City of Neoga Regular Council met May 8.
Here is the minutes as provided by the council:
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Tony Kepp. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Those present were: Commissioners Lindley, Hartke, Stokes, and Mayor Kepp. Commissioner Edwards was absent. Others present were City Clerk Brenda Evans, City Treasurer Diana Foor, Superintendent Tom Helm, Police Chief Andy Schabbing, and Tom Strohl.
Minutes
After reviewing the minutes, Commissioner Stokes stated that she voted nay on the hiring of part time employee Brandon Maroon. Commissioner Lindley made a motion to approve the regular session minutes from April 25th with the correction of changing the vote for Commissioner Stokes from yea to hay. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Stokes. Ayes, Commissioner Lindley, Stokes, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Commissioner Hartke abstained. Motion carried 3-0.
Public Affairs, Mayor Kepp
Tom Strohl
Tom Strohl addressed the Council in regards to a number of concerns and recommendations. Some were as follows:
Continued unfinished projects
Drainage problems at 505 E. 6th Street, 177 W. 11th Street, 745 Cedar Avenue, and 386 E. 6th Street due to either crushed or clogged culverts.
Recommended that all culverts be jetted or replaced
Flush all hydrants
Replace sidewalks or build new sidewalks
Purchase a smaller tractor and wide mower for mowing larger areas
Start purchasing items through state purchase program.
Asked why the Neoga Police Department was sitting on the interstate more than a mile north of Neoga and 3 miles south of Neoga.
The barn at 670 Locust Avenue is falling down and needs repaired or demolished.
834 E. 5th Street has boulders in the roadway
After a very lengthy discussion about these issues, the council agreed to look into them.
Purchase of Squad Car
Chief Schabbing presented to the council a spreadsheet regarding the prices on a new squad car. Schabbing had prices Dodge Durango, Dodge Charger, Ford Sedan, and Ford Utility. Schabbing said he is meeting with Pilson’s in Mattoon to discuss their prices as well. After reviewing the spreadsheet, Commissioner Hartke said that he is not convinced on purchasing a new car at this time. Mayor Kepp said that he feels a new SUV should be purchased in the event a police dog is purchased and to give the officers more room in the car. Commissioner Hartke said that at this time, he still doesn’t feel the need for a new vehicle. After a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the council to wait until the other prices came in.
Finance, Commissioner Hartke
Treasurer's Report
After viewing the treasurer’s report, Mayor Kepp ordered the financial report to be placed into the files of the City Clerk.
2017 Audit Contract
City Clerk Evans presented a contract for the audit for this 2016-2017 fiscal year end. After reviewing the contract, Commissioner Hartke made a motion to authorize Mayor Kepp to sign the contract. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Stokes. Ayes, Commissioner Hartke, Stokes, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4-0.
Public Property, Commissioner Stokes
No report was given.
Streets and Alleys, Commissioner Edwards
Purchase of Tractor & Mower
Mayor Kepp said that he spoke with Sigel Equipment about a tractor and mower. Tony Fearday recommended using a 50 hp John Deere tractor with an eleven (11’) foot mower and has offered to bring it up for the guys to demo. Mayor Kepp said the tractor was quoted at $23000, mower at $5,000, and the front wheel weights at $300 for a total of $28,300. It was the consensus of the Council to discuss this after the guys reviewed the tractor and mower.
Health and Safety, Commissioner Lindley
Commissioner Lindley told the Council that he is still very concerned about people walking in the roadway with dark clothing on.
Public Comments
None was given.
Executive Session
Commissioner Stokes made a motion at 8:23 pm to move into executive session for Personnel - Section 2 (c) (1) – Employee hiring, firing, compensation, discipline and performance. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindley. Ayes, Commissioner Stokes, Lindley, Hartke, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4-0.
Reconvened and Roll Call
The meeting was reconvened at 8:57 p.m. on a motion from Commissioner Hartke. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Stokes. Those present for roll call were: Commissioners Hartke, Stokes, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp.
Adjournment
Commissioner Hartke made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:57 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Stokes. Ayes, Commissioner Hartke, Stokes, Lindley, and Mayor Kepp. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4-0.
http://www.neoga.org/content_files/May_8__2017.pdf
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