McLean County Times

City of Pontiac City Council met Sept. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Pontiac City Council was held on September 16, 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: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille. Absent: Barr, Kallas and Cranford.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Alvey stated that there were (5) items on the consent agenda. He asked if any needed to be removed for later discussion. Alderman Eckhoff asked that item "C" be removed from Consent Agenda. Motion made by Bradshaw and second by Howard that the items on the consent agenda be approved as presented less item"C"

A. Motion by Bradshaw second by Howard to approve the minutes of the September 3, 2024 Regular City Council meeting. On a roll call vote motion carried 7-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.

B. Motion by Bradshaw, second by Howard to approve payment of bills totaling $253,873.99 from all funds. On a roll call vote motion carried 7-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.

D. Motion by Bradshaw, second by Howard to approve Peddler's Application for Mad City Windows. On a roll call vote motion carried 7-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.

E. Motion by Bradshaw, second by Howard to approve the street closure - Plum between Madison and Howard St on October 26, 2024 for "Happy Fall Festival". On a roll call vote motion carried 7-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.

Discussion on "Item C" of the Consent agenda. Driscoll Motors is not a non-for profit and application should be for United Way alone. Item will be brought back to Council for approval once corrected.

REGULAR AGENDA

A. Letter of Understanding 0 IDOT Rt 116 Resurfacing

Motion by Eckhoff, second by Bradshaw to approve the Letter of Agreement between the City and IDOT regarding the resurfacing of Rt 116 from Old Rt 66 from N 1325th Rd East to south of the Vermillion River as written. On a roll call vote motion carried 7-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

Alderman Kallas is now present at the Council meeting

B. Resolution 2024-R-007 Inducement of TIF 4

Motion by Eckhoff, second by Causer to authorize a feasible study by Farnsworth Group regarding a new TIF District, with the possibility of a redevelopment project area near the old Evenglow Lodge. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

C. Approval - Synthetic Ice Rink Purchase

Motion by Wille, second by Lee to approve the purchase of a synthetic ice rink package at a cost of $60,000.00 from Kwik Rink of Minnesota. The ice rink will be ready to use for this season, with less regards of the weather. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

D. Introducing Eagle manager - Jessica Ogola

Jessica Ogola was introduced to the Council as the new Manager of the Eagle Theater.

E. Report from Finance and Administration Committee

The minutes of the Finance Committee that was held on September 10, 2024 was presented to Council.

F. Centennial Plaza Budget

Motion by Eckhoff, second by Howard to approve the estimate budget of $1,500,000.00 and the concept plan for the Centennial Plaza project. Grants have been applied for along with TIF funds to be used. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

G. Ambulance Purchase

Motion by Wille, second by Causer to approve the purchase of an ambulance at the price of $340,000.00, utilizing HGAC Buyers program and to plan a replacement program starting 2025 to receive in 2027. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

H. Part-time Paramedic Pay

Motion by Causer, second by Wille to approve the part time paramedic pay to $24.00 per hour. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

I. Project Services Agreement - Farnsworth - Pickleball

Motion by Eckhoff, second by Howard to approve the Farnsworth Group for design, at a cost of $5,000.00 to construct pickle ball courts on the West side of the Rec Center. TIF I Funds will be used. On a roll call vote motion carried 7-1. Aye votes recorded: Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille. Nay vote recorded: Giovanini

J. Ordinance 2024-0-026

Motion by Kallas, second by Eckhoff to approve Ordinance 2024-0-026, an ordinance fixing the salaries of the Mayor ($14,000.00), Treasurer ($7,500.00), Clerk ($6,000.00) and Alderman ($3,500.00), all being approximately a 1.5% increase. Salaries have not been adjusted since 2015. On a roll call vote motion carried 6-2. Aye votes recorded: Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, and Howard. Nay vote recorded: Giovanini and Wille.

Mayor Comments

The mayor noted the plans for the pickle ball courts have been well received. And to all, staff is working on prioritizing projects for the City

Administrator Comments

Jim Woolford announced that the Cashier exhibit will been here in (3) weeks. The City parking lot will be resurfaced beginning October 1st

Council Comments

Alderman Kallas announced that he will not be running for reelection of his Ward

Alderman Giovanini noted that there is an old "Rt 66" iron structure in Lexington. Asking if he could pursue information with the possibility of using in the Centennial Plaza project.

Executive Session

Motion by Howard, second by Wille to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining as authorized under Section 2(c)2 of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

Return from Executive Session

Ordinance - 2024-0-027

Motion by Kallas, second by Lee to approve Ordinance 2024-0-027, an ordinance approving the agreement between the City and Police Benevolent Labor Committee (Police Contract). On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Eckhoff, Kallas, Lee, Causer, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

Adjournment

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

https://www.pontiac.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10072024-1084