Kankakee Times

City of Gilman City Council met Jan. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the city council was called to order by Mayor Theesfeld. The council responding to roll call were: Eimen aye, McGehee aye, Kraft aye, Bachman aye, and Fancher aye. Clerk Kraft, Treasurer Boudreau, and John Smith were also present.

Moved by McGehee Seconded by Eimen

to approve the minutes from the regular meeting held on December 9, 2024 and Special Meeting held on December 19, 2024. Votes were taken: Eimen aye, McGehee aye, Kraft aye, Bachman aye, and Fancher aye.

Mayor Theesfeld recommended the appointment of John R. Smith as 3rd Ward Alderman to replace John Elliott who recently resigned. He also stated that Smith is running in the April 2025 election.

Moved by Eimen Seconded by Bachman

to appoint John R. Smith as 3rd Ward Alderman to serve until the spring 2025 election. Votes were taken: Eimen aye, McGehee aye, Kraft aye, Bachman aye, and Fancher aye.

John R. Smith was sworn in as 3rd Ward Alderman by Clerk Kraft.

Moved by Eimen Seconded by McGehee

to set the monthly meetings for 2025 on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Votes were taken: Eimen aye, McGehee aye, Kraft aye, Bachman aye, Smith aye, and Fancher aye.

Mayor Theesfeld said the Engineer’s pay estimate to Iroquois Paving for $327,600.80 for the 3rd & Main St. needs to be approved. He stated the amount included the changes made to the box culvert on Main St. but that Neil Piggush would adjust his engineering costs to reflect the difference.

Moved by McGehee Seconded by Kraft

to approve Engineer’s Pay Estimate No.7 to Iroquois Paving Corp. of $327,600.80 for the 3rd & Main Street Road Improvements Project. Votes were taken: Eimen aye, McGehee aye, Kraft aye, Bachman aye, Smith aye, and Fancher aye.

Mayor Theesfeld stated the Ordinance passed at the special meeting in December was incorrect. The updated parcel list given to the city by Pete Iouse had a column that was omitted and several parcels listed were not within the boundaries of the new TIF district. After corrections were made to the parcel list, Attorney Chamley drafted an Ordinance correcting the scrivener’s error.

Moved by Eimen Seconded by McGehee

to approve Ordinance 24-25-17 Amending Ordinance Nos. 24-25-13, 24-25-14, 24-25-15, and 24-25-16 in Regard to Gilman TIF III Redevelopment Project Area to Correct a Scrivener’s Error. Votes were taken: Eimen aye, McGehee aye, Kraft aye, Bachman aye, Smith aye, and Fancher aye.

Mayor Theesfeld said the heating and cooling system in the old City Hall building has been causing issues for the last fifteen years and would like to get a quote from Gilman Plumbing and Heating for new units. He would also like input from the council regarding purchasing a larger piece of equipment for city clean up. The gator does not hold much and is often in need of repairs. Something a little larger with a dumping system would be ideal.

Mayor Theesfeld said he will update John Smith on all proposed city projects and the new TIF III District.

Alderman McGehee asked if the new snow removal machine has been used yet this year. Mayor said it is in the new shed and will be used. Jay Wilson most recently has been using the gator with snow plow attached. Jason from ERH has been using the salt truck on Central St. and intersections, especially those near the schools and railroad tracks. Addison Brown cleared snow with the backhoe and blade.

Mayor Theesfeld also commented there has not been any recent communication with the Sheriff’s Department regarding a new contract, but hopes to be in negotiations soon.

Alderman Bachman asked if the city could smooth out some of the alleys that have ruts in them. Addison Brown will grate and gravel when weather permits.

McGehee also asked if there could be a four way stop at the intersection of Thomas St. and Park St. to slow down the traffic in that area. It will be taken into consideration.

Moved by Kraft Seconded by Bachman

to approve Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement dated January 13, 2025. Votes were taken: Eimen aye, McGehee aye, Kraft aye, Bachman aye, Smith aye, and Fancher aye.

Moved by McGehee Seconded by Bachman

to approve the bills as they were presented dated January 13, 2025. Votes were taken: Eimen aye, McGehee aye, Kraft aye, Bachman aye, Smith aye, and Fancher aye.

Moved by McGehee Seconded by Bachman

to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:22 p.m. Votes were taken: Eimen aye, McGehee aye, Kraft aye, Bachman aye, Smith aye, and Fancher aye.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_VdXDwzUXEc4raHJ6EE45Lpbs1XPK41C/edit