East Central Reporter

City of Mattoon City Council met Oct. 1.

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 October 1, 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, Assistant Public Works Director Alex Fuqua, Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss, Police Chief Sam Gaines, Community Development & 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 September 17, 2024, bills and payroll for the last half of September 2024 and the Mayor’s bills for the IML Conference.

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 Public comments from the Public in attendance or online with no response.

Acknowledging the retirement of Kasey Alexander with 20 years of service as Patrol Officer and School Resource Officer with the Mattoon Police Department on September 28, 2024. Chief Gaines provided a background of Officer Alexander including the role of school resource officer; and relayed the message of Officer Alexander thanking the City for everything, who could not attend the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-3281, adopting and supporting the implementation of the 2024 Illinois Housing Development Authority Community Revitalization Plan.

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-3281

A RESOLUTION TO FORMALLY ADOPT AND SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2024 ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY’S COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PLAN

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon, Illinois, is committed to improving the quality of life for its residents through proactive community and economic development strategies; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has developed the 2024 Mattoon Community Revitalization Plan to address critical housing needs and promote sustainable development within communities across Illinois; and

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon has partnered with IHDA in the creation and development of this Community Revitalization Plan, which includes a comprehensive assessment of housing conditions, strategic initiatives for neighborhood revitalization, and the allocation of resources to support housing rehabilitation, demolition, and new construction; and

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon thanks to a partnership with Lake Land College has conducted a detailed survey of housing conditions within the community, with data captured in a Geographic Information System (GIS), enabling the city to systematically identify homes in need of repair or demolition, and to strategically allocate resources for maximum community benefit; and

WHEREAS, the implementation of the IHDA’s 2024 Community Revitalization Plan aligns with the City of Mattoon’s goals to enhance the community’s housing stock, strengthen neighborhoods, attract investment, and improve overall quality of life for all residents; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of this plan will provide the City of Mattoon with access to additional state and federal funding opportunities, technical assistance, and other resources to support the successful implementation of the plan’s initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mattoon recognizes the importance of adopting a formal resolution to demonstrate its commitment to the goals and objectives outlined in the 2024 IHDA Community Revitalization Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MATTOON, COLES COUNTY, ILLINOIS:

1. That the City of Mattoon hereby formally adopts and supports the implementation of the 2024 Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Community Revitalization Plan.

2. That the City of Mattoon commits to working collaboratively with IHDA, local stakeholders, and community members to achieve the goals and objectives set forth in the plan.

3. That the City of Mattoon will actively pursue available resources, including state and federal funding, to support the initiatives outlined in the Community Revitalization Plan.

4. That the City Administrator, or his designee, is authorized and directed to take all necessary actions to implement the strategies and initiatives outlined in the 2024 IHDA Community Revitalization Plan, and to report on the progress of these initiatives to the City Council on a regular basis.

5. That this resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval as provided by law.

Upon motion by Mayor Hall_______, seconded by Commissioner Cox , adopted this 1st day of October 2024, by a roll call vote, as follows:

AYES (Names): Commissioner Closson, Commissioner Cox,______ Commissioner Phipps, Mayor Hall______________

NAYS (Names): Commissioner Graven________________________

ABSENT (Names): None______________________________________

Approved this 1st day of October 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 10-01 , 2024.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments/questions. Commissioner Phipps inquired as to any comments or changes to the document. CE&P Manager Benishek stated there were no changes other than a typo and the summary from Ms. Bashiti was well presented.

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.

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Graven moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024- 3282, approving and entering into a Professional Service Agreement between the Coles County Regional Planning – Development Commission (CCRP-DC) and the City for the processing of the Safety Action Plan; and authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement.

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-3282

RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE SAFETY ACTION PLAN ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF MATTOON AND THE COLES COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon has selected the Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission to provide certain Professional Services to the City; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has examined the proposed agreement a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference and entitled "Professional Services Agreement” between the City of Mattoon, Illinois and the Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission," and finds said agreement to be acceptable,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Mattoon, Illinois, that the City shall enter into and execute said Agreement with the Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission. The Mayor is authorized to execute said Agreement.

Upon motion by Commissioner Phipps , seconded by Commissioner Graven, adopted this 1st day of October , 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 1st day of October , 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 Jones

Daniel Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 10-01, 2024.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Administrator Gill explained the hiring of CCRP-DC to examine the sidewalks and intersections to comply with the grant received. Commissioner Closson inquired as to the different dates for the two agreements with Administrator Gill noted different grant cycles.

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 Cox moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024- 3283, approving and entering into a Professional Service Agreement between the Coles County Regional Planning – Development Commissioner (CCRP-DC) and the City for the conducting the completion of the Lead Service Line Inventory; and authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement.

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-3283

RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO A TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MATTOON AND THE COLES COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon has selected the Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission to provide certain Professional Services to the City; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has examined the proposed agreement a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference and entitled "Professional Services Agreement between the City of Mattoon, Illinois and the Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission," and finds said agreement to be acceptable,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Mattoon, Illinois, that the City shall enter into and execute said Agreement with the Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission. The Mayor is authorized to execute said Agreement.

Upon motion by Commissioner Phipps , seconded by Commissioner Cox, adopted this 1st day of October , 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 this 1st day of October , 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 Jones

Daniel Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 10-01, 2024.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Administrator Gill explained the $50,000 EPA grant for surveying lead lines required contractually hiring for compliance. The City contracted with CCRP-DC to employ interns to evaluate each individual water pit.

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 2024-2539, authorizing the employment of Nicholas P. Wilson as a probationary police officer with a base pay of $68,700.44 for the Mattoon Police Department effective October 19, 2024 contingent upon successful completion of background, physical and psychological exams.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Chief Gaines noted Mr. Wilson’s attendance and provided a background, his lateral transfer and recommendation by former Chief Branson. Mr. Wilson stated he was looking forward to the opportunity to serve this community and distinguished Department.

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 2024-2540, authorizing the employment of Andrew Hilligoss as a Parks Maintenance II employee with a base pay of $41,808.00 effective September 30, 2024 contingent of completion of a successful background check and drug screening.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Commissioner Closson explained the selection process and noted one of the applicants could be eligible for public works.

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 park interviews and one possibly to fill public works, other staffing, losing the City’s grant writer, an infrastructure grant for 1000 North with Ameren and Agracel where the City has a 20% match, and answering public concerns. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

CITY ATTORNEY noted business as usual as well as helping with nuisance properties and lawsuit against the police department. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

CITY CLERK noted gearing up for insurance renewals and open enrollments, processing of reports - business as usual. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

FINANCE announced the expectation of the Auditor’s report, submitted new Emerald Acres’ addresses in the Business District to the Department of Revenue, submitted the Treasurer’s Report for publication, processed the unclaimed property report, noted the tax levy recommendation for the Fire and Police Pensions with a combined amount of $5,865,000; distributed and reviewed the Revenue Tracking Report and unrestricted cash in General Fund. Commissioner Closson inquired about going out for bid or negotiated auditing for the next year with Treasurer & Director Wright noting a possible local firm. Commissioner Graven did not look for the cost to be reduced, could put out for bid and dynamics could change. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

PUBLIC WORKS Assistant Director Fuqua updated Council on the roadway at the sports complex to be finished by the first of the week, sewer project, and lift station to be up next week. Administrator Gill noted some of the holdup was waiting on Ameren. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

FIRE reported on calls for service, four inspections with much time at new establishments, EMS and ARP training, grain provided by farmers to practice grain hopper rescues, school fire alarm time drills, attendance at the Chiefs’ Convention in Peoria, class on GEMT (ground emergency medical transport) and explained the report where the City received $140,000 of the $280,000 collected with half going to the State. Commissioner Graven inquired as to the difference with Chief Hilligoss noting next year would have a better answer and Charleston’s revenues increased around 20%. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

POLICE reported on calls for service and 52 arrests. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

ARTS AND TOURISM Commissioner Cox noted Mindy and Kara were working on the Chamber Expo, preparing for the upcoming photo and artisan shows, and getting ready for Lightworks. Mayor Hall opened the floor for questions with no response.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT updated Council on the Substation upgrade, Inspector Sudkamp’s working on addresses within the sports complex, upcoming Planning Commission items of an accessory dwelling and plat, new owner of former Brown Shoe Factory, BCBS outdoor fitness grant, joint application with Douglas Hart for the Chicago Trees Grant where Superintendent Hesse provided much information, inspection of The Commons, county-wide tourism grant with Coles Together for outdoor tourism, and preparation of a consideration at next Council meeting of an expenditure for a drone show at Celebrate Downtown. Commissioner Graven inquired about Tourism Grants and going before the Tourism Board. CD&P Manager Benishek stated it would not necessarily be funded. Commissioner Cox noted it did not fit general guidelines and where sponsorship and dollar value as opposed to direct funding.

COMMENTS BY THE COUNCIL

Council congratulated Officer Wilson on his employment. Commissioner Closson reviewed all of the accomplishments at Lake Mattoon using the OSLAD grant funds, noted campgrounds closing on October 15th for winterization and non-renewals to be replaced, and Lightworks preparation starting on the 15th. Commissioner Cox noted many phone calls on the city manager referendum. Commissioner Graven had nothing further. Commissioner Phipps noted two to three open positions in Public Works, diligent work by crews on crack sealing, the oil and chip program looked awesome, continuation of fielding clients’ questions on the ballot initiative. Mayor Hall announced the five weeks out on the vote for managerial form of government, meeting tomorrow night, ordinances to be changed to fit government, search for city manager, setting goals and objectives for City, much to be done before that time, and requested comments or ideas for everyone’s input.

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to adjourn at 7:11 p.m.

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

https://mattoon.illinois.gov/download/city-council-meeting-2024-10-01/