McLean County Times

City of Le Roy City Council met Jan. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Steve Dean at 7:00 PM at Le Roy City Hall, 207 S East Street, Le Roy. Council members present were Kyle Merkle, Patti Welander, Dawn Hanafin, Justin Morfey, Matt Steffen, Sarah Welte, Ron Legner.

Staff members present were Scott Bryant, Perry Mayer, Jason Williamson, Nathan Wilkins, Dave Jenkins and Anita Corso.

The first order of business was a presentation of the Citizen Public Service Award by Chief Williamson to Alissa C. Cole for her actions at an incident that occurred on 11/18/2022 along Interstate 74. Illinois State Police also presented a certificate to Ms. Cole.

Included on the consent agenda were Regular Meeting Minutes from December 19, 2022, invoices from 01/03/2023 totaling $35,694.28, invoices from 01/16/2023 totaling $90,300.16, payroll for the period of 12/30/2022 in the amount of $ 47,424.83, and payroll for the period of 1/13/2023 in the amount of $42,856.65.

The items in the consent agenda were voted on separately.

Motion was made by Sarah and seconded by Matt for approval of the Council Meeting Minutes. Roll call: Matt Steffen-yes, Kyle Merkle-yes, Patti Welander-yes, Justin Morfey-yes, Sarah Welte-yes, Dawn Hanafin-yes, and Ron Legner-yes. Motion carried 7 yeas, 0 nays.

Motion was made by Patti and seconded by Justin for approval of the invoices and payroll. Roll call: Matt Steffen-yes, Kyle Merkle-yes, Patti Welander-yes, Justin Morfey-yes, Sarah Welte-yes, Dawn Hanafin-abstain, and Ron Legner-abstain. Motion carried 5 yeas, 0 nays, 2 abstain.

Scott reported problems with the lift station pumps at Golden Eagle. The breakers have been replaced and one pump replaced with the backup pump. Pump clog that caused damage was caused by flushable wipes. Both pumps need to be replaced at an estimated cost of $20,000. He’s asking residents to not flush the flushable wipes. The Mayor said he will help get the word out on social media and have information for the city website.

Perry reported on the Christmas Eve main break that was able to be fixed without shutting off service. He also reported the test well samples are continuing and the results so far are promising. The test well is located on the township property just south of the street department.

Jason reported 4 or 5 possible new-hires eligible to take the written test February 1st. A spot has been reserved for PTI beginning May 1, 2023.

Dave reported the Joint Review Board approved going forward with the TIF. The public hearing is scheduled for February 13, 2023. Notices will be posted this week. The certified mailing to all property owners in the proposed district will also go out this week.

Motion was made by Patti and seconded by Matt for approval of the February 1, 2023 water/sewer rate increase of 4.4% based on the CPI-U as described within Chapter 8-1-7 Article E of the City of Le Roy Municipal Code. Discussion explained the necessity due to rising costs. Roll call: Matt Steffen-yes, Kyle Merkle-yes, Patti Welander-yes, Justin Morfey-yes, Sarah Welte-yes, Dawn Hanafin-yes, and Ron Legner yes. Motion carried 7 yeas, 0 nays.

Community & Economic Development Committee Chairman Justin Morfey gave an overview of the sign changes and cost estimates the committee will be recommending when drawings and pricing are complete. The committee is looking to keep sign colors more uniform throughout the city as well as add additional welcome signs on the north, east, and west boundaries.

In Old and New Business the Mayor announced the sale flier has arrived so he’ll be ordering additional bows and lights for next Christmas. He mentioned the squirrels have done a lot of damage to the lights this year. Kyle mentioned the use of dryer sheets seem to keep the squirrels away.

Dawn asked about a new Dollar General. Dave said they’re still working on acquiring property.

Sarah asked about the pharmacy. The Mayor said it’s still on track and will be located just east of Birch & Beams on Center St. The remodel is almost complete and the owner is still waiting for the final licensing.

Dave said he talked to the owner of the nursing home who suggested a meeting early February. The owner is aware of the broken windows.

Motion was made by Patti and seconded by Matt to adjourn the regular council meeting. Roll call: Matt Steffen-yes, Kyle Merkle-yes, Patti Welander-yes, Justin Morfey-yes, Sarah Welte-yes, Dawn Hanafin-yes, and Ron Legner-yes. Motion carried 7 yeas, 0 nays.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:54 PM.

https://www.leroy.org/file/2457/2023%20reg%20mtg%20Jan%2016.pdf