East Central Reporter

City of Neoga City Council met July 14.

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, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Others present were City Clerk Brenda Evans, City Treasurer Diana Foor, Superintendent Shawn Durbin, Billie Chambers, and Tom Strohl.

MINUTES

After reviewing the executive session minutes from June 9, 2025, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

Commissioner Letizia made a motion to approve the regular session minutes from June 23, 2025. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments were heard

PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR HELM

BORING ON SHAFFER AVENUE FOR WATERLINE

The council discussed the possibility of boring the water line on Shaffer Avenue. City Administrator / Clerk Evans informed the council that she has not received an itemized cost estimate from Engineer Beckman. After little discussion about spending an additional $8,000 or more to bore the entire block, no one made a motion to vote on the issue.

NEOGA BOOSTER SPONSORSHIP

The council reviewed a flyer from the Neoga Boosters Club regarding their annual golf outing and Commissioner Letizia made a motion to donate $100 for a hole sponsor. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

SALES OF LOTS ON JENNINGS AVENUE

City Administrator / Clerk Evans asked the council for clarification on the stipulations for selling the lots on Jennings Avenue. Evans said that she currently has two (2) individuals interested in the properties. After a lengthy discussion, Commissioner Williams made a motion to sell one lot for $2500 with a house built within two (2) years, or two (2) lots for $5,000 with the stipulation that the lots must be combined into one (1) deed, the house must be 5,000 square feet, and built within two (2) years. Commissioner Letizia seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Williams, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

IML CONFERENCE

City Administrator / Clerk Evans informed the council that the IML Annual Conference will be held September 18-20, 2025 in Chicago. Evans gave them the estimated cost for registration, hotels, meals, and travel for both Treasurer Foor and herself. Commissioner Letizia made the motion to approve both Foor and Evans to attend the conference. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

ORDINANCE #1117-07-2025 An Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase of Real Property (565 Locust)

After reviewing the ordinance, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to approve the ordinance as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

RESOLUTION #02-07-2025 A Resolution Authorizing Memorandum of Understanding Between City of Neoga and Neoga Unit #3 Board of Education for School Resource Officer

Commissioner Letizia made a motion to approve the resolution as presented. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

RESOLUTION #03-07-2025 A Resolution Authorizing Execution of an Agreement for Reimbursable Utility Adjustment with the Illinois Department of Transportation

Commissioner Letizia made a motion to approve the resolution as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

FINANCE, COMMISSIONER SCHABBING

TREASURER’S REPORT

Commissioner Williams asked if anyone had any questions regarding the treasurer’s report. With no questions asked, Mayor Helm ordered that the treasurer’s report be filed in the City Clerk’s records.

ORDINANCE #1118-07-2025 An Ordinance Setting Forth a Budget of Estimated Receipts and Disbursements and Making Appropriations for City Purposes of the City of Neoga, Cumberland County, Illinois, for the Fiscal Year 2026 Commencing on May 1, 2025 and Ending on April 30, 2026

After reviewing the ordinance, Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the ordinance as presented. Commissioner Letizia seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Williams, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

PUBLIC PROPERTY, COMMISSIONER LETIZIA

PURCHASE OF BLOWERS AND PUMPS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT City Administrator / Clerk Evans reminded the Council that the city still has approximately $230,000 left that could be used from the wastewater plant grant. Evans said that the money must be accounted for by July 31st, and recommended that the council ask that the remaining funds be used for the purchase of 2 new pumps due since the current ones are almost 20 years old; 3 new blowers due to one blower having a bad compressor, and the remining funds for attorney fees. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Williams made a motion to request the funds be used for three (3) blowers, two (2) pumps, and attorney fees. Commissioner Letizia seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Williams, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

PURCHASE OF FIRE HYDRANT

Superintendent Durbin informed the council that a fire hydrant needs to be purchased for the new water line on 7th Street that was overlooked during the planning process. Commissioner Williams made a motion to purchase the hydrant in the amount of $2,985.88. Commissioner Letizia seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Williams, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

BIDS FOR TREE REMOVAL

Commissioner Letizia opened the bids for removal of two (2) ash trees on Shaffer Avenue. The bids were:

Ordner $7,500

Shade Shifters $6,650

After a lengthy discussion about the trees being removed, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to award the bid to Shade Shifters if an arborist believes the trees are not able to be saved. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

STREETS AND ALLEYS, COMMISSIONER EDWARDS

No report was given.

HEALTH AND SAFETY, COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS

Commissioner Williams updated the Council on the 7th Street railroad crossing between Burrows and Grove Avenue. Williams said that the railroad company has begun to bring supplies into the area, so construction on installing new signals, railroad ties, and a pedestrian crossing should begin soon. Commissioner Williams and Commissioner Letizia wanted to thank Senator McClure and Representative Halbrook for all their time and effort to get this project underway.

Citizen Tom Strohl mentioned to the Council that there is a hole on 6th Street that needs attention. Strohl explained that when the new culvert was installed, its end was placed very close to the sidewalk, which he feels could pose a liability for the city. Commissioner Williams thanked Mr. Strohl for bringing it to our attention and they will review it.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Williams made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 pm. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Letizia. Ayes, Commissioner Williams, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.

https://neoga.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Minutes-July-14-2025.pdf