East Central Reporter

City of Arcola City Council met Dec. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Garza called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present were Alderpersons Foran, Hensley, Helmuth, Henson, Becerra and Budd. City Administrator Wagoner, Treasurer Anderson and Chief Suding were also present.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Alderman Foran led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC COMMENT There were no public comments.

APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 18, 2024 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Alderwoman Helmuth moved to approve the November 18, 2024 council meeting minutes as presented and was seconded by Alderman Foran. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 16, 2024 THROUGH NOVEMBER 27, 2024 BILLS Alderman Hensley moved to approve the November 16, 2024 – November 27, 2024 bills as presented and was seconded by Alderman Henson. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF THE TREASURER’S REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2024 Alderwoman Hensley moved to approve the Treasurer’s report for November 2024 and was seconded by Alderman Becerra. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER ZONING OFFICER’S REPORT The Zoning Officer reported no permits issued in the month of November.

APPROVE MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF ANDREW PETTY AS CITY ATTORNEY Alderman Foran moved to approve the Mayoral appointment of Andrew Petty as city attorney. Alderman Hensley seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

REPORT FROM THE TOURISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Tourism Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended the council approve 4 requests from the Arcola Chamber of Commerce for reimbursement totaling $6,698.00 and 1 request from Country Spirit Antique Show in amount of $1,504.58. Total amount of reimbursements being $8,202.58. Alderman Budd moved to accept the recommendation of the Tourism Advisory Committee and was seconded by Alderman Foran. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER AND APPROVE HIRING OF A POLICE RECRUIT – MARK TRUEX Alderman Henson moved to approve hiring of Mark Truex as a police recruit starting immediately at the rate of $24 per hour. A $1 per hour raise will be given after completion of the academy. Alderman Becerra seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER AND APPROVE PAY REQUEST NO. 3 – LIBMAN TRUCK ROUTE -- $328,213.58 Alderman Foran moved to approve Pay Request No. 3 – Libman Truck Route in amount of $328,213.58. Alderman Henson seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER AND APPROVE BONUS FOR FULL AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES Alderman Becerra moved to approve bonus for full-time employees in amount of $250 and part-time employees in amount of $100. Alderman Budd seconded the motion. Motion carried.

CONSIDER AND APPROVE SALARY INCREASE FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES Alderman Becerra moved to approve salary increase for part-time employees in amount of $ .50 per hour. Alderman Henson seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER AND APPROVE SALARY INCREASE FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES Alderman Becerra moved to approve salary increase for full-time employees in amount of $1.00 per hour. Alderman Budd seconded the motion. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

ADOPT ARCOLA CENTER DIGITAL SIGN GUIDELINES Alderman Becerra moved to adopt Arcola Center Digital Sign Guidelines and was seconded by Alderwoman Helmuth. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Alderman Foran Had nothing at this time.

Alderman Hensley Had nothing at this time.

Alderwoman Helmuth Had nothing at this time.

Alderman Henson Had nothing at this time.

Alderman Becerra Reported the Employee Relations Committee met prior to this meeting and discussed bonuses, salary increases and amending PTO policy.

As this concluded the business of the meeting, Alderman Hensley moved to adjourn and was seconded by Alderman Henson. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

https://www.arcolaillinois.org/vertical/sites/%7BEB6C516F-456C-4E2C-82FA-C414C30C76ED%7D/uploads/12.02.24_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf