East Central Reporter

City of Mattoon City Council met July 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of the City of Mattoon held a Regular City Council meeting in the Council Chambers of City Hall on July 15, 2025. Mayor Hall presided and called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

The following members of the Council answered roll call physically present in person: YEA Commissioner Erica Butler, YEA Commissioner Jim Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Dave Cox, YEA Commissioner David Phipps and ABSENT Mayor Rick Hall.

Also physically present in person were City personnel: City Manager Kyle Gill, City Attorney Daniel C. Jones, Finance Director/Treasurer Beth Wright, Public Works Director David Clark, Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss, Police Chief Sam Gaines, Code Enforcement Director Alex Benishek, Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Heather McFarland and City Clerk Susan O’Brien.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Pro-tem Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve the consent agenda consisting of Regular Meeting minutes of July 1, 2025, bills and payroll for the first half of July 2025.

Mayor Hall declared the motion carried by the following omnibus vote: YEA Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Commissioner Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, YEA Mayor Hall.

PRESENTATIONS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

This portion of the City Council meeting is reserved for persons who desire to address the Council. The Illinois Open Meetings Act mandates that the City Council may NOT take action on comments received on matters that have not been identified on this agenda, but the Council may direct staff to address the topic or refer the matter for action on the agenda for another meeting. Persons addressing the Council are requested to limit their presentations to three minutes and to avoid repetitious comments. We would also ask you to state your name and address for the record as well as stand when speaking.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox called for questions/comments from the Public in person and online with no response.

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner Butler seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025- 3312, approving the agreement with Ameren Illinois for an electric distribution system (substation) extension of our manufacturing sectors in the Mattoon Enterprise Park; and authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement.

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-3312

A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AN ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM EXTENSION AGREEMENT FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPERS WITH AMEREN ILLINOIS

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon, Illinois, is committed to expanding the economic and employment base of our manufacturing sectors; and

WHEREAS, for many years development in the Mattoon Enterprise Park has been inhibited by lack of substation capacity; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently awarded the City of Mattoon a grant that would support a $3,000,000 substation expansion project that could help attract new manufacturers to our community; and

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon has partnered with Ameren Illinois, Agracel, and Coles Together to determine the needed costs of said substation upgrades; and

WHEREAS, The City of Mattoon intends to proceed with the substation expansion project; and

WHEREAS, per the Ameren agreement, the City of Mattoon will be reimbursed for some of its expenditures; and

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon wishes to enter into the agreement with Ameren and has deemed it to be in the best interests of The City of Mattoon.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MATTOON, COLES COUNTY, ILLINOIS:

1. That the City of Mattoon hereby authorizes the Mayor to enter into the agreement with Ameren attached hereto as “Exhibit A”.

2. That this resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval as provided by law.

Upon motion by Commissioner Butler , seconded by Commissioner Closson , adopted this 15th day of July , 2025 by a roll call vote, as follows:

AYES (Names): Commissioner Butler, Commissioner Closson, ______ Commissioner Phipps, Mayor Pro-tem Cox

NAYS (Names): None

ABSENT (Names): Mayor Hall

Approved this 15th day of July , 2025.

/s/Dave Cox

Dave Cox, Mayor Pro-tem

City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois

ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

/s/Susan J. O’Brien /s/Daniel C. Jones

Susan J. O’Brien, City Clerk Daniel C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 07-15-2025.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox opened the floor for questions/comments. Manager Gill explained the substation agreement with Ameren and Coles Together for a DCEO grant. CECD Director Benishek noted the agreement enables the City to receive reimbursements. Manager Gill noted reimbursement of the City’s match when properties locate there.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, ABSENT Mayor Hall.

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025- 3313, waiving certain provisions of the redevelopment agreement between the City of Mattoon, Mattoon Hotel, L.L.C., Mattoon Convention Center L.L.C. and Illinois Affordable Housing, N.F.P. to amend the substantially completed date to December 31, 2023.

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-3313

RESOLUTION WAIVING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AMONG THE CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS, MATTOON HOTEL L.L.C., MATTOON CONVENTION CENTER L.L.C. AND ILLINOIS AFFORDABLE HOUSING, N.F.P.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance No. 2019-5418, approved on June 4, 2019, the City entered into a Redevelopment Agreement (the “Redevelopment Agreement”) with Mattoon Hotel L.L.C. and Mattoon Convention Center L.L.C. (together, the “Developer”) and Illinois Affordable Housing, N.F.P. in connection with a redevelopment project consisting of the construction of a hotel, conference space and related parking lots (as further described in the Redevelopment Agreement, the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3.02(a) of the Redevelopment Agreement, the Developer was required to substantially complete the Project by December 31, 2021, subject to excusable delays as described in Section 6.06 of the Redevelopment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Project was substantially completed on October 31, 2022; and

WHEREAS, completion of the Project was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other causes, and the City Council has determined that such delays were outside the control of the Developer; and

WHEREAS, in light of such delays, the City Council desires to waive the provisions of Section 3.02(a) of the Redevelopment Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Mattoon, Illinois, that the requirement in Section 3.02(a) of the Redevelopment Agreement that the construction of the Project “shall be substantially complete on or before December 31, 2021” is hereby waived. Except as expressly waived hereby, all other obligations of the Developer set forth in the Redevelopment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

Upon motion by Commissioner Closson , seconded by Commissioner Phipps , adopted this 15th day of July , 2025 by a roll call vote, as follows:

AYES (Names): Commissioner Butler, Commissioner Closson, ______ Commissioner Phipps, Mayor Pro-tem Cox

NAYS (Names): None

ABSENT (Names): Mayor Hall

Approved this 15th day of July , 2025.

/s/Dave Cox

Dave Cox, Mayor Pro-tem

City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois

ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

/s/Susan J. O’Brien

Susan J. O’Brien, City Clerk

/s/Daniel C. Jones

Daniel C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 07-15-2025.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox opened the floor for discussion. Manager Gill explained the deadline for having the building finished, explained the delays beyond their control, and noted the meeting of everything except the completion date, work with TIF reimbursement, attorneys agreed for the need to amend to meet the contract, and reimbursements to start for Hilton Garden Inn.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, ABSENT Mayor Hall.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox seconded by Commissioner Butler moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025- 3314, establishing a Vision Zero goal and adopting the 2025 Safety Action Plan.

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-3314

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A VISION ZERO GOAL AND ADOPTING THE 2025 SAFETY ACTION PLAN

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon has lost 13 of its citizens and had a total of 1,023 injuries as a result of traffic crashes between 2013-2022; and

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon acknowledges that 10.5% of households do not own a car, 37% of the population is either over 65 or under 18, and 12% of households live below the poverty line; and

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon is committed to evaluating, improving and promoting roadway safety to help reduce the risk of serious injuries or fatalities; and

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon aspires to improve road safety and safeguard the well-being of all road users, including our most vulnerable populations; and

WHEREAS, Coles County Regional Planning & Development Commission, in conjunction with the Safety Action Plan Technical Committee, made up of City department heads, local educational leaders, and emergency response leadership in Mattoon, has developed the following attached 2025 Safety Action Plan (“Plan”) to monitor and ultimately achieve these traffic safety objectives and identified metrics set forth in the Plan; and

WHEREAS, Coles County Regional Planning & Development Commission and the Safety Action Plan Technical Committee have recommended the City of Mattoon adopt a Vision Zero approach; and

WHEREAS, Vision Zero approach is a traffic safety initiative that aims to reduce traffic deaths to zero, prioritizes equitable methods of achieving this goal, and provides a system-based approach which focuses on the built environment and policies that influence behavior; and

WHEREAS, Vision Zero approach aligns with the City of Mattoon’s overall comprehensive plan by prioritizing vulnerable roadway users and encouraging a balanced approach to our transportation network.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council for the City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois, that the City of Mattoon adopts a Vision Zero approach and the recommended 2025 Safety Action Plan. The City of Mattoon shall adopt a Vision Zero approach, striving for zero traffic

fatalities and serious injuries with a 40% reduction in all transportation-related crashes within the City by 2035.

Upon motion by Mayor Pro-tem Cox , seconded by Commissioner Butler , adopted this 15th day of July , 2025 by a roll call vote, as follows:

AYES (Names): Commissioner Butler, Commissioner Closson, Commissioner Phipps, Mayor Pro-tem Cox,

NAYS (Names): None

ABSENT (Names): Mayor Hall

Approved this 15th day of July , 2025.

/s/Dave Cox

Dave Cox, Mayor Pro-tem

City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois

ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

/s/Susan J. O’Brien

Susan J. O’Brien, City Clerk

/s/Daniel C. Jones

Daniel C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 07-15-2025.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox opened the floor for discussion. Manager Gill noted this plan was a part of the Safe Streets Grant, future applications for grants for engineering and construction at a later date, and last step to finalize the grant.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, ABSENT Mayor Hall.

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Butler moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2616, approving the water and sewer billing adjustment in the amount of $1,202.90 on behalf of Lifelinks located at 308 N. Logan, Unit B.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox opened the floor for discussion. Manager Gill noted this was a normal water leak. Director & Treasurer Wright added their bill was $2,800 and had the leak fixed.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, ABSENT Mayor Hall.

Commissioner Butler seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2617, approving the budget amendments to the General Fund, Hotel/Motel Tax Fund, Water Fund and Sewer fund for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2026.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox opened the floor for discussion. Manager Gill noted the reason for most of the changes were the Emerald Acres Phase II agreement with the Mattoon Sports Committee, bonding required updates to be made with basically an in and out adjustments; and had some insurance fund changes. Director & Treasurer Wright explained the adjustment to employer premium line items.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, ABSENT Mayor Hall.

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Butler moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2618, approving the plans and specifications for the restoration to the east outside portion of the Depot; and authorizing the solicitation for bids.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox opened the floor for discussion. Director Clark noted the restoration was for the exterior east side including façade and guttering. Mayor Pro-tem Cox stated normal repairs. Director Clark noted the issues accumulated over time and needs to be replaced.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, ABSENT Mayor Hall.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2619, authorizing the purchase of a new Cimline Model M2DH 230 crack sealer in the amount of $80,000 from CMW Equipment through Sourcewell.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox opened the floor for discussion. Manager Gill explained the age of the current inoperable crack sealer, noted the purchase was in the budget and would be used this Fall.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, ABSENT Mayor Hall.

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2620, authorizing the purchase in the amount of $22,165.06 for the Premium Unlimited Extraction Annual Subscription from Cellebrite, Inc. for the Police Department investigative purposes and partial reimbursement from outside entities consisting of the Coles County Sheriff, Charleston Police Department, East Central Illinois Drug Task Force and Eastern Illinois University Police Department.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox opened the floor for discussion. Chief Gaines noted the payment for software and hardware each year, had to bump up the premium, had buy-in from the other agencies and the grant application was submitted to cover the cost of the purchase, if the grant is awarded.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, ABSENT Mayor Hall.

COMMENTS BY THE COUNCIL

Mayor Pro-tem Cox opened the floor for Manager Gill’s report. Manager Gill reported on meetings with employees who worked on finding resolve to the algal bloom and No Drink Order issued by the IEPA, the feeding of carbon at the Water Treatment Plant, testing with IEPA and IEMA, meeting on timeframe, City not able to test down to that level, looking at testing equipment, need to be certified to run test, plan to check other options. Council with Manager Gill discussed the lack of communication to the Council and their contributions to be heard, the increase of carbon, other proactive measures, IEPA testings of June 30th numbers of .224, July 2nd # of .216 and July 10th number of .35, no wake boats to add to issue in Lake Paradise, upcoming timeline report and debrief, thanks to all who worked on a resolve [Director Clark thanked everyone coming together: citizens, businesses in town, people outside of Mattoon, Director Alex Benishek, Chief Jeff Hilligoss, Chief Sam Gaines, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Hurst, and Writer Darci Cather.] [Chief Hilligoss noted the frustration of inability to access experts at the State, WTP Superintendent McFarland’s fabulous job in response to inquiries, and being fortunate in this community to have good volunteers.], no protocols for this type of incident, difficulty to have succinct messages to Public by the Coles County Health Department, the City’s Disaster Plan, number of other accidents in the area over the past few days, and Council’s desire to be included with the timeline report.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox opened the floor for public questions. Mr. Brian Gillespie, 3117 Western, inquired about the test results. Superintendent McFarland stated the Consumer Confidence Report on the City’s website has the results from previous years.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox announced Ameren’s rates were to be increased between 18-22% and the City’s participation in the electrical aggregation will help to buffer the increase. Manager Gill stated there would be a little effect due to the compacity charge having a 3% increase; and noted the City along with other communities would be negotiating in December. Mayor Pro-tem Cox stated the electrical aggregation was saving the citizens’ money.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox seconded by Commissioner Butler moved to recess to closed session at 7:18 p.m. pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act for the purpose of the discussion of the appointment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the City or legal counsel for the City under (5 ILCS 120 (2)(C)(1)); discussion of reviewing the minutes of meetings lawfully closed for purposes of the semi-annual review as mandated by Section 2.06 (5 ILCS 120(2)(c)(21)); and discussion of a reasonably potential danger to the safety of the public or public property (5 ILCS 120 (2)(C)(8)).

Mayor Pro-tem Cox declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, ABSENT Mayor Hall.

Council Reconvened at 8:47 p.m.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2621, authorizing release of all Executive Session minutes from May 18, 2010 through June 30, 2025 except for May 18, 2010; January 07, 2020; June 16, 2020; April 06, 2021; October 19, 2021; and October 15, 2024; and destruction of disclosed executive session minute audio recordings through December 2023.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox declared the motion carried by the following vote: YEA Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, ABSENT Mayor Hall.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox opened discussion on the text thread. Manager Gill stated the single texts are not group texts when communicating between Council members. Attorney Jones explained the agenda of special meetings. Manager Gill stated he tried to notify the Council before the Public. Mayor Pro-tem Cox stated there were other entities involved.

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to adjourn at 8:54 p.m.

Mayor Pro-tem Cox declared the motion carried by the following vote: NAY Commissioner Butler, YEA Commissioner Closson, YEA Mayor Pro-tem Cox, YEA Commissioner Phipps, ABSENT Mayor Hall.

/s/Susan J. O’Brien

City Clerk

https://mattoon.illinois.gov/government/citycouncil/upcomingmeetings/