East Central Reporter

City of Mattoon City Council met July 2.

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 July 2, 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 and YEA Commissioner David Phipps and YEA Mayor Rick Hall.

Also physically present were City personnel: City Administrator Kyle Gill, City Attorney Daniel C. Jones, Finance Director/Treasurer Beth Wright, Arts & Tourism Director Angelia Burgett, Public Works Director David Clark, 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 June 18, 2024; bills and payroll for the last half of June 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 comments from the Public. Mr. James Woolbright of 821 DeWitt requested the Council to consider allowing golf carts or ATVs around town. Mayor Hall stated the Council had had the discussion before and will take the request under consideration.

Commissioner Cox who was pleased to and honored to acknowledge the retirement of Shift Captain Michael Romine with over 26 years of service with the Mattoon Fire Department on July 05, 2024, the retirement of Shift Captain Gary Collinsworth with more than 26 years of service with the Mattoon Fire Department on July 26, 2024, and the retirement of Captain Hallam Shutts with more than 28 years of service with the Mattoon Fire Department on July 27, 2024. Chief Hilligoss provided accolades of each of the retirees. Commissioner Cox presented each with a retirement plaque. The retirees thanked the Council and Chief for their opportunities to serve. Commissioner Cox acknowledged the spouses and family members for their service as well.

Commissioner Sandy Graven requested a moment of silence for the passing of John Greathouse, then provided accolades of his service to the community.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2498, authorizing the employment of Jacob Ghere as a probationary police officer with a base pay of $57,282.57 for the Mattoon Police Department effective September 3, 2024, contingent upon successful completion of background, physical and psychological exams.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Gaines provided a background of Mr. Ghere and was happy to hire him. Mr. Ghere was happy to be here and keep a good name for the Department.

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

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2499, authorizing the employment of Caden Price as a probationary police officer with a base pay of $57,282.57 for the Mattoon Police Department effective September 3, 2024, contingent upon successful completion of background, physical and psychological exams.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Gaines provided a background of Mr. Price and was happy to hire him. Mr. Price thanked everyone and was excited to start work.

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

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Graven moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2500, approving the purchase of Nexus Cloud subscriptions for the ten in-car camera systems and 39 body-worn cameras for the Mattoon Police Department; and authorizing the police chief to sign the Agreement to Purchase.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Gaines explained the cameras to cloud storage which was more expensive but current service was at end of life, and applying for a grant which was reimbursement-only. Administrator Gill noted the budgeted item with contingent funding to be taken from seizure funding.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2501, approving the promotion of Captain Robert Bart Owen to Shift Captain effective July 4, 2024, due to the retirement of Shift Captain Romine.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Hilligoss stated Captain Owen’s 24 years of service and aptitude for the job.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2502, approving the promotion of Driver/Engineer Melvin Pierce to Captain effective July 4, 2024, due to the retirement of Shift Captain Romine.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Hilligoss stated Engineer Pierce’s 26 years of service and aptitude for the job.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2503, approving the promotion of Firefighter Jed Donaldson to Driver effective July 4, 2024, due to the retirement of Shift Captain Mike Romine.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Hilligoss stated Firefighter Donaldson’s three years of service, last engineer for a while due to the reduction of total engineers, and his aptitude for the job.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2504, approving the promotion of Captain Kenny Clatfelter to Shift Captain effective July 27, 2024, due to the retirement of Shift Captain Collinsworth.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Hilligoss stated Captain Clatfelter’s leadership role and aptitude for the job.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2505, approving the promotion of Driver/Engineer Barry Pullen to Captain effective July 29, 2024, due to the retirement of Shift Captain Collinsworth.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Hilligoss stated Engineer Pullen’s 20 years of service and aptitude for the job.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2506, approving the promotion of Driver/Engineer Michael Ueleke to Captain effective July 27, 2024, due to the retirement of Captain Shutts.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Hilligoss stated Engineer Ueleke’s leadership role and aptitude for the job.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2507, authorizing the employment of Tanner Romine as a probationary Firefighter with a base salary of $49,664.08 for the Mattoon Fire Department effective July 6, 2024, pending the passage of physicals.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Hilligoss noted the need to pass the stress test and looked forward to working with Tanner. Mr. Romine thanked everyone and was excited to start the best job in the world.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2508, authorizing the employment of Josh Bushart as a probationary Firefighter with a base salary of $49,664.08 for the Mattoon Fire Department effective July 11, 2024, pending the passage of physicals.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Hilligoss provided a background and looked forward to hiring Mr. Bushart. Mr. Bushart explained his newness to firefighting and appreciated the opportunity to help 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 Commissioner Hall.

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2509, authorizing the employment of Jacob Matthews as a probationary Firefighter with a base salary of $49,664.08 for the Mattoon Fire Department effective July 13, 2024, pending the passage of physicals.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Hilligoss provided a background and looked forward to working with him. Mr. Matthews thanked everyone and was looking forward to working.

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

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Graven moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2510, awarding the Bid in the amount of $31,500 to HDZ Roofing for the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Lake Mattoon West Pavilion Roof Replacement Project.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Manager Benishek explained the lowest bidder and was the last bid for the OSLAD grant.

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

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2511, authorizing the purchase of a 2024 Ford F350 Super Crew Cab in the amount of $75,398.00 from Bob Ridings Fleet Sales in Taylorville through the State Purchasing Program for use at the Water Treatment Plant; and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the invoice.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Administrator Gill stated the need for trucks for several years, vendors caught up with supplies, State bid numbers, found trucks looking for and had been trying since covid to replace. Commissioner Closson stated the vehicles had over 100,000 miles. Commissioner Phipps noted this was fleet replacement. Commissioner Graven inquired as to budget items with Administrator Gill stating the Mobile Equipment Fund (MEF).

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

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2512, authorizing the purchase of a 2024 Ford F350 Crew Cab in the amount of $77,913.00 from Bob Ridings Fleet Sales in Taylorville through the State Purchasing Program for use at the Waste Water Treatment Plant; and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the invoice.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments with no response.

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

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2513, authorizing the purchase of a 2023 Ford F150 half ton Crew Cab in the amount of $40,968.00 from Morrow Brothers through the State Purchasing Program for use at the Waste Water Treatment Plant; and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the invoice.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments with no response.

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

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2514, authorizing the purchase of a 2024 Ford F350 Crew Cab in the amount of $65,973.00 from Bob Ridings Fleet Sales in Taylorville through the State Purchasing Program for use at the Public Works Department; and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the invoice. (Phipps)

Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

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

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2515, authorizing the purchase of a 2024 Ford F550 Regular Cab Dump Truck in the amount of $81,883.00 from Morrow Brothers through the State Purchasing Program for use at the Public Works Department; and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the invoice.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

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

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to Approve Council Decision Request 2024-2516, authorizing the purchase of a 2024 Case Wheel Loader, Model 651G2, with trade-in in the amount of $186,000 from Birkey’s for the Public Works Department; and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the invoice.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

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

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2517, authorizing the purchase of a Tilt Equipment Trailer in the amount of $11,373 with trade-in from Kate’s Trailer Sales in Arthur for use in the Public Works Department; and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the invoice.

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

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Graven moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2518, rejecting the bids for the Sanitary Sewer from the Sports Complex to the WWTP which will be amended and rebid.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Director Clark explained the bids were higher than anticipated, the need to make changes, rebid tomorrow, and have a temporary connection to Dettro Drive. Commissioner Closson inquired whether the bid would be on the July 16th meeting with Director Clark stating no. Administrator Gill stated a special meeting would probably occur. Commissioner Cox inquired if the overall connection would not be delayed with Director Clark stating the first part to be connected and finish before Spring.

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

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2519, authorizing the employment of Frederick Shaw, Jr. as a Maintenance Worker III with a base salary of $46,758.40 in the Public Works Street/Utility Department effective July 8, 2024, pending drug screening and background check.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Director Clark noted it was good to have another person on board. Administrator Gill noted Mr. Shaw’s experience with heavy equipment and good background.

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

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2520, approving the waiver of formal bidding requirements and authorizing the purchase of a new pump in the amount of $45,000 from Vandevanter Engineering for the Riley Creek Lift Station; and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the proposal.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Administrator Gill explained the pump separating, checked into rebuilding the pump, and decision to purchase a new pump which would have the same brand and parts as other pumps.

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

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

CITY ADMINISTRATOR noted calls on properties at Lake Paradise, upcoming union negotiations with AFSCME, projects, and changes to bids for the sanitary sewer. Commissioner Cox noted all of the excitement with the sports complex and Administrator Gill’s perspective on workers to fill positions. Administrator Gill noted hiring goes in cycles where teenagers are not working as much and baby boomers were coming back to work, some adjustments, housing, and NAL moved to Mattoon because of the workforce. Commissioner Cox noted businesses are doing their homework before building here, a great town for our community, housing goes with that growth, and a lot of things to build upon. Administrator Gill added a lot of excitement and new ideas and businesses.

CITY ATTORNEY noted busy, upcoming lake leases, hearing on the former Brown Shoe Factory where the judge gave the owner one more time to appear in August. Commissioner Graven noted the Journal Gazette’s article stated the owner did not own the property due to unpaid taxes. Attorney Jones, Administrator Gill and Manager Benishek discussed the situation with Attorney noted the owner was still responsible for the violations. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

CITY CLERK noted many personnel, insurance and pension issues; otherwise, business as usual. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

FINANCE distributed and reviewed the Revenue Tracking report, County distribution of real estate taxes, PPRT update, unrestricted cash, auditors working remotely, processing of TIF reports and Treasurer’s Report. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

PUBLIC WORKS updated Council on the sports complex curb and guttering, Remington Road curb and guttering, Broadway Project, Western Avenue sidewalk, Lake Paradise algae bloom control, new pump around 15th Street, Lake Paradise Dam repairs, WWTP IEPA inspection’s response and July 4th confirmation. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

FIRE thanked Council for all three hires; noted calls for service, four inspections & follow-ups including at the sports complex, weekly training, three structure fires and proud of group. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

POLICE reported on calls for service, 79 arrests, staff doing a good job and two officers hurt but still working. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

ARTS AND TOURISM updated Council on the week of 4th of July, parade, firework and alternate days, WMCI to host, Bagelfest and new Peterson House sign.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT updated Council on maps with Coles Together for economic development, housing meeting with finished study, five demos with seven year-to date, cleans and liens, Amtrak meeting with Corridor, tons of potential projects including new apartment complexes and design phase of pump track. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

COMMENTS BY THE COUNCIL

The Council congratulated the Fire Department retirees and new hires. Commissioner Closson added a meeting with TJ Hesse on plans for improvements at Vanlaningham and Cunningham Parks. Commissioner Cox had no further comments. Commissioner Graven added good feedback on the sidewalks at Riddle Elementary School. Commissioner Phipps added a big leak on Logan, good crews, review of sidewalk plan, streets, and drainage relief with creative issues. Mayor Hall added a lot going on, good changes, businesses coming to town, thanks to the Fire, Police, Public Works employees and Department Heads and Commissioners, and the future looked bright.

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to adjourn at 7:43 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 Commissioner Hall.

https://mattoon.illinois.gov/download/city-council-meeting-2024-07-16/