East Central Reporter

Lawrenceville City Council met Thursday, Jan. 12.

Here are the minutes as provided by Lawrenceville:

CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE, ILLINOIS

JANUARY 12, 2017

MINUTES

The Council of the City of Lawrenceville, Lawrence County, Illinois met in regular session in the City Council Chambers of the City Hall Building on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. The following Aldermen were present on roll call: Blacketer, Fritch, Holcomb, Stevens, Courtney, Howder, Lynn and Waldrop. Absent: None.

Mayor Wagner called the meeting to order. Waldrop gave the prayer. All present then recited the Pledge of Allegiance while facing the flag.

The Council had earlier received copies of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of December 8, 2016. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Lynn made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of December 8, 2016. Holcomb seconded the motion. Motion passed on a voice vote.

The Council had earlier received copies of the bills of the City, Sewer and Water Departments for December. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Blacketer made a motion to approve paying the bills for December. Stevens seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Holcomb, Fritch, Stevens, Courtney, Howder, Lynn and Waldrop. Nays: None. Absent: None.

Mayor Wagner reported the City’s accounts to the Council. The City working budget is 9% under budget into the 16-17 fiscal year. Mayor Wagner praised all City employees for their hard work and dedication to the City.

Mayor Wagner read the minutes of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting to the Council. Three variances concerning the Indian Trail Apartments, LP were discussed: 1) Reduce front yard on James St. set back to 20 ft. from 25 ft., 2) Reduce width of (11) interior parking spaces from 10 ft. to 9 ft., and 3) Reduce sewer easement to 12 ft. between building A3 and A4. The Police and Utilities Departments have approved the changes.

The Zoning Board approved the variances and recommended to the City Council for approval. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Courtney made a motion for the three variance changes. Waldrop seconded the motion. The motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Waldrop, Courtney, Fritch, Howder, Lynn, Holcomb and Stevens. Nays: None.

Tom Tipsword, Chairman of the T.I.F. committee, read the minutes of the T.I.F. meeting to the Council. Lawrence County ACE Hardware Center would like to expand their current location by extending the parking lot and adding a garden center. Cost of the expansion project is $22,000. The T.I.F. committee proposes a grant of 75%, $15,500, of T.I.F. funds to help with the new business.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approve $15,500 of T.I.F. #1 money for ACE Hardware expansion. Lynn seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Howder, Fritch, Lynn, Holcomb, Stevens, Courtney and Waldrop. Nays: None. Absent: None.

Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1513 to the Council. Ordinance #1513 purposed to “Extending the authorization to Ameren Illinois to construct, operate and maintain an electric utility system in the City of Lawrenceville”. City Attorney, Neal looked into the contract and recommended the 20-year agreement. The agreement is similar to one that Ameren is offering neighboring communities.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Fritch made a motion to approved Ordinance # 1513. Blacketer seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Lynn, Courtney, Waldrop, Fritch, Howder, Holcomb and Stevens. Nays: None.

Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1514 to the Council. Ordinance #1514 purposed “Authorizing the sale of personal property owned by the City of Lawrenceville, Illinois”. Mayor Wagner noted a number of City-owned vehicles are no longer functional and do not need to be used.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Lynn made a motion to approved Ordinance # 1514. Courtney seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Lynn, Courtney, Waldrop, Fritch, Howder, Holcomb and Stevens. Nays: None.

Mayor Wagner announced Robert Craft as Chairman and John White as Co-Chairman of the Zoning Board.

Police Chief White told the Council that there’s a need for the Police department to have a tranquilizer gun to deal with stray animals. The Council gave permission to the Chief to look at the equipment and provide training for the officers.

Mayor Wagner read a thank you letter to the Council from Police Officer Annette Akers thanking the City for their dedication towards the Blessing Baskets program.

Lynn made a motion to adjourn. Blacketer seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote. Time: 7:49 p.m.

Rodney Nolan, City Clerk