Kankakee Times

City of Watseka City Council met Jan. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Allhands called the meeting to order at 6:30pm via phone. Present Alderman Muench, Cahoe, Marcier, Barragree, & Anderson, Alderwoman DeLahr and Rohlfs. Absent Alderman Miller.

A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Rohlfs to Approve City Council Meeting Minutes from December 17th, 2024, January 7th and 14th 2025. Motion passed 7-0.

Ordinances, Resolutions, Agreements & Proclamations

• Ordinance #2730-Granting Variation to Allow a Second Detached Garage on the Property Commonly Known at 231 S Yount St, Watseka Illinois

• Ordinance #2731- Abating the 2024 Tax Year Debt Service Tas Levy for the $3,027,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2018, Of the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2732- Abating the 2024 Tax Year Debt Service Tax Levy for the $1,535, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2019, of the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2733- Abating the 2024 Tax Year Debt Service Tax Levy for the $1,633,000 General Obligation Refunding Bond, Series 2021, of the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2734- Abating the 2024 Tax Year Debt Service Tax Levy for the $1,551,645 General Obligation Bond, Series 2022A, of the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2735- Abating the 2024 Tax Year Debt Service Tax Levy for the $230,000 General Obligation Bond, Series 2024, of the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2736- Authorizing the Sale of Real Property Commonly Known as 100 West Walnut St, in the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2737- Authorizing the Sale of Real Property Commonly Known as 209 East Walnut Street, in the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2738- Authorizing the Sale of Real Property Commonly Known as 217 East Walnut Street, in the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2739- Authorizing the Sale of Real Property Commonly Known as 223 East Walnut Street, in the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2740- Granting a Variation to Allow the Issuance of A Building Permit for the Installation of a Concrete Pad Without Architectural Plans For The Property Commonly Known as 1009 West Lafayette Street, Watseka Illinois

• Ordinance #2741- Authorizing The Sale of Real Property Commonly Known as 213 East Walnut, In the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

Consent Agenda

• Ordinance #2730-Granting Variation to Allow a Second Detached Garage on the Property Commonly Known at 231 S Yount St, Watseka Illinois

• Ordinance #2731- Abating the 2024 Tax Year Debt Service Tas Levy for the $3,027,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2018, Of the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2732- Abating the 2024 Tax Year Debt Service Tax Levy for the $1,535, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2019, of the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2733- Abating the 2024 Tax Year Debt Service Tax Levy for the $1,633,000 General Obligation Refunding Bond, Series 2021, of the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2734- Abating the 2024 Tax Year Debt Service Tax Levy for the $1,551,645 General Obligation Bond, Series 2022A, of the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2735- Abating the 2024 Tax Year Debt Service Tax Levy for the $230,000 General Obligation Bond, Series 2024, of the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2736- Authorizing the Sale of Real Property Commonly Known as 100 West Walnut St, in the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2737- Authorizing the Sale of Real Property Commonly Known as 209 East Walnut Street, in the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2738- Authorizing the Sale of Real Property Commonly Known as 217 East Walnut Street, in the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2739- Authorizing the Sale of Real Property Commonly Known as 223 East Walnut Street, in the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

• Ordinance #2740- Granting a Variation to Allow the Issuance of A Building Permit for the Installation of a Concrete Pad Without Architectural Plans For The Property Commonly Known as 1009 West Lafayette Street, Watseka Illinois

• Ordinance #2741- Authorizing The Sale of Real Property Commonly Known as 213 East Walnut, In the City of Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois

A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Marcier, to Set the Consent Agenda. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Barragree, seconded by Cahoe to Accept the Consent Agenda. Motion passed 7-0.

Standing Committee Reports

• Finance, Legal and Audit

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Muench pay Claims in the amount of $1,872,123.01, Alderman Marcier explained why the claims were high. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Barragree Accept and place on file the December Treasurers report. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Anderson Fox Group Engagement Letter for fiscal year 2025-2026 $51,000. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Muench Transfer $103,000 from general Fund 1-10-8000 into Liability Fund 8-10-9000. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Barragree Transfer $35,000 from General Fund 1-10-8000 into Audit Fund 9-10-9000. Motion passed 7-0.

Public Works/Water Wastewater

- Elm St Watermain Project: Low interest Loan Forgiveness, Loren Public Works Director shared that the city could take out a low interest loan, he is looking at what can be done in house and what cannot. Materials you are looking at about $475,000.00 pipe material, Loren asked do we want to divide this project into a 2–3-year process do in sections Loren and Keith will look at the numbers again. Keith shared the permit is good for a year renewing it is just a formality. Loren shared that they continue to seek grants, Alderman Barragree shared the water increases over the years were so that we could do projects like this. No action was taken.

- OSLAD Grant Discussion and Possible Action of Expenditures/Projects- Loren provided everyone with a breakdown and the city received the grant of $600,000 50% match. Loren asked the council how much we want to do this year and next year, we have 2 years for the grant, Public Works will try and do the work so that they can offset the costs. How do we want to move forward? Do we accept the grant? Keith shared we are waiting on the contract, Loren and Keith will look at numbers again, we will await the contract and then come back to the council. This was tabled.

- A Motion was made by Cahoe, seconded by Barragree Old Santa House to Legion Park for Concession Stand Usage. Motion passed 7-0.

- 3 Ton Truck Replacement Quotes: 2026 Peterbilt- $215,395.00, 2026 Freightliner $189,880.89, 2026 Western Star $206,586.89, 2026 Mack $234,074.03, 2026 Kenworth $210,620.79. Loren shared that he would like the 2026 Peterbilt for $215,395.00. A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Anderson to purchase 2026 Peterbilt for $215,395.00 Motion passed 7-0.

Public Safety- None

Code Enforcement-None

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Rohlfs to enter Executive Session Executive Session-Union Negotiations for Operators Local 299 & Appointment, Compensation or Performance of a specific employee. Motion passed 7-0.

A Motion was made by Marcier seconded by Barragree to return to the Regular City Council meeting. Motion passed 7-0.

Miscellaneous Business-None

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Rohlfs Appoint Lt. Mark Harris to Interim Police Chief starting asap with a $200 a week stipend with no vehicle changes, no duty change, and no new policies. Motion passed 7-0.

Lt Harris thanked the council for the opportunity he has always wanted to be Chief, he is looking forward to this position and wants to be Chief, this was his goal, he plans to be around awhile so if you need him, please contact him.

Public Comment-Mike Hayworth Travel Liaison for Senator Chris Balkema was in attendance to introduce himself and he shared Senator Balkema’s mission statement, goals and committees, Senator Balkema has a website, FB page and encouraged everyone to join his newsletter. He thanked the council for allowing him to speak.

A Motion was made by Marcier, seconded by Cahoe to Adjourn at 7:38pm. Motion passed 7- 0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/council-meeting-1-28-25.pdf