Alexa Lee

The council meeting addressed several key areas, including the appointment of a volunteer firefighter and a city codes officer. Discussions were held regarding repairs to Engine One, with a decision made to proceed with repairs. The council approved the closure of a street for a local business's annual sale and reviewed a proposal for a new city hall project. Additionally, the demolition of certain properties under the Illinois Municipal Code was discussed but ultimately tabled. A request for a stop sign at an intersection was approved, and invoices for various services and projects were reviewed and approved for payment. The council also discussed the upcoming marijuana laws and their potential impact on the city.

The council meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics, such as tax increment financing assistance agreements with Glodich Honda and West Frankfort Pediatric Group, and a new intergovernmental agreement regarding the School Resource Officer. The council also discussed the purchase of a Zuercher Suite computer-aided dispatch system for the police department, repairs to Engine One, and advertising for bids for demolition of properties. Additionally, the council addressed a request for a stop sign, approved blocking traffic for concerts, and approved several invoices for various services and equipment.

The council meeting addressed several key areas including the approval of a resolution for the C.A.R.E. Association to sponsor the Fantasy of Lights Parade, and the approval of an ordinance establishing an Enterprise Zone within the city. Discussions also involved a resolution abating property tax in the Franklin County I-57 Enterprise Zone, wage reopeners for collective bargaining agreements with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, and accepting bids for demolition of abandoned properties. Additional actions included a discussion regarding a request for a four-way stop, approvals for blocking off traffic for the Fantasy Lights Parade, and payments for invoices related to fire department equipment, sewer line repair, lighting at the West Frankfort Mall, and water department expenses. The council also discussed building and sign permits, officer reports, and updates on city projects and events.

The meeting focused on a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. The grant aims to improve infrastructure at or near the West Frankfort Mall, including enhancements to the parking lot, sidewalks, lighting, entrance doors, HVAC unit, and public roads. The city is applying for approximately $2.1 million for this project.

The council discussed and approved several items, including accepting a bid for painting the West Frankfort Mall, partial pay estimate to Wiggs Excavating, Inc. and a construction engineering bill to Brown & Roberts, Inc. regarding the High School Sanitary Sewer Rehab Project. Also discussed were payment for an invoice from Fowler Heating & Cooling regarding replacement of a unit at the West Frankfort Mall, payment of an invoice from Larry Morgan Trucking regarding the building up of the location for the new building for the Sewer Department, payment of an invoice from Loring Appraisal Services, payment of an invoice from Energy Culvert Co, Inc. regarding repair of culvert for the Street Department, payment of an invoice from Thin Blue Line Public Safety Equipment regarding equipment for the Police Department. Approvals were also granted for Weeks Chevrolet to hold their annual Trunk or Treat event and for ABATE-Franklin County to hold their annual fundraiser roadblock. Building and sign permits were discussed and approved. The Mayor reported on Mach 1 starting site preparation, Wisconsin Physicians Services almost completed remodeling at the mall, Bonnie Café opened, Nifty Swifty is in the process of building their new convenience store, and St. Louis Street is ahead of schedule.