McLean County Times

City of Pontiac City Council met July 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Pontiac City Council was held on July 17, 2023. Mayor Alvey called to order the meeting of the City Council at 7:00 P.M.

The City Clerk was directed to call roll, and the following members of the Council were present: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Bradshaw, Howard, Cranford, and Wille. Absent: Causer

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Alvey stated that there was four items on the consent agenda. He asked if any needed to be removed for later discussion. Hearing none, motion made by Eckhoff, second by Bradshaw that the items on the consent agenda be approved as presented.

A. Motion by Eckhoff, second by Bradshaw to approve the minutes of the July 3, 2023 City Council meeting. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

B. Motion by Eckhoff, second by Bradshaw to approve payment of bills totaling $280,250.41 from all funds. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

C. Motion by Eckhoff, second by Bradshaw to approve a Raffle Application for the PTHS Sports Boosters. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

D. Motion by Eckhoff, second by Bradshaw to approve a Peddler's Application - Mad City Home Improvement, LLC. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

REGULAR AGENDA

A. Presentation - Strevell House on National Register

Dale Maley, President of the Livingston County Historical Society gave a presentation to Council regarding the Strevell House, its history and that the home is now added to the National Register of Historic Homes. He also thanked the City for their continued support of the historic homes in Pontiac.

B. Approval - Miller/Miller Agreement to Combine Two Lots

Motion by Eckhoff, second by Wille to approve the agreement to combine the two lots at 501 S. Ladd St. to be considered as a single lot. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

C. Ordinance 2023-O-018 - Special Use Permit

Presentation and discussion by the Walldog Solar LLC/ Cypress Creek Renewals on their plans for a Solar Farm at William Landstrom Trust property, east of town, Approximately 42 acres will be used and all regulations will be implemented, including but not limited to restoring the acreage to its original form after the use of the project.

Motion by Bradshaw, second by Eckhoff to approve Ordinance 2023-0-018, an ordinance allowing a special use permit for the Solar Project and a variance for construction of electric transmission lines above due to the high water tables. On a roll call vote motion carried 6- 3. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Bradshaw, and Wille. Nay votes recorded: Giovanini, Cranford, and Howard

D. Turkey Vultures

Discussion by Council, staff and residents in the area of the 300 block of Moutlon and the continuing problem with turkey vultures. Staff has tried for the last 20 plus years to try to get the vultures to move from the area. The birds are federally protected migrating birds. Motion by Cranford, second by Bradshaw to approve the removal of the (5) sycamore trees, which the birds roost in, by Trost Tree Service at a bid price of $10,000.00 and plant (5) new trees in the area and other areas in the City. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

It was noted that this may not solve the problem as the birds could move to another location in the City and start the filth problem elsewhere.

Mayor Comments

Mayor Alvey reminded all about the memorial service on July 21, at 10:00 A.M. at the Pontiac Prison in memory of lives lost at the riot in 1978.

Administrator Comments

Jim Woolford said a Community Service Committee meeting is needed and date will announced later.

Council Comments

Alderwomen Eckhoff asked to get a group together of Council members, staff and residents to discuss creating pickle ball courts in the City.

Public Comments

Julie Russow asked Council to consider giving a wider notification of residents in the area of a proposed Solar Farm. She is against the projects and feels that there needs to be an expanded notice of more residents in the proposed areas.

Executive Session

Motion by Bradshaw second by Cranford to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Property Acquisition and Personnel matters as authorized under Section 2(c)2 of the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Return from Executive Session

Adjournment

On motion duly made and seconded, the regular meeting of the City Council is adjourned.

https://www.pontiac.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07172023-995