The McLeansboro City Council met for its regular monthly session Tuesday night for about an hour. Scott Mareing was there and has this report…
There was a Public Hearing held a half an hour previous to the regular meeting for the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Appropriations. The hearing adjourned at 5:14 PM.
The regular meeting began with the board members approving remote attendance by Mayor Chad May as applicable under the city code.
Kathy Wuebbesl addressed the board concerning a leaky fire hydrant near her residence on Meadow Hills Drive. It has been a problem for just over a year and a lot of water has been leaked with standing water being a problem. She that whenever she asked about when it would be fixed, she was told that it’s not a high priority. Wuebbsel believes the city should be responsible and fix it. Mayor May said that some things happen that board members are not aware of. May said he would investigate the situation and contact her as soon as he could find out something.
The FY 25 budget was unanimously approved.
First reading of an ordinance regarding utility rates was given. They are working on guidelines to establish and vote on changes at next month’s meeting. There was also first reading of an ordinance regarding changing the due date and late fee assessment for the monthly utility bills. Consultation is going on with their attorneys on this and they hope to have some information at next month’s meeting.
After second reading of an ordinance establishing FY 25 appropriations, the board approved the ordinance.
The board approved the only bid for demolition of a trailer at 307 Old Brickyard Road in the amount of $1,500.
The city will try to get all they possibly can from the properties up for tax sale
There was first reading of an ordinance establishing a K-9 Fund, which will be voted on next month.
The board also approved their usual $25 donation to the Rotary Club annual Memorial Day flag program.
The Consent Agenda was approved. It consisted of a review of the monthly financial reports including bills and transfers, a review of the monthly Zoning Report , a review of department reports, a resolution regarding maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code concerning Motor fuel tax funds, and accepting the resignation of Tyler Weller effective May 24th. $210,000 of the $400,000 in the MFT fund will be used for the oiling and chipping and double sealing of city streets.
In the Police Report, they have an officer still receiving training at the Academy, an officer is receiving School Resource Officer training and the others in the department are getting high risk and use-of-force training. They also have received the $50,000 Hire and Retention grant and have applied for a bullet proof vest grant. The Dodge Durango is about ready and the K-9 equipment should arrive in the next couple of weeks.
In the Fire Department Report, they just received the $26,000 Rural Equipment grant.
The EPA inspection of the sewer plant went well.
Frontier is going to install fiber optic cable later this year. The city will try to get them to sign an agreement that will hold them liable in case they cause any damage to the city’s infrastructure.
TIF funds will be used for repairs to the gutters and the porch at the library.
The board went into executive session at 6:31 PM to discuss employment of a specific individual.
