Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe City Council met May 12.

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 May 12, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. with Mayor Michael D. Hughes presiding and with proper notice having been posted.

Mayor 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

Alderpersons Present:

Barry Bredeman, Patricia Westerman-Connor, Jeff Jenkins, Patrick Semtner, Gary Sharp, Donald White, Timothy White

Alderpersons Absent: Courtney Gehrig

Also Physically Present: City Attorney Kevin Day

Police Chief Jeremy Cooper

Officer Manager Denise Passage

City Engineer Dave Horton

Economic Development Director, Amanda Beadles

Superintendent of Public Works, Shawn Sutherland

Others Absent:

Attorney Taylor Cascia

Chairman Hughes declared a Quorum present

The Minutes of the Special Council Meeting held on April 21, 2025 and Regular Council Meeting on April 28, 2025 were presented.

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson D. White, that the Council dispense with the reading of the Minutes of the April 21, 2025 Special Council Meeting and April 28, 2025 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. Judicial Committee - 4/30/2025

2. Public Works Committee - 5/7/2025

Communications by the Clerk:

1. City Budget Report - 4/2025

2. City Collectors Report - 4/2025

3. City Treasurers Report - 4/2025

4. City Engineer Report - 5/7/2025

I am in receipt of a Peoria County variance for 19426 N Azbell Street requesting to construct a building without a primary structure, if any objections please contact Mayor Hughes. This case will be on the Peoria County June 12, 2025 Zoning Board of Appeals agenda.

Motion Alderperson D. White, second Alderperson Jenkins, that the petitions and communications as presented by Clerk Byrnes be accepted and placed on file. Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICAITONS FROM THE MAYOR AND ALDERPERSONS:

None

COUNCIL COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS:

Alderperson Jenkins informed the council he had received a resident concern requesting adding

a 4-way stop sign at Fifth and Cedar Street. As this will be Alderperson Jenkins last meeting he will be passing this information on to the next Chairman of Public Safety Committee.

ANYONE WITH BUSINESS CONCERNING CITY GOVERNMENT:

None

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

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Presentation - Jerrod Morris - Community Solar Program (See attached)

Motion Alderperson D. White, second Alderperson Jenkins, that the Council authorize the City Attorney to draft an ordinance approving the Community Solar Agreement, subject to his review of the agreement.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve an expenditure of $5,705.81, payable to Willis Electric for the repair of Wilmot pump house. Payable from the Water & Sewer Fund.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson D. White, that the Council waive the competitive bid process for the work to be performed on Well #8 - Cutright Well.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council approve an expenditure of $57,718.81, payable to Brocke Well & Pump for the rehabilitation of Well #8 – Cutright Well. Payable as follows:

ARPA Funds - Council Committed Project - Rehab/Cutright/Wilmot/Chestnut

Wells: $56,380.40

Water/Sewer Fund: $1,338.41

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve an expenditure of $800.00, payable to Schaefer & Son's, for the grading of the road in Moffitt Park. Payable from the Road & Bridge Fund.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council authorize the City Attorney to draft an ordinance approving the amendment to the Verizon lease agreement, subject to his review of the amendment to the lease.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council approve the proposal in the amount of $3,538.00 from Fehr Graham for the inspection of the Benedict Street Bridge and authorize the Mayor to take reasonable and prudent actions necessary to execute any documents regarding the proposal.

Discussion: Engineer Horton explained that this a new federal mandate that due to age of the bridge the inspection is now required every 2 years instead of 4.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council approve Ordinance No. 25-05-06, an Ordinance authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement between Illinois Valley School District #321 and the City of Chillicothe for School Resource Officers and authorize the Mayor and Police Chief to take reasonable and prudent actions necessary to execute any documents.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council approve the Special Event Request submitted from Connie Ware, for the use of Cutright Park on September 13, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for "Crafts on the River" fall craft show

Motion Carried Via Voce vote.

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve the Request for Live Entertainment in the outdoor pavilion/beer garden, as submitted by the American Legion on May 18, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the live band "Blue Stew".

Motion Carried Via Voce vote.

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council instruct the City Attorney to prepare an Ordinance amending the Traffic Schedule of the City Code to make the South Side of Maple Street from Fourth Street West to the alley No Parking and East Side of Hoyt Street from Truitt Street North 30 feet No Parking.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

CEMETERY & PARKS COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson T. White, second Alderperson D. White, that the Council approve an expenditure of $1,672.00, payable to Picket Fence, for the planting of the planters. Payable from the General Fund.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

JUDICIAL COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson D. White, second Alderperson Jenkins, that the Council refer to the Plan Commission the Ordinance amending the City Code regarding fences, to hold the required public hearing. Discussion: Alderperson D. White explained to the Council that this ordinance would define front yard fencing language in the City Code.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson D. White, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council approve Ordinance No. 25-05-07, an Ordinance regarding purchasing authority of City Officials.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

MAYOR HUGHES:

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve the Proclamation recognizing B.L. Bredeman for his dedication and years of service as the City Treasurer.

Note: Alderperson Jenkins read and presented the Proclamation to City Treasurer B.L. Bredeman and he received a standing ovation from the Mayor, Clerk, Attorney and Council.

Mr. Bredeman thanked the City Hall staff, Denise Passage, Gina Carr and Timber Gardiner for their help and support over the last 33 years.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Jenkins, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

MAYOR HUGHES OUTGOING COMMENTS:

With my gratitude and appreciation, I would like to thank Bill Bredeman for his years of service and commitment he had to the City and Office of Treasurer. Your dedication is admirable and I wish all the best to you.

I would now like to thank Jeff Jenkins for serving the City as an Alderperson. He was first elected as First Ward Alderperson on April 4, 2017 and took his Oath of Office on May 8, 2017. He has served his Ward and City by giving of his time and commitment. Your service was greatly appreciated. Best wishes in your next endeavor.

See attached comments from Alderperson Sharp for both City Treasurer B.L. Bredeman and Alderperson Jenkins.

Alderperson Jenkins thanked the Committee and Council members for the opportunity to serve, he had no regrets and wished the City well in the future.

Clerk Byrnes asked that after Mayor Hughes closes the meeting that everyone stay in their seats for a short presentation and the swearing of the newly elected Officials.

Motion Alderperson Jenkins, second Alderperson D. White, to adjourn at 7:36 p.m. Sine die.

Mayor Hughes declared meeting adjourned

SWEARING IN OF NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS:

City Attorney Kevin Day administered the Oath of Office to City Clerk Jill M. Byrnes.

City Clerk Jill M. Byrnes administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected Officials.

Mayor Michael D. Hughes

City Treasurer Andrea Bredeman

Second Ward Alderperson Barry Bredeman

Third Ward Alderperson Patrick J. Semtner

Third Ward Alderperson Patricia Westerman-Connor

Fourth Ward Alderperson Gary L. Sharp

Mayor Michael D. Hughes called the meeting to order at 7:45 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:

Alderpersons Present:

Alderpersons Absent:

Also Physically Present:

Others Absent:

Mayor Michael D. Hughes City Clerk Jill M. Byrnes

Treasurer Andrea Bredeman

Barry Bredeman, Patricia Westerman-Connor, Patrick Semtner, Gary Sharp, Donald White, Timothy White

Courtney Gehrig

City Attorney Kevin Day

Police Chief Jeremy Cooper

Office Manager Denise Passage

City Engineer Dave Horton

Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles Superintendent of Public Works Shawn Sutherland

Attorney Taylor Cascia

Chairman Hughes declared a Quorum present

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS BY THE CLERK:

ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Mayor, City Clerk and any Alderperson shall not be paid if absent from more than two regular meetings per year unless such absence is due to either the serious illness of themselves or an immediate family member, or death of immediate family.

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

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND ALDERPERSONS:

None.

ANYONE WITH BUSINESS CONCERNING CITY GOVERNMENT:

None.

MAYOR HUGHES:

I would like to nominate Michael Crabtree to serve as First Ward Alderperson. I will call a vote at the next meeting.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson D. White, that the Council approve the schedule for the City of Chillicothe Regularly Scheduled Council Meetings for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026, which will convene on the Second and Fourth Mondays of each month, at 7:00 P.M., in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Note: May 26, 2025 meeting will be on Tuesday May 27, 2025 due to the holiday.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council concur with the 2025-2026 Mayoral appointment of Supervisors and Officers as submitted.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson D. White, that the Council concur with the 2025-2026 Mayoral appointment of Council Committees as submitted.

Roll call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson D. White, that the Council concur with the 2025-2026 Mayoral appointment of Boards and Commissions as submitted.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes:

Bredeman, Connor, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson D. White, that the Council approve opening the 2025 Sidewalk Program at a budgeted amount of $22,000.00. Payable from the Road & Bridge Fund.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve the Road & Bridge Priority One Project - Street Overlay/Curb Improvement in the amount of $234,000.00 as an approved project, and authorize the City Engineer to begin the process for Street

Overlay/Curb Improvement.

Roll call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson D. White, second Alderperson T. White, that pending the passage of the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for the current Fiscal Year, all Department Heads and all other separate agencies of the City, be authorized to make necessary expenditures on the basis of the Appropriation of the preceding Fiscal Year, as authorized under Section 8-1-7 of the Illinois Municipal Code, and that all employees salaries be paid at the amount set forth in the Annual Appropriation Ordinance, with appropriate amounts for resignations, retirements, promotions, overtime and the like.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

ANNOUNCEMENT ALDERPERSON D. WHITE:

The Appropriation Ordinance must be passed within the first quarter of the fiscal year and a public hearing must be held prior to passage of the Ordinance. A draft of the Appropriation Ordinance will be prepared for review and the target date for the public hearing will be June 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The Appropriation Ordinance will be presented for passage at the Council Meeting that day.

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson Sharp, that the Council adjourn to Closed Session at 7:55 p.m., for Personnel-ILCS 120/2 (C) (2) Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representative, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees and allow Attorney Day, Superintendent Sutherland and Office Manage Passage to attend. Upon returning to Open Session no action will be taken.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Semtner, Sharp, D. White, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Council returned to Open Session at 8:05 P.M.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson T. White, to adjourn at 8:06 P.M. Mayor Hughes declared the meeting adjourned.

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