Macon Reporter

City of Decatur City Council met May 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of the City of Decatur, Illinois, met in Regular Meeting at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, One Gary K. Anderson Plaza, Decatur, Illinois.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe presided, together with her being Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Pat McDaniel, Rodney Walker and Bill Faber. Councilwoman Lisa Gregory was absent. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared a quorum present.

City Manager Scot Wrighton attended the meeting as well. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe called for Appearance of Citizens.

Mr. Greg Spain, retired police officer, stepped forward to address the council regarding remarks made by the City Manager concerning the Decatur Police Benevolent and Protective Association (PBPA) on Byers and Company on May 14th.

City Manager Wrighton responded that the city is trying to do what is best for all citizens of Decatur.

With no other Appearance of Citizens, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Approval of Minutes.

The minutes of the April 29, 2019 and May 6, 2019 City Council meetings were presented. Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the minutes be approved as written; seconded by Councilman David Horn and on call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Pat McDaniel, Rodney Walker, Bill Faber and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Unfinished Business. With no Unfinished Business, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for New Business.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Proclamations and Recognitions.

Mayor Moore Wolfe recognized the following students traveling to Decatur’s sister city, Seevetal, Germany: Ambriah Bradford, Emma Brandel, Abigail Brown, Anna Brunner, Evan Cyrulik, Kaitlin Dickey, Keyari Page, Chloe Shafer and Erin Vandevoorde.

Kathy Sorensen with Sister Cities gave an overview of the Sister Cities Program.

Tara Murray with DMCOC read the proclamation proclaiming May, 2019 as “Community Action Awareness Month” in the City of Decatur.

Linda Gross, Susie Wolfe and Kay Janvrin with Garden Club of Decatur read the proclamation proclaiming June 2 through June 8 as “Garden Club Week”.

Finance Director Gregg Zientara presented the Treasurer’s Financial Report and responded to questions from council.

2019-30 Repeal of Ordinance 2019-18 Vacating an Alley South of 800 West King Street, was presented. Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the Repeal of Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilman David Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Pat McDaniel, Rodney Walker, Bill Faber and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2019-31 Ordinance Vacating an Alley South of 800 West King Street, was presented. Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilman David Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Pat McDaniel, Rodney Walker, Bill Faber and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2019-74 Resolution Accepting the Bid Price of Sloan Implement Co. Inc., for the Purchase of One (1) All Terrain Mower Unit, was presented. Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the Resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman David Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Pat McDaniel, Rodney Walker, Bill Faber and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2019-75 Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Dunn Company, A Division of Tyrolt Inc. for Annual Street Restoration, City Project 2019-08, was presented. Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the Resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman David Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Pat McDaniel, Rodney Walker, Bill Faber and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2019-76 Resolution Authorizing Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement - South Water Street, LLC, Garage Parking C, was presented. Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the Resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman David Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Pat McDaniel, Rodney Walker, Bill Faber and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Consent Calendar Items A and B and asked if any Council member wished to have an item removed from the Consent Calendar. Both items were removed from the consent calendar to discuss a concern from Councilman Kuhle.

Item A: R2019-77 Resolution Regarding Temporary Closing of State Rights-of-Way Community Events - Shoreline Classic, was presented. Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the Resolution do pass; seconded by Councilman David Horn.

Councilman Kuhle commented that there was no language in either item that held the event organizer responsible for cleaning-up after an event.

City Manager Wrighton responded that moving forward event organizers will be informed of the responsibility.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Pat McDaniel, Rodney Walker, Bill Faber and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Item B: 2019-32 Ordinance Authorizing Consumption of Alcoholic Liquor in Central Park - Decatur Area Arts Council - Arts in Central Park 2019, was presented. Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the Ordinance do pass; seconded by Councilman David Horn.

Upon call of the roll, Council members David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Pat McDaniel, Rodney Walker, Bill Faber and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

With consent of the council, Anthony Spates stepped forward to address the council with a concern over a substantial increase to his utility bill. Mr. Spates also addressed an issue regarding the amount of concrete that was used on an approach at a family member’s residence.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Unfinished Business.

Councilman Horn would like to see the council be more vocal on their views of marijuana and suggested that the council develop a consensus so that the city’s lobbyist, Curry and Associates, can express the views of council at the state level on the legalization of marijuana.

Councilman Horn expressed that he is opposed to the sale of marijuana in the City of Decatur if the legalization of marijuana is approved at the state level.

Councilman McDaniel responded that he also opposes the legalization of marijuana. Councilman McDaniel would like to get a consensus with not only council but with surrounding communities to become a stronger voice.

Councilman Walker stated that it is unfamiliar territory for everyone, and more information needs to be brought forth before deciding.

Councilman Faber expressed that he would like public input on the matter.

Councilman Kuhle suggested the option to opt out out at first and then opt back in if necessary.

Mayor Moore Wolfe announced that she is against legalization of marijuana in the City of Decatur.

Councilman Faber thanked the Public Works Department for the amount of work they accomplished for the month of April.

With no other business, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for adjournment. Councilman Pat McDaniel moved the Council meeting be adjourned; seconded by Councilwoman David Horn and on call of the roll, David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Pat McDaniel, Rodney Walker, Bill Faber and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the Council meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

https://www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council-meetings/