East Central Reporter

Arcola City Council met February 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Mayor Ferguson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present were Alderpersons Foran, Huckstep, Smith, Hensley, Ferguson and Guyot. City Administrator Wagoner, Treasurer Anderson and Attorney Bequette were also present.

Pledge Of Allegiance Alderman Foran led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Comment Larry Bushu questioned as to where the $500,000 is coming from that is for housing project. Mayor Ferguson responded that someone would answer any questions he has either after meeting or at a later date.

Approval Of January 15, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes Alderman Foran moved to approve the January 15, 2018 council meeting minutes as presented and was seconded by Alderman Hensley. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Approval Of January 13 – February 02, 2018 Bills Alderwoman Huckstep moved to approve the January 13 – February 02, 2018 bills as presented and was seconded by Alderman Hensley. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Approval Of The Treasurer’s Report For January Alderwoman Huckstep moved to approve the Treasurer’s report for January and was seconded by Alderman Smith. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Approval Of The January Zoning Officer’s Report The Zoning Officer reported 1 permit issued in the month of January with valuation of $2,000 and a $25 fee collected. Alderman Foran moved to approve the January Zoning Officer’s report and was seconded by Alderwoman Ferguson. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Consider And Approve Bid For Water Main And Meter Replacement – Section A – C & S Companies - $654,046.65 Alderman Guyot moved to approve bid for water main and meter replacement – Section A – C & S Companies - $654,046.65. Alderman Smith seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Consider And Approve Bid For Water Main And Meter Replacement – Section B – B & T Drainage - $376,137.00 Alderman Guyot moved to approve bid for water main and meter replacement – Section B – B & T Drainage - $376,137.00. Alderwoman Ferguson seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Consider And Approve Change Order #1 For Water Main Replacement – Elm Street Alderman Guyot moved to approve Change Order #1 for water main replacement – Elm Street in amount of $3,728.00. Alderman Foran seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Consider And Approve Payment #1 For Water Main Replacement – Elm Street Alderman Guyot moved to approve payment #1 replacement – Elm Street in amount of $26,024.00. Alderman Foran seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Consider And Approve Ordinance No. 18-C-1, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 Of The Arcola Municipal Code Alderman Smith moved to approve Ordinance No. 18-C-1 and was seconded by Alderman Foran. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Consider And Approve Resolution No. 18-R-1, A Resolution Adopting A Fine Schedule For Certain Offenses Alderman Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 18-R-1 and was seconded by Alderman Hensley. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Consider And Approve Appointment Of Kevin Monahan To The Tif Advisory Committee Alderman Smith moved to approve appointment of Kevin Monahan to the TIF Advisory Committee and was seconded by Alderman Guyot. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Committee Reports:

Alderman Foran Had nothing at this time.

Alderwoman Huckstep Had nothing at this time.

Alderman Smith Reported the Police, Ordinance & Enforcement Committee met prior to this meeting and discussed the pop up dinner ordinance. Also discussed the resignation of Officer Fay.

Alderman Hensley Had nothing at this time.

Alderwoman Ferguson Had nothing at this time.

Alderman Guyot Reported the Water & Sewer Committee met prior to this meeting and discussed the invoice & change order for water main replacement. Also discussed bids for water main & meter replacement.

Mayoral Comments: Mayor Ferguson responded to Rider Place Petition:

RE: Water; With 56 units using eight thousands gallons a month would equal 3% of The Cities allotted water usage.

Sewer; The wastewater treatment plant is more than capable of handling this small amount of usage. The plants daily average is at 1⁄2 of its maximum capacity.

Roads; We have discussed the possibility for a crossing guard, reduced speed limit and flashing lights to accommodate the needs of school children. It is concerning to me anyone would have the notion that the City would not put in sidewalks or care about the safety of our school children.

School; Superintendent Mulligan and Doc Arrol school board member visited Yost management in Charleston. Mulligan and Arrol found no reason to be alarmed of the project. I reached out to Dr. Mulligan a few weeks ago to see if his stance had changed. He reiterated that he had no issues with the project.

Police; To be up to date I talked with Chief Phillips and he has no concerns with the housing project. Of course there will be more people in Arcola, which may or may not be an issue for the department. I have not discussed this with the Fire Department. As we grow in numbers and have a larger work force area, I hope the Department could recruit more members. I do want to say the Fire Department members do not get thanked enough for their service to our community.

The City has reached out to Lawrenceville and Sterling, IL. They have had these exact units in their towns. Mayor Lee of Sterling told me they are pleased with the outcome. Mayor Lee is an Arcola graduate. We also have had contact with the Mayor of Lawrenceville and they are set to erect more units there. John Guyot visited the complex in Lawrenceville. His report back to the City Council was positive.

I believe the prior & current City Council has determined that the positives of this project out way any unfounded negatives.

Alderman Guyot commented he had spoke to the mayor of Lawrenceville and they have no additional expenses to city budget from this project.

As this concluded the business of the meeting, Alderwoman Huckstep moved to adjourn and was seconded by Alderman Smith. Council approved unanimously by voice vote.

Adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

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