East Central Reporter

City of Mattoon City Council met Aug. 5.

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 August 5, 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 Commissioner Dave Cox, YEA Commissioner David Phipps and YEA 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, Assistant Public Works Director Doug Homann and City Clerk Susan O’Brien.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to approve the consent agenda consisting of Regular Meeting minutes of July 15, 2025, bills and payrolls for the last 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 Hall opened the floor for Public comments. Mr. Himanshu Amin of Harry’s Gas & Liquor requested a tap-system bar similar to Champaign and Effingham and explained the concept with additional seating, gaming to supplement and $100,000 investment. Ms. Jenny Lee, 12 McGinnis Place, requested the City to address the algae bloom with proven ways of restoring wetlands, vegetation buffers, rain gardens, bioswales, dredging, restabilizing shorelines and cautioned against adding more boat slips. Mr. Kevin Hamilton, 813 N. 31st, stated his opposition to solar farms and requested the Council to place a mile boundary around town to restrict solar farms. Council with Manager Gill and Attorney Jones discussed the mile and a half jurisdiction the City had, subject to the City’s zoning ordinance and regulation by zoning or special use. Mr. Kent Lowry, North 31st Street, stated his opposition to solar farms north of town and ill-placed signage facing west instead of north/south. Mrs. Pandora Hamilton asked the Council where new housing would be placed with all of solar farms. Mayor Hall referred to the Housing Committee and the identifying properties. Ms. Sarah Hocking, Sugar Creek, voiced her concern with the Mattoon water issue and asked about testing, immediate action plan, and notifications. Manager Gill explained the Water Treatment Plant’s daily testing and IEPA’s monthly algae testing or every two weeks as numbers elevate, contracting with other private labs, new treatments of plants and spraying of lakes. Mayor Hall added the response right now was for more carbon, extremely important issue, occurs elsewhere, hiring experts to solve short-term and long-term problems – a multi-step approach. Manager Gill stated the City has a draft water quality response, an IEMA and IEPA after-incident response. Mayor Hall stated items on the agenda were to be considered tonight. Mr. Raymond Hamilton, 313 Moultrie, inquired whether the gravel pit was for sale, how solar farms were not aesthetically pleasing, and utility billings. Manager Gill stated the gravel pit north of Prahls was purchased by Clearwater. Mr. Paul Welton of N. 33rd Street, stated his opposition to solar farms and detriment to the landscape. Mr. Jason Little, St. Joseph, Illinois and 31 Lockhart Drive, requested the City to discuss with the landowners around the lake before dredging the lake. Manager Gill noted no solid plan yet, dam repairs would be a good time to dredge and considering other options with environmental consultants on farm ground. Mrs. Carolyn Cloyd of Mattoon commented with praise of the community’s help with volunteerism in response to distributing bottled water, the Department Heads and Director Benishek. Mayor Hall opened the floor for online attendees with no response.

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2622, awarding bid in the amount of $173,369.00 from Beniach Construction Company, Inc. for the Remington Road paving project; and authorizing the mayor to sign the IDOT Approval of Award (BLR 12330). [25-00000-04-GM]

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Director Clark described the area of Remington Road and Swords Drive to be fixed before more traffic happens.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Butler moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2623, approving the plans and specifications for the 2025 Sidewalk Project on Bell Avenue from 13th to 17th Street; and authorizing the solicitation of bids. [25-00380-00-SW]

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Director Clark explained the annual sidewalk program for 2025 to replace the whole area including filling in the gaps, gutters and drainage on Bell Avenue.

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

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to adopt Special Ordinance No. 2025-1972, granting a variance to the intensity of use requirements for the installation of a new above-ground pool located at 3316 Shelby Avenue. Petitioner: Christy Stone

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

SPECIAL ORDINANCE NO. 2025-1972

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE TO THE INTENSITY OF USE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW ABOVE GROUND POOL IN THE CITY OF MATTOON, COLES COUNTY, ILLINOIS

WHEREAS, Christy Stone, the owner of 3316 Shelby Ave, PIN #07-2-08688-000, presented a Petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance to the City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois, to ensure compliance with City Ordinance, Section 159.50, Intensity of Use.

WHEREAS, the petition requested that the area described above to be granted a lot coverage variance to allow a new above ground pool to be constructed despite the 35% lot coverage limitation of 2,523 square feet; and,

WHEREAS, a Public Hearing on said Variance was held before the Mattoon Planning and Zoning Commission on July 22, 2025; and,

WHEREAS, said Petition was recommended for approval by the Mattoon Planning and Zoning Commission at said Public Hearing on July 22, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois, has determined, that the public interest will be served by allowing for such a Variance to the Intensity of Use requirements.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF MATTOON, COLES COUNTY, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, as follows:

Section 1. Pursuant to enabling authority provided at § Section 159.50, Intensity of Use, the property as previously described in this ordinance, shall be granted a Variance to the Intensity of Use requirements.

Section 2. This ordinance shall be deemed published as of the day of its adoption and approval by the City Council.

Section 3. This ordinance shall be effective upon its approval as provided by law.

Upon motion by Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Closson , adopted this this 5th day of August , 2025, by a roll call vote, as follows:

AYES (Names): Commissioner Butler, Commissioner Closson, Commissioner Phipps,

Mayor Hall

NAYS (Names): None

ABSENT (Names): None

ABSTAIN (Names): Commissioner Cox

Approved this 5th day of August , 2025.

/s/Rick Hall

Rick Hall, Mayor

City of Mattoon, Illinois

ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

/s/Susan J. O’Brien

Susan J. O’Brien, City Clerk

/s/Dan C. Jones

Dan C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 08-05 , 2025.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Director Benishek noted the unanimous vote at the Planning Committee meeting, explained the variance of more than 30% coverage, not a flammable structure and City staff supported. Manager Gill noted the zoning code and fire code with setback of structures.

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

Commissioner Butler seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to adopt Special Ordinance No. 2025-1973, granting a variance to the sign ordinance located at 601 Charleston Avenue. Petitioner: Kayla Rodenberg (Huck’s 07-1-04721-000)

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

SPECIAL ORDINANCE NO. 2025-1973

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE TO THE SIGN ORDINANCE OF THE MUNICIPALITY ON REAL ESTATE LOCATED AT 601 CHARLESTON AVENUE

WHEREAS, there has been filed a written Petition by Kayla Rodenberg at Alvey Signs / Expedite the Diehl requesting a sign variance at the property located at 601 Charleston Avenue (pin#: 07-1-04721-000); and

WHEREAS, existing city ordinance stipulates that a commercial sign may be no taller than 25 feet tall; and

WHEREAS, this stipulation has created difficulty for the developer to adhere to their national branding standards; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a properly noticed public hearing on July 22, 2025 for the City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois, and has recommended that the requested sign variance be granted to allow for Huck’s to 28.2 feet tall; and

WHEREAS the City Council for the City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois, deems that it would be in the public’s interest to approve a sign variance to allow the construction update the development of Huck’s.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF MATTOON, COLES COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:

Section 1. The facts and statements contained in the preamble to this Ordinance are found to be true and correct and are hereby adopted as part of this Ordinance.

Section 2. A variance is hereby granted from requirements of the sign code as authorized by Section §160.13 of Chapter 160 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mattoon for real estate described as 601 Charleston Avenue to allow construction of a 28.2 feet tall sign.

Section 3. This ordinance shall be deemed published as of the day of its adoption and approval by the City Council.

Section 4. This ordinance shall be effective upon its approval as provided by law.

Upon motion by Commissioner Butler seconded by Commissioner Phipps , adopted this this 5th day of August , 2025, by a roll call vote, as follows:

AYES (Names): Commissioner Butler, Commissioner Closson, Commissioner Cox, Commissioner Phipps, Mayor Hall

NAYS (Names): None

ABSENT (Names): None

Approved this 5th day of August , 2025.

/s/Rick Hall

Rick Hall, Mayor

City of Mattoon, Illinois

ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

/s/Susan J. O’Brien

Susan J. O’Brien, City Clerk

/s/Dan C. Jones

Dan C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 08-05 , 2025.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Director Benishek explained the rebranding of Huck’s, the clearance, zoning ordinance prohibited height, City staff recommended and Planning Committee unanimously passed.

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

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025- 2624, appointing Pat Ramage to the Planning Commission with a term ending 08/17/2030.

Mayor Hall described his discussion with Pat Ramage, interviewed by Director Benishek, and had good experience with public housing. Director Benishek stated Mr. Ramage would bring a different aspect with new experiences to the Board.

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

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2625, authorizing the rental of a temporary pump for Lake Mattoon up to $21,204.00 a month from Velocity – Cogent Companies.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Manager Gill explained the past purchase of a pump which had issues since day one, had been repaired without fixing the issues, need to rent a temporary pump at Lake Paradise. Council discussed this was a small part to improve water quality, 31 feet elevation, pump issues playing a role in the water issues, and month-to-month rental. Manager Gill stated the pump had not been functioning for several years so it did not play a role in the water issues, a CMT design to redo the whole structure was for $5 million, use of a temporary pump to re-evaluate, another design to design a deeper water structure with a cost of $12 million, and using the month-to-month rental depending on how much rain we receive, and the next motion would cease the need to rent once the pump is received.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2626, waiving the bidding requirements and authorizing the purchase of a new vertical turbine pump for Lake Mattoon in the amount of $183,356.21 from Vandevanter Engineering.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Manager Gill explained the evaluation for several months, determination of the need for new pump, one quote received with no other quotes received over a month. Council discussed the pump as not the same as the previously purchased, funding through the Water and Sewer Revenue Funds, State reimbursements, locations of pumps, warranties and manufacturer. Manager Gill stated the pump is not the same brand as previously, Water Revenues project, other projects may be postponed, State grants and IEPA loans, locations of the pumps, and same company, but different manufacturer.

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

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Butler moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2627, approving an algaecide spraying contract with Aquatic Control in the amount of $34,112.00 per application for a total of $68,224.00 to treat approximately 1/5th of Lake Mattoon under an emergency situation.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for discussion. Manager Gill explained the process of spraying Lake Paradise and noted Bloomington had sprayed three to four times this year. Council discussed Bloomington’s two lakes and spraying of both lakes, cautioning at lake where sprayed, community outreach, length of time to take effect, not using social media, and IEPA onsite. Manager Gill stated swimmers should not swim where area is sprayed, patrol of lake, posting notices, notifying of media – not using IPAWS, and had an IEPA permit. Director Clark stated the length of time should not be too long and a testing of the water to monitor the oxygen levels.

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

Commissioner Butler seconded by Commissioner Closson moved to approve Council Decision Request 2025-2628, approving an algaecide spraying contract with Aquatic Control in the amount of $6,983.00 per application for a total of $13,966.00 to treat approximately 1/6th of Lake Paradise under an emergency situation.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Manager Gill noted this motion was similar to the previous motion and starting with Lake Mattoon then Lake Paradise.

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

Commissioner Closson seconded by Commissioner Butler moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025- 3315, authorizing the city manager and city treasurer to request a proposal for a loan of $2,357,920.00 the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for upgrading infrastructure at the Ameren Substation located on north 6th Street by the Mattoon Enterprise Park.

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-3315

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY TREASURER TO REQUEST PROPOSAL FOR A LOAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,357,920.00 FOR UPGRADING INFRASTRUCTURE ON SUBSTATION THROUGH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

WHEREAS, the City of Mattoon has authorized applying for an infrastructure grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the upgrading of an Ameren Substation; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to pay for the equipment prior to ordering and then applying for re imbursement from the grant; and

WHEREAS, the City Council desires to contact banking institutions to quote a loan for $2,357,920 for a term of one year; and

WHEREAS, the City Council authorizes the City Manager and City Treasurer to facilitate the best deal on behalf of the City.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council for the City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois, that the City Manager and City Treasurer are authorized to solicit and facilitate a loan in the amount of $2,357,920.00 for the purchase of new equipment in accordance with the infrastructure grant for upgrades to the Ameren Substation located on north 6th Street by the Mattoon Enterprise Park.

Upon motion by Commissioner Closson , seconded by Commissioner Butler , adopted this 5th day of August , 2025, by a roll call vote, as follows:

AYES (Names): Commissioner Butler, Commissioner Closson, Commissioner Cox, Commissioner Phipps, Mayor Hall

NAYS (Names): None

ABSENT (Names): None

ABSTAIN (Names): None

Approved this 5th day of August , 2025.

/s/Rick Hall

Rick Hall, Mayor

City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois

ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

/s/Susan J. O’Brien

Susan J. O’Brien, City Clerk

/s/Dan Jones

Dan Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 08-05, 2025.

Mayor Hall opened the floor for comments. Manager Gill explained obtaining a grant for the amount, cost of upgrading the substation, purchasing transformers from Ameren, three- to four-month turnaround and the loan for a year.

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

COMMENTS BY THE COUNCIL

Commissioner Butler inquired when IPAWS was initiated. Council with Manager Gill and Chief Hilligoss discussed the City’s unaware of availability of IPAWS which was through FEMA, certifications, involvement of FEMA personnel and other notification options. Commissioner Butler requested the delay for the second alert and continued testing. Council with input from Manager Gill and Chief Hilligoss discussed the questioning of IEPA reading due to varying numbers, preparation of second notice after returned call from IEPA, continued IEPA testing as usual, timeframes, City’s request for IEPA to retest on weekend, 10-day health advisory, life safety is number one priority, two-day standby in system and flushing of system.

Commissioner Closson had no further comments. Commissioner Cox thanked Public for their attendance, social media contributed to confusion and appreciation of efforts to answer questions. Commissioner Phipps thanked those in attendance and appreciated the feedback. Mayor Hall asked Chief Gaines to read letter from Topeka, Kansas thanking the Mattoon Police Department in apprehending a suspected violent murder/kidnapper in route and explained the apprehension and successful aftermath.

Mayor Hall seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to recess to closed session at 7:52 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)).

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

Council reconvened at 8:37 p.m.

Commissioner Phipps seconded by Commissioner Cox moved to adopt Special Ordinance No. 2025-1974, amending the 2025-2026 Compensation Plan for managerial and non-union non-managerial employees for the reclassification and salary adjustment of the Community Development/Planning Director with an annual salary of $88,000.

CITY OF MATTOON, ILLINOIS

SPECIAL ORDINANCE NO. 2025-1974

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SPECIAL ORDINANCE 2025-1950, THE 2025-2026 COMPENSATION PLAN FOR THE MANAGERIAL AND NON-UNION NON-MANAGERIAL EMPLOYEES OF THE MUNICIPALITY FOR THE RECLASSIFICATION AND SALARY ADJUSTMENT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/PLANNING DIRECTOR

WHEREAS, The City Council desires to maintain the organization in Community Development Department to further enhance the City’s long-term goals; and

WHEREAS, The City Council has seen the need for more long-term planning and adjusting some of the duties of the Community Development/Planning Director; and

WHEREAS, The City Council believe adding duties to the Community Development /Planning Director position is a priority to accomplish the needs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Mattoon as follows:

Section 1. Recitals. The facts and statements contained in the preamble to this Ordinance are found to be true and correct and are hereby adopted as part of this Ordinance.

Section 2. Amendments. The Community Development/Planning Director position is to be classified in the Pay Grade E-2 of Appendix C of the City of Mattoon Compensation Plan effective August 11, 2025, with a Base Annual Salary of $88,000.00, and is hereby approved by the corporate authorities.

Pay Job Total Annual Grade Classification Salary

E-2 Community Development/Planning Director $88,000.00

Section 3. This ordinance shall be deemed published as of the day of its adoption and approval by the City Council.

Section 4. This ordinance shall be effective upon its approval as provided by law.

Upon motion by Commissioner Phipps , seconded by Commissioner Cox , adopted this 5th day of August , 2025, by a roll call vote, as follows:

AYES (Names): Commissioner Cox, Commissioner Phipps,

Mayor Hall,

NAYS (Names): Commissioner Butler, Commissioner Closson

ABSENT (Names): None

Approved this 5th day of August , 2025.

/s/Rick Hall

Rick Hall, Mayor

City of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois

ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

/s/Susan J. O’Brien

Susan J. O’Brien, City Clerk

/s/Dan C. Jones

Dan C. Jones, City Attorney

Recorded in the Municipality’s Records on 08-05, 2025. Mayor Hall called for questions with no response.

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

Commissioner Cox seconded by Commissioner Phipps moved to adjourn at 8:38 p.m.

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

https://mattoon.illinois.gov/download/city-council-meeting-2025-08-05/