East Central Reporter

City of Tuscola City Council met May 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order with Brace, Day, Hoey, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop, and Mayor Kleiss in attendance. Alderman Morris was absent. Mayor Kleiss led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The first order of business was to swear in the newly elected officers. Mayor Kleiss gave the oath of office to Clerk Leamon. Leamon then gave the oath of office to Mayor Kleiss; followed by aldermen Shoemaker, Day, Hoey, and Rund. All will serve for the next four years.

Consent Agenda

Mayor Kleiss went over the items on the consent agenda:

• Minutes of the April 28, 2025, meeting

• Payment of bills totaling $418,774.14

• Pay request from Grunloh Building, Inc., in the amount of $131,280.82 - included in bills total

• Community Building lease with alcohol for Shaina Oakley wedding reception May 31 2025

• Community Building lease with alcohol for the Saldivar quinceanera on September 20, 2025

• Approval for street closures and parade route for the procession for the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 22, 2025

• Approve revised amount ($8284.84) for sewer camera purchased from Insight Vision. This is $440 higher than amount previously approved and allows for a camera with a longer reel, as intended

Hoey moved to approve the items on the consent agenda. Waldrop seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop. Rund moved to approve the consent agenda for May 12, 2025. Shoemaker seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop.

Mayor - No Report

City Clerk - No Report

City Treasurer

Long noted about one third of the city's employees have made their choice for health insurance for the coming year

City Attorney - Absent

City Administrator

Administrator Hoel reported the contractor has begun clean-up and restoration of the Meadowview water main project.

Contracts and Agreements

• Hoey moved to approve the commercial real estate lease with Gina Romine for the pool. concession area. This is a three-month lease beginning May 20, 2025 and ending August 19, 2025 @$250 per month. Waldrop seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop.

• Shoemaker moved to approve the purchase of a tilt-trailer 2025 Midsota TBWB-22 in the amount of $12,573.00, from Kate's Trailer Sales in Arthur. This purchase is included in the current budget. Rund seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop.

• Administrator Hoel discussed the Intergovernmental Agreement for Economic Development between Tuscola, Arcola, Villa Grove, and Douglas County. Under this agreement the City employs Brian Moody and Stepheny McMahon. The II Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) has requested a more explicit explanation of Moody and McMahon's employment status. Moody and McMahon are employees of the City of Tuscola and not shared employees. Hoel went on to say Attorney Schweighart has spoken with the staff attorney for IMRF and has a clarification that will satisfy all parties. Day moved to approve the modification agreement to the Intergovernmental Agreement for Economic Development, clarifying Brian Moody and Stepheny McMahon are city employees. Shoemaker seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop.

Other

Economic Development Director Moody's salary increase was accidentally omitted on the first wage and salary scale presented for approval. Shoemaker moved to approve the attached 2026 wage and salary scale dated 5/12/25, which includes Moody's salary. Brace seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop.

Mayor Kleiss congratulated the East Prairie Hornets who will be competing at the State track meet this weekend. Best of Luck!!

Kleiss announced the proposals will be going out for the demo and asbestos abatement of the old church at 307 S. Court. Proposals will be opened June 5, 2025, with the anticipated deadline for completion September 30, 2025.

The motion to adjourn was made by Slaughter and seconded by Rund. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop.

https://tuscola.org/file/1566