The Grayville City Council held a Park Committee Meeting followed by a Regular Session Meeting on Monday night.
During recognition of visitors the Council heard from Jonathan and Rhonda Brown about an ordinance complaint they’ve received pertaining to their family pets. While Tony and Sharon Butler voiced concerns over an abandoned property that has become home to multiple wildlife ranging from cats to racoons and skunks. Concerns were raised over the current wording punishing pet owners, while an abandoned property, which has been reported multiple times over the years, remains unchanged. At that time, the City Attorney and Chief Burrows had a heated exchange about the handling of ordinance questions.
There have also been reports of trash being dumped in the park near the ball diamond which needs addressed by ordinance officers.
In old business the council moved to suspend discussion and approve Ordinance No. 911 Zoning Map Amendment. The City Attorney will be sending a letter to the IL Dept. of Transportation reflecting the changes moving forward on the billboard.
The City reports having one lifeguard and 8 students interested in becoming lifeguards, however the training in Evansville won’t start until June. Therefore, the city has decided to open the pool for training locally with the assistance from a Certified Red Cross Instructor from the Albion area.
The city has received a late bid on generator maintenance and heard from multiple representatives regarding whether to repair or replace the city generators in question. The bid to replace the generator would be over $12,000 with the city responsible for running the gas line. Where-as moving the existing generator would cost just over $6000, but the city would be responsible for running gasoline, pouring the concrete pad, and moving the generator. Commissioner Baldwin voiced his support for keeping the old generator. The motion has been tabled for further discussion.
The council has set the 2022 preliminary Budget Public Hearing date for April 19.
In discussion over Ordinance No. 908 Amending Zoning Code to add Special Use to R-2 District for the placement of a pet crematorium in a residential area. In the last meeting the vote to strike down the amendment was tied, leading to questions of the validity of the Mayor voting under Roberts Rules, which state the Mayor cannot vote unless to break a tie. The City Attorney said it was his understanding that the motion was voted down at the last meeting and asked that it be tabled while he researches the validity of the Mayor’s vote from the previous meeting.
In new business the council approved the Material Storage Lease with Ameren Illinois for 12 months at $1000 per month, with up front payment of the entire amount. Remember our Fallen – Ride to the Wall will make a pit stop in Grayville on May 25th, with a meal to be served at Dillard’s Hardware. The council approved the request from the Friends of Grayville to close off both blocks of Main Street for a car show to be held on June 8th, as well as granting the request for a special event liquor license for the Moose Lodge Fish Fry in June.
The City of Grayville will hold a Police Committee Meeting tonight (Tuesday, April 13) at the City Hall.
The next Regular Session Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Grayville City Hall.
