City of Arcola City Council met June 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Ferguson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present in council chambers were Alderpersons Foran, Huckstep, Smith, Hensley and Budd. Also present was City Administrator Wagoner and Treasurer Anderson. Present virtually was Alderwoman Ferguson and Attorney Bequette.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Alderman Foran led the council and audience in the pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT Public comments were made by the following people:
Pat Monahan stated that he feels sure the right decision will be made. Everyone needs to concentrate on the next step. We have a great industrial park and tourism has been a major factor for many years. If we don’t preserve this building we will lose charm of downtown. It is important to save building.
Suzy Saunders stated she is in support of Wilmer and Pat. A plan is in place. Feels it is cheaper and quicker than tearing it down.
Greg Saunders stated he is representing the museum and feels it is very vital to community to restore. Will help bring in more businesses.
Karen Kennedy feels it would be a real shame not to save building.
Bill Blackwell spoke in support of Wilmer and Pat. We will lose beautiful building if torn down. Stated that if ever there was use for TIF money, this is it.
Eric Walters commented that it would tear the heart out of Arcola if building is allowed to be torn down. Wouldn’t want to live here anymore if torn down.
Wilmer Otto stated that a year following collapse nothing had been done. No plan to reopen Emporium or do anything with building. He started working to get a plan in place. In October he had a solid plan to repair building. In February he got mechanics lien and mortgage released. In March he had a structural engineer make a report which stated building could be repaired. He would like the council to keep offer made of $115,000 TIF funds.
Jeff Edwards stated that nearly 500 people have signed the Change.org petition that was posted on Facebook by Cara Edwards to take the building down (Copy of the petition presented to the City Council members). Owners of Emporium received quote of over $1,000,000 to repair buildings. Jeff shared a picture of 2 kids petting cat at building. Feels it would be better served to fill our empty buildings downtown instead of restoring the building.
APPROVAL OF MAY 18, 2020 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Alderman Foran moved to approve the May 18, 2020 council meeting minutes as presented and was seconded by Alderman Smith. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MAY 16, 2020 THROUGH MAY 29, 2020 BILLS Alderwoman Huckstep moved to approve the May 16, 2020 through May 29, 2020 bills as presented and was seconded by Alderman Foran. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF THE TREASURER’S REPORT FOR MAY 2020 Alderwoman Huckstep moved to approve the Treasurer’s report for May 2020 and was seconded by Alderman Hensley. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF THE MAY ZONING OFFICER’S REPORT The Zoning Officer reported 5 permits issued with valuation of $144,800 and $238.40 in fees collected. Alderman Foran moved to approve the May Zoning Officer’s report as presented and was seconded by Alderman Smith. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
EXTENSION OF THE DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY – COVID 19 Alderman Foran moved approve extension of the Declaration of Emergency – COVID 19 to next regular city council meeting. Alderman Smith seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
CONSIDER AND ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF GABE MENSER Alderman Budd moved to accept the resignation of Gabe Menser and was seconded by Alderman Hensley. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
CONSIDER AND ACCEPT BID BOND FROM EARL WALKER COMPANY AND AWARD BID FOR SEAL COAT MAINTENANCE BID -- $66,271 Alderman Foran moved to accept bid bond from Earl Walker Company and award bid for seal coat maintenance bid in amount of $66,271. Alderman Smith seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
CONSIDER AND APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTING SERVICES WITH STONE RIVER GROUP TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CENTRAL ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL AGGREGATION PROGRAM Alderwoman Huckstep moved to approve agreement for consulting services with Stone River Group to participate in the Central Illinois Municipal Aggregation Program. Alderman Smith seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
CONSIDER AND APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 20-R-7, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY FOR RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL COMMERCIAL RETAIL CUSTOMERS WHO DO NOT OPT OUT OF SUCH PROGRAM – COMMUNITY AGGREGATION Alderman Budd moved to approve Resolution No. 20-R-7 and was seconded by Alderman Smith. 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 Had nothing at this time.
Alderman Hensley Reported that the Municipal Buildings & Grounds Committee met prior to this meeting and discussed roof replacement at the depot and depot shed. Pushed this back to the fall.
Alderwoman Ferguson Had nothing at this time.
Alderman Budd Had no committee report but stated the Methodist Church minister is having Community Prayer Time for the Nation this Wed. evening at 7:00 p.m. at gazebo.
Mayor Ferguson stated he has been very quiet regarding the building and that is going to stop tonight. The Council, Bill and him have put in a lot of hours on this issue. Everyone does serve because they love this town, we know we need to listen to our constituents, but also know we need to do what is right for this community. He was all for this project (Wilmer’s) at the beginning, but no longer is. (Larry) Doesn’t always agree with councils decisions as the Mayor, but supports them. He has been doing this for 21 years but this is his last term. He worked on divisive issues in that time; the Libman project with turbine, TIF extension; it is not easy sitting in any of these seats. I care about this community and I know a lot of people want to save this building and, at beginning, I was one of them, but the City will not spend $115,000 if the rest of building is not worth saving.
After the City Council withdrew the commitment in March, Larry told Wilmer to come back with another plan. The new plan from Wilmer was another TIF application requesting $150,000. This is taxpayer money that we are responsible for. The Mayor questioned why Wilmer would expect the City Council to approve more money for a project they withdrew from.
Alderman Smith made motion to adjourn. The Mayor continued to finish his statement.
If someone wants to complain about what is going on there is election next April. Applauds Wilmer and Pat for the dedication, but our attorney said that every time we put the building (request from Wilmer) on the agenda about giving money it sets case (against owner Thieman) back even further.
Alderwoman Huckstep moved to adjourn and was seconded by Alderman Foran. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
https://www.arcolaillinois.org/vertical/sites/%7BEB6C516F-456C-4E2C-82FA-C414C30C76ED%7D/uploads/06.01.20_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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