Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe City Council met Jan. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, met in Regular Session in person January 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM with Mayor Michael D. Hughes presiding and with proper notice having been posted.

Mayor Michael D. Hughes called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

The Pledge of Allegiance, to the Flag of the United States of America, was recited.

Chairman Hughes directed Clerk Byrnes to take roll.

Physically Present:

Mayor Michael D. Hughes

Treasurer B.L. Bredeman

City Clerk Jill M. Byrnes

Absent:

None

Alderpersons Present:

Barry Bredeman, Courtney Gehrig, Jeff Jenkins Gary Sharp, Jacob VanBruwaene, Donald White, Timothy White

Alderpersons Absent:

Patricia Westerman-Connor

Also Physically Present:

Office Manager Denise Passage

Police Chief Jeremy Cooper

City Attorney Kevin Day

Attorney Bill Streeter

City Engineer Dave Horton

Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles

Superintendent of Public Works Shawn Sutherland

Chairman Hughes declared a Quorum present.

The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on December 11, 2023 were presented. Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council dispense with the reading of the Minutes of the December 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and approve the Minutes as presented.

Motion Carried Via Voce vote.

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS BY THE CLERK:

Clerk Byrnes presented the following Committee and Commission Minutes:

1. Shademakers Committee - 10/17/2023

2. Plan Commission - 11/7/2023

3. Police Commission- 11/14/2023

4. Public Safety Committee - 12/5/2023

5. Economic Development Committee - 12/12/2023

6. Finance Committee - 12/14/2023

7. Public Works Committee - 1/3/2024

Clerk Byrnes presented the following reports:

1. City Treasurers' Report - 11/30/2023, 12/31/2023

2. City Collector's Report - 12/2023

3. Budget Report - 12/2023

4. City Engineer Report – 1/3/2024

Motion Alderperson D. White, second Alderperson Jenkins, that the petitions and communications as presented by Clerk Byrnes be accepted and placed on file. Motion Carried Via Voce vote.

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICAITONS FROM THE MAYOR AND ALDERPERSONS:

None

COUNCIL COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS:

None

ANYONE WITH BUSINESS CONCERNING CITY GOVERNMENT:

Sue Coffman, 1503 W. Second Street addressed the Council regarding a dog attack that occurred on December 11, 2023, involving her 2 dogs and 2 pit bulls. A police report was filed, PCAPS was notified of the attack, PCAPS did impound the dogs and they have since been euthanized. The owner of the pit bulls, Joseph Csesznegi resides at 1431 N. Second Street. Since the attack Ms. Coffman expressed concern for walking her dogs, she now walks with pepper spray and has encountered verbal threats from Mr. Csesznegi. She stated that other residents in the area were afraid to speak out against Mr. Csesznegi for fear of retaliation. Ms. Coffman would like the City to pursue action against Mr. Csesznegi owning future dogs. Chief Cooper and City Attorney Kevin Day did explain that the issue of Mr. Csesznegi owning future dogs would be addressed at the February 15, 2024 court date.

Tom Wallace, 1425 N. Second Street, addressed the Council with additional concerns about Mr. Csesznegi. Mr. Wallace reported that there has been no electricity or water to the camper located on the property at 1431 N. Second Street where Mr. Csesznegi resides, since June 28, 2023. Mr. Wallace stated a generator runs continuously and Mr. Csesznegi routinely burns plastic and mattresses on the property.

Chief Cooper and City Attorney Kevin Day explained that Mr. Csesznegi and the property owner, Bryce Lauber have both received citations last week and Mr. Csesznegi does have a court date scheduled for February 15, 2024. Chief Cooper advised both Ms. Coffman and Mr. Wallace to contact the police or fire department immediately should they encounter further issues with Mr. Csesznegi for possible additional citations.

MAYOR HUGHES:

None

Motion Alderperson VanBruwaene, second Alderperson D. White, that the bills as presented be paid and the payrolls and transfers be approved.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Gehrig, Jenkins, Sharp, VanBruwaene, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council approve an Amendment to Resolution 23-12-10 as submitted. A Resolution that the City of Chillicothe appropriates the sum of $80,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the purpose of maintaining streets, and highways under the applicable provision of the Illinois Highway Code, from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Gehrig, Jenkins, Sharp VanBruwaene, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson T. White, that the council approve the Request for Live Entertainment in the outdoor pavilion, as submitted by the American Legion on January 14, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the band "Old Souls" to play in the pavilion. Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Gehrig, Jenkins, Sharp VanBruwaene, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson D. White, that the Council approve an expenditure of $1,149.00, payable to Ray O'Herron, for the purchase of a light bar for a police vehicle. Payable from the Police Protection Fund.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Gehrig, Jenkins, Sharp, VanBruwaene, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson D. White, to adjourn at 7:21 p.m.

Chairman Hughes declared the meeting adjourned.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/01082024%20council.pdf