McLean County Times

City of Lexington City Council met Nov. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Lexington City Council was called to order at 7:00 P. M. by Mayor Spencer Johansen in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Mayor Spencer Johansen led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call was taken to find the following physically present: Mayor Spencer Johansen, Alderman Mattingly, Alderwoman Wilson, Alderman Little, Alderman Franklin, Alderman Stover and Alderman Richard. Members of the staff and public present were: Peg Reynolds with the Lexingtonian.

It was moved by Alderman Mattingly and seconded by Alderwoman Wilson to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2024 regular session meeting. Motion carried with four yes and Alderman Stover and Alderman Richard abstaining.

It was moved by Alderman Stover and seconded by Alderman Franklin to approve the Treasurer’s Report and paying of the bills in the amount of $98,300.26. Motion carried unanimously.

Public Input: None

Old Business: None

New Business: None

Alderwoman Wilson brought up the subject of leaf burning. She had been contacted by a resident about the smell of the burning leaves.

There was discussion about what could be done about the problem of leaves. Not everyone could burn leaves on certain days of the week or wanted to mulch them. It was mentioned that Colfax only allowed burning on certain days. Residents can take their leaves out to the city burn pile but it is not equipped to handle all leaves in town and not everyone has a way to haul leaves out there.

There was discussion about purchasing a leaf vac for the city. It is an expensive investment and we may be able to split the cost with other cities but would still need a crew to run it. It was discussed if it was towed behind a truck, that there were several different kinds and all were expensive.

Other ideas were discussed: if it was your recycle week you could burn, would ISU Farm be able to use the leaves. We already have a ban on burning during school hours and not too close to the school. There were people burning during the recent burn ban.

Mayor Johansen asked the council to give it some thought and maybe we can come up with something for next year. He will bring it up at the Mayor’s Association and see if anyone is interested in splitting the cost of a leaf vac.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mayor’s Report: Mayor Johansen reported on the following:

There was a report from the library in the handouts. The numbers are impressive on the number of people using the library. Numbers in the door are up but computer usage is down. They hosted a Veterans Day Lunch on Monday and did a nice job. He feels they don’t get enough credit for what they do.

Carey Davis is waiting on Eppel for curb and gutter. They were supposed to start three weeks ago.

Brian Hoggins is ready to start on the hardware store. They are waiting on the courts to settle True Value bankruptcy with Do It Best.

Coffee Hound is painting their building and it is going well.

They are working on the West wall at DaT Bar and it is looking good.

We will be losing Serendipity but there will be a new business going in.

There will be a new business going in where the hair salon was after the first of the year, more to come on that.

The school did a fantastic job with the Veterans Day ceremony. Mayor Johansen was the speaker.

Police: Mayor Johansen commented that Chief Edmiaston had held an open house at the school to discuss a possible resource officer at the school. Mr. Deters did a good job presenting it.

Chief Edmiaston gave his October report: Arrests 2, Misdemeanor 0, Traffic Stops LXPD - 18, UTT’s - 9, Warnings - 9, Traffic Stops MCSP - 4, UTT’s - 0, Warnings - 4, Reports Taken - 7, LXPD - 5, MCSP - 2, Calls for Service - 72, LXPD - 45, MCSP/Other - 2627, School Patrols (walk through/meetings/teaching/programs) - 16, Business Checks - 60, QR Code Checks - 14

Assistant Chief Chambers conducted an audit of the BWC’s and in-car video system and no issues were noted.

Building/Insurance Alderman Franklin reported they had renewed their insurance and had added $2,500 additional coverage to cover equipment breakdown such as pumps and other equipment but did not cover vehicles.

Finance /TIF None

Public Works None

There being no further business, a motion was made by Alderman Mattingly to adjourn at 7:15 P.M. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

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