City of Arcola City Council met July 23.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Ferguson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Members present were Alderpersons Budd, Foran, Huckstep, Smith, Hensley and Ferguson. Attorney Bequette was also present. City Administrator Wagoner and Treasurer Anderson were not present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Alderman Budd led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT Pat Monahan stated that it is important to preserve the building and the whole block. Has great confidence in Wilmer Otto. We would not have the great downtown we have if it wasn’t for Wilmer. He has a track record of saving and putting to good use of old buildings. Please include Wilmer in whatever plans city has for building.
Sandy Arthur thanked the council and Larry for the service given to citizens. Has no doubt that council wants to do the right thing for this town. She is supporting Wilmer’s nonprofit group and their efforts to restore this building. Have submitted a viable plan. Feels they have made strides in fundraising. Feels plan is worthy of the original TIF funds that were offered. It is the best outcome for the community and the lowest cost to the taxpayers. This plan is supported by other business people, other financial service people, our manufacturing industry and our downtown businesses. It is, not only hurting old business that is here, it is keeping new business from coming. Thinks we can come together with a plan.
Wilmer Otto congratulated the council for making an attempt to make a win out of a challenging situation. Every business downtown has suffered during the interim we have been in for the last two years. He supports the motion to accept the Lindenmeyer building as real estate for the city to then dispose of or utilize however is in the best interest of the city. He is ready to move ahead with the agreement the city made with him last October. His contractor still says he can have the building ready for businesses to move into in 90 days. Is demolition going to come from TIF? What is the total cost? He supports the TIF but thought TIF was for building, improvements and create additional attractions. Is painful for him to have his TIF money used to demolish the most important downtown.
John Guyot stated he was on council for 8 years. Council is very competent. He knows that safety is the most important thing to council. Complimented council and mayor on all the good work they are doing.
Jeff Edwards stated the past doesn’t equal future. Feels the metropolitan block has served its purpose. Wilmer stated to him the bid to rebuild is $285,000. He doesn’t feel this will be enough. The owners of the Emporium had an architect give estimate of over $1,000,000 to repair building prior to wall collapse. Doesn’t feel Wilmer’s plan is a good plan.
CONSIDER AND APPROVE ACCEPTING TERMS OF A SETTLEMENT WITH ERICA BETH THIEMAN Alderman Budd moved to approve accepting terms of a settlement with Erica Beth Thieman. Alderman Foran seconded the motion. Roll call vote, Budd, aye; Foran, aye; Huckstep, aye; Smith, nay; Hensley, aye; Ferguson, aye. Motion carried.
CONSIDER AND APPROVE AUTHORIZING MAYOR OR CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH ERICA BETH THIEMAN Alderman Foran moved to approve authorizing Mayor or City Administrator to execute settlement agreement with Erica Beth Thieman. Alderwoman Ferguson seconded the motion. Roll call vote, Budd, aye; Foran, aye; Huckstep, aye; Smith, nay; Hensley, aye; Ferguson, aye. Motion carried.
CONSIDER AND APPROVE ACCEPTING A TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF PREMISES SUBJECT TO LITIGATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO 207- 213 EAST MAIN, CITY OF ARCOLA, FROM ERICA BETH THIEMAN TO THE CITY OF ARCOLA, ILLINOIS PURSUANT TO A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT Alderwoman Huckstep moved to approve accepting a transfer of ownership of premises subject to litigation, including, but not limited to 207-213 East Main, City of Arcola, from Erica Beth Thieman to the City of Arcola, Illinois pursuant to a settlement agreement. Alderman Hensley seconded the motion. Roll call vote, Budd, aye; Foran, aye; Huckstep, aye; Smith, nay; Hensley, aye; Ferguson, aye. Motion carried.
CONSIDER AND APPROVE DISMISSING OF LITIGATION AGAINST ERICA BETH THIEMAN PURSUANT TO A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT Alderman Foran moved to approve dismissing of litigation against Erica Beth Thieman pursuant to a settlement agreement. Alderwoman Ferguson seconded the motion. Roll call vote, Budd, aye; Foran, aye; Huckstep, aye; Smith, nay; Hensley, aye; Ferguson, aye. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no committee reports.
As this concluded the business of the meeting, Alderwoman Huckstep moved to adjourn and was seconded by Alderman Foran. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
https://www.arcolaillinois.org/vertical/sites/%7BEB6C516F-456C-4E2C-82FA-C414C30C76ED%7D/uploads/07_23_20_Special_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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