East Central Reporter

City of Neoga City Council met Dec. 11.

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, Schabbing, Edwards, and Mayor Helm. Others present were City Clerk Brenda Evans, City Treasurer Diana Foor, Public Works Superintendent Shawn Durbin, Police Chief Andy Schabbing, and Neoga News Editor Billie Chambers.

MINUTES

After reviewing the proposed minutes, Commissioner Edwards made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Williams, Schabbing, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4-0.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR HELM

PURCHASE OF TRASH CANS

Superintendent Durbin asked the Council to purchase eight (8) new trash cans to replace the old ones on Chestnut and Oak Avenue. Durbin explained that the current cans are either old burn barrels or trash receptacles that we removed from the old gas station in Neoga. Durbin said the receptacles are $530 each for a total of $4,240 plus shipping. Durbin said he believes the shipping would be $378 for a total of $4,618. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Williams recommended checking with Lorenze Wholesale to see if they offer the same kind of can and maybe save some money on shipping cost.

ORDINANCE #1079-12-23 An Ordinance Regarding the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act for the City of Neoga, Illinois

After reviewing the ordinance, Commissioner Schabbing made a motion to approve the ordinance as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Edwards. Ayes, Commissioners Schabbing, Edwards, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4-0.

FINANCE, COMMISSIONER SCHABBING

TREASURER’S REPORT

No questions were asked about the treasurer’s report, so Mayor Helm ordered that the treasurer’s report be filed in the City Clerk’s records.

PUBLIC PROPERTY, COMMISSIONER LETIZIA

ORDINANCE #1080-12-23 An Ordinance Amending Sections 82-59 and 82-78 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Neoga, Illinois Regarding Water and Sewer

Rates

Commissioner Schabbing explained to the Council that back in September she requested the Council review the ordinance from 2009 when the Council put three rate increases into effect; one wastewater increase in January of each year and a water and wastewater increase in May of each year. Commissioner Schabbing said that she would like to see the proposed ordinance of only one (1) water and one (1) wastewater increase each May. Schabbing also strongly recommended that the Council review this ordinance each March to decide if the rates need to be increased or not. Commissioner Schabbing said she would like to see the Council save the residents a little money each year. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Edwards made a motion to approve the ordinance. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schabbing. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Williams, Schabbing, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4-0.

STREETS AND ALLEYS, COMMISSIONER EDWARDS INSTALLATION OF DRIVEWAY ON INDUSTRIAL AVENUE

Superintendent Durbin said that he was approached by Mr. Ballinger from Nutrien Ag about cutting a new drive entrance on the east side of the cul-de-sac on Industrial Avenue. According to Durbin, they need a road to access their tanks separate from the other trucks. Commissioner Edwards asked if it would be on the city’s easement, or on their property. Durbin said that he would have to get additional details, because Ballinger didn’t say where the drive needed to be. After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to table this until additional information is received.

HEALTH AND SAFETY, COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS

Commissioner Williams told the Council that he spoke with Sav Mor Pharmacy about a drug take back program, and discovered that they already have a program in place. Williams said that they have a locked box for people to drop off over the counter and prescription medicine that they no longer need as long as it is in the original container. Williams said he would like the city to place this on the water bills, on social media, and post a flier to educate the community.

Williams also said that he is getting complaints about the railroad tracks on 7th Street again. City Clerk Evans said she would contact them for an update on when the tracks will be repaired.

Commissioner Letizia arrived at 7:36 p.m.

Commissioner Williams said that he has also received complaints about the dust from the rock on the roads. Mayor Helm said that due to the type of rock it is, the dust may be a problem for a little while longer.

Commissioner Edwards mentioned to Chief Schabbing that the speed trailer may not be working properly, and Chief Schabbing said he would check on it.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Commissioner Edwards made a motion to move into executive session for Personnel – Section 2 (c)(1) Employee hiring, firing, compensations, discipline, and performance at 7:42 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

RECONVENED AND ROLL CALL

The meeting was reconvened at 8:28 p.m. on a motion from Commissioner Edwards. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schabbing. Those present for roll call were Commissioners Edwards, Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, and Mayor Helm.

PAY RAISES FOR 2024

Commissioner Edwards made a motion to give a pay raise for all full-time employees in the amount of 3%, except increase Public Works employee Scott Shumard by 5% and Officer Moore to $60,000. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

CHRISTMAS BONUS

Commissioner Williams made a motion to give all full-time employees $75 in Neoga Bucks and part time employees $25. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Edwards. Ayes, Commissioner Williams, Schabbing, Edwards, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Letizia made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 p.m. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, Edwards, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

https://neoga.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Minutes-December-11-2023.pdf