Macon Reporter

City of Decatur City Council met June 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

On Monday, June 24, 2019, the City Council of the City of Decatur, Illinois, met in Study Session at Main Street Church of the Living God, 2000 North Main Street, Decatur, Illinois.

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

City Manager Scot Wrighton attended the meeting as well.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for a Study Session on Neighborhood Revitalization.

City Manager Wrighton presented a PowerPoint presentation and discussed introducing new data, organized by neighborhood, from the Greater Opportunity Zone urban core area. Mayor Moore Wolfe and Councilman McDaniel agreed that demolitions should be a priority.

The following residents provided input:

Mr. Jacob Jenkins urged council to repurpose vacant lots.

Mr. Tony Caccamo supported demolishing blighted homes but while making other improvements as well.

Mr. Bruce Bullamore suggested tighter regulations on rental properties.

Ms. Dianna Pace stated that many homeowners are leaving the west end because of crime.

Ms. Joyce Keller stated that people want to see action now.

Mr. Kent West stated that he is in favor of a rental inspection program.

Mr. Daniel Pickrel commended the downtown revitalization.

City Manager Wrighton discussed whether there was a need to recruit an Opportunity Zone investment advisor and discussed job training and business incubation assistance.

City Manager Wrighton introduced Shelith Hansbro, member of Main Street Church of the Living God, to discuss potential partnerships with faith-based organizations.

Ms. Shelith Hansbro, member of Main Street Church discussed the importance of faith- based organizations participating in neighborhood revitalization, and she spoke about the following programs the church is actively involved with: Youth with a Positive Direction, Grandparents Program, Youth Employment Program, Backpack Program, beautification projects and neighborhood cleanups.

City Manager Wrighton announced that after looking at several factors and data, the following four neighborhoods were identified as the most distressed: Old Kings Orchard, Wabash Crossing, Near East Side and Torrence Park. Mayor Moore Wolfe indicated that she would like to begin revitalizing the neighborhoods identified by City Manager Wrighton.

The following residents provided input:

Ms. Marsha Phillips urged council not to increase taxes.

Mr. Reed Sutman with SONA (Sustain our Natural Areas) gave an overview of the organization. Mr. Sutman announced that SONA is need of land to develop more natural spaces in Decatur.

Mr. Bruce Bullamore reported that the National Development Corporation provides training to municipalities, and they are up to date on federal programs.

Mr. Jacob Jenkins urged council not to neglect neighborhood input.

Mr. Alan Duesterhaus urged council to build off of resources that already exist.

Mr. David Stewart reminded council not to forget about the residents and to also give the plan longevity.

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

Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the Study Session adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

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