East Central Reporter

City of Flora City Council met Feb. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

OPENING CEREMONIES

Mayor Rick Slaughter called the Regular Council Meeting of the City of Flora to order, and City Clerk Kaci O'Dell called roll. Present were Mayor Rick Slaughter, Commissioner Linda Spicer, Commissioner Phil Wiley and Commissioner Jim Fehrenbacher. Commissioner Jeremy Henderson was absent.

Others in attendance were City Attorney Bob Coble, Chief of Police Jeremy Ruger, City Administrator/Economic Development Director Mike Stanford, City Clerk Kaci O'Dell, City Treasurer Kim Adair and Building and Zoning Official Chad Bayles. Superintendent of Public Services Toby Rinehart was absent. A media representative and several guests were also in attendance.

Mayor Rick Slaughter led the Pledge of Allegiance and Commissioner Phil Wiley offered the Invocation.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

April Carruthers with the Clay County Health Department asked for Council approval on several events.

A MOTION TO APPROVE CLAY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT USE OF LIBRARY PARK WITH ROAD CLOSURE ON 100 BLOCK OF E. 3RD STREET ON APRIL 24, 2025 FOR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH EVENT WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SPICER.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain None; Absent - Henderson

A MOTION TO APPROVE CLAY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT USE OF REA BUILDING AT CHARLEY BROWN PARK MAY 8, 2025 FOR SPRING RESOURCE CARNIVAL WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

A MOTION TO APPROVE CLAY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT USE OF REA BUILDING AT CHARLEY BROWN PARK ON OCTOBER 9, 2025 FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL TRICK OR TREAT STREET EVENT WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SPICER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain None; Absent - Henderson

Next, Stephen Smith with Flora Tourism spoke to the Council regarding a few events.

A MOTION TO APPROVE TOURISM TO USE LIBRARY PARK, CITY HALL PARKING LOT AND CLOSE 100 BLOCK OF E. 2ND STREET ON MAY 3, 2025 FOR SPRING FEST WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SPICER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain – None; Absent – Henderson

A MOTION TO APPROVE TOURISM TO USE FLORA SWIMMING POOL AT CHARLEY BROWN PARK ON JULY 4, 2025 WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SPICER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA FOR THE FEBRUARY 18, 2025, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FOR THE CITY OF FLORA WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent – Henderson

CONSENT AGENDA

The following items were listed under the Consent Agenda:

• ACCEPT POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY REPORT FOR JANUARY 2025

• ACCEPT BUILDING AND ZONING REPORT FOR JANUARY 2025

• APPROVE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 3, 2025

• APPROVE SCHEDULE OF BILLS FOR JANUARY 29, 2025 THROUGH FEBRUARY 11, 2025 APPROVE TREASURERS REPORT FOR JANUARY 2025

• APPROVE FLORA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO USE CHARLEY BROWN PARK ON MAY 20, 2025 (ACCELERATED READING CELEBRATION)

• APPROVE REQUEST FROM MEGAN PIERSON, CLAY COUNTY EXTENSION, TO USE CHARLEY BROWN PARK ON MAY 9, 2025 (CONSERVATION DAY)

A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SPICER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

REGULAR BUSINESS

Mayor Rick Slaughter introduced Matt Johnson, Engineer with Fehr Graham to give an update on the Wastewater Treatment Plant project. Mr. Johnson reminded everyone that the last time he was present, he discussed funding options for the project. Since then, an application was submitted to IEPA. After review, IEPA requested a modification be made in regards to dealing with excess flow.

The modification has been submitted and is under review. Mr. Johnson does not anticipate any other issues regarding the modification. The IEPA did not express any other reservations to the new technologies we are looking to implement in the project.

City Administrator/Economic Development Director Mike Stanford asked Mr. Johnson to confirm that using IEPA funding opposed to USDA would come at a higher cost to City of Flora utility customers. Mr. Johnson confirmed that funding thru IEPA, payments would be higher because it would need to be paid off sooner. At this point in time the City's $5.2 million grant through the USDA is secure. We can expect to find out in June or July if the City qualifies for IEPA funding.

Commissioner Spicer inquired about the cost of the modification for excess flow. Mr. Johnson explained that this required modification would increase both operating and capital costs. Bringing in the excess flow and treating it will require upgrades to be made to the lagoon pump station.

Mr. Johnson stated that he wanted Council to keep in mind that with the new administration there are currently a lot of unknowns on what federal funding will look like in the next year. Once we find out the determination of our application with IEPA, it is his recommendation that a decision be made on funding. We need to keep the project moving and any further delays could potentially risk USDA funding that has been approved. After we receive the determination from IEPA, Fehr Graham will provide the City with rates for each funding source and a cost opinion for 2025. After Council decides on a funding source, Mr. Johnson will prepare the project to go out for bid within 60-75 days.

Mayor Slaughter presented two reappointments for approval.

A MOTION TO REAPPOINT HERB HENSON, SR. TO THE FIRE AND POLICE BOARD (3-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 18, 2028) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SPICER.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

A MOTION TO REAPPOINT RICK GIBBS TO THE FIRE AND POLICE BOARD (3-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 18, 2028) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

Police Chief Jeremy Ruger had one request for approval.

A MOTION WAS MADE TO WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING AND APPROVE PURCHASE OF BUDGETED ITEM OF A 2025 FORD INTERCEPTOR FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM MORROW BROTHERS FORD ($56,990.00) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SPICER.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

City Administrator/Economic Development Director Mike Stanford had several items to present.

A MOTION TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 25-3404, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AWARDING OF A BID TO VISU-SEWER OF MISSOURI, LLC ($227,840.00) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SPICER.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

A MOTION TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 25-3405, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AWARD OF BID AND CONTRACT TO KIEFFER BROS. CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. ($1,374,716.74) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SPICER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY. > Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

A MOTION TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 25-3406, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO FEHR GRAHAM AGREEMENT WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SPICER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

A MOTION TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 25-3407, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FLORA AND FEHR GRAHAM APPROVED PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 23-3250 WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER;

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SPICER.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

A MOTION TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 25-3408, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT AND EXTENSION OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACT WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES OF INDIANA, LP WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SPICER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

Building and Zoning Official Chad Bayles had a few items to present to council.

A MOTION TO PASS A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE DONALD E. PERSINGER, JR. REAL ESTATE AS UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS (121 W. MAPLE) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SPICER.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

A MOTION TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 25-3403, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE SELLING OF REAL ESTATE 715 W. 4TH STREET, 421 E. 3RD STREET AND 203 E. 8TH STREET, FLORA, ILLINOIS WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes - Slaughter, Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Henderson

ADJOURN

At approximately 5:13 p.m. with no further business to discuss, Mayor Slaughter requested a motion to adjourn.

COMMISSIONER WILEY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SPICER. COUNCIL MEMBERS CONCURRED AND MAYOR SLAUGHTER DECLARED SAID MEETING ADJOURNED.

https://florail.govoffice2.com/vertical/sites/%7B62602091-720B-4C05-8923-FB9F25FCDE7A%7D/uploads/Minutes_2-18-25.pdf