McLean County Times

City of Pontiac City Council met May 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Pontiac City Council was held on May 6, 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, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille. Absent: Bradshaw

MEETING OF THE PONTIAC CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY

Mayor Alvey asked that the record show the same Aldermen present for this meeting as are present for the regular Council meeting: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

Mayor Alvey asked if there was any business to come before the Civic Center Board this evening. Hearing none, he declared the meeting closed.

PRESENTATION

Chief Campbell presented commendations to Jake Kinkade, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor and Jacob Schopp, Ken Hinds, Stewart Alvey and Kaitlin Hoegger all employees of the plant for their help in assisting the Gridley Fire Department and the Normal Fire Department Technical Rescue Command with Pontiac's vac truck in a grain bin rescue. The rescue was successful and Chief Campbell and the Pontiac Fire Department wanted to acknowledge all involved.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Alvey stated that there were (3) items on the consent agenda. He asked if any needed to be removed for later discussion. Hearing none, motion made by Eckhoff and second by Cranford that the items on the consent agenda be approved as presented.

A. Motion by Eckhoff, second by Cranford to approve the minutes of the April 15, 2024 City Council meeting. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

B. Motion by Eckhoff, second by Cranford to approve payment of bills totaling $816,873.07 from all funds. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

C. Motion by Eckhoff, second by Cranford to approve the Raffle Application from Futures Unlimited, Inc. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

REGULAR AGENDA

A. KIDSNIC Request

Motion by Howard. Second by Wille to approve the Kidsnic request of using the Chautauqua Park on July 21, 2024 for their annual summer picnic and a request to plant an apple tree and maple tree as symbols representing Kidsnic. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

B. Approval - Design & Special Services Agreement IDOT-Airport Entry Road

Motion by Eckhoff, second by Causer to approve the agreement for design plans for the airport entry project with IDOT. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

C. Committee Report - Public Properties and Utilities

Minutes of the Public Properties and Utilities Committee were read noting the process for the Community Housing Survey and their thoughts to address goals and plans for afforable housing. Also discussed was the status of plans for pickleball courts next to the Rec Center.

D. Ordinance 2024-0-013 - Grant of Easement ComEd site 1A Solar Farm Airport

Motion by Eckhoff, second by Lee to approve the grant of easement to ComEd to serve a solar energy facility on City of Pontiac property. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

E. Ordinance 2024-0-014 - Legal Services Agreement- Substation Grant

Motion by Causer, second by Wille to approve the legal services agreement with the City Attorney, Alan Schrock, regarding the grant from USDA to help with costs of constructing an Ambulance Substation. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

F. Approval - Stalter Agreement to Combine Two Lots

Discussion regarding the request from Mike Stalter to combine two lots at 815 N. Hazel St. to install a shed next to the property his home is on. Council noted that the shed was already there and did the installation follow all the requirements of our ordinances and permit. All the requirements had not been met at the time of this meeting. Motion by Causer, second by Barr to approve Agreement with Michael Stalter to combine both lots. On a roll call vote motion did not pass. Vote was 3-6. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Lee, and Causer. Nay votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas Cranford, Howard and Wille.

G. Ordinance 2024-0-016 - Amend Municipal Code - Alcoholic Beverages

Motion by Howard, second by Causer to approve Ordinance 2024-0-016, an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances in regards to liquor licenses allowing, when applied, for special events at a location other than their current licenses states. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

H. Approval - Police Vehicle Purchase

Motion by Eckhoff, second by Howard to approve the purchase of an 2024 Ford for the Pontiac Police Squad at a cost of $44,701.00. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

1. Approval - Employee Handbook

Motion by Cranford, second by Giovanini to approve the City of Pontiac Employee Handbook. On a roll call vote motion carried 9-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Cranford, Howard and Wille.

Mayor Comments

Mayor Alvey noted that PTHS with the help of Jim Melvin restored a Civil War Grave Marker in the City and the Red Carpet Corridor and Swinging Bridge Festival was well attended.

Administrator Comments

Jim Woolford wanted to thank staff for the "new look" for the City Hall Chambers and also to all staff that helped the weekend festivities.

Council Comments

Alderman Barr asked about the fiber optic boxes in residents yards and the repair needed. Chris Brock asked for any names that have complained.

Public Comments

None

Adjournment

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

https://www.pontiac.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05062024-1057