East Central Reporter

City of Mattoon City Council met March 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of the City of Mattoon held a Regular City Council meeting in the Council Chambers of City Hall on March 5, 2024. Mayor Hall presided and called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Mayor Hall led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The following members of the Council answered roll call physically present in person: YEA Commissioner Jim Closson, YEA Commissioner Dave Cox, YEA Commissioner Sandra Graven, YEA Commissioner David Phipps (virtually) and YEA Mayor Rick Hall.

Also physically present were City personnel: City Administrator Kyle Gill, Finance Director/Treasurer Beth Wright, Arts & Tourism Director Angelia Burgett, Assistant Public Works Director Alex Fuqua, Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss, Police Chief Sam Gaines, Code Enforcement Alex Benishek and City Clerk Susan O’Brien.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to approve the consent agenda consisting of Regular Meeting minutes of February 20, 2024; bills and payroll for the last half of February 2024.

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following omnibus vote: YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Commissioner Cox, YEA Commissioner Graven, YEA Commissioner Phipps, YEA Mayor Hall.

PRESENTATIONS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

This portion of the City Council meeting is reserved for persons who desire to address the Council. The Illinois Open Meetings Act mandates that the City Council may NOT take action on comments received on matters that have not been identified on this agenda, but the Council may direct staff to address the topic or refer the matter for action on the agenda for another meeting. Persons addressing the Council are requested to limit their presentations to three minutes and to avoid repetitious comments. We would also ask you to state your name and address for the record as well as stand when speaking.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions from the Public in attendance and online with no response.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Graven moved to adopt Special Ordinance No. 2024- 1892, granting a variance from the intensity of use and rear yard setback for the property located at 2112 Champaign Avenue to allow for the re-construction of a garage and for the setback to match the existing setback. Petitioner: David Paul, Jr. 07-2-0996-000

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

SPECIAL ORDINANCE NO. 2024-1892

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE FROM THE INTENSITY OF USE OF THE PROPERTY AND THE REAR YARD SETBACK AT 2112 CHAMPAIGN AVENUE

WHEREAS there has been filed a written Petition by David Paul Jr. for variances, respecting the property legally described as:

The East ½ of the South 1/3 of Lot 8 and the South 1/3 of Lot 9, Block 54 of Noyes Addition to the City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois. PIN 07-2-09996-000; Also known as: 2112 Champaign Ave. Mattoon, Illinois

WHEREAS, said petition requests that variances be granted pursuant to applicable ordinances of the municipality to allow the re-construction of a garage in which the intensity of use of the lot would be increased 3% and to allow the rear yard setback to match the existing setback; and

WHEREAS the Planning Commission for the City of Mattoon held a properly noticed, public hearing on February 27, 2024 regarding petitioner’s request for said variances; and

WHEREAS the Planning Commission for the City of Mattoon has recommended that the requested variances be granted; and

WHEREAS the City Council for the City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois, deems that the recommended variances is in the public interest.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF MATTOON, COLES COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:

Section 1. Pursuant to enabling authority provided at Section §159.05 of the Mattoon Code of Ordinances, the property legally described as aforesaid, be and the same is granted variances in which the intensity of use of the lot would be increased from 42% to 45% and to allow the rear setback to match the existing setback allowing the re-construction of a garage.

Section 2. This ordinance shall be deemed published as of the day of its adoption and approval by the City Council.

Section 3. This ordinance shall be effective upon its approval as provided by law.

Upon motion by Mayor Hall , seconded by Commissioner Graven, adopted this 5th day of March 2024, by a roll call vote, as follows:

AYES (Names): Commissioner Closson, Commissioner Cox, Commissioner Graven, Commissioner Phipps, Mayor Hall

NAYS (Names): None

ABSENT (Names): None

Approved this 5th day of March 2024.

/s/Rick Hall

Rick Hall, Mayor

City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois

ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

/s/Susan J. O’Brien

Susan J. O’Brien, City Clerk

/s/Daniel C. Jones

Daniel C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 03-05 , 2024.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for discussion/comments. Administrator Gill explained the old garage needed repaired and new garage would be rebuilt with a larger size in the same location, neighbors had same setback, and no issues to the west or south. Manager Benishek reported there were objections to City Staff and had an unanimous vote from the Planning Commission. Mr. Ed Dowd of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce noted Mr. Paul had done a marvelous job on fixing up the property.

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Commissioner Cox, YEA Commissioner Graven, YEA Commissioner Phipps, YEA Mayor Hall.

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2452, authorizing the employment of Pierce Farmer as a probationary patrol officer with the Mattoon Police Department effective May 5, 2024.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Gaines provided a background on Mr. Farmer, replacement of Officer Kasey Alexander, and attendance at the May 5th Academy. Mayor Hall stated Mr. Farmer would be working with a good group. Mr. Farmer stated he was excited at the opportunity to work for the City and to contribute to the community.

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Commissioner Cox, YEA Commissioner Graven, YEA Commissioner Phipps, YEA Mayor Hall.

Mayor Hall welcomed Officer Farmer.

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2453, authorizing the solicitation of bids for the roadway portion of the Mattoon Sports Complex, contingent upon the approval of the final plans and specifications by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Administrator Gill noted the City had just received approval from IDOT.

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Commissioner Cox, YEA Commissioner Graven, YEA Commissioner Phipps, YEA Mayor Hall.

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2454, authorizing the employment of Craig Henness as Water Treatment Plant Lab Director with a base annual compensation of $64,292.80, effective March 18, 2024, pending a successful drug testing and background check.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Administrator Gill provided a background on Mr. Henness who works evenings in Charleston and would be glad to be on days. Commissioner Closson added Mr. Henness had four years of experience.

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Commissioner Cox, YEA Commissioner Graven, YEA Commissioner Phipps, YEA Mayor Hall.

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2455, awarding the bid of $101,965 from Industrial Mechanical, Inc. for the Mattoon Police Department Chiller (Cooling Tower) Replacement; and authorizing the mayor to sign the bid proposal.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Administrator Gill noted the different bid with different component where the bidder would provide the same component at the bid price resulting in a good product. Mayor Hall and Commissioner Cox inquired as to the agreement to change the component and length of problem. Administrator Gill noted the bid specs had the information included so no disagreement and the problem had been for 3-4 years. Commissioner Cox stated this should take care of the problem for 20 years.

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Commissioner Cox, YEA Commissioner Graven, YEA Commissioner Phipps, YEA Mayor Hall.

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2456, approving Change Order #2 from Fuller-Wente, Inc. by deducting the water main and casing directional boring and adding 1,250 feet of water main and trenching for the US-45 Water Main Project; and authorizing the public works director to sign Change Order #2. 22-00341-01-WM

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Assistant Director Fuqua explained the replacement of the full main to Alton Trucking area instead of boring under Rt. 45. Administrator Gill noted previously only the bad sections were being replaced and now the line was being replaced. Commissioner Phipps noted the good catch by Assistant Director Fuqua and his group.

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Commissioner Cox, YEA Commissioner Graven, YEA Commissioner Phipps, YEA Mayor Hall.

Commissioner Graven seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2457, approving the water and sewer billing adjustment in the amount of $1,036.39 on behalf of Evelyn Missel located at 1620 Frostwood Avenue.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Treasurer and Director Wright explained by ordinance any adjustment over $1,000 had to be approved by Council, adjustment was due to a frozen pipe and just over $1,000 with leaks.

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Commissioner Cox, YEA Commissioner Graven, YEA Commissioner Phipps, YEA Mayor Hall.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

CITY ADMINISTRATOR noted preparation of agenda items, budgets with Treasurer and Director Wright, union negotiations, very busy and accomplishing a lot. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

CITY CLERK noted business as usual. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

FINANCE distributed and reviewed the Revenue Tracking for February; explained the local debt recovery program with water and sewer billing where the State matched approximately $8,825 and Sara Brandenburg’s terrific job submitting the paperwork; and reported on unrestricted cash and budget progress. Commissioner Closson inquired as to the possible reduction in the grocery sales tax with Treasurer and Director Wright responding the reduction had been considered. Mayor Hall questioned with revenues down adjustments may be made to the budget. Treasurer and Director Wright noted there were adjustments to the Utility and Personal Property Replacement Tax and Video Gaming, so the budget should be good.

PUBLIC WORKS updated Council on the roadwork plans for the Sports Complex with a bid opening of March 28th and award on the April 2nd, Upchurch preparing plans for the sanitary sewer and Todd Fuller’s work on the Rt 45 water main. Mayor Hall inquired about the inventory of lead piping which was a long process and seeking funding for part of it with Assistant Director Fuqua answering affirmatively. Commissioner Cox inquired as to the roadway timeframe with Assistant Director Fuqua explaining the first and second phases to be completed by September. Administrator Gill added Phase 1 would be Fort Worth Way for the turning over to occupants in September and also behind Home Dept for the Complex.

FIRE reported on calls for service, inspections and follow-ups, training, half of the Department would have three years of service or less by September with upcoming retirements, and the new truck should be in service next week. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

POLICE reported on the calls for service and 55 arrests. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

ARTS AND TOURISM updated Council on Bagelfest, Lightworks, Fireworks, estimates for the building lights Downtown, and Bagel Bites added three dates with activities and vendors. Commissioner Cox remarked on the building lights plan with Director Burgett adding the first phase was the Mattoon Depot and the rest was two blocks to the east and west resulting in a cohesive look to the lighting. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT updated Council on the time-lapse camera for the Sports Complex construction, Chicago Trees Grant of $150,000, 35th Annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference national register, Illinois Extension community development talks, East Central Development Corporation, Lake Land’s second language connecting people to employment, demo of 1520 Shelby, Kayak grant, OSLAD grant, Housing Study to be finished April 26th, and Housing Town Hall on March 14th. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

COMMENTS BY THE COUNCIL

Council congratulated Mr. Farmer on his employment. Commissioner Closson reported on a meeting with WWTP Superintendent Doug Homann on concerns at the Plant. Commissioner Cox and Commissioner Graven had no further comments. Commissioner Phipps added congratulations to Mr. Henness and noted his attendance at the Rural Economic Development Conference as well. Mayor Hall updated Council on the search committee for Coles Together CEO, reviewing of 2nd Phase of the Sports Complex, progress of Phase 1 of the Sports Complex, his attendance of the IML Board of Directors, Legislative Day to speak with our representatives, and possible reduction of $475,000 of grocery sales tax being considered by the governor which hopefully will be replaced with other funding sources.

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to recess to closed session at 7:09 p.m. pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act for the purpose of the discussion of the appointment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the City or legal counsel for the City. (5ILCS 120 (2)(C)(1)); and collective negotiating matters between the City of Mattoon and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees (5ILCS 120 (2)(C)(2)).

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Commissioner Cox, YEA Commissioner Graven, No Response Virtually Commissioner Phipps, YEA Mayor Hall.

Council reconvened at 8:03 p.m.

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to adjourn at 8:03 p.m.

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Commissioner Cox, NAY Commissioner Graven, YEA Commissioner Phipps, YEA Mayor Hall.

https://mattoon.illinois.gov/download/city-council-meeting-2024-03-05/