East Central Reporter

Arcola City Council met Nov. 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Garza called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Due to COVID 19 the meeting was  held at the Arcola Center. Members present were Alderpersons Becerra, Budd, Foran, Hensley,  Smith and Garza. City Administrator Wagoner, Treasurer Anderson and Attorney Bequette were  also present. 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Alderman Becerra led the council and audience in the  Pledge of Allegiance. 

PUBLIC COMMENT Jodi McLane spoke on the survey sent by Friends of Downtown  Arcola group. Stated that 300 surveys were distributed and received approximately 80 back.  Divided it by Wards and each Ward cross sections of streets was chosen to get other opinions of  each Ward. As businesses they welcome everyone that chooses to come and open business.  Hope is to restore the town to the tourist destination we once were. 

Susie Saunders stated the surveys show a lot of good input and suggestions as how to  move forward. Example being #7 on survey, comments being zoning needed to keep downtown historic and restrictions for future businesses and variety of businesses needed to attract tourism  and local people. #1 on survey had comments regarding lack of spaces for new businesses and  we used to be a charming, inviting, lovely downtown and we used to be a close-knit community,  but no longer. We need to look forward and make this a town as welcoming for all again. 

Dorinda Prince stated her and her husband are owners of D & M Fueling Station  downtown. Open business 7 months ago and chose Arcola because it is their hometown and love  quaintness of historic area and are hoping to be a part of rebuilding downtown. Downtown  businesses hear same questions daily from customers: What has happened to downtown and  what is the plan? As a business owner hope from questionnaire is to see what people of Arcola  want for the downtown. Stores like theirs will not survive if we do not get retail and restaurants  downtown. Need a plan in place to provide space to future businesses. As business owners they  would like to know if the vision for Arcola has changed. If heading in new direction, that’s  understandable, but what they hear on a daily basis is that people come here for the small mom  and pop businesses.  

Daisy Pimentel spoke regarding the new business her and her husband are opening  downtown. Hope they are a good fit and realize that right now it is up in the air. Love all the  plans they hear regarding reviving downtown. Hope people except what they are doing and want  to bring good things to the community and help community. 

Juan Martinez stated him and Jose Cantu hope we can all work together. Definitely want  to revive downtown. If Arcola prospers everyone will prosper. If tenants do not keep up with  guidelines in lease they will not renew with them. 

Sharilyn Kibler stated she want to see what plan is. Feels strong that we need restriction  on how many bars and gaming we have. Watched downtown Tuscola die off and then all of a  sudden new blood came and helped town grow. Thinks cantina is a great asset to the town. We  have a large Hispanic population that we underserve. Doesn’t want to see her property values  die because of bad choices.

APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 18, 2021 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Alderman  Foran moved to approve the October 18, 2021 council meeting minutes as presented and was  seconded by Alderman Budd. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried. 

APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 16, 2021 THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2021 BILLS  Alderman Hensley moved to approve the October 16, 2021 – October 29, 2021 bills as presented  and was seconded by Alderman Budd. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried. 

APPROVAL OF THE TREASURER’S REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2021 Alderman  Smith moved to approve the Treasurer’s report for October 2021 and was seconded by Alderman  Garza. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried. 

APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER ZONING OFFICER’S REPORT The Zoning  Officer reported 1 permit issued in the month of October. This permit being for a sign. A fee in  amount of $25 was collected. Alderman Foran moved to approve the October Zoning Officer’s  report as presented and was seconded by Alderman Becerra. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion  carried. 

CONSIDER AND APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 21-S-16, TIF STOREFRONT  REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR 119-125 E MAIN – MARTINEZ & CANTU  Alderman Hensley moved to approve Ordinance No. 21-S-16 and was seconded by Alderman  Foran. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried. 

CONSIDER AND APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 21-S-17, AN ORDINANCE  AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO BORROW FUNDS FOR THE EXECUTION OF  ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS – POLICE VEHICLE LEASE Alderman Smith moved to  approve Ordinance No. 21-S-17 and was seconded by Alderman Hensley. Roll call vote, all  ayes. Motion carried. 

CONSIDER AND APPROVE SETTING THE TAX LEVY FOR NEXT FISCAL  YEAR Alderman Foran moved to approve setting the Tax Levy for next fiscal year in amount  of $292,000. Alderman Becerra seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried. 

CONSIDER AND APPROVE GRANTING AN EASEMENT TO AMEREN  ILLINOIS (WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT) Alderman Hensley moved to approve  granting an easement to Ameren Illinois (wastewater treatment plant). Alderman Budd seconded  the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried. 

CONSIDER AND APPROVE ISSUING A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR  THE METROPOLITAN BLOCK Alderman Foran moved to approve issuing a request for  proposals for the Metropolitan Block and was seconded by Alderman Garza. Roll call vote, all  ayes. Motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS 

Alderman Becerra Had nothing at this time. 

Alderman Budd Had nothing at this time. 

Alderman Foran Stated he appreciates involvement of everyone that  made public comments and attended meeting. 

Alderman Hensley Had nothing at this time. 

Alderman Smith Reported the Police, Ordinance & Enforcement  Committee met prior to this meeting and received  update from Chief Suding on squad car lease and  sale of surplus equipment. 

Alderman Garza Had nothing at this time. 

As this concluded the business of the meeting, Alderman Hensley moved to adjourn and  was seconded by Alderman Foran. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried. 

Adjourned at 7:22 p.m. 

https://www.arcolaillinois.org/vertical/sites/%7BEB6C516F-456C-4E2C-82FA-C414C30C76ED%7D/uploads/11.01.21_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf