East Central Reporter

Tuscola City Council met Tuesday, Oct. 11.

The Tuscola City Council meets at 7:30 p.m on the second and fourth Monday of every month. If a city-recognized holiday falls on those days, the meeting is rescheduled for the following Tuesday. The meetings are held at the Tuscola City Hall, 214 N. Main.

Here are the minutes as provided by Tuscola:

October 11, 2016

CITY OF TUSCOLA

COUNTY OF DOUGLAS STATE OF ILLINOS TUSCOLA CITY HALL October 11, 2016

The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order with Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, and Mayor Kleiss in attendance. Paul Wisovaty, representing the TK Martin Post 10009, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Comment - None

Consent Agenda Mayor Kleiss went over the items on the consent agenda:

Minutes of the September 26, 2016 meeting

Payment of bills totaling $80,414.33 Ratification of city council action on September 26, 2016 Cub Scout Pack 80 use of Wimple Park for campout/cookout on May 20-21, 2017

Henderson moved to approve the items on the consent agenda. Hoey seconded. VOTE YEA" Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt. Day moved to approve the consent agenda for October 11, 2016. Truitt seconded. VOTE YEA* Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt.

Requested Time on the Agenda

Paul Wisovaty addressed council on behalf of the TK Martin VFW Post 10009 requesting permission for a Veterans' Day parade from Ervin Park to the Douglas County Courthouse on November 11, 2016.

Mayor

Mayor Kleiss thanked Alderman Henderson for filling in in his absence at the September 26" council meeting. He also expressed his condolences to Henderson and his family for the loss of his motherin-law.

The Mayor recommended Terra Waldrop to fill the vacancy in Ward 2 until the next election. Truit moved to approve the appointment of Terra Waldrop as Alderperson in Ward 2 until the next election. Slaughter seconded. VOTE YEA* Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt.

The Mayor swore Waldrop in.

City Clerk - Angie Gordon filling in as Deputy Clerk in the absence of Clerk Leamon announced that petitions are available at City Hall for those who would like to run in the April 4, 2017 Consolidated Election. The Mayor and Gordon informed the council which seats were up for election.

City Treasurer

Treasurer Long reported the TIF delinquencies are Eddie Boutilier, Red Barn Vet Services, and Rachel Puckett.

City Attorney - No Report City Administrator - No Report

Other

Mayor Kleiss asked for clarification on the railroad closing on Pheasant Run for the next week.

City Administrator Hoel advised that no action was required by council at this time regarding the property tax levy. He would have an estimate ready for the next meeting for publication prior to the deadline.

Hoey moved to approve Holiday bonuses of $125 to each fulltime City employee. Cleland seconded. VOTE YEA" Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, Waldrop.

Administrator Hoel asked council for permission to solicit bids for the old North Ward property. He advised we have received two appraisals, $270,000 and $275,000. Since the property is in the TIF district, the City may solicit bids and have the ability to accept, or reject bids depending on the proposed use of the property. Attorney Bequette explained the difference between holding an auction and soliciting bids. Shoemaker moved to approve permission to solicit bids for the old North Ward property with a minimum bid of $220,000. Henderson seconded. VOTE YEA* Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, Waldrop.

Administrator Hoel then asked for permission to pay whatever is needed, if needed, for the 2012 property taxes at 132 W. Sale Street, Red Barn Vet Services, prior to the tax sale deadline of October 24, 2016 to protect our mortgage interest. Approximate 2012 tax amount is $8,100. Slaughter moved to give authorization to pay whatever is needed to redeem the property taxes at 132 W. Sale Street, if needed prior to the tax sale deadline. Shoemaker seconded. VOTE YEA" Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, Waldrop.

Slaughter asked how the demolition projects were coming along. Administrator Hoel advised that he had been in contact with the contractor and although they may not be completed by the completion date, it should be close.

The motion to adjourn was made by Henderson and seconded by Hoey. VOTE YEA" Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, Waldrop.