Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe City Council met June 23.

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 June 23, 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:

Alderpersons Present:

Also Physically Present:

Absent:

Mayor Michael D. Hughes

City Clerk Jill M. Byrnes

City Treasurer Andrea Bredeman

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

City Attorney Kevin Day

Attorney Taylor Cascia

Police Chief Jeremy Cooper

Officer Manager Denise Passage City Engineer Dave Horton

Superintendent of Public Works, Shawn Sutherland

Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles

Chairman Hughes declared a Quorum present

The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting on June 9, 2025 were presented.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson White, that the Council dispense with the reading of the Minutes of the June 9, 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. Public Safety Committee - 5/6/2025

2. Supervisor Review Group - 6/10/2025

3. Economic Development Committee - 6/10/2025

4. Cemetery & Parks Committee - 6/17/2025

5. Public Works Committee - 6/18/2025

Communications by the Clerk:

1. City Engineer Report - 6/18/2025

I am in receipt of a resignation letter from Donald White which reads: Mayor, Council and Elected Officials:

I've been absent for the last month or so. That's because I've spent a majority of the last month in a St. Louis hospital undergoing multiple heart surgeries and procedures, and recovering. This has given me the opportunity to evaluate my life; past, present and future.

After due consideration, I have decided to get out of the game and, instead, watch from the sidelines. Accordingly, I herby resign my position as First Ward Alderman of the City of Chillicothe effective immediately.

I have enjoyed and am proud of my service to our community over the years. And I hope the best to you as you lead our city through the years to come.

Sincerely,

Donald White

I am in receipt of the revised copy of the Consumer Confidence Report for Calendar Year 2024. On June 10, 2025 the City of Chillicothe was advised by the EPA of an apparent violation. The CCR deficiencies were for incorrect copper and lead ranges.

Motion Alderperson 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 presented a copy of the Civility Pledge to all elected officials and read a statement. (See attached). Alderperson White and Alderperson Crabtree informed the Council that the recent "Chillicothe Days" event held at City Park was a great success, and attendance was higher than in years past. Alderperson White read a statement regarding the recent resignation of Donald White. (See attached). Alderperson White added that Don was an IVC and University of Illinois graduate. He served on the Methodist Hospital Board and as President of the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce. Alderperson Connor announced that there was a card for Don being passed for anyone who wishes to sign.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS:

Alderperson Connor informed the Council that judging will begin tomorrow on the 32nd Annual Catch the Beauty Contest and winners will be announced at the Sweet Corn Festival July 19, 2025.

ANYONE WITH BUSINESS CONCERNING CITY GOVERNMENT:

Jeff Anderson, 621 Oakhill Drive, addressed the Council representing VFW #4999, with concerns that his request for a permit to replace the fence with a shed at the Veteran's Triangle had not been addressed in a timely manner. Office Manager Passage informed Mr. Anderson that an

email was sent out today informing him that his application was reviewed and due to the fact that the shed would be in the City right-of-way of the street and not the property it did not meet the requirements for a variance. It could be considered for construction in the right-of- way and that application was included in the email. Office Manager Passage added per the City Code and after consultation with the City Attorney the Code states you are not allowed to erect a structure in the right-of-way without going through the application process. Office Manager Passage assured Mr. Anderson any fees that have been paid to date would be applied to that application fee. Officer Manager Passage explained once the application is submitted it will be given to the Superintendent of Public Works for review, after review the Council would vote to consider the construction. Mr. Anderson agreed to complete the application for review.

Ray Nicklin, 216 Sandyshores Drive, addressed the Mayor and Council and informed them that he would like to be considered for the Office of Alderperson Ward One.

Jennifer Perrault, 610 N. Benedict Street, informed the Council that she took part in the recent "No King Day" protest. She stated it was a peaceful demonstration, they remained on public property in front of the City Cemetery, they did not enter or disrespect the City Cemetery and

no laws were broken. She thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak.

Briana Cline, 1504 W. Sycamore Street, read a statement regarding the recent "No King Day" protest. (See attached)

Motion Alderperson Crabtree, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the bills as presented be paid and the payrolls and transfers be approved.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

MAYOR HUGHES:

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council accept the resignation of Don White, as Alderperson of the First Ward and thank him for his years of

service to the City of Chillicothe.

Discussion: Alderperson Sharp read a statement in recognition of Don White. (See attached).

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve the appointment of Alderperson Gehrig as Chairman of the Judicial Committee.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson White, that the Council approve the following application for the 2025 Sidewalk Program:

Brett Shatto 1420 Logan $ 1,920.00

Program Balance $12,848.00

6/9/25 Approval $1,920.00

Balance $10,928.00

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Sharp, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council accept and award the bid through IDOT to R.A. Cullinan for the Cloverdale/Milling PPUATS Project, in the amount of $405,578.26. City share is 20%.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Crabtree, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve Ordinance No. 25-06-11 an Appropriation Ordinance for the City of Chillicothe commencing May 1, 2025 and ending April 30, 2026.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Crabtree, second Alderperson White, that the Council approve Ordinance No. 25-06-12 an Ordinance authorizing the Community Solar Subscription Agreement between the City of Chillicothe and Ampion, PBC.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Semtner,

Nays: Crabtree, Gehrig, Sharp, White

Chairman declared motion failed.

Motion Alderperson Crabtree, second Alderperson Connor, that the Council approve a total of

seven elected officials and or Supervisors to attend the IML Annual Conference to be held in Chicago, September 18-20, 2025. Projected cost not to exceed $15,000.00, payable from the

General Fund.

Note: September 18-20, 2025, Hyatt Regency, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL. 60601 Projected cost per person:

Registration $325.00

Travel 288 miles X .70 $201.60

Hotel 3 nights @ $330.00 $990.00

Parking $60.90 $181.50

Meals $150.00

Total estimate $1,848.10

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Crabtree, second Alderperson Sharp, that the Council authorize Office

Manager Passage to submit the information for the renewal of the insurance to IML Risk

Management Association.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Bredeman, second Alderperson White, that the Council approve the Request for Live Entertainment in their outdoor pavilion/beer garden as submitted by Brady

Miller, The Mill as follows:

June 28 - Sankoty Noon - Midnight

July 5- Raindate Noon - Midnight

July 12 - Stereotypical Noon - Midnight

July 19 Raindate Noon - Midnight

July 26 - Three and a Half Men Noon - Midnight

August 2- Raindate Noon - Midnight

August 9 Raindate Noon - Midnight

August 16 - Highway J Noon - Midnight

August 23 - Raindate Noon - Midnight

August 30 - Raindate Noon - Midnight

September 6 - Brody Vancil Noon - Midnight

September 13 - Raindate Noon - Midnight

September 20 - Mixtape Mayhem Noon - Midnight

Motion Carried Via Voce vote.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Connor, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve an application for the Façade Grant Program for Pearce Community Center located at 610 Cedar, up to the amount of $3,000.00 and authorize payout once project is complete, receipts submitted and work verified by ED Director. Payable from the General Fund.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Connor, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve an expenditure in the amount of $1,750.00 for the annual dues from January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025 payable to Illinois River Road Scenic Byway. Payable from the General Fund -

Economic Development Department.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Semtner, Sharp, White

CEMETERY & PARKS COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson White, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve the Priority One General Fund Cemetery Project - Fence/Concrete, in the amount of $45,000.00, as an

approved project.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

8

CITY OF CHILLICOTHE

COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING

JUNE 23, 2025

Motion Alderperson White, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council waive the competitive bid process for the Cemetery Fence Project.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson White, second Alderperson Sharp, that the Council approve the proposal, in the amount of $26,500.00, from Engbrecht Concrete for the construction of the concrete portion of the Cemetery Fence Project. Payable from the General Fund - Priority One Project Fence/Concrete.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson White, second Alderperson Sharp, that the Council approve the Priority One General Fund Parks Project - Mower, in the amount of $20,000.00, as an approved project. Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson White, second Alderperson Sharp, that the Council approve the purchase of a John Deere Z930M ZTrack 16" deck with twills, in the amount of $13,050.00 and a set of AP12F fixed palate forks, in the amount of $1,250.00. Payable to Heritage Tractor. Payable from the General Fund - Priority One Parks Project - Mower.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson White, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve the Priority One General Fund Parks Project - Picnic Tables, in the amount of $20,000.00, as an approved project.

Discussion: Alderperson Semtner questioned the need for more picnic tables given the number of existing wooden picnic tables currently in the City parks. Alderperson White and Superintendent Sutherland explained that the current wooden picnic tables are moved several times a year for various City events increasing the wear and tear on them and they are costly to maintain. The new picnic tables are maintenance free and will be anchored to concrete pads throughout the City parks. The wooden picnic tables will be stored and placed throughout the City as needed for public or special event requests. Alderperson Connor stressed since the new picnic tables are permanent a professional rendering should be considered before placement of the tables.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Sharp, White

Nays: Semtner

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson White, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve the purchase of 10 New Series 46" round picnic tables, in the amount of $9,437.72, payable to Belson Outdoors. Payable from the General Fund - Priority One Parks Project - Picnic Tables. Note: Colors: Six Green, Four Blue

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Sharp, White

Nays: Semtner

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson White, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve the Priority One General Fund Parks Project - Park Improvement, in the amount of $100,000.00, as an approved project.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Sharp, White

Nays: Semtner

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson White, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council approve the proposal from Engbrecht Concrete, in the amount of $15,000.00 for the installation of ten, 10 X 10 concrete pads for the picnic tables to be anchored. Payable from the General Fund - Priority One Parks Project - Park Improvement.

Roll Call Vote was:

Ayes: Bredeman, Connor, Crabtree, Gehrig, Sharp, White

Nays: Semtner

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson White, second Alderperson Connor, that the Council approve the hiring of Victor Schwiderski, as a seasonal part-time employee, subject to pre-employment testing, at an hourly rate of $15.00.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson White, second Alderperson Bredeman, that the Council authorize the City Attorney to review and make recommendations to amend Chapter 26 - Cemeteries, Article III Columbarium, Section 26-92 General Regulations allowing for the use of the extra line for engraving on single niches only.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE:

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson White, that the Council approve the Supervisors wage increases as follows:

Police Chief

Economic Development Director

Superintendent of Public Works

Office Manager

New Salary

$95,800.00 Market Adjustment $66,000.00 Market Adjustment $81,786.17 4% $80,774.09 4.5%

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Semtner, second Alderperson Gehrig, that the Council approve the Supervisor Wage & Benefit Police as presented.

Roll Call Vote was:

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

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Motion Alderperson Crabtree, second Alderperson White, that the meeting adjourn at 8:01 p.m.

Mayor Hughes declared the meeting adjourned.

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