Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe City Council met April 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 April 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM with Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Jenkins presiding and with proper notice having been posted.

Clerk Byrnes announced Mayor Michael Hughes will be absent from tonight's meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Jenkins will be presiding.

Mayor Pro Tem Jenkins 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.

Acting Chairman Jenkins directed Clerk Byrnes to take roll.

Physically Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Jenkins, Treasurer B.L. Bredeman, and City Clerk Jill M. Byrnes

Alderpersons Present: Barry Bredeman, Patricia Westerman-Connor, Courtney Gehrig, Jeff Jenkins, Gary Sharp, Jacob VanBruwaene, Donald White, Timothy White

Absent: Mayor Michael H. Hughes

Also Physically Present: Office Manager Denise Passage

City Attorney Kevin Day

Attorney William Streeter

City Engineer Dave Horton

Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles

Superintendent of Public Works Shawn Sutherland

Chairman Jenkins declared a Quorum present.

The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on March 25, 2024 were presented. Motion Alderperson D. White, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council dispense with the reading of the Minutes of the March 25, 2024 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 - 2/20/2024

2. Chillicothe Plan Commission – 3/5/2024 & 4/2/2024

3. Zoning Board of Appeals - 3/20/2024

4. Finance/Budget Workshop - 3/23/2024

5. Judicial Committee - 3/27/2024

6. Public Safety Committee - 4/2/2024

7. Public Works Committee – 4/3 2024

Clerk Byrnes presented the following reports:

1. March Budget Report

2. City Collector's Report - 3/2024

3. City Engineer's Report - 4/3/2024

Motion Alderperson T. White, second Alderperson D. White, 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:

Heather Raffelson, of Beck Oil Company, 615 Fourth Street addressed the Council with their request to change their current Class "B" liquor license to a Class "A" to allow for video gaming. She stated they have plans to add an addition to the existing building to accommodate the gaming. She stated that City gaming revenue has increased 8% over the years therefore supporting the additional gaming terminals within the City that Beck Oil Co. is requesting.

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

Note: Included in the bills is the invoice for the repair of the valves on Fourth Street. The total cost was $57,211.67

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

MAYOR PRO TEM JENKINS:

None

Motion Alderperson D. White, second Alderperson T. White to move up the Judicial Committee agenda items to allow audience members to speak.

Motion Carried Via Voce vote.

JUDICIAL COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson D. White, second Alderperson Connor, that the Council approve Ordinance No. 24-04-04, an ordinance amending the number of Class "D" liquor licenses. Discussion: Alderperson D. White gave an explanation to the Council regarding the reduction of Class "D" licenses by 1, and the addition of Class "A" licenses by 2 to accommodate both Chilli Liquors and Beck Oil Company to apply for video gaming.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: Connor, VanBruwaene

Abstain: T. White

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson D. White, second Alderperson Sharp, that the Council approve Ordinance No. 24-04-05, an Ordinance amending the number of Class "A" liquor licenses.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: Connor, VanBruwaene

Abstain: T. White

Chairman declared motion carried.

DISCUSSION – ORDINANCE SHORT TERM RENTAL:

Alderperson D. White explained to the Council that the Judicial Committee and City Attorney Kevin Day had been working on a proposed ordinance for short term rentals to include permit fees, and inspections, and they would be subject to the Hotel/Motel tax. Alderperson D. White anticipated the ordinance would be presented to the Council at the second Council meeting in May 2024. There will be a public hearing held on May 7, 2024 by the Plan Commission.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson D. White, that the Council authorize the city Attorney to draft a Land Access Agreement between the City of Chillicothe and the VFW for the City to remove the asphalt from their parking lot.

Discussion: Alderperson Sharp read a statement om favor pf the agreement and stating that the VFW would be responsible for the majority of the cost. Superintendent Sutherland reported the cost to the City for the removal of the asphalt would be $2,387.35. Alderperson Bredeman expressed concern at setting a precedent for any business who might also want/need a new parking lot. Alderperson Bredeman would like moving forward there be a policy in place to determine the extent of the City's involvement in the replacement/repair of local business private parking lots. Alderperson Bredeman also mentioned that the City does have a sidewalk program open to all citizens and businesses. Alderperson VanBruwaene stated that the City had previously damaged the VFW parking lot, that damage has been repaired with cold patch by the City. The VFW parking lot is located directly off Santa Fe Avenue. Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: Bredeman

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson VanBruwaene, that the Council approve an expenditure of $1,981.50, payable to Princeville Tire for the purchase of two tractor tires. Payable from the Water/Sewer Fund.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson VanBruwaene, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council approve the General Fund, Road & Bridge Fund, Water/Sewer Fund, TIF Fund and the Miscellaneous Funds Budgets for the City's Fiscal Year commencing May 1, 2024 and ending April 30, 2025, as presented.

Note: The Council was advised that the following change was made to the General Fund after the Budget Workshop regarding the Boat Dock. Revenue of $150,00.00 was added (insurance reimbursement). Priority One Project – Parks - $290,000.00 (repair).

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

DISCUSSION – WATER RATE INCREASE:

Alderperson VanBruwaene addressed the Council with the need for a water rate increase. He stated the current water revenue is barely covering operating expenses. Due to our current water rates that fall below the state requirement the City was not able to apply for grants. Currently the City has a 9 bracket tier rate table for each type of water user, the Finance Committee is considering a flat rate per cubic foot of water. Alderperson VanBruwaene stated that each water user should see an increase and high water users would be subject to the highest increase.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson Sharp, that the Council approve the Notice of Special Event Held on Public Property as submitted by the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce for the use of the City Park, Chestnut Street and Second Street for "Chilli Days" to be held June 9 - June 15, 2024.

Motion Carried Via Voce vote.

Present: D. White (Conflict of Interest as President of Chamber of Commerce)

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council approve the Notice for Special Event submitted by Megan Rupiper, Pearce Community Center, for the use of city streets on July 13, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for the annual 5K/2mi fun run/walk.

Motion Carried Via Voce vote.

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve the Notice for Special Event submitted by Cindi Scime, Little Shop of Hoarders, for the use of Second Street for a Food Truck on April 13, 2024 from 10:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Discussion: Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles gave an explanation of the event to the Council.

Motion Carried Via Voce vote.

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council approve the Request for Live Entertainment in the outdoor pavilion/beer garden, as submitted by the American Legion on April 21, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Motion Carried Via Voce vote.

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council authorize the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending Appendix A Traffic Schedule of the City Code by adding a stop sign East and West on Sycamore Street at Prairie Springs Drive making said intersection a three way stop.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve an expenditure of $4,600.00 payable to Illinois Central College for the Police Chief to attend a course for School of Police Staff & Command, November 22, 2024 - March 14, 2025. Payable from the Police Protection Fund.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Connor, second Alderperson VanBruwaene, that the Council approve Ordinance No. 24-04-06, an Ordinance authorizing an agreement for continued consulting services between the City of Chillicothe and Dr. Janet Culbertson.

Discussion: Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles gave an explanation to the Council on the grants currently being researched by Dr. Culbertson.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Gehrig, Jenkins, Sharp, VanBruwaene

Nays: D. White

Present T. White (feels the position is unnecessary)

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson T. White, second Alderperson Bredeman, to adjourn at 7:57 p.m.

Acting Chairman Jenkins declared the meeting adjourned.

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