East Central Reporter

City of Flora City Council met July 7.

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 Jeremy Henderson, Commissioner Phil Wiley and Commissioner Jim Fehrenbacher. Commissioner Linda Spicer was absent.

Others in attendance were Chief of Police Jeremy Ruger, City Attorney Bob Coble, City Clerk Kaci O'Dell and City Treasurer Stephanie Bailey. City Administrator/Economic Development Director Mike Stanford, Building and Zoning Official Chad Bayles and Superintendent of Public Services Toby Rinehart were absent. There were a few guests and two media representatives in attendance.

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Dirk Hockman, Agriculture Teacher at Flora CUSD #35 addressed the council to seek permission for a FFA CDE (Career Development Event) of Horse Judging. This event will consist of participation from 13 schools and its purpose is to teach the students new skills and develop their character. In the past, this event was hosted at Olney; the FFA groups are trying to divide hosting responsibilities. With Flora FFA hosting, they will receive an additional check mark on their funding application. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025. Approximately 100 kids will participate in this event. Flora FFA will provide gates and will work up the arena a few weeks before event.

A MOTION TO APPROVE FLORA FFA TO USE CHARLEY BROWN BOWL TO HOST FFA HORSE JUDGING EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Spicer

Next, Lisa Erbacher thanked everyone that volunteered for the 4th of July events this past weekend. Erbacher would like permission to use the gazebo at Library Park for a back-to- school event, Music in the Park and homemade ice cream. This would be held the evening of Friday, August 1st. She is requesting to use electricity in the gazebo and a few trash cans. Street closures are not necessary.

A MOTION TO APPROVE LISA ERBACHER TO HOST HOMEMADE ICE CREAM AND MUSIC IN THE PARK EVENT AT LIBRARY PARK ON AUGUST 1, 2025 WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Spicer

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA FOR THE JULY 7, 2025, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FOR THE CITY OF FLORA WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HENDERSON.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent

None; Absent - Spicer

CONSENT AGENDA

The following items were listed under the Consent Agenda:

APPROVE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 16, 2025

APPROVE SCHEDULE OF BILLS FOR JUNE 11, 2025 THROUGH JULY 1, 2025

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

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent

None; Absent - Spicer

REGULAR BUSINESS

Mayor Slaughter introduced Lee Beckman, with Milano & Grunloh Engineers, LLC to give an update on current grants.

Next, Mayor Slaughter had two items for approval.

A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF KAREN ANDERSON FROM THE FLORA TOURISM COMMITTEE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025 WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER HENDERSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent- Spicer

A MOTION TO PASS A RESOLUTION APPROVING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TERMINATION DATE: NOVEMBER 14, 2026) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Spicer

Commissioner Jeremy Henderson thanked everyone that helped with the 4th of July events. He expressed it was a great day. Henderson then announced that Little Toot is open. Hours are Saturday 10:00 a.m. -6 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Henderson had one item for approval.

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3435, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A TWENTY (20) YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE CLAY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR ASSOCIATION (EXPIRES APRIL 1, 2045) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Spicer

Commissioner Phil Wiley had one item for approval.

A MOTION TO APPROVE SEEKING BIDS FOR CLEANING SERVICE OF THE CITY OF FLORA CITY HALL, PUBLIC WORKS, POLICE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HENDERSON.

➤Vote: Yes Slaughter, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - Spicer

Next, Wiley spoke about the 4th of July event. It was a great day from start to finish. With the All-American Boy and Girl Contest, Big Trucks, petting zoo, face painting, free swim, live music and fireworks, there was something going on all day. Wiley thanked everyone who volunteered and contributed to the event. It was a great day all around and it will be tough to top next year. Lastly, Wiley thanked the public for participating and enjoying the festivities.

ADJOURN

At approximately 4:50 p.m. with no further business to discuss, Mayor Slaughter requested a motion to adjourn.

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