Andrea Bredeman

The City Council meeting covered several administrative and financial actions. Communications included reports from the City Treasurer, Budget Comparison, City Collector, and City Engineer. The Council discussed the upcoming City Cemetery Clean Up, scheduling volunteer cleanup efforts downtown, and a riverfront development plan meeting. Discussions involved a briefing schedule for an FLM's appeal related to a Zoning Board decision. The Council authorized the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance increasing the fee for Peddlers from $50.00 to $250.00. Approvals were granted for several Special Event Notices, including the Downtown Merchants Annual Easter Egg Hunt and craft fairs at Shore Acres Park. The Council approved agreements and expenditures for copier purchases and service contracts for both the Fire Department and the Police Department, including a Tough Book purchase for the Police Department. Expenditures were approved for firearm training for ten officers and K-9 recertification. Ordinances were authorized to be prepared removing Division 3 Arborists and Article V Taxicabs. Approval was given for hiring part-time summer help, vacating a public right of way (foot of Beech Street), purchasing mosquito spray, and amending the ordinance regarding the combined water and sewer system (purchase of meters). Expenditures were approved for a Root Cutter Kit. The Council accepted a proposal for auditing services for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2017. The meeting included a closed session to discuss Personnel, followed by approval of a retirement agreement.

The Council meeting included the placement on file of various committee minutes, reports from the City Engineer, Collector, Treasurer, and Zoning Officer. Committee reports highlighted survey progress for Sycamore Trail Park and activity regarding the Whiskey City Salvage property. Key actions included concurring with the Mayoral appointment of Dean Braun as Fourth Ward Alderman, approving a fee waiver for the Optimist Club's special event, granting permission for live entertainment at the American Legion, authorizing the City Attorney to begin abandonment proceedings for the property at 1807 Finney, approving an application for the Sidewalk Program, directing the preparation of an RFP for the demolition of 721 Third Street, and approving the purchase of Christmas Decorations not to exceed $1,000.00. The Council also adjourned to and returned from a closed session to review closed session minutes.

The City Council meeting included placing committee minutes and various reports on file. Discussions involved a legal communication regarding FLM Enterprises, LLC vs. Peoria county Zoning Board of Appeals. The Public Safety Committee announced plans to review the Golf Cart Ordinance in November. A fundraiser for the Sycamore Trail Park was noted. Concerns were addressed regarding a street closing by the Railroad on Benedict Street, with assurance provided that Police and Fire Departments were notified and the work was expected to conclude shortly. Key actions included awarding the contract for the demolition of 616 Fourth Street and waiving competitive bidding for that action, approving salvage rights for 716 N Fourth Street, approving an advertising agreement with the Chillicothe Optimist Town Theatre, and approving Facelift Grant Program applications for Star Fish Cottage and Lucky Dogs. Furthermore, the Council passed ordinances rezoning property at 721 Third Street, approving a license for 617 Truitt, and vacating a portion of Public Right of Way on Fourth Street. An expenditure for tires for Truck 23 was approved, as was the striping of Bradley Avenue with bicycle markings. The Council also scheduled a Public Hearing for the Tax Levy Ordinance for October 22, 2018, and directed members to review the Social Media Policy before the next meeting.

The agenda for the meeting includes several committee discussions and potential approvals. The Public Works Committee items focus on approving purchases for refurbished and new motors for pump houses, including one purchase utilizing ARPA funds, and referring a draft policy on sewer cleaning to the City Attorney. The Finance Committee agenda involves multiple approvals related to a General Fund Priority One Project Technology Upgrade, including approving the statement of work with Pearl Technology, equipment and computer purchases, and agreements related to I3 Internet services for both the Police Department and City Hall, as well as approving a Voucher Program for Spring 2025. The Economic Development Committee plans to approve the build for Holiday Market chalets/sheds for Boondock Farms and a Memorandum of Understanding concerning a Viaduct Benefit Cost Analysis. Finally, the Judicial Committee will address the approval of an ordinance concerning electronic participation.

The council addressed several key issues, including citizens' concerns about the lack of street markings near the river on Walnut Street, which was referred to the Public Works Committee. A petition was presented by downtown business owners requesting the repeal of the overnight parking ban, which was then referred to the Judicial Committee for review. The council approved multiple expenditures, including payments to Plaza Park Group, LLC, for TIF redevelopment, Advanced Asphalt Co. for paving projects, and for the 2010 Overlay Program. Additionally, Resolution No. 11-01-01 was adopted to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax Funds for maintaining streets and highways.