East Central Reporter

City of Flora City Council met Sept. 2.

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

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

Mayor Rick Slaughter led the Pledge of Allegiance and Commissioner Linda Spicer offered the Invocation.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA FOR THE SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FOR THE CITY OF FLORA WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SPICER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

CONSENT AGENDA

The following items were listed under the Consent Agenda:

• APPROVE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 18, 2025

• APPROVE SCHEDULE OF BILLS FOR AUGUST 13, 2025 THROUGH AUGUST 27, 2025

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

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

REGULAR BUSINESS

Mayor Rick Slaughter presented a Proclamation for Gold Star Mother's Day (September 28, 2025). Gold Star Mothers are extraordinary women who serve their communities and dedicate their time to helping members of the Armed Forces and Veterans. The 9th Annual Gold Star 500 will route through Flora on September 25th and participants will stay in town until the following day. Riders on this journey will spend their time between the Flora VFW, for dinner and Oil Belt Christian Service Camp, for accommodations.

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

Mayor Slaughter had one item for council approval.

A MOTION TO ACCEPT MAYOR RICK SLAUGHTER'S RESIGNATION, EFFECTIVE AT ADJOURNMENT OF THIS SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY.

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

No - None

Abstain - Slaughter; Absent - None

Commissioner Linda Spicer stated there are a lot of good things happening in Flora. She mentioned various sports teams are doing well and thankful we have local churches preparing them meals. Spicer then informed the community of upcoming events: Junktique Market Days this coming weekend at Charley Brown Park and the following weekend is Rotary's Cemetery Tours. Flora has benefited from Flora Rotary Club in many ways over the years and Spicer encouraged citizens to support Rotary in any way they can. Rotary's current project is the construction of the new bathrooms at the Pickleball Courts.

Lastly, Spicer thanked Rick for his leadership through some prosperous years by working with the City Administrator and guiding the council members. She is thankful for people who serve for true service and do not expect a pat on the back.

Commissioner Henderson gave his well wishes to Mayor Slaughter.

Commissioner Phil Wiley gave his thanks to Mayor Slaughter and highlighted his many contributions over the years. Wiley acknowledged Slaughter's dedication and care for his community. Next, Wiley reminded everyone of the upcoming Ford Town Event on September 19th and 20th. There will be a cruise-in on the evening of 19th, food trucks, inflatables, monster truck on display, vendors, memorabilia, chili cook-off and car show.

Commissioner Jim Fehrenbacher thanked Rick and Sharon for everything they have done for the City. He let them know they will be missed and wished them the best.

City Attorney Bob Coble shared his appreciation for Mayor Slaughter's work on council, both as councilman and as mayor. Coble wished the Slaughter's good luck on their next stage of life.

City Administrator/Economic Development Director Mike Stanford thanked Mayor Slaughter and said everyone should take a page out of his playbook for what should be done in the community. Rick has served in a variety of ways: volunteering for Salvation Army and the Fire Department, serving on the city council and being a Foreign Exchange Student Host. He thanked Slaughter for everything he has done to make Flora a better place.

Then, Stanford had several items for approval.

A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION OF FINANCIAL COMMITMENT FÖR ILLINOIS SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM - CYCLE 2025 WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SPICER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3452, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT WITH NORTH AMERICAN LIGHTING, INC. (IEP BUILDING $25,229.00 PER MONTH) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3453, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A LOAN AGREEMENT AND DOCUMENTS WITH THE CLAY CITY BANKING COMPANY (IEP BUILDING $2,581,804.37) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SPICER.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3454, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE SALE OF REAL ESTATE 412 E. 2ND STREET, FLORA, ILLINOIS WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3455, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND RATIFYING A GRANT UNDER THE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR NO MORE NICOTINE #1 OF FLORA, INC. (DBA FLORA DINER - $5,000.00) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SPICER.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

City Treasurer Stephanie Bailey thanked Mayor Slaughter. She stating he has always been a staple in the community, and she appreciates all he has done. Bailey hopes he has a good time in retirement.

Superintendent of Public Services Toby Rinehart thanked Mayor Slaughter for his service and wished him luck in his future endeavors. Rinehart stated that Slaughter has been a great mayor, councilman, fireman, mentor and friend.

Rinehart then presented one item for approval.

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3451, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH ECO WASH, LLC FOR HYDRO-EXCAVATING ($230.00 PER RESIDENT, FOR APPROXIMATELY 170 SERVICES) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SPICER.

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

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent – None

Before Mayor Slaughter hit the gavel for the last time, he had a few words to share. He thanked the current and previous councils. Slaughter believed they made great strides, accomplished many things, and he sees no reason why they can't continue to accomplish more. He then thanked all City employees; from Public Works to City Hall, commenting that they are all very dedicated and think of the citizens. Next, Mayor Slaughter said he rates our Police Department up there with anyone's department. He is very proud of them and the work they do. Mayor Slaughter went on to thank Mr. Coble. Slaughter stated he has been a good advisor, kept him out of trouble, and there is probably no one that loves the city of Flora more than he does. Mr. Stanford was next. He thanked him for his leadership, being a good friend, and said Stanford always looks out for the City of Flora.

Mayor Slaughter explained that when he began on the council the financial situation was not the best. As he leaves, the City is in a good financial position. There are many projects to look forward to including a new police station and wastewater treatment plan. There are several big things he expects current council to continue. Last, but not least, Mayor Slaughter gave thanks to his wife, Sharon. He mentioned that for 37 years she has been his backbone and allowed him to do many things in the community. He looks forward to spending his retirement in Arizona with his best friend.

ADJOURN

At approximately 4:55 p.m. with no further business to discuss, Mayor Slaughter requested a motion to adjourn.

COMMISSIONER WILEY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER. COUNCIL MEMBERS CONCURRED AND MAYOR SLAUGHTER DECLARED SAID MEETING ADJOURNED.

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