Peoria Standard

City of Lewistown City Council met Oct. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

PRESENT: Chairwoman Sally Clark, Alderman Brad Ward, John Spotloe, David Levingston, Jim Long, Kendall Miller, Mayor Doug Lafary, City Clerk Cindy Goddard, and Treasurer Deb Brown.

BUSINESS TO DISCUSS: Pay and hiring a new public works employee. Alderman have a paper that shows total of Johnny Rynearson's pay plus benefits. Public Works Director Evinn Palmer wants to target on one employee at this time but maybe can hire another later. Alderperson Miller wants to know if any present employees can replace him now. They will not be in a specific department, will be called a public works employee. Can budget for a second employee when budget time comes around. Ben Sutter's pay is $16.28 does not have his CDL and new employee should have it. Discussion regarding CDL and pay, city employee needs class B. Evinn would like to hire as a part-time temporary employee and then when they reach 1000 hours, they would get IMRF but not paid holidays or have insurance. Recommendation to have Evinn make a list to present to them and tell them what he wants, then it will be voted on. Adjourned by Chairwoman Clark at 6:20 p.m.

The Lewistown City Council met in regular session in the council chambers. Mayor Douglas Lafary called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Invocation: Mayor Lafary

ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Alderperson Sally Clark, Jim Long, Brad Ward, Kendall Miller, David Levingston, John Spotloe and Mayor Doug Lafary. Also present: City Clerk Cindy Goddard, City Treasurer Debby Brown, and Public Works Director Evinn Palmer.

DECLARATION OF QUORUM by Mayor Doug Lafary

CLERKS REPORT/MINUTES: Cindy Goddard.

Alderperson Miller made a motion to approve the minutes of October 10, 2023, second by Alderperson Long, the motion carried all ayes.

Report- A folder on information for the Buckhart Solar project was left for the Aldermen.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Debbie Brown.

They have treasurer's report. No questions.

ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Attorney Nathan Collins. Absent

ENGINEER'S REPORT: Keith Plavec. No Engineer present.

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PETITIONS:

Kenny Haacke wants to thank public works and council for cleaning up house on North Main.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Finance/Insurance/Zoning - Alderperson Clark: Will discuss later in meeting.

Sewer - Alderperson Spotloe: Nothing to report, but Evinn said he is down one vac truck and potholer.

Streets & Allies – Alderperson Levingston: Nothing to report.

Police/ESDA -- Alderperson Ward: Nothing to report.

Water Alderperson Miller: Johnny Rynearson retires Friday and wants to thank him for his service. Around 20 years service.

Utilities/Publications - Alderperson Long: Nothing to report.

Public Buildings & Grounds - Alderperson Long: Roof need replaced on Elm Street Garage.

Tourism Alderman Miller: Lewistown should be back on the map with the Scenic Drive. It went over very well. Always need volunteers to help with every activity.

Tax Increment Financing - Alderperson Spotloe: Nothing at this time.

Citizens Committee – Amanda Sutphen absent but left message that they have verbally said that 20% match for the water grant would be waived.

Christmas Committee - Kenny Haacke had one Christmas meeting so far, next meeting is November 13, at 6:30. Then the 29th we will fill the candy bags. December 2 is the Downtown Christmas along with Parade. Halloween spook Camp of Horrors is taking place October 27 and 28 along with the free wiener roast. The money raised will stay with the USA Camp to allow some kids to got to camp for free.

WORKS DIRECTOR'S REPORT – Evinn Palmer Director, explained that a gentleman from Aclara was here today explaining that the present program will expire March 31, so need to purchase a new program. Will go over this more at finance meeting and council meeting on November 14, the gentleman will be at that meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1. Discuss/Act Upon Pay and Hiring of a Public Works Employee - Finance meeting prior recommendation was that Evinn put together a proposal, what he wants in the employee, to present to council next meeting. Table at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Discuss/Act Upon placing money into a 3-month CD at the Havana National Bank - Havana Bank president had approached City Clerk about the city taking out a 3-month CD at a 5.3% rate. So, Cindy Goddard got 3-month CD rate from all the banks. Both Havana and Ipava Banks offered 5.3% rate for a 3-month period. Motion by Alderperson Spotloe to place $500,000.00 in each Havana National Bank and Ipava State bank for a period of 90 days, second by Alderperson Long, roll call vote, motion carried all ayes.

2. Discuss/Act Upon Tax Abatement Ordinance for General Obligation Bond in the Amount of $15,300.00 - Alderperson Miller made a motion to approve the Tax Abatement Ordinance for the General Obligation Bond in the amount of $15,300.00, second by Alderperson Clark, roll call vote motion carried, all ayes.

3. Discuss/Act Upon Renewing the Cyber Insurance - Clerk explained we have a lot of information in our computers that are private that we need to protect. Motion by Alderperson Spotloe, to approve renewing the Cyber Insurance, second by Alderperson Clark motion carried all ayes.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

Alderperson Clark made a motion to approve all bills properly endorsed; Seconded by Alderperson Long roll call vote, the motion carried with all ayes.

CLOSED SESSION: No closed session

ADJOURNMENT:

Alderperson Spotloe made a motion to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.; Seconded by Alderperson Miller motion carried all ayes.

https://lewistownillinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Oct-24-2023-Council-min_11152023095157.pdf