Carrie Gerdes

The Charleston Police Pension Fund Board of Trustees convened for a regular meeting, addressing several key items. The board reviewed and approved the monthly financial report, along with associated disbursements. They also examined investment reports from IPOPIF and State Street, focusing on performance and market values. Updates were provided on trustee training, and the board reviewed an application for membership. Additionally, the board discussed and approved board officer elections, designated the FOIA Officer and OMA Designee, and updated the BMO Bank signature cards and resolution for authorized agents and account representatives for IPOPIF. Legislative updates were also provided by the attorney, and the board affirmed the continuation of disability benefits for Brian Guinnee.

The Historic Preservation Commission meeting included discussions on the CLG Grant, focusing on brochure and house selections within specific historic districts. Commissioners agreed to restrict selections to the 6th and 7th Streets Historic District, the Courthouse Square, and the immediate downtown area. Candidates for an open commissioner position were discussed, with potential individuals suggested for outreach. Landmarks Illinois notified Coles County that it received the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Environmental Sustainability for the Courthouse Windows Project.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including the selection of buildings for the Walking Tour Brochure, with discussions focusing on balancing styles, integrity, and distance from the Historic District and the courthouse square. Commissioners agreed to a special meeting to finalize selections and tasked members with updating the building list and plotting potential selections on a Google map. Additionally, the commission discussed upcoming Mainstreet Illinois events and the requirement for commissioners to complete continuing education to enhance their knowledge.

The meeting focused on the Walking Tour Brochure, with Commissioners reviewing buildings, discussing their merits, and voting on their inclusion. They agreed to consider each side of the Courthouse Square as one entry and decided to enlarge those entries for more details. A final working list of buildings was selected as a guide for initial research. Commissioners also agreed to create side tours for the online Walking Tour. The owner of the Brown Shoe Factory was interested in giving Commissioners a tour of the building. A neighbor in the Historic District wants to replace her door, and the Commission agreed that she cannot replace the historic door but could add a storm door. Coles County officials will attend the Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards ceremony. The Midwest Open Air Museums and Coordinating Council meeting is being held in Charleston November 6-8.

The meeting covered discussions on the success of the second annual Butterfly Festival, with suggestions for improvement. The board discussed the Girl Scout tree planting initiative at Loxa Station and the planting of trees at the new Habitat house, including recommended species. An internship program for middle school students was proposed, with ideas for student involvement in social media and tree identification. New business included an Urban Tree Health Community Program and the promotion of tree-related events at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center and Walnut Point State Park.