East Central Reporter

The Charleston City Council met Tuesday, July 5.

"The City Council is the duly elected legislative and policy-making body of the City of Charleston. The fundamental job of the City Council is to make policy decisions for the City based on relevant and accurate information received from the full-time City Manager and his staff. Committees and Advisory Boards of the City Council render recommendations to the full body regarding municipal projects, facilities, services, finance and personnel as well as issues of health, safety, and welfare of the community at large. The City Council solicits and receives the support of many volunteer citizen committees to ensure a democratic, citizen-centered process."

Here are the meeting minutes as provided by the Charleston City Council:

City of Charleston Regular City Council Meeting Minutes July 5, 2016

State of Illinois County of Coles ss. City of Charleston

The Council of the City of Charleston, Coles County, Illinois, met for the regular scheduled session at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at 520 Jackson Avenue, Charleston, Illinois, with Mayor Brandon Combs, presiding. The meeting commenced at 6:30 p.m. The Mayor directed the City Clerk to call the roll and the following were physically present and answered affirmatively to the call of his or her name: Council Members Jim Dunn, Mathew Hutti, Tim Newell and Mayor Brandon Combs were physically present. Council Member Jeff Lahr was not in attendance. Other City Officers present were: City Manager Scott Smith, City Attorney Rachael Cunningham, Deputy City Clerk Becky Fasig; Police Chief Bryan Baker; Fire Chief Steve Bennett; City Planner Steve Pamperin; Building Code Official Alex Winkler; Comptroller Heather Kuykendall; Public Works Director Curt Buescher and Network Administrator Todd Kibler.

Mayor Combs welcomed everyone and then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Combs then introduced and reviewed the CONSENT AGENDA, which consisted of the following: 1) MINUTES—Regular meeting held on June 21, 2016; 2) PAYROLL—Regular Pay Period ending June 25, 2016; and 3) BILLS PAYABLE— July 8, 2016.

A written motion was made by Council Member Hutti and seconded by Council Member Newell that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented.

Mayor Combs directed the Deputy City Clerk to call the roll and the following voted Yea: Council Members Newell, Dunn, Hutti and Mayor Combs. Mayor Combs declared the motion carried by a vote of 4 Yeas, Nays—0.

With regard to Item 4, Mayor Combs noted the site of the property was located beside Sister City Park and was purchased for $458,034.96 made possible by a pledge from the Charleston Area Charitable Foundation. Mayor Combs said the City was very fortunate to have this opportunity for future projects and development.

ITEM 4: A written motion was made by Council Member Newell and seconded by Council Member Hutti that the Ordinance approving Acquisition of Real Estate (39.16 Acres more or less) from First Christian Church be approved and the layover period waived.

Mayor Combs directed the Deputy City Clerk to call the roll and the following voted Yea: Council Members Newell, Dunn, Hutti and Mayor Combs. Mayor Combs declared the motion carried by a vote of 4 Yeas, Nays—0.

With regard to Item 5, Mayor Combs stated that the property owners, Eastern IL Properties, had requested this amendment to prohibit parking on the grass and creating a “mud” hole. They have plans to repair landscaping and replant grass to improve conditions.

ITEM 5: A written motion was made by Council Member Dunn and seconded by Council Member Newell that the Ordinance amending Title 6-2-10: No Parking on Certain Streets, specifically on the East side of 2nd Street from Taylor Avenue to Polk Avenue, be placed on layover for a two week period so the public may review the issue.

Mayor Combs directed the Deputy City Clerk to call the roll and the following voted Yea: Council Members Newell, Dunn, Hutti and Mayor Combs. Mayor Combs declared the motion carried by a vote of 4 Yeas, Nays—0.

ITEM 6: A written motion was made by Council Member Hutti and seconded by Council Member Newell that the Ordinance amending Ordinance 16-0-18: Providing for Sensible Rehabilitation within the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District at 704 Jackson Ave (Dennis Kater), be approved and the layover period waived.

Mayor Combs directed the Deputy City Clerk to call the roll and the following voted Yea: Council Members Newell, Dunn, Hutti and Mayor Combs. Mayor Combs declared the motion carried by a vote of 4 Yeas, Nays—0.

ITEM 7: A written motion was made by Council Member Newell and seconded by Council Member Hutti that the Resolution adopting the Prevailing Wage Rates established by the Illinois Department of Labor, be approved and the layover period waived.

Mayor Combs directed the Deputy City Clerk to call the roll and the following voted Yea: Council Members Newell, Dunn, Hutti and Mayor Combs. Mayor Combs declared the motion carried by a vote of 4 Yeas, Nays—0.

The Mayor said that this concluded the Agenda items.

The Mayor asked if there were any comments from City Manager Smith or City Attorney Cunningham at this time; there were not.

The Mayor then opened the floor to any public comments, communications and presentations. He asked that those doing so come up to the podium and give the Deputy Clerk their name and address for the record. He noted that this was solely for the benefit of the Deputy Clerk, and was not required. He asked that they limit their comments to 3 minutes and avoid repetition.

Jon Bell, Mattoon IL, Jon has been working as an unpaid intern with the City and wanted to thank Scott, Brandon, Council and City staff for their patience and cooperation in helping him understand how the City is run. He is impressed at the competence and caring of the employees across the board and hopes the citizens of Charleston appreciate everything the City is doing on their behalf.

City Manager Smith said that he wanted to thank Council and Staff for their action and help on the Church acquisition of the property for the Community Center and other future projects. He said it has been in the works for a long time and was pleased with the outcome. There was also good news regarding the sale of 513 7th

Street; he indicated that new owners took possession of the property today. He also thanked everyone involved in the 4th of July festivities despite the wet weather. Their hard work was very much appreciated.

At this time the Mayor said that he would entertain a motion to go into Executive Session.

A written motion was made by Council Member Newell and seconded by Council Member Hutti to go into Executive Session to review closed session minutes pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (21).

Mayor Combs directed the Deputy City Clerk to call the roll and the following voted Yea: Council Members Newell, Dunn, Hutti and Mayor Combs. Mayor Combs declared the motion carried by a vote of 4 Yeas, Nays—0.

Recess: 6:45 p.m.

Mayor Combs reconvened the regular session of City Council at 7:02 p.m.

Present were Council Members Newell, Dunn and Mayor Combs. Also present were City Manager Smith and Deputy City Clerk Fasig and City Attorney Cunningham.

Mayor Combs said that he would entertain a motion to adjourn.

A written motion was made by Council Member Newell and seconded by Council Member Dunn to adjourn.

Mayor Combs directed the Deputy City Clerk to call the roll and the following voted Yea: Council Members Newell, Dunn and Mayor Combs. Council Member Hutti was not present.

Mayor Combs declared the motion carried by a vote of 3 Yeas, Nays—0.

Adjournment: 7:04 p.m.

Minutes approved this 19th

Day of July 2016.

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Brandon Combs, Mayor ATTEST:

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City Clerk