Tonia Cothern

The council meeting agenda includes project updates regarding the Waste Water Treatment Plant and the 7th Street Water Main project, involving loan disbursements, pay applications, and change orders. Legal matters involve the presentation of ordinances related to downtown redevelopment financing, feral cat regulations, and real estate transfers, as well as a theater agreement. Departmental and committee items include a special event application, fire department personnel changes, and financial motions such as the purchase of a new police vehicle and a dump truck, alongside loan procurement and a garbage collection contract extension. Additionally, the agenda covers water and sewer bill adjustments and consideration of allowing a cannabis lounge within the city.

The City Council meeting, chaired by Alderman Scott in the Mayor's absence, addressed multiple engineering and municipal matters. Key discussions included the approval of a loan disbursement and change order for the Waste Water Treatment Plant project. Updates were provided on upcoming project bids for the transmission main replacement, lead service line replacement, Safe Routes to School project, and the downtown water project. The council passed an ordinance amending the Solid Waste Collection Fee to $20.00 and another ordinance declaring property surplus for redevelopment. A public hearing date was set for an amendment to a Business District ordinance. Progress on theater basement insulation and exterior vent coverage was noted. Negotiations were authorized for a redevelopment agreement with Jack Matthews Development for South Locust Street properties. A resolution authorizing a Pre-Annexation Agreement failed initially but was slated for reconsideration at the next session. The council also approved landscaping assistance for the Lincoln Prairie Bike Trailhead and allowed the Pana Chamber of Commerce to return to their former office. Several one-time water/sewer adjustments were approved for various properties, and the first presentation of an ordinance regarding insufficient funds checks occurred.

Key discussions included a presentation from a master gardener regarding funding for landscaping at the Lincoln Prairie Bike Trail head. The council considered and ultimately failed to pass an ordinance amending the sale of personal property code section. A first presentation was given for an ordinance increasing the solid waste collection fee to $20.00, and another ordinance declaring property surplus redevelopment parcels was presented. The City Engineer reported on the installation of a storm sewer and inspection of building trusses. The council approved expense reimbursement to BNT Glass per their redevelopment agreement and approved filling a vacancy in the Street Department with Blake Stauder. Funding applications were approved for the CDS Grant and IEPA funding for transmission main replacement Phase 2, and for the Illinois Regional/Site Readiness Program for road improvements. Approval was also granted for in-filling basement windows at 119 E 2nd St. The Police Chief announced the retirement of Officer Richard Rahar, effective March 1, 2026. A Committee of the Whole meeting was scheduled for February 4, 2026.

Key discussions included acknowledging the retirement of a long-time reporter for the Breeze Courier and addressing a garbage disposal rate increase, which prompted the scheduling of an Administration Committee Meeting. The Council took action on several ordinances and resolutions, including levying taxes for the current fiscal year, rezoning property at 307 S Chestnut Street from R-1 to C-2, and approving a Special Use Permit for Elite Trucking at the same address. Further business involved amending an ordinance regarding disturbing the peace, approving engineering agreements for the Downtown Watermain Project, and initiating the Request for Proposal process for the conveyance and redevelopment of properties on S Locust St. The Council also approved volunteer Fire Fighters pending background checks and heard the first presentation of an ordinance amending the section regarding the sale of personal property. Financial actions included approving payments for lift station repairs and materials for other lift station repairs, approving payment for sewer work, making an addendum to a Construction Manager Agreement concerning lift rental, and adjusting an IEPA SRF loan for construction contingency. The session concluded with the approval to release certain closed session minutes.

The City Council meeting addressed several significant items. The Council acknowledged the first presentation of an ordinance levying taxes for municipal purposes for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2025. Other legislative actions included the first presentation of an ordinance rezoning property from R-1 to C-2 at 307 S Chestnut Street, and the subsequent approval of an ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for Elite Trucking at the same address, amended to include a six-month timeline for fence installation. The Council passed the 2026 Motor Fuel Tax Resolution and an ordinance authorizing traffic changes, specifically for 4-way stop signs and no parking signs at Maple & 2nd, Chestnut and 3rd, and Jefferson Street. The first presentation of an ordinance amending the Disturbing the Peace section of the Pana Code of Ordinances was acknowledged. Financial actions included approving a significant loan disbursement for the Waste Water Treatment Plant project, approving additional expenses for parapet wall completion at 109 & 113 S Locust paid from Business District Funds, and approving a task order to temporarily secure beams at 31 E Second St. Additionally, the Council approved water leak adjustments for two residents and approved an oversized lake lot transfer with double fees applying. The Special Events Application for the Pana Parks Revitalization Annual Popcorn Festival was approved via voice vote. The City Engineer provided updates regarding clean-up efforts by IDOC inmates, roof inspection results, and dam inspection completion.