McLean County Times

City of Pontiac City Council met April 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Pontiac City Council was held on April 21, 2025. Mayor Alvey called to order the meeting of the City Council at 7:00 PM.

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

Absent: Kallas and Causer

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 7, 2025 City Council meeting. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Cranford, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.

B. Motion by Eckhoff, second by Cranford to approve payment of bills totaling $115,367.74 from all funds. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Cranford, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.

C. Motion by Eckhoff, second by Cranford to approve referral to Planning & Zoning Board - application for Variance of Lot coverage at 416 E. Howard St. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Cranford, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

REGULAR AGENDA

A. Appointment - Seth Brown - Director of the Municipal Band

Scott Schickel, outgoing Municipal Band Director introduced to the Council the next Municipal Band director for approval. Seth Brown.

Motion by Wille, second by Lee to approve Seth Brown as the city's Municipal Band Director. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Cranford, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

B. Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Cornell Fire Protection District

Motion by Eckhoff, second by Cranford to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement for Ambulance Services between the City of Pontiac and the Cornell Fire Protection District for the fee of #30,000.00. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Cranford, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

C. Approval - Cemetery Vehicle Purchase

Motion by Lee, second by Howard to approve the purchase of a 2023 One-Ton dump Truck from LaFontaine Ford at a cost of $60,309.00. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Cranford, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

D. Ordinance 2025 -0-009 Municipal 1% Grocery Tax 2026

Motion by Eckhoff, second by Giovanini to approve Ordinance 2025-0-009, an Ordinance implementing a 1% grocery sale tax that will replace the States 1% grocery tax that will end in January 2026. On a roll call vote motion carried 6-2. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Bradshaw, and Howard. Nay vote recorded: Cranford and Wille

E. Committee Reports

The Infrastructure Committee met on April 15, 2025 and discussed the Facade Grant request at 309 N. Oak St and downtown parking.

The Finance Committee met on April 15, 2025 and discussed the proposed 1% grocery tax, City Hall renovations, TIF I redevelopment and Neighborhood golf carts.

The Special Housing Committee met on April 15, 2025 and heard a presentation by Paul Scharnett regarding downtown development for housing.

F. Approval - City Hall Facade Project

Motion by Lee, second by Howard to continue with the City Hall Facade project and order material. Estimate cost for the project is $31,500 - $37,500. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Cranford, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

G. Approval Facade Grant 309 N. Oak St

Motion by Wille, second by Cranford to approve the Facade Grant at 309 Oak St. At the City's share being $12,699.50. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Cranford, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

H Approval - Bid - Centennial Plaza

Motion by Bradshaw, second by Howard to reject the bid from Opperman & Son's for the work at Centennial Plaza because it was quite a bit more than estimated budget. Further discussion will be done. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Barr, Giovanini, Eckhoff, Lee, Cranford, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille

Mayor Comments

Mayor Alvey wanted to let Council know that Alderman Bill Kallas is improving and that will be a Retirement Open House for those that are leaving the Council and or Board. On Friday, April 25, 2025 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Eagle Theater.

Administrator Comments

Jim Woolford noted that the City's Easter Egg hunt was well attended.

Council Comments

Alderman Barr asked about the possible water shut off by Illinois American Water at the Riverside Mobile Home park and what can be done. The City has been trying to get a hold of the owner to also let them know that there is quite a bit owed for the City sewer bill, leakages, etc, but has no luck getting in contact with owner to explain violations. All City Attorney is trying to contact the State of Illinois Public Health Department so that they will do an inspection.

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/_04212025-1129