Peoria Standard

City of Lewistown City Council met Sept. 24.

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: 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, Administrative Assistant Levi Peitzmeier, Police Chief Chris Ford and City Attorney Nathan Collins. ABSENT:

DECLARATION OF QUORUM by Mayor Doug Lafary

CLERKS REPORT/MINUTES: Cindy Goddard.

Alderperson Spotloe made a motion to approve the minutes and Liquor License committee meeting of September 10, 2024, second by Alderperson Long, the motion carried all ayes.

Report- Election packets are ready; file dates for the petitions are November 12 thru November 18. Positions up for election on April 1, 2025 are Alderperson Sally Clark Ward 1, Kendall Miller Ward 2, and John Spotloe Ward 3, City Treasurer, City Clerk and Mayor.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Debbie Brown. Nothing

ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Attorney Nathan Collins. Absent.

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PETITIONS:

Billie Simmons wanted to thank everyone for the support of the benefit for Jack. Alderperson Spotloe thanked Wendy Martin for reporting on the meetings.

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: In unfinished business.

Water- Alderperson Miller: Nothing at this time.

Utilities/Publications - Alderperson Long: Nothing to report.

Public Buildings & Grounds - Alderperson Long:

Tourism - Alderman Miller: Fall Fest the first two weekends of October.

Tax Increment Financing - Alderperson Spotloe: Later in meeting.

Citizens Committee - Amanda Sutphen not present.

Christmas Committee - Kenny Haacke not present.

Economic Development Committee -- Erin Ahart from Sycamore Acres presented report and said final Mapping meeting was done they have five committees. There will be a Chamber meeting Thursday at County Market. Michelle Spiva IDA services at no cost, residential housing is a concern, need façade updates. They will come to community and hold meeting. Elaine Stone and Michelle Spiva are working together will take 9-12 months to complete, residential housing to build houses. Need to find people to help.

WORKS DIRECTOR'S REPORT - Evinn Palmer Director not present but the date for all town clean up is October 15 to 18, Bubba Dump is the company we are going with, starting Northwest side ending on South side Levi Peitzmeier said.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1. Discuss/Act Upon decision on an All-Town clean-up this year -- Motion by Alderperson Ward, second by Alderperson Long to go along with the dates of October 15 thru 18 for all town clean up, all ayes.

2. Discuss Police Benevolent Fund donation towards a cause in need - The family has lost the person that was sick, now has passed motion for $500.00 to be donated to the family by Alderperson Ward and second by Alderperson Clark, roll call vote motion carried all ayes.

3. Discuss/Act Upon Commendation Award for LPD Officer Tyler Snyder - Letter read by Chief Ford, see attached, on August 14, there was a fire at Now and Again Boutique, smoke entering the apartments that were adjoining. Officer Snyder went in and made sure everyone out. Awarding Officer Snyder the department Meritorious Conduct Award and the Military Service Ribbon recognizing his status as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces presented by Chief Ford.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Discuss/Act Upon TIF extension for Justin Higgins - Alderperson Spotloe explained the need for the extension of six months because his year up and not complete. Alderperson Spotloe made a motion to extend the TIF agreement between the City of Lewistown and Justin Higgins, second by Alderperson Clark, roll call vote, motion carried all ayes.

2. Discuss Step Increase in pay for Lewistown Police Officer Tyler Snyder -Alderperson Ward explained this was discussed at previous police committee meeting that increase will help retain the officers and Snyder has been here going on two years. Present pay is $23.36. Motion by Alderperson Ward for $1.50 increase to Snyder and new employee DeWester, second by Alderperson Spotloe, roll call vote, motion carried all ayes.

3. Discuss/Act Upon Hiring of Austin T. DeWester for the LPD - Alderperson Ward explained that officer DeWester has 2 years experience at Farmington and will be a lateral transfer, already has his training. Can Start October 1, at pay of $24.86. Alderperson Spotloe made a motion to hire Austin DeWester at the pay of $24.86, and second by Alderperson Clark, roll call vote, motion carried all ayes.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

Alderperson Long 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 Miller made a motion to adjourn at 6:50 p.m.; Seconded by Alderperson Long motion carried all ayes.

https://lewistownillinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/BP-50C36_20241009_090920.pdf