Kankakee Times

City of Watseka City Council met Oct. 22.

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 Marcier, Cahoe, Barragree, Anderson, Miller, Muench, & Alderwoman DeLahr & Rohlfs.

A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Rohlfs to Approve City Council Regular Meeting Minutes from September 12th & 24th 2024. Motion passed 8-0.

Public Comment -None

Iroquois Memorial Hospital Representative -Mike Tilstra passed out a handout he was in attendance to represent the Hospital and the Development Council. He introduced those who were present with the Development Council. Mr. Tilstra said they are trying to grow the hospital. They are bringing back some services that they had before. Mr. Tilstra then introduced the IMH Therapy Director Mitch Haas, and Mr. Haas shared that a facility close to the hospital would be beneficial and that it could help draw more people in, this would be a benefit to the community. Mr. Tilstra shared that they would like to have extended hours and if anyone had any questions to please let him know, there were no questions.

Ordinances, Resolutions, Agreements & Proclamations

• Ordinance #2725-Amending Title 7, Crimes and Offenses, Chapter 2, Offenses Involving Property, by Adding Section 7-2-12, Public Camping, of the Watseka City Code

• Ordinance #2726- Terminating the Court House Road Redevelopment Project Area (TIF District No. 3) In the City of Watseka, County of Iroquois, State of Illinois

• Resolution 2024-3- Approval of Parade Route and Street Closure for Christmas Parade Consent Agenda

• Ordinance #2725- Amending Title 7, Crimes and Offenses, Chapter 2, Offenses Involving Property, by Adding Section 7-2-12, Public Camping, of the Watseka City Code

• Ordinance #2726- Terminating the Court House Road Redevelopment Project Area (TIF District No. 3) In the City of Watseka, County of Iroquois, State of Illinois

• Resolution 2024-3- Approval of Parade Route and Street Closure for Christmas Parade A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Miller to set the Consent Agenda. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Muench to accept the Consent Agenda. Motion passed 8- 0.

Standing Committee Reports

• Finance, Legal and Audit

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Miller Claims in the amount of $396,603.18. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by DeLahr, seconded by Miller Accept and place on the file the September Treasurers report. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Cahoe $25,000 Diamond level 1 time donation Iroquois Memorial Hospital Donation. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Cahoe $75,000 Watseka Family Festival Donation. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Cahoe TIF 4 Reimbursement to Designer Homes $2,896.47 (605 S 5th & 219 E Hamilton Ave). Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Rohlfs TIF 4 Reimbursement to JR Developments $1,567.00 (141-143 Brown St). Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Muench IMLRMA (Liability Insurance) $163,514.15. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Muench 1001 W Smith- Forgo $912.00 Liens after dead tree is taken down. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Anderson Transfer $100,000 from General Fund 1-10-8000 into Street & Alley 6-10-9000. Motion passed 8-0.

Public Works/Water Wastewater

Lots of discussion was had, Loren Public Works Director shared regarding the water main he gave the council proposals last week. He shared 2 projects with the council and after the water main break on Wednesday night he is rethinking the project and is suggesting the second project be looked at Belmont Ave from Martin Ave to Lincoln Ave, to Mulberry ($799,900.00), he shared that there are TIF 3 and TIF 4 expiring soon, this money needs to be allocated to a project soon. It was suggested we use TIF 3 to pay for this project. Loren had one concern, and it was with Robinson on the timing for April of 2025, Loren would like to see this done in January. Keith from Robinson shared that he spoke to his supervisor and the supervisor would like to meet with the mayor to get this pushed up.

Water Main Project Discussion and Possible Action-No action was taken

TIF 3 Projects Discussion and Possible Action-No action was taken

Road Project Discussion and Possible Action-No action was taken.

This will be put on the agenda for the next Public Safety meeting to give Robinson approval to proceed on their end.

Public Safety - None

Code Enforcement

A Motion was made by Cahoe, seconded by Barragree Façade Grant to Sonia Bradley for $5,000. Motion passed 8-0.

Miscellaneous Business

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Rohlfs Appoint Haley Benner to the Library Board for a 3- year term -replaces Jeanne Elliott. Motion passed 8-0.

Carlile Contract Modification -No action was taken

Alderman Cahoe reported that he has spoken with Chief Baier, Cathy will have the check in hand Thursday or Friday, he shared it has 78000 miles, a small dent that can be repaired and it might need new tires, this money will come from the billed income from what the ambulance charges not the taxpayer money. A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Anderson Ambulance Purchase $30,110.00. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Cahoe Appoint Scott Muench as the Public Safety Chair to replace Alderman Barragree. Motion passed 8-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Cahoe to adjourn at 7:12pm. Motion passed 8-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/council-meeting-10-22-24.pdfa