East Central Reporter

City of Mattoon City Council met Aug. 6.

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 August 6, 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 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, Assistant Public Works Director Alex Fuqua, Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss, Police Chief Sam Gaines, Community Development and Planning Manager 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 July 16, 2024 and Special Meeting minutes of July 23,2024; bills and payrolls for the last half of July 2024.

_ 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 Public comments. Mr. Ernest Roberts of 1117 Prairie Avenue, Apt. 1 inquired why was it a crime to use the Library after Library hours to read audiobooks. Chief Gaines noted the Library did not want anyone on the property after closing hours and the director asked the Police Department to remove Mr. Roberts after dark. There had been a history of trouble happening overnight.

Mr. Chad Reagin of 404 Moultrie inquired about turning on water at a residence where he leased the property to someone with children and acknowledged he had a past due water bill of $6,500 and had spoken with the Water Department. Mayor Hall stated this would be investigated. Attorney Jones stated a council meeting was not the forum for this. Treasurer & Director Wright stated his bill was reduced to $1,863.53 which was a reduction after late charges/fees had been removed, had been sent to Mr. Reagin, and bad debts had to be paid before water is reinstated. Mayor Hall invited Mr. Reagin to stop by City Hall to review the situation.

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner Graven seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to adopt Special Ordinance No. 2024-1913, authorizing the mayor to sign an outright grant agreement by and between the City of Mattoon and Jasper Holdings, L.L.C. reimbursing up to $35,080 from Mid-town TIF Revenues over a one-year period for roof replacement and/or repair to the building located at 1420 Broadway Avenue; and authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement. 07-1-03837-000

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

SPECIAL ORDINANCE NO. 2024-1913

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A GRANT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS AND JASPER HOLDINGS, L.L.C. FOR 1420 BROADWAY AVENUE ( 07-1-03837-000), IN CONNECTION WITH THE MATTOON MID-TOWN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

WHEREAS, JASPER HOLDINGS, L.L.C. (the “Grantee”), has submitted a proposal to the City of Mattoon, Illinois (the “Municipality”) for redevelopment of a part of the Municipality’s Mattoon Mid town Redevelopment Project Area (the “Redevelopment Project Area”); and, thereafter, the Municipality and the Grantee have engaged in negotiations related to a Grant Agreement (including all exhibits and attachments in connection therewith, referred to as the “Grant Agreement”) concerning redevelopment incentives and assistance related to the preservation, development and redevelopment of a part of the Redevelopment Project Area.

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

Section 1. The Grant Agreement, in substantially the form thereof presented before the meeting of the City Council at which this ordinance is adopted, shall be and is hereby ratified, confirmed and approved, and the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute and deliver the Grant Agreement for and on behalf of the Municipality; and upon the execution thereof by the Municipality and the Grantee, the appropriate officers, agents, attorneys and employees of the Municipality are authorized to take all supplemental actions, including the execution and delivery of related supplemental opinions, certificates, agreements and instruments not inconsistent with the Grant Agreement, desirable or necessary to implement and otherwise give full effect to the Grant Agreement. Upon full execution thereof, the Grant Agreement shall be attached to this ordinance as EXHIBIT “A”.

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 Commissioner Graven, seconded by Commissioner Cox , adopted this 6th day of August , 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 6th day of August 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/ Dan C. Jones

Dan C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 08-06 , 2024. Mayor Hall opened the floor for discussion/questions with no response.

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

Commissioner Graven seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to adopt Special Ordinance No. 2024-1914, authorizing the mayor to sign an outright grant agreement by and between the City of Mattoon and Washington Savings Bank Trustee, Trust #2525 reimbursing up to $23,827.50 from Mid town TIF Revenues over a one-year period for the roof replacement and/or repair of the building located at 1101 Lake Land Boulevard; and authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement. 07-2-12630-000

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

SPECIAL ORDINANCE NO. 2024-1914

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A GRANT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS AND WASHINGTON SAVING BANK TTEE, TR #2525 FOR 1101 LAKE LAND BOULEVARD (07-2-12630-000) IN CONNECTION WITH THE MATTOON MID TOWN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

WHEREAS, WASHINGTON SAVING BANK TTEE, TR #2525 (the “Grantee”), has submitted a proposal to the City of Mattoon, Illinois (the “Municipality”) for redevelopment of a part of the Municipality’s Mattoon Mid-town Redevelopment Project Area (the “Redevelopment Project Area”); and, thereafter, the Municipality and the Grantee have engaged in negotiations related to a Grant Agreement (including all exhibits and attachments in connection therewith, referred to as the “Grant Agreement”) concerning redevelopment incentives and assistance related to the preservation, development and redevelopment of a part of the Redevelopment Project Area.

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

Section 1. The Grant Agreement, in substantially the form thereof presented before the meeting of the City Council at which this ordinance is adopted, shall be and is hereby ratified, confirmed and approved, and the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute and deliver the Grant Agreement for and on behalf of the Municipality; and upon the execution thereof by the Municipality and the Grantee, the appropriate officers, agents, attorneys and employees of the Municipality are authorized to take all supplemental actions, including the execution and delivery of related supplemental opinions, certificates, agreements and instruments not inconsistent with the Grant Agreement, desirable or necessary to implement and otherwise give full effect to the Grant Agreement. Upon full execution thereof, the Grant Agreement shall be attached to this ordinance as EXHIBIT “A”.

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 Commissioner Graven , seconded by Commissioner Cox , adopted this 6th day of August , 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 6th day of August 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/ Dan C. Jones_________

Dan C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 08-06 , 2024.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. CDP Manager Benishek noted the grant included the demolition as well. Commissioner Graven inquired as to using TIF for houses. Administrator Gill explained the pole barn and restaurant. Commissioner Phipps inquired as to first time for demolishing a house is zoned residential or commercial with Administrator Gill stating maybe a residence and included other demolished properties such as Subway, carwash on Marshall and two commercial buildings where CVS was currently located.

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

Commissioner Graven seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to Adopt Special Ordinance No. 2024-1915, authorizing the mayor to sign an outright grant agreement by and between the City of Mattoon and Tuscola Properties, L.L.C. reimbursing up to $4,000 from Mid-town TIF Revenues over a one-year period for demolition of the building located at 1208 Charleston Avenue; and authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement. 07-1-04140-000

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

SPECIAL ORDINANCE NO. 2024-1915

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A GRANT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS AND TUSCOLA PROPERTIES, L.L.C. FOR 1208 CHARLESTON AVENUE (07-1-04140-000) IN CONNECTION WITH THE MATTOON MID-TOWN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

WHEREAS, TUSCOLA PROPERTIES, L.L.C. (the “Grantee”), has submitted a proposal to the City of Mattoon, Illinois (the “Municipality”) for redevelopment of a part of the Municipality’s Mattoon Mid town Redevelopment Project Area (the “Redevelopment Project Area”); and, thereafter, the Municipality and the Grantee have engaged in negotiations related to a Grant Agreement (including all exhibits and attachments in connection therewith, referred to as the “Grant Agreement”) concerning redevelopment incentives and assistance related to the preservation, development and redevelopment of a part of the Redevelopment Project Area.

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

Section 1. The Grant Agreement, in substantially the form thereof presented before the meeting of the City Council at which this ordinance is adopted, shall be and is hereby ratified, confirmed and approved, and the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute and deliver the Grant Agreement for and on behalf of the Municipality; and upon the execution thereof by the Municipality and the Grantee, the appropriate officers, agents, attorneys and employees of the Municipality are authorized to take all supplemental actions, including the execution and delivery of related supplemental opinions, certificates, agreements and instruments not inconsistent with the Grant Agreement, desirable or necessary to implement and otherwise give full effect to the Grant Agreement. Upon full execution thereof, the Grant Agreement shall be attached to this ordinance as EXHIBIT “A”.

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 Commissioner Graven, seconded by Commissioner Cox , adopted this 6th day of August , 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 6th day of August 2024.

/s/ Rick Hall

Rick Hall, Mayor

City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois

ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

/s/ Suan J. O’Brien

Susan J. O’Brien, City Clerk

/s/ Dan C. Jones

Dan C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 08-06 , 2024.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments/questions. Administrator Gill added the location as a demolition of the former Long John Silvers building, which would be redeveloped.

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

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to adopt Special Ordinance No. 2024- 1916 granting a Special Use to operate a dairy goat farm in the mile and one half zoning jurisdiction outside of City limits located at 5626 North County Road 650 East. Petitioner: Kacie Richey, Trustee CKkc Farm 06-0-01135-002

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

SPECIAL ORDINANCE NO. 2024-1916

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE FOR AGRICULTURE IN THE CITY OF MATTOON, COLES COUNTY, ILLINOIS

WHEREAS, CKKC Farms, presented a Petition to the City Clerk for a Special Use Permit, which Petition requests that a new property be utilized for a dairy goat farm, which is a Special Use pursuant to City Ordinance 2015-5377, passed 5-5-2015, sections 159.45 and 159.46; and,

WHEREAS, petitioner is the owner of the property commonly described as 5626 N County Road 650 East. Pin Number: 06-0-01135-002; and,

WHEREAS, a Public Hearing on said Special Use for ‘Agriculture’ was held before the Mattoon Planning and Zoning Commission on July 23, 2024; and,

WHEREAS, said Petition was recommended for approval by the Mattoon Planning and Zoning Commission at said Public Hearing on July 23, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois, has determined, that the public interest will be served by allowing for such a Special Use.

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

Section 1. Pursuant to enabling authority provided at Section §159.45 and 159.46 of the Mattoon Code of Ordinances, the property as legally described above, shall be granted a Special Use Permit for ‘Agriculture’; and,

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 immediately.

Section 4. Upon becoming effective, the City Clerk shall make and record a duly certified copy of this ordinance with the Clerk and Recorder’s Office of Coles County, Illinois.

Upon motion by Mayor Hall__, seconded by Commissioner Phipps___, adopted this 6th day of August , 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 6th day of August , 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/ Dan C. Jones

Dan C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 08-06, 2024.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments/questions. CDP Manager Benishek announced the Planning & Zoning Board passed this unanimously. Administrator Gill added a special use could be for agriculture. Commissioner Graven inquired as to the Special Use timeframe with Administrator Gill stating two years to start and goes with owner.

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

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to adopt Special Ordinance No. 2024-1917, ratifying a successor two-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Council 31, Local 3821 and the City; and authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement.

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

SPECIAL ORDINANCE NO. 2024-1917

AN ORDINANCE RATIFYING A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT RENEWAL OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO, COUNCIL 31, LOCAL 3821

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

Section 1. The Council hereby approves a two-year contract renewal to the “Collective Bargaining Agreement” dated August 6, 2024 with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, Council 31, Local 3821, a copy of which is attached and incorporated by reference.

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 Commissioner Phipps___, seconded by Commissioner Closson__, adopted this 6th day of August , 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 6th day of August , 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/ Dan C. Jones

Dan C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 08-06, 2024.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments/questions. Administrator Gill explained AFSCME voted and passed mostly unanimously.

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

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to Adopt Special Ordinance No. 2024- 1918, establishing the 2024/2025 Compensation Plan for managerial and non-union non-managerial employees of the municipality; and a change of the Administrative Assistant I prior to May 1, 2014 to $58,016.66.

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

SPECIAL ORDINANCE NO. 2024-1918

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE 2024-2025 COMPENSATION PLAN FOR THE MANAGERIAL AND NON-UNION NON-MANAGERIAL EMPLOYEES OF THE MUNICIPALITY

WHEREAS, a ratified agreement with three of the collective bargaining agreements which represents employees of the municipality has provided a four percent (4%) pay increase for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2024 and ending April 30, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the time is now appropriate to also establish rates of pay for the managerial employees and the non-managerial employees not represented by a collective bargaining agreement effective with the fiscal year that begins May 1, 2024.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Mattoon as follows:

Section 1. Non-Managerial, Non-Confidential & FLSA Exempt Employees shall be compensated in accordance with the schedule attached to this ordinance and marked Appendix A. Employees assigned to positions identified on the Schedule of Confidential & FLSA Exempt Supervisory & Management Positions shall receive an average salary increase of 4% unless stated otherwise as outlined in Appendix B effective May 1, 2024.

Section 2. Management employees assigned to positions identified on the Schedule of Confidential & FLSA Exempt Supervisory & Management Positions shall receive a salary increase of 4% unless stated otherwise as outlined in Appendix C effective May 1, 2024.

Section 3. To the extent this ordinance conflicts with prior ordinances establishing a compensation plan for the City’s employees, the prior ordinances shall control except where specifically amended by this ordinance.

Section 4. This ordinance shall be deemed published as of the day of its adoption and approval by the City Council.

Section 5. This ordinance shall be effective upon its approval as provided by law.

Upon motion by Mayor Hall , seconded by Commissioner Phipps , adopted this 6th day of August , 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 6th day of August , 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/ Dan C. Jones

Dan C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 08-06, 2024.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments/questions. Commissioner Graven noted the amount was different from the correction handed out. Clerk O’Brien stated the amount the Mayor read was correct. [After further review, the correct amount of 4% increase has been corrected in the minutes.]

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

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Graven moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2528, approving the re-appointments of Ed Dowd and Dean Willaredt to the Planning Commission with terms ending 08/17/2029.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

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

Commissioner Graven seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to Approve Council Decision Request 2024-2529, approving the water and sewer billing adjustment in the amount of $4,662.88 on behalf of Greenfield & Greenfield, L.L.C. located at 600 Charleston Avenue.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Treasurer & Director Wright explained the adjustment for the carwash at 6th and Charleston Avenue over two billing cycles with a total of $4,662.88.

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

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2530, authorizing the purchase of two 2021 Chevrolet Blazers in the amount of $54,310.06 from Dan Pilson Auto Center, Inc; and authorizing the Community Development Coordinator to complete the transaction.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions. Administrator Gill explained the budgeting of on replacement vehicle through the State bid process, the other vehicle had issues, decision to purchase two used vehicles for slightly more, and the extra funding would be from video gaming revenues.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2531, authorizing the full-time employment of Jessica Stiner as Ambulance Billing Clerk with a salary of $40,019.20 with an effective date of 08/12/2024.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments/questions. Clerk O’Brien stated Ms. Stiner’s date as full-time had changed a couple of times.

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following: 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 2024-2532, awarding the bid in the amount of $111,902 from Groundworks Construction, Inc. for the 2024 Sidewalk Contract.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Assistant Director Fuqua provided the locations of the sidewalks and noted there were four bidders.

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

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to approve Council Decision Request 2024-2533, awarding the bid in the amount of $22,676.68 from Varsity Striping for the 2024 MFT Striping Contract for various streets. 24-00000-01-GM

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Assistant Director Fuqua noted the striping was for the Downtown area after construction was completed.

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

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

CITY ADMINISTRATOR noted busy times with ordinances, easements for sewer project back to the plant, and IOOF agreement to easement prices. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

CITY ATTORNEY updated Council on the Quakenbush plan to Judge Bovard who would issue a written opinion, and former Brown Shoe Factory owner to appear on August 12 or the Judge would issue a warrant for arrest. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

CITY CLERK noted preparation of the council packet, processed various reports and insurance issues, and had received a Petition for Referendum to Adopt the Managerial Form of Municipal Government with a Public Hearing on August 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Coles County Courthouse. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

FINANCE distributed and reviewed the June Financial Report including the revenues and expenditures with property taxes at the end of June, cash position, Revenue Tracking Report, anticipation of property taxes any day now, unrestricted cash in General Fund, and the expenditure of $400,000 of ARPA funds. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

PUBLIC WORKS updated Council on the sports complex meeting with the north end to be open by the end of the month for Chick Fil-A and 5 Below to begin construction. Treasurer & Director Wright noted an application for water in late September.

Commissioner Phipps inquired as to the $400,000 of ARPA funds with Treasurer & Director Wright stating the funding of the sewer pipe at the sports complex sewer project. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

FIRE reported on the calls for service, inspections at the complex area indoor facility, active fire at 609 Marion trailer, and training at O’Hare Live Airport Fire training so all firefighters would be certified. Commissioner Cox inquired as to any update on the trailer court area with Administrator Gill explained the plan to removed trailers and demolish the rest. Chief Hilligoss added the ownership problems of not going through the court system which was expensive. CDP Manager Benishek had spoken with two owners to remove their belongings and possibility of a TIF District in area and more code enforcement. Commissioner Cox noted the nice neighborhood with a blighted area. Commissioner Graven added the owners didn’t want to the sell with Old State Village. Chief Hilligoss added to his report that the Fire Department was having truck issues and needed to be towed back due to transmission being out and $13,000 to rebuild the transmission and announced the Department would be without a reserve engine.

POLICE reported on the calls for service, 55 arrests, and Safe Fleet switching body cams to Nexus. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

ARTS AND TOURISM noted preparation of Bagelfest and 4th of July reports, building lights project Downtown, local artists for Downtown and Christmas season, Festival Coordinator White and Director Burgett to work with Emerald Acres marketing project, and Calendar of Events expansion in August with 10 events and 11 musical events. Mayor Hall mentioned the major concert with Director Burgett expounding on the Harvest of Hope concert by Rural King who donates back to non-profits.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT announced his attendance at the upcoming Community Development Institute in Springfield, Chamber of Commerce Program in Washington D.C., and Make My Move meeting in Indianapolis to restart their program, assist Grant Writer Carnes and Lakes Supervisor Wurtsbaugh with FY25 OSLAD Grant, three demolitions completed, hosted creative economy workshop, and thanked Council for the purchase of vehicles. Commissioner Closson inquired as to the OSLAD application date with CDP Manager Benishek stating a September 13th deadline with public hearing questions at the next council meeting.

COMMENTS BY THE COUNCIL

Commissioner Closson noted the pump at the Water Treatment Plant had arrived adding Supt. McFarland and Plant Operator Cobble worked on completion of the system to pump straight to the Water Treatment Plant, updated Council on the Pickleball Courts and donations. Mayor Hall noted use of pickleball courts at complex. Commissioner Cox noted a visitor from Houston, Texas raved about Mattoon and its amenities with the Library, Depot, cleanliness, friendliness of the community, was proud of the community, thanked everyone for their efforts, and commended the Police Department for their apprehension of a criminal. Commissioner Graven had no further comments. Commissioner Phipps noted good concrete sharing going on in City, meeting with pre-construction of pipe on 12th Street, and Route 16 resurfacing delay due to IDOT being behind. Mayor Hall noted progress with the sports complex and fundraising on target, housing committee doing well, calls on yards with junk and trash, Library’s Chris Suerdieck’s display for the ‘Big Dig’ where the train was dug under ground level which will gain National exposure and encouraged everyone to see the display. Administrator Gill added that 400,000 cubic yards were moved. Mayor Hall added without trucks and bulldozers.

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Graven moved to recess to closed session at 7:26 p.m. pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act for the purpose of the discussion of 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 under (5ILCS 120 (2)(C)(2)). (Hall)

Mayor Hall announced no further action after closed session except to adjourn.

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

Council reconvened at 7:46 p.m.

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

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

https://mattoon.illinois.gov/download/city-council-meeting-2024-08-06/