City of Lewistown City Council met April 25.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Lewistown TIF Committee meet in the Council Chambers at City Hall at 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson John Spotloe, Alderperson Sally Clark, Alderperson Kendall Miller, Mayor Douglas Lafary, also present City Clerk Cindy Goddard and Treasurer Debby Brown.
Chairperson John Spotloe called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
BUSINESS:
1. Discuss TIF application from Lewistown Masonic Lodge #104 – Tom Svihla said about a year ago came and received TIF money to repair roof that was leaking, and had told committee at that time that carpet and walls had gotten wet, it was agreed at that time to split into two installments because TIF funds were low. This is for the internal walls that got fixed. They are asking for $7,933.36, the cost of the repairs. Alderperson Sally Clark recommended the $7,933.36 be reimbursed to the Lewistown Masonic Lodge #104 by approving the TIF Ordinance during council meeting, second by Alderperson Kendall Miller, all agreed.
2. Discuss TIF application from Mefail Mehmedi (Countryside Family Restaurant)- Mr. Mehmedi stated he needs money for parking lot, he is now the only restaurant in town he needs more parking space and the original part needs redone. City Clerk handed out the figures and at this time only have $37,000.00 left in the TIF funds to give out. In the fall the city will receive around $120,000.00 from tax money. Part of the new area that was just purchased is grass so can only do area B of the map because it is presently blacktopped. Alderperson Clark asked if only one estimate and he said yes. She suggested get second estimate. Need to get an estimate for part B only. Will table at this time till next meeting with new estimates.
ADJOURNMENT at 6:27 p.m. by Chairperson John Spotloe, second by Alderperson Miller.
The Lewistown City Council met in regular session in the council chambers. Mayor Douglas Lafary called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation: Pastor Paul Walmsly
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Alderperson Sally Clark, Jim Long, Brad Ward, Kendall Miller, Kim Pascal, John Spotloe and Mayor Doug Lafary. Also present: City Clerk Cindy Goddard, City Treasurer Debby Brown, Public Works Director Evinn Palmer, and City Attorney Nathan Collins.
DECLARATION OF QUORUM by Mayor Doug Lafary
CLERKS REPORT/MINUTES: Cindy Goddard. Nothing to report.
Alderperson Long made a motion to approve the minutes of April 11, 2023, second by Alderperson Clark, the motion carried all ayes.
Alderperson Long made a motion to approve the water committee minutes of April 13, 2023, second by Alderperson Clark, the motion carried all ayes.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Debbie Brown. Nothing
ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Attorney Nathan Collins. Nothing to report.
ENGINEER'S REPORT: Keith Plavec. No Engineer present.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PETITIONS: Deb Hefferen's at meeting to complain about her neighbor behind her, she has a problem with him burning garbage. Alderperson Miller said people cannot burn garbage, and any fires have to be out by 5:00 p.m. Deb offered to buy a burning barrel, but was told not supposed to burn period. He burns garbage! What am I supposed to do when I'm outside and the smoke comes my way? She was told to call the police department every time he is burning. Alderperson Miller is tired of paying for cleaning up people's yards, it shouldn't be the tax payer's money that cleans up everyone's yards.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance/Insurance/Zoning - Alderperson Clark: Nothing to report.
Sewer - Alderperson Spotloe Chairman, nothing, but Alderperson Sally Clark has a problem with the alley by her house flooding, it is a natural waterway that several streets drain to. So, when rains hard that alley floods. Public Works already checked and the drains are not plugged. Just a problem when heavy rain it all runs in that direction.
Streets & Allies - Alderperson Miller: Nothing to report.
Police/ESDA -- Alderperson Ward: Nothing to report.
Water Alderperson Miller: Committee meeting on water regarding the grant money took place at 6:00 p.m.. Several options with ground storage tank and pump house, waiting on answers, estimates and going to have another meeting to finalize options.
Utilities/Publications - Alderperson Long: Nothing to report.
Public Buildings & Grounds - Alderperson Long: Nothing
Tourism - Alderman Pascal: Alderperson Miller said next weekend for Spring Drive on May 6, there will be vendors in Porter Park. City Clerk reminded everyone The Blacksmith Shop and Museum will be open for visitors and having cleanup day on the 29th. Can use the help.
Tax Increment Financing - Alderperson Spotloe: Later in new business.
Citizens Committee - Amanda Sutphen said since the last meeting she have received all the paperwork for the $600,000.00 grant for water. Sooner the better for the final decision. She would like to have a water committee meeting next Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. on May 2, 2023. The goal is to have all information for grant wrapped up by middle of May.
Christmas Committee - Kenny Haacke not present.
WORKS DIRECTOR'S REPORT Evinn Palmer Director said the workers have started the lead and copper identification program. Doing 5 a day at this time, will do more when summer help starts. Have to complete by April 2024.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Discuss/Act Upon Annual Appropriation Ordinance for FY 24- City Clerk Cindy Goddard said the only change from last meeting is adding the $120,000.00 to the water department budget for the matching portion of the grant we have to have. Alderperson Miller made a motion to approve the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for FY 24, second by Alderperson Clark, roll call vote, motion carried all ayes.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discuss/Act Upon TIF Application and Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a TIF Redevelopment Agreement by and between Lewistown Masonic Lodge #104 and the City of Lewistown - As explained earlier this is the second phase of TIF for rehab of the Masonic building on the square. In the amount of $7,933.36, the water committee recommended to grant entire amount. Motion by Alderperson Clark, to approve the TIF Redevelopment Agreement/Ordinance by and between Lewistown Masonic Lodge #104 and the City of Lewistown, second by Alderperson Long, roll call vote motion carried all ayes.
2. Discuss/Act Upon TIF Application for TIF Benefits for Redevelopment from Mefail Mehmedi (Countryside Family Restaurant) - More questions so table at this time.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
Alderperson Long made a motion to approve all bills properly endorsed; Seconded by Alderperson Clark roll call vote, the motion carried with all ayes.
CLOSED SESSION: No closed session
ADJOURNMENT:
Alderperson Miller made a motion to adjourn at 7:00 p.m.; Seconded by Alderperson Long motion carried all ayes.
https://lewistownillinois.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/April-252023-City-council-min.pdf
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