Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe City Council met May 27.

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 27, 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

City Clerk Jill M. Byrnes

City Treasurer Andrea Bredeman

Alderpersons Present:

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

Alderpersons Absent:

Donald White

Also Physically Present:

City Attorney Kevin Day

Attorney Taylor Cascia

Officer Manager Denise Passage

Economic Development Director, Amanda Beadles

Superintendent of Public Works, Shawn Sutherland

Others Absent:

City Engineer Dave Horton

Police Chief Jeremy Cooper

Chairman Hughes declared a Quorum present

The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting on May 12, 2025 were presented.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council dispense with the reading of the Minutes of the May 12, 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. Plan Commission - 3/4/2025

2. Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee - 3/6/2025

3. Public Safety Committee 4/8/2025

4. Finance Committee - 5/14/2025

5. Public Works Committee - 5/21/2025

Communications by the Clerk:

1. 2024-2025 Fiscal Year End Budget Report

2. City Engineer Report - 5/21/2025

Motion Alderperson T. White, second Alderperson Gehrig, 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:

Alderperson Semtner recognized Police Chief Cooper as MC of the "Back the Blue" dinner recently held at Grecian Gardens.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS:

Alderperson Bredeman announced that he would be on vacation June 2, 2025 through June 14, 2025.

ANYONE WITH BUSINESS CONCERNING CITY GOVERNMENT:

None

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

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes:

Nays:

Chairman declared motion carried.

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

None

MAYOR HUGHES:

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson Sharp, that the Council concur with the Mayoral appointment of Michael Crabtree as First Ward Alderperson, for an unexpired term 2027.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes:

Nays:

Chairman declared motion carried.

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

None

City Clerk Byrnes administered the Oath of Office to Michael P. Crabtree, Ward One Alderperson. Clerk Byrnes instructed Alderperson Crabtree to take his seat at the Council table.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson Sharp, that the Council concur with the Mayoral appointment of Michael Crabtree to the following Council Committees and to the Bike

Path Task Force.

Finance-Committee Chairman

Economic Development Committee

Cemetery & Parks Committee

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Alderperson Semtner announced that Mayor Hughes agenda item #3 is being withdrawn.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson Sharp, that the Council authorize the Mayor to respond to the Peoria County Variance, regarding an accessory building variance requested for property off of Azbell Street owned by Bruce Vinson, that is within the 11⁄2 mile jurisdiction of Chillicothe, with the response that the City has no objection to the accessory building variance request.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve an expenditure of $2,094.00, payable to Pearl Technology for the renewal of the Microsoft 365 licenses. Payable from the General Fund.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Alderperson Semtner addressed the Council with the announcement that the draft of the Appropriation Ordinance was in the Council packet. The Ordinance will be presented at the Council meeting on June 23, 2025, after the Public Hearing that will be held on June 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council approve the Water/Sewer Priority One Project - Rehab Wilmot well, in the amount of $75,000.00 as an approved project.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council waive the competitive bid process for the work to be performed on Wilmot Well #7.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve the proposal from Brotcke Well, in the amount of $45,082.30, for the rehabilitation of Wilmot Well #7.

Payable from the Water/Sewer Fund - Priority One Project Rehab Wilmot Well.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve an expenditure of $9,878.32, payable to Willis Electric, for the replacement of a transfer switch in Wilmot Well #7. Payable from the Water/Sewer Fund Priority One Project Rehab Wilmot Well. Roll Call Vote was:

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve the Water/Sewer Priority One Project - Rehab Walnut East Well, and add Walnut West Well to the project, in the amount of $65,000.00 as an approved project.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve an expenditure of $9,473.32, payable to Willis Electric, for the replacement of a starter in Walnut West Well. Payable from the Water/Sewer Fund Priority One Project Rehab Walnut East and West Wells.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Connor, that the Council approve Resolution 25-05-03, a Resolution approving an amendment to the Verizon Lease Agreement.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve the proposal from Engbrecht Concrete, in the amount of $11,771.00, for the repair of concrete at ten locations in the City. Payable from Road & Bridge Fund.

Discussion: Superintendent Sutherland informed the Council that the 10 locations are various street/curb repairs that have occurred over the winter and repaired once weather permits in the spring.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve the proposal from Engbrecht Concrete, in the amount of $5,350.00, for the replacement of the sidewalk and concrete steps at the Santa Fe Pump House. Payable from the Water/Sewer Fund.

Discussion: Alderperson Sharp informed the Council the existing steps have been in place since 1941 and in need of replacement.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve the following application for the Sidewalk Program:

Tim Worrick 1604 Cutright $2,000.00

Program $22,000.00

5/27/25 approval 2,000.00

Balance $20,000.00

Roll Call Vote was:

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Connor, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve the amended April 7, 2025 Marketing & Tourism Commission minutes.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Connor, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve the application for the Façade Grant Program for Jim Chronis/Grecian Gardens located at 305 Plaza Drive up to the amount of $3,000.00 and authorize payout once project is complete, receipts submitted and work verified by the EDC Director.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Connor, second Alderperson T. White, that the council approve the application for the Façade Grant Program for Dwayne Siggers/Marge's Tavern located at 930 N. Second Street up to the amount of $3,000.00 and authorize payout once project is complete, receipts submitted and work verified by the EDC Director.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Connor, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve Ordinance 25-05-08, an Ordinance authorizing an agreement for continued consulting services between the City of Chillicothe and Dr. Janet Culbertson.

Discussion: Alderperson Sharp asked for details regarding Dr. Culbertson's performance to justify renewing her contract. ED Director Beadles stated Dr. Culbertson did complete a near $36,000.00 EPA Grant on her own, she writes the newsletter and continues to search for grants applicable to the City. ED Director Beadles stated her maximum salary is $20,000.00 and was paid out less than $5,000.00 last year. Alderperson Connor stated she was pleased with Dr. Culbertson's performance however suggested seeking other professional grant writing professionals in addition to Dr. Culbertson. Alderpersons Bredeman and T. White felt renewing her contact was not in the City's best interest, that Dr. Culbertson was not doing enough to research grants that would benefit the City. Alderperson Semtner suggested holding off a vote until more information was obtained regarding Dr. Culbertson's job performance. Mayor Hughes called for a vote.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Bredeman, 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 June 1, 2025, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. for the live band "The Deuces Wild"

Motion Carried Via Voce vote.

Motion Alderperson Bredeman, second Alderperson T. White, that the Council approve Ordinance No. 25-05-09, an Ordinance amending the Traffic Schedule of the City Code. (No Parking Maple Street and Hoyt Street)

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, T. White

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson Sharp, that the Council adjourn to Closed Session at 7:49 P.M., for: - Personal - 5 ILCS 120/2 (C) (1) – Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees.

Litigation - 5 ILCS 120/2 (C) (11) - pending probable or imminent litigation and allow Attorney Day to attend.

Upon returning to Open Session no action will be taken.

Council returned to Open Session at 8:47 P.M.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson Sharp, to adjourn at 8:48 P.M.

Mayor Hughes declared the meeting adjourned.

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