East Central Reporter

Honoring an outgoing civil servant and extending appreciation to all its departments for their recent performance, Mattoon’s city council convened at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 for its regular meeting.

Presenting a plaque to Captain Randy Myers, the council recognized the long-time city worker upon his retirement from the fire department following 20 years of service. Myers thanked the group, expressing his appreciation.

Bill Duey offered a “Fit-to-Serve” presentation. He described Fit to Serve as a development of relationships through community service, specifying the “ABCD’s of Fit to Serve” as Appreciation, Bridge, Cluck and Development, and thanked the council for its support.

In new business, motions were approved to authorize Mayor Tim Gover to approve the acquisition of utilities for city-owned properties, specifically electricity and natural gas; and for the police department to purchase Ford vehicles specially equipped for police and detective work.

As Gover was authorized to act as agent for the city, City Administrator Kyle Gill noted that this action closely resembled electrical aggregation — except for the city’s electrical and natural gas — and explained the process for locking in rates.

Police Chief Jeff Branson acknowledged an unusually high number of auto accidents recently and thanked Public Works Director Dean Barber’s crews for their diligent maintenance on the streets. In related news, Commissioner Sandra Graven complimented the street crews and county on clearing snow-covered roads.

The arts and tourism department reported fully enrolled classes for both a pottery workshop at the high school and a quilt workshop in the Lone Elm Room. Registration is open for an upcoming ukulele workshop, as well.