Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Code Enforcement Committee met May 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Brault, Miller, Muench, Dewitt, Garfield, Pence, Petersen, Alderwoman Rohlfs, Mayor Marcier

GUESTS: Resident Jessica Rogers, Building Inspector Eric Brandt, Code Enforcement Shane Eades

Alderman Brault opened the meeting at 6:52 pm. Building Inspector Eric Brandt reported on the following projects:

IDNR Flood Mitigation: the 3 demos from last month have been started, Eric stated when this program started there were 99 on the list with 63 of those being primary (owner occupied) then secondary were landlords, of the 99, 78 have been demolished , the current grant has been renewed until December 2026, Eric has applied for another grant that is 75/25 and at this time it is on hold

Poultry Ordinance: Resident Jessica Rogers was in attendance with a proposed ordinance that allows poultry in the city. She has checked with several other communities it the area small and large that do allow chickens. The group is proposing 6-10 chickens, she went on to say there already are some chickens in town but the group it trying to do things the correct way by asking for an updated ordinance. Ms. Rogers stated she would volunteer her time by making sure that residents would follow the proposed ordinance. Several members of the committee commented by saying that if the city allows chickens what kind of animal will be next. Eric stated he is aware of some of the chickens in town now but if the neighbors aren’t complaining he just lets it go, and he doesn’t get many complaints at all. Mayor Marcier read a prepared statement from former Mayor Bob Harwood against chickens. Alderman Petersen made a motion to not allow any livestock in the community and Alderman Muench seconded. After some discussion the Aldermen decided they wanted more time to think about the issue, so the motion was tabled until next month.

Lakeview Park Geese: Eric stated the city now has a license to remove the eggs to help with the population

100 W Walnut St: Eric stated the temporary roof was a failure. This temporary roof was suggested by Carlile Group to help keep the wood from getting wet inside, as wet wood weakens the building. The company that put the temporary roof down is going to reimburse the city for the material so there will be a check coming for $3373.28. There was discussion about the condition of the building and what the next step is for the city. It was stated at one time is was going to cost $300,000 to demolish plus tuck point work plus electrical work plus closing 2 business while the demolition is happening. It was suggested to put the decision about what to do with the building on a ballot. Alderman Dewitt made a motion to demolish the building and Alderman Garfield seconded. Roll call failed 7-2 with Muench, Miller, Petersen, Pence, Rohlfs, Brault and Mayor Marcier voting no. Mayor Marcier stated he is trying to get a grant to help with some of the costs. Alderman Pence stated he would like more specific numbers for the actual demolition and Alderman Petersen said he agrees that it is a liability to the city.

117 W Walnut St: The owners of Silo Pub were in attendance to discuss there proposed sign of an actual silo and a windmill. They are trying to keep the theme with the inside of the business. The owner stated the silo will be cleaned up and clear coated so that it will not rust. There was discussion about the sign possibly obstructing the view when pulling out of the parking lot, and about the sign being on the state right of way. The committee was fine with the windmill signage on the building itself. Alderman Garfield makes a motion to recommend to the council to allow the Silo Pub using a silo for signage contingent on the state and federal guidelines. Alderman Petersen seconded. Roll call carried 9-0. 319 W Hickory St: this property is looking like a junk yard with the numerous tires laying around, junk cars and scrap metal. Eric and Shane have both talked to the owners about getting a fence but the cost of a fence is $25,000.00. Shane stated in order for them to take cars and hold them they need to be secure with a 6 foot fence. Alderman Pence stated they should be concerned about the EPA coming in and the fire Marshall. After more discussion it was decided that Eric, Shane and Alderman Pence will all go together to talk to the owners.

6th & Elm: there was a short discussion about the campers at the corner of N 6th St & Elm St setting on an empty lot.

T&D Metal: there was discussion about the steel in the open on the south side of the tracks and kids playing on it. It was discussed that a fence needs to be put up.

Alderman Garfield asked about the roof at Traditions, Mayor Marcier stated he has talked to the owner and please see him after the meeting

Alderman Brault makes a motion to adjourn at 7:55 and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/media/4126