East Central Reporter

City of Neoga City Council met Aug. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Helm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Those present were Commissioners Williams, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Others present were City Clerk Brenda Evans, Superintendent Durbin, Police Chief Schabbing, and Michael Edmondson.

MINUTES

After reviewing the regular and executive session minutes from July 24, 2023, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR HELM

KEVIN WEIR, EVERLAST PORTABLE BUILDINGS

City Clerk Evans told the council that Mr. Weir was going to be here to discuss his desire to lease property by Casey’s General Store on Rt. #45. According to Evans, Weir wanted to use the property to place portable buildings on it to sell. After a lengthy discussion about leasing the property, it was the consensus of the Council to review the option later.

TRICK OR TREAT

The Council discussed trick or treat this year, and after a brief discussion, Commissioner Williams made a motion to set trick or treat on October 28th from 6-8 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Letizia. Ayes, Commissioner Willams, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

NEOGA COMMUNITY CENTER LEASE FOR NEOGA DAYS AND ART CLASS

City Clerk Evans discussed with the Council the possibility of leasing a room to the Neoga Days Committee and an art class. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to proceed with contracts for Neoga Days and Alishia Karrick with Artful Play for $100 per month plus insurance. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

FINANCE, COMMISSIONER SCHABBING

TREASURER’S REPORT

After reviewing the treasurer’s report, Mayor Helm ordered that the treasurer’s report be filed in the City Clerk’s records.

PUBLIC PROPERTY, COMMISSIONER LETIZIA

TREE REMOVAL

City Clerk Evans told the council that two bids came in for tree removal after trees were damaged during the June 29th windstorm. They were as follows:

Ordner $9,100 for 3 trees and stumps

Shade Shifters $7,400 for 3 trees and stumps

After a very brief discussion, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to approve Shade Shifters to remove the trees and stumps for $7,400. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

PURCHASE OF SICKLE BAR

Superintendent Durbin said he would like to table this until he receives additional quotes.

PURCASE OF STREET BROOM

Superintendent Durbin said he would like to table this until he receives additional quotes.

STREETS AND ALLEYS, COMMISSIONER EDWARDS TILLING OF STREETS

City Clerk Evans said that she received two bids for tilling the streets before the MFT program was done. They bids were as follows:

Earl Walker $65,000

Larry Heuerman $15,000

After a brief discussion, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to have Larry Heuerman till the streets in the amount of $15,000. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

MYERS BOOM MOWING BID

Superintendent Durbin said that he received a bid from Myers Boom Mowing. This will eliminate renting a tractor for the guys to bush hog the areas. Since they are down to two guys, it would be hard to find the time. After discussing the fact that this did not include the railroad right of way, Commissioner Letizia made the motion to hire Myers Boom Mowing to do the work at $7,650. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Willams. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

HEALTH AND SAFETY, COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS

Commissioner Williams reminded everyone that the city-wide clean-up will be on September 9th from 7 – 10 a.m. Williams said that Mervis Steel from Mattoon will have a 40-yard dumpster there for approximately $300. They will also reimburse us for the scrap materials. Williams said he is also checking into a household waste cleanup, but he is still working through all the paperwork. Williams hopes to have additional information soon.

Williams also mentioned that the railroad tracks on east 7th Street by the high school are in desperate need of repair. Willams said that a resident told him they had a railroad nail go through the sidewall of their tire. Evans said that she has contacted the railroad, and they told her they would be there today to make some repairs to the tracks; however, the crossing is scheduled to be completely redone next year. Evans said they told her that last year when school was out, but it didn’t happen. Evans said that she will make calls every week if needed.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Michael Edmondson, the new First Christian Church Youth Minister, introduced himself and said that the church will start being more active again in the community, and if the city needed anything please let them know.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Williams made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:41p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Letizia. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

https://neoga.org/sites/default/files/meetingminutes/August%2014.2023.pdf