Peoria Standard

City of Lewistown City Council met May 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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: Pastor Walmsley

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, Administrative Assistant Levi Peitzmeimer, Public Works Director Evinn Palmer, Police Chief Chris Ford and City Attorney Nathan Collins.

ABSENT:

DECLARATION OF QUORUM by Mayor Doug Lafary

CLERKS REPORT/MINUTES: Cindy Goddard.

Alderperson Miller made a motion to approve the minutes of April 23, 2024, and Special City Council meeting April 26, 2024, second by Alderperson Clark, the motion carried all ayes.

Report- Nothing new tonight.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Debbie Brown. Nothing.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT: Attorney Nathan Collins. Nothing.

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PETITIONS: No one.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Finance/Insurance/Zoning – Alderperson Clark: Nothing to report.

Sewer – Alderperson Spotloe: Nothing to report.

Streets & Allies – Alderperson Levingston: Nothing to report.

Police/ESDA – Alderperson Ward: Nothing to report.

Water – Alderperson Miller: Nothing at this time.

Utilities/Publications – Alderperson Long: Nothing to report.

Public Buildings & Grounds – Alderperson Long: Evinn and Kenny Haacke looked up a public sound system; the cost estimate is around $600.00 for the Downtown Christmas activities. The sound system will be placed in the Gazebo. To pay for it will come out of the Downtown Christmas fund. Older citizens would like a cement slab poured for dancing during the Music in the Park, also more picnic tables needed. Will have estimate for next meeting.

Tourism – Alderman Miller: Chamber of Commerce had a meeting at the Lewistown High School, wants people to give opinions. Junk in the Trunk has started, around 23 vehicles, every Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 till October. Music in the Park starts in June. Spring Drive was a success.

Tax Increment Financing – Alderperson Spotloe: Later in meeting.

Citizens Committee – Amanda Sutphen not present. – Friday Levi is meeting with her to sign paper work for grant.

Christmas Committee - Kenny Haacke not present.

Economic Development Committee – Around 45 people attended meeting at High School. They are inviting all the previous Mapping Group to next meeting. Group out of Chicago will be in Canton tomorrow giving presentation regarding preserving old buildings. It is about grants at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

WORKS DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Evinn Palmer Director been putting up flags and the flowers are planted. At this time have nine applications for summer help.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1. Discuss/Act Upon Approval of Ordinance Amending Section 111.36(A) for Liquor Licenses – Alderperson Miller wants to table for approval, one thing the fencing needs sign regarding age and maybe just rope, take away some of the specifics of the fence itself, also need a 7 day notice, second thing street closure still needs to be presented to the council to Ok it. Tabled at this time.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Discuss/Act Upon Approval of Price for GCC Licensing for Police Department Emails- Police department needs their own secure emails, $315.00 for the new licensing fee that is yearly. Body cams need secure emails; also Chief cannot get into the gmail. Motion by Alderperson Ward, to approve getting the GCC Licensing for secure emails for the police department, second by Alderperson Clark, roll call vote, motion carried all ayes. Alderperson Spotloe left 6:55 p.m.

2. Discuss/Act Upon TIF Application for Archie’s – Committee recommended $3,000.00 for the TIF grant for signage. Alderperson Miller, made a motion to approve the $3,000.00 TIF grant to Archie’s for signage, second Alderperson Clark, roll call vote, motion carried all ayes.

3. Discuss/Act Upon MFT Seal Coat Bid – One bid by IRC $89,466.45, estimate by George Merkle was $91,000.00. Already approved at previous meeting.

4. Discuss/Act Upon ISB CD Maturity for May 23, 2024 – Deb Brown said need to wait till next meeting does not mature till May 23. 3 1/2 % for 16 months at this time. Check with all banks to get percentage. Tabled till next meeting.

5. Appointment of Department Heads/Employees: Mayor Lafary appointed:

a. Public Works Director – Evinn Palmer

b. Administrative Assistant – Levi Peitzmeier

c. Chief of Police – Chris Ford

Motion by Alderperson Miller, second by Alderperson Clark, motion carried all ayes for the appointments.

Comment about council by Alderperson Miller, glad we are having a lot more discussion on subjects.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

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

CLOSED SESSION: No closed session

ADJOURNMENT:

Alderperson Long made a motion to adjourn at 7:02 p.m.; Seconded by Alderperson Miller motion carried all ayes.

https://lewistownillinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/May-14-2024-City-Councill-Minutes.doc