the police chief hiring process will be next month during public safety.

Alderman Marcier makes a motion to adjourn at 7:19 pm, and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/finance-8-20-24.pdf