East Central Reporter

City of Neoga City Council met Sept. 8.

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, Schabbing, Edwards, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Others present were City Clerk Brenda Evans, City Treasurer Diana Foor, Gary Hatten, and Emre Ozmen from Earth Rise Energy.

MINUTES

After reviewing the regular session minutes from August 25 and executive session minutes from August 11, 2025, Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Commissioner Letizia seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Williams, Schabbing, Edwards, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments were heard.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR HELM

EARTH RISE ENERGY

Emre Ozmen gave the council a packet of information about Earth Rise Energy and explained their plans to construct two solar farms in the Neoga area. Northwest Solar will be located south of Neoga, and Glacier Moraine will be constructed north of Neoga. Ozmen did say that Earth Rise Energy would be asking for permission to install transmission lines within the city’s extraterritorial area. He also explained the projected tax dollars that the local government bodies will be receiving. After a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the council to discuss their options with the city attorney.

ORDINANCE 1120-08-25 An Ordinance Implementing a Non-Home Rule Municipal Retailers’ Occupation Tax and a Non-Home Rule Municipal Service Occupation

Tax for the City of Neoga

Commissioner Williams told the council that he has received comments from residents against the proposed ordinance. Commissioner Edwards said he has as well. After a brief discussion, Mayor Helm asked for a motion but heard none. Motion died.

TIF APPLICATION

The council reviewed a TIF application from Ashley Hartke for expenses on property located on Chestnut Avenue, PIN 06-07-420-012. Hartke is purchasing the building to move her hair salon from 165 E. 6th Street. The total project expenses are $180,000, and she is requesting $81,000 of allowable expenses. Commissioner Edwards made a motion to approve the TIF application for $81,000. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

ORDINANCE #1122-09-25 An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Real Estate (812 Grove Avenue, Neoga, IL.)

After reviewing the ordinance, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to approve the ordinance as presented. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, Edwards, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

FINANCE, COMMISSIONER SCHABBING

TREASURER’S REPORT

Commissioner Schabbing said she didn’t see anything concerning in the report. City Treasurer Foor said that the report does show the first installment from property taxes, so those balances look really good right now. With no other comments, Mayor Helm ordered that the treasurer’s report be filed in the City Clerk’s records.

PUBLIC PROPERTY, COMMISSIONER LETIZIA

PARKING LOT BEHIND MUNICIPAL BUILDING

City Clerk Evans presented a design for a paved parking area behind the municipal building. Evans explained that the parking lot would allow people who use the community room, as well as employees, to park in the back and use the back entrance. Commissioner Schabbing made a motion to proceed with bids for the parking lot and handicap entrance. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Edwards. Ayes, Commissioner Schabbing, Edwards, Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

DISK MODULE CLEANING QUOTE

City Clerk Evans informed the council that she received a quote to have the air diffusers cleaned as recommended. Evans explained that Superintendent Durbin mentioned that he was going to get a small barge to see if the employees could clean the diffuser; however, they haven’t been able to find time to do it yet. City Clerk Evans said that the company’s quote did require two (2) city employees to help with the cleaning as well. Evans also explained that the employees complained that the system the company uses is not very safe, and they could hurt their shoulders or back doing it their way. After discussion, it was the consensus of the council to request a new quote without the help of city employees.

STREETS AND ALLEYS, COMMISSIONER EDWARDS No report was given.

HEALTH AND SAFETY, COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS

Commissioner Williams told the council that he received a complaint about the sidewalk on 7th Street from Oak Avenue to the high school. He has inspected the sidewalk, and feels that it is in really good shape.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Williams made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 pm. Commissioner Schabbing seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Williams, Schabbing, Edwards, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.

https://neoga.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Minutes-September-8-2025.pdf