McLean County Times

City of Pontiac City Council met March 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Pontiac City Council was held on March 18, 2024. 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, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille. Absent: Kallas

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Alvey stated that there were (7) items on the consent agenda. He asked if any needed to be removed for later discussion. Hearing none, motion made by Bradshaw and second by Causer that the items on the consent agenda be approved as presented.

A. Motion by Bradshaw second by Causer to approve the minutes of the March 18, 2024 City Council meeting. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

B. Motion by Bradshaw second by Causer to approve the minutes of the March 12, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

C. Motion by Bradshaw second by Causer to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

D. Motion by Bradshaw second by Causer to approve the minutes of the March 14, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille

E. Motion by Bradshaw, second by Causer to approve payment of bills totaling $136,159.78 from all funds. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

F. Motion by Bradshaw, second by Causer to approve the referral to Planning and Zoning Board - Application for Special Use Permit & Variance for a Solar Farm - Janet Zehr. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

G. Motion by Bradshaw, second by Causer to approve the referral to the Planning and Zoning Board Application for Variance of Setback for a Solar Farm - ESP Solar LLC. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Alvey opened the Public Hearing regarding the City Budget 2024-2025 at 7:02 P.M. City Administrator went over points of the proposed budget. The ordinance will come to Council for approval on March 25, 2024 at 5:30 P.M.

Mayor Alvey asked if there was any questions or comments from the public. Hearing none, the public hearing was closed at 7:08 P.M.

REGULAR AGENDA

A. Ordinance 2024-0-008 - Taxi Subsidy Increase

Motion by Eckhoff second by Bradshaw to approve Ordinance 2024-O-008, increasing the amount of the tax subsidy to senior citizens to a rate of $3.00. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

B. Infrastructure Committee Report

Frank Giovanini went over the minutes of the Infrastructure Committee meeting held on March 12, 2024. Discussed were the street programs for 2024-2025 which includes a budget of $737,200.00, solar farms and facade grants.

C. Resolution 2024-R-002

Motion by Howard, second by Cranford to approve Resolution 2024-R-002, requesting a partial payment of $450,000.00 for Motor Fuel Tax Funds for street repair. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

D. Mutual Aid Fire Training Prop at WWTP

Chief Campbell explained to Council that there is a plot of land owed by the City at the WWTP that could be used to build a Mutual Aid Training Facility. Funds have been raised in excess of $38,000.00 by donations. All area services could use the facility as Fire, Police, EMS etc. The training facility would be named after Lt. Tim Murphy. Motion by Wille, second by Causer to approve moving forward with the Mutual Aid Training Facility at the property at WWTP. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

E. Approval - Authorization for Salt Purchase

Motion by Eckhoff, second by Cranford to approve the salt contract for 2024-2025 with the Illinois Department of Management Services. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

F. Approval - Lease for Greens Mower for 2025

Motion by Causer, second by Lee to approve the Seasonal Lease for a John Deere greens mower with groomers for 2025 with Wells Fargo leasing in the amount of $50,432.08. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

G. Appointment - Cheri Lambert to Pontiac Fire Pension Board

Motion by Wille, second by Causer to approve the appointment of Cheri Lambert to the Fire Pension Board. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

Mayor Comments

Mayor Alvey noted that the Vermillion Players production of Music Man was great and well attended.

There was an article regarding the Lincoln and Statesville prisons, having some demolitions done. Mayor contacted Tom Bennett and as of now Pontiac Prison is not on the list.

Administrator Comments

Jim Woolford set a Finance Committee meeting for March 20th at 5:30 P.M. He also noted that the Employee Handbook is almost finished.

Council Comments

Alderwomen Eckhoff asked about plans regarding the outdoor seating at the downtown restaurants. As plans are completed for the Madison Street project, that will be addressed. This year the City will help business owners.

Public Comments

None

Executive Session

Motion by Causer second by Cranford to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Collective Negotiating Matters as authorized under Section 2(c)2 of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Cranford, Howard and Wille

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/_03182024-1043