East Central Reporter

City of Neoga City Council met May 12.

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, Schabbing, Edwards, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Others present were City Clerk Brenda Evans, City Treasurer Diana Foor, Police Chief Andy Schabbing, Superintendent Shawn Durbin, Steve Ballinger, Toledo Democrat Editor Billie Chambers, Devin Kidwell, Rachel Kidwell, Renee Letizia, and Wes Letizia.

MINUTES

After reviewing the regular session minutes from April 28, 2025, Commissioner Edwards made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Letizia. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Commissioner Schabbing abstained. Motion carried. 4-0.

SWEARING IN OF OFFICERS

City Clerk Evans administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Commissioners Delbert Williams and Zachary Letizia.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Devin Kidwell addressed the Council regarding mowing of the cemetery. Kidwell asked if he could have direct communication with the commissioner that oversees the Neoga Memorial Cemetery. Kidwell said that in other communities that he works for, he is able to discuss problems with their cemeteries and never has to contact the clerk. Kidwell said that there are issues with drainage, roads, and ruts, so he would like to speak with them a commissioner directly. Commissioner Williams informed Mr. Kidwell that Neoga City Administrator / Clerk Evans handles all day-to-day operations. Anything that needs to be addressed would go through the office. Evans would then contact the Councilman if needed. Kidwell said that he requested the phone number for the person that oversees the cemetery, but he was not able to get the information. Again, Mayor Helm, along with Commissioners Edwards and Letizia expressed the need for Mr. Kidwell to contact the office if there are any concerns. Mrs. Rachel Kidwell said that she will contact the office or Ms. Evans to eliminate any conflicts. The council said that would be fine.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR HELM

ABANDONED PROPERTIES

Commissioner Williams asked about the abandoned properties around the community. Administrator / Clerk Evans gave a list of properties that the police department is currently working on, including homes on Maple, Locust, Grove, 9th Street, 7th Street, and Oak Avenue. Williams asked what the definition was for abandoned properties, and Police Schabbing read the definition from the city’s website.

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.

ORDINANCE #1110-05-2025 An Ordinance Setting Forth an Amended Budget of Estimated Receipts and Disbursements and Making Appropriations for City Purposes of the City of Neoga, Cumberland County, Illinois, for the Fiscal Year 2025 Commencing on May 1, 2024, and Ending on April 30, 2025

After reviewing the ordinance, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to approve the ordinance as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schabbing. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, Edwards, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

PUBLIC PROPERTY, COMMISSIONER LETIZIA

INVOICE #126641 FOR SIDEWALK PROJECT

After reviewing the invoice, it was the consensus of the Council to wait on paying the invoice until further information on the total expenses were received.

STREETS AND ALLEYS, COMMISSIONER EDWARDS SPEED LIMIT AROUND JENNINGS PARK

Commissioner Williams asked the Council to review the speed limit around the park due to high school students using the Community Center as well as the large number of kids around the park. After a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the council to have an ordinance created to lower the speed limits to 20 MPH around Jennings Park.

HEALTH AND SAFETY, COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS CROSSWALK AT 6TH STREET AND PARK AVENUE

Commissioner Williams also asked if the crosswalk should be marked at the intersection of 6th & Park Avenue. Police Chief Schabbing said he would investigate the requirements for the cross walk as well.

OTHER REPORTS

Superintendent Durbin told the council that he requested Public Works employee Ballinger to attend the meeting with him regarding the need for a vac trailer. Durbin said that there is a grant opportunity to purchase a new vac trailer which would cost between $112,000 – $130,000. Currently 25 – 30 communities around Neoga have a vac trailer for their public works department. Durbin said the trailer would be used for various tasks including vacuuming out the meter pits at the trailer park, as well as other meter pits, storm sewers, valve bodies, main breaks, sewer lines, and more. If the department had a vac trailer, it would save on backhoe hours. They could also power wash buildings. It would also minimize damage to people’s yards and alleys.

Police Chief Schabbing said that the old 2008 Dodge Charger squad car had been stripped of all the equipment and is ready to be picked up in Effingham. Once the decals are removed, it can be sold.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Commissioner Edwards made a motion to move into executive session for Personnel Section 2 (c)(1) – Employee hiring, firing, compensation, discipline and performance at 8:26 p.m. Commissioner Letizia seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

RECONVENED AND ROLL CALL

The meeting was reconvened at 9:14 p.m. on a motion from Commissioner Letizia. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion. Those present for roll call were Commissioners Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, Edwards, and Mayor Helm.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Edwards made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:14. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

https://neoga.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Minutes-May-12-2025.pdf