Kankakee Times

City of Watseka City Council met Jan. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Special Called City Council Meeting

PRESENT: Mayor Allhands via phone, Aldermen Marcier, Cahoe, Barragree, Anderson, Muench, Miller, Alderwomen Rohlfs and DeLahr 

GUESTS: Attorney Brenda Burnett, Tanner Cahoe, Sydni Farris, Building Inspector Eric Brandt and Nita Dubble

Mayor Allhands opened the meeting at 5:30 pm. There was no public comment. There was a lengthy discussion about the Hubbard Barn building permit issues. It was stated there are 3 parts to the discussion: pour of concrete floor, change of use and energy efficiency. Ms. Burnett stated the current use is zoned office, they would like to change in the future to assembly hall venue. There was discussion about the cost of making the building energy efficient and if that happens then the venue will probably not happen because of the cost. Tanner and Syndi have met with Quinn at the historical district to see if the building is a historic landmark. They also don’t want to dry wall as it will lose its character. The issue is Tanner would like to pour the rest of the floor in the building, and he states by doing that it will not change the use of the building as it is now. Tanner stated the paperwork has been turned into the Historical Preservation District. Tanner doesn’t want to get architectural seal for the concrete. Building Inspector Eric Brandt stated by pouring the rest of the floor you are expanding the usage. Tanner stated by pouring the other side of the building it will be used for cold storage only. Eric stated he has the prints from the previous owner and Tanner is welcome to take those to his architect to get them updated and it would save him some money. Tanner stated as of now the building is only going to be used for office space and storage. Alderman Anderson stated he doesn’t understand why he needs an architectural seal to pour concrete, he would like to put into place a variance for this instance only specific only to the concrete floor. After more discussion Alderman Anderson stated he would like to let Tanner retain the current occupancy status as defined and grant a variance to not require an architect stamped drawing – a drawing however not an architect stamped because of the expense in regard to this project and this project specifically. Alderman Cahoe stated Tanner needs to follow the rules as the building inspector is asking. Alderman Marcier stated the city can’t give a variance on a state law. After more discussion about needing architectural drawings: Alderman Anderson makes a motion: based on the current occupancy without a change in order to just facilitate the concrete pour that the city apply a variance to save the expense of a certified architectural plan to allow Tanner to pour concrete and concrete only in this 1 project alone. Alderwoman DeLahr seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-3 with Aldermen Marcier, Miller and Cahoe. voting no. 

Nita Dubble spoke next. She stated the possible candidate from out of state for the police chief had declined. The 2nd choice has also declined. There is one more to interview and he doesn’t accept the position the city will need to appoint a temporary chief. Police Chief Jeremy Douglas ‘s last day is March 1st and he will not stay any longer than that. 

Alderman Marcier makes a motion to adjourn at 6:15 pm and Alderwoman Rohlfs seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Council-meeting-special-called-1-14-25.pdf