Peoria Standard

City of Minonk City Council Met Oct. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting of the Minonk City Council was held at City Hall and was called to order by Mayor Koos at 7:00 pm.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Koos

ROLL CALL BY CITY CLERK: Those in attendance: Aldermen Larry Fortner, Lisa Junker, Julie McNamara, R. Ruestman, T. Ruestman and Jonathan Stears.

Also in attendance: Administrative Manager Bill Moline, City Clerk Leta Janssen

CONSENT AGENDA:

A. To approve and file the following:

1. Minutes of September 8, 2020 City Council Meeting

2. Minutes of September 14, 2020 City Council Special Meeting

3. Minutes of September 29, 2020 Public Works Committee Meeting

4. Minutes of August 27, 2020 Filger Library Board Meeting

5. September 2020 Accounts Payable paid in October in the amount of $121,932.74 6. August 2020 City Collector’s Report in the amount of $154,464.42

7. August 2020 City Clerk’s Report in the amount of $171,780.76

8. August 2020 City Treasurer’s Report in the amount of $3,174,875.39

Alderman T. Ruestman moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Alderwoman McNamara. Roll call vote:

YEAS: T. Ruestman, McNamara, Fortner, Junker, R. Ruestman, Stears

NAYS: None

MOTION APPROVED

REGULAR AGENDA:

A. Review Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code of the City of Minonk be Adding a New Chapter 15.01 - Demolition

Language has been added to the ordinance which requires hired contractors to obtain a demolition permit for a fee when applicable. Koos suggested language be included indicating the City Administrator can extend the permit for 30 days if need be, but extensions beyond this must be reviewed by Council. He also suggested language be included stating the contractor notify surrounding property owners of the demolition. Moline will incorporate the additions into the ordinance and bring it back to Council.

B. Review Suggested Pay Scale for Public Works Employees

Council reviewed the suggested pay scale for Public Works Employees which incorporates pay increases based upon licenses obtained per each employee’s job description. The code will be updated to include this and is effective immediately. Alderman T. Ruestman moved to approve adopting the pay scale as presented, seconded by Alderman Fortner.

YEAS: T. Ruestman, Fortner, Junker, McNamara, R. Ruestman, Stears

NAYS: None

MOTION APPROVED

C. Review TIF 2 Request – Knight’s Fitness

Alderman R. Ruestman moved to approve TIF 2 funds to Knight’s Fitness as follows: 50% funding for façade and roof repairs paid out in two payments of $17,814.26 each; 30% funding for the electrical, plumbing, flooring and HVAC to be paid out in two payments of $15,063.25 each; seconded by Alderman Stears.

YEAS: R. Ruestman, Stears, Fortner, Junker, McNamara, T. Ruestman

NAYS: None

MOTION APPROVED

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Moline reported on the following:

• Introduced Justin Garner, the newest Public Works employee, and Woodford County Deputies Colton Zehr and Jake Edwards

• The Public Works Committee reviewed quotes for a backhoe and will be moving forward with the purchase to replace the current backhoe.

• Sewer plant repairs continue including fixing tiles and fencing.

• Would like to hire Regan Communication at a one-time fee of $13,000 to install a line to replace the AT&T line currently used for dispatching which is costing $1,600 per month. 

• The draft audit report should be available for the next meeting.

• West Side Park improvements are completed.

• The outdoor seating in the downtown area will be put away until next spring. 

• The computers were replaced at both Public Works buildings.

• The 2nd letter sent to the owner of the abandoned Chestnut Street building requesting ordinance violations be fixed has been returned. The time for the owner to dispute the violations has expired. Alderman R. Ruestman suggested Moline make one more attempt and send the letter to where the owner is located, which is jail. Moline is waiting on quotes for the demolition of the building.

• Moline will post Trick or Treat hours on the website along with the recommended CDC guidelines to be followed. ESDA will be holding their haunted house fundraiser with restrictions due to Covid.

OLD AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS: None

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Dave Uphoff suggested council members enforce and follow the guidelines of wearing face masks while in City Hall and during meetings. Jon Crowley thanked council for the approval of TIF 2 funds to Knight’s Fitness.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: None

CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: None

MAYOR COMMENTS: None

ADJOURNMENT: Alderman Fortner moved that having completed the business meeting of the Minonk City Council the meeting is adjourned at 7:40 pm, seconded by Alderwoman Junker. MOTION CARRIED

https://cityofminonk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MINONK-CITY-COUNCIL-MINUTES-10052020.pdf