Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Code Enforcement Committee met Jan. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

GUEST: Building Inspector Eric Brandt 

Alderman Miller opened the meeting at 6:42 pm there was no public comment. Building  Inspector Eric Brandt reported on the following projects: 

Ordinance citations: 5 warnings and 1 citation issued 

IDNR: Eric has 1 closing on the 16th for 101 Fidler Ct. he also has a contract waiting to be  approved by the state for 559 N 4th, 513 W Franklin is now going to be in the DNR  1223 Sugar Creek Ct-Prairie Storage: the owner wanted to build a new building but the  cost is to much, so now he wants to do outside storage with a chain link fence, so that it  can’t be seen from the highway. The lot is gravel now.  

CIPS St: Eric stated there is a possibility for another cell tower 

Crime Free Rental Coordinator: Eric stated Bill Walver filled this position and he’s gone  now. This person would be doing the seminars and helping handle problems with the  properties, so it should probably be an officer.  

211 S Yount Ave: the zoning committee approved this variance for an additional garage on  the property and it will be in ordinance form for full council. Eric stated he has been  questioned as to the cost of getting a variance. He stated the fee is $300. The city pays  each zoning member $55 each, the cost to advertise is $90, Cainkar has to prepare the  ordinance and he charges $190/ hour, and the city pays Eric’s wages also.  Floodplain Ordinance: Eric stated FEMA is now looking at the state model ordinance so  everything is on hold for now 

617 S 5th St: the city just got the demolition order and Eric has talked to Loren and they  think public works can do the demo. They will keep track of hours and put a lien on the  property.  

Grant: Eric gave a quick updated regarding the alternate properties from the DNR grant that  could be put into this grant-it’s been a work in progress and is still on going Solar Facility: Eric stated he has talked to an attorney regarding the property by Wal-Mart  for the Solar facility. So, it is still in the works 

Historical District: Eric stated they have accepted all the nominations but now have  questions regarding parking lots.  

Alderman Miller stated the city needs to be looking at the property on West Hickory with the  number of cars being brought in and at N 6th St & Elm St with campers and trailers. Bill  Walver used to take care of this, so maybe the city needs to be looking at hiring a  replacement.  

Alderman Miller makes a motion to adjourn at 6:56 pm. and Alderman Muench seconded.  Roll call carried 9-0. 

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/code-enforcement-1-14-25.pdf