McLean County Times

City of Lexington City Council Met June 28.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Lexington City Council was called to order at 7:00 P. M. by Mayor Spencer Johansen in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Mayor Johansen led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call was taken to find the following physically present: Mayor Johansen, Alderman Stover, Alderman Franklin, Alderman Little, Alderman Richard, Alderman Mattingly and Alderwoman Wilson. Members of the staff and public present were: Violet Wright, Andy Arndt and Nathan Poehlman.

It was moved by Alderwoman Wilson and seconded by Alderman Richard to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2021 regular City Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Alderman Stover and seconded by Alderman Franklin to approve the Treasurer’s Report and paying of the bills in the amount of $38,888.42. A question was asked concerning the reimbursement amount paid to April Kinzinger who is the grant writer. Motion carried unanimously.

Public Input: Alderman Mattingly informed the council that there was going to be a benefit for Bob Clark. They were wanting to close Main Street for the benefit on August 14th and this has been approved by the Chief of Police, Street Commissioner, street and works guys and the mayor. Bob and his family do a lot for the community. Connie Stanfield will inform the council of what all the benefit will consist of at the next council meeting.

He collects old TVs to take to the Town of Normal and he is about ready to make another trip. They can be put in the bed of his little blue truck and he will take them to the recycling center in Normal. He will take not only TVs but all old electronics. This recycling center on Adelaide Street is open to all of Mclean County residents.

Mayor Johansen said he would let Star know so they can get something out on facebook. Old Business:

DISCUSSION GOLF CART UPDATE

Alderman Richard had a sample plate that he passed around for the councilmen to look at. He did not have any prices yet for the plates that were made out of aluminum but will have them by the next meeting. He thought we should order at least a minimum of 200-250 to get enough so we do not need to buy them again.

There followed discussion as to what should be covered in the ordinance such as brake lights and windshields. It was hoped that they could get the whole thing done for $20 the first year.

It was noted that Illinois has a law that we can copy and add what we want such as they cannot go on Old Rt 66.

Mayor Johansen commented that once the guide lines are set we need to give everyone plenty of notice. When they bring it in to get the new plate, get it inspected and give everyone a copy of the new rules.

It was also felt that the police should make a few more traffic stops on the golf carts to check to see if they are in compliance.

DISCUSSION/VOTE PROPOSAL FOR 510 W. MAIN STREET (ANALYTICAL BREWERY)

Shake Shack has withdrawn their proposal for 510 W. Main Street. Everyone has had a chance to look over Analytical Brewery’s proposal for the property. Mayor Johansen feels it is a good proposal and a good opportunity to bring a new business to town.

Motion was made by Alderwoman Wilson and seconded by Alderman Stover to approve the proposal for 510 W. Main Street by Analytical Brewery. Motion carried unanimously.

New Business:

DISCUSSION/VOTE TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION FOR PERSONNEL/SALARY

Motion was made by Alderman Richard and seconded by Alderman Franklin to go into closed session at 7:14 P. M. Motion carried unanimously.

Committee Reports:

Mayors Report: Mayor Johansen reported on the following items:

The BP expansion has run into a problem. The service road that they wanted to use belongs to IDOT. IDOT is not going to allow that to be used as an entrance or exit. BP would like to buy the right-of-way from IDOT. He does not think that will happen due to the fact that it also accesses the area behind BP.

The Garden Walk was over the weekend. There were five gardens. They all looked nice and the weather held off till it was over. Food was provided from local eateries.

He has gotten an invoice from Zeller Amusements for the carnival which we didn’t have for $5,000. He let them know that we had cancelled this because of COVID. Their argument was that we went into phase 4 on May 13th and therefore we should have had it. He has forwarded the invoice to the city’s attorney. He had cancelled the carnival in March and that’s the last correspondence he has had with them.

He has made his reservation for the Illinois Municipal League Conference in Chicago. It is in September this year. He will get everyone a copy of the courses offered.

A question was asked about the BP expansion and the type of hotel that would go up. Mayor Johansen said he would monitor that to make sure we get a decent hotel as we get closer to phase two. We will have more control when they are ready to annex that property into the city.

Police: Alderman Richard reported that all the police have been trained on the new tasers.

Building/Insurance Alderman Franklin commented that he is still working on closings and will now start on the brick building.

They continue to work on the quonset hut.

Mayor Johansen asked him to follow up with Star to make sure all property is properly insured. Finance /TIF None

Water/Sewer/Sanitation Alderwoman Wilson reported that Billy Dubois received a second place in Illinois Water Districts Taste and Clarity Contest.

Street/Alley: None

There being no further business, motion was made by Alderman Franklin to adjourn at 7:58 P.M. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

https://www.lexingtonillinois.org/images/Minutes_June_28_2021.pdf