East Central Reporter

City of Neoga City Council met Oct. 15

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, Edwards, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Others present were City Clerk Brenda Evans, City Treasurer Diana Foor, Billie Chamber, Gilbert, Metzger, and Madigan Auditors Kelsey Swing, and Heather Kuykendall.

MINUTES

After reviewing the regular session minutes from September 23, 2024, Commissioner Edwards made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments were heard.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR HELM

IMLRMA INSURANCE INVOICE FOR 2025

After reviewing the invoice, Commissioner Edwards made a motion to pay 2025 IMLRMA Insurance in the amount of $43,931.77, which would include a 1% discount for paying in one payment. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Letizia. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. motion carried. 4-0.

ORDINANCE #1095-10-2024 An Ordinance Authorizing the Transfer of Real Estate

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

ORDINANCE 1096-10-2024 An Ordinance Authorizing Execution of a Contract for Private Development Pursuant to the City of Neoga, Illinois, Redevelopment plan for Tax Increment Area (Workman Real Estate Holdings, LLC)

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

ORDINANCE 1097-10-2024 An Ordinance Authorizing Execution of a Contract for Private Development Pursuant to the City of Neoga, Illinois, Redevelopment Plan for Tax Increment Area (Lauren Massengill)

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

CLOSING THE ALLEY BY BOWLING ALLEY

The council received a request to close the alley between 5th & 6th Street and Chestnut and Walnut Avenue. The request came from Mel Workman asking to park a semi-truck while the bowling lanes are being installed. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Edwards made the motion to close the alley during the delivery. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4-0.

FINANCE, COMMISSIONER SCHABBING

TREASURER’S REPORT

After reviewing the treasurer’s report, Mayor Helm ordered that the treasurer’s report be filed in the City Clerk’s records.

FISCAL YEAR END 2024 AUDIT REPORT

Auditors Kelsey Swing and Heather Kuykendall presented the FY 2024 audit to the Council. The auditors explained the financial records, and that the city had a clean audit.

PUBLIC PROPERTY, COMMISSIONER LETIZIA

Commissioner Letizia said that he did not have a report, but wanted to know why the IDOT Shared Path project required a silt fence to be installed. City Clerk Evans explained that it was required by the State of Illinois grant. Evans also explained that the fence should be removed before October 31st for trick or treat night for safety reasons.

STREETS AND ALLEYS, COMMISSIONER EDWARDS

STUMP REMOVAL

Due to only having one quote, this was tabled until a later date.

HEALTH AND SAFETY, COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS

No report was given at this time.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

SALE OR LEASE OF REAL ESTATE – SECTION 2 (C)(6) – limited to actual setting of price for sale or lease of public property. Commissioner Edwards made a motion to move into executive session at 7:26 pm. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Letizia. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4-0.

RECONVENED AND ROLL CALL

The meeting was reconvened at 7:45 p.m. on a motion from Commissioner Edwards. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Those present for roll call were Commissioners Edwards, Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm.

After moving back into open session, Commissioner Edwards mentioned that he has spoken with Representative Bost’s office regarding the interstate ramp area and cleaning it up. Edwards said that the State will be working on removing the dirt and debris in the next few weeks.

The council also discussed comments made on social media regarding the sidewalk project.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Edwards made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4-0.

https://neoga.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Minutes-October-15.pdf