Macon Reporter

City of Sullivan City Council met Oct. 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

1 The City Council of the City of Sullivan, Illinois, met in regular session on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at 7 00 p.m. at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, 2 West Water Street, Sullivan. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Richard Glazebrook. A roll call was taken.

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood present 

Commissioner Mike Fowler present

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth present 

Commissioner Peggy Hargis present 

Mayor Richard Glazebrook present

2. Chris Dobosz presented on behalf of the Okaw Valley Tennis Association regarding the condition of the tennis courts. The courts are restricting programs and need to be replaced or repaired. He explained that they are used for pickleball, park rec, middle school tennis league, and a women' s tennis league. Mr Dobosz would like to start a high school team, which requires six courts by IHSA rules. He believes a tennis complex could support a wide range of teams, adult leagues, tournaments, and tennis programs. He added that this could create opportunities for people to visit our community and contribute to our economy

3 Lynn Lowder presented information on the Veteran' s Business Project, a non-profit organization that helps veterans start businesses. Mr Lowder explained that the percentage of veterans involved in business has dropped due to the lack of capital available. His organization matches veterans with owners wanting to sell their businesses. He believes that there are small businesses and opportunities for veterans to continue and start businesses here in Sullivan.

4 Mayor Glazebrook asked if there were any comments from the public Nancy Barker asked the council to consider purchasing the Titus ground adjacent to Tabor Park. She stated it would be a great asset to the city and could draw more people to the community. Mike Marshall explained that he applied for a wiring permit for his woodshop and has has been waiting for 8 weeks to hear from the City Mayor Glazebrook referred him to speak with Commissioner Fowler to get the issue resolved.

5. Mayor Glazebrook read the items on the consent agenda.

Approval of Minutes of the previous regular meeting held September 23, 2019

Approval of claims except those in the TIF IV funds

A motion was made by Commissioner Hargis and seconded by Commissioner Sherwood that the consent agenda be approved. Upon a roll call being taken, the results were as follows.

Commissioner Peggy Hargis yea 

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood yea 

Commissioner Mike Fowler yea

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

and the motion was declared carried by omnibus vote

6 A motion was made by Commissioner Woodworth and seconded by Commissioner Sherwood to approve the claims for TIF IV Upon a roll call being taken, the results were as follows

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood yea 

Commissioner Mike Fowler abstain

Commissioner Peggy Hargis yea 

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

and the motion was declared carried.

7 Commissioner Sherwood expressed that our thoughts and prayers are with the Mendoza and Sample families. She recognized how the community came together to support these families during their time of loss. The Police and Fire Departments were thanked for their efforts and quick response to this difficult situation,

noting that their hard work hasn't gone unnoticed. She reached out to the school to show the City's support and willingness to help in any way possible. The Park Department will start working on clean up in Tabor Park. Commissioner Sherwood met with the Blue Dolphin's Coach about their team growth and success.

8 Commissioner Fowler reported that Journeyman Lineman, Brock Cook left the Electric Department and has been replaced. Elliott Smithson passed his Journeyman Lineman testing. Mayor Glazebrook thanked the Department for the power pole installation.

9 Commissioner Woodworth reported a water main break was discovered

and repaired in the alley behind the Little Theatre. He thanked the Gas & Street Departments for assisting with this leak and that they all worked together A water main is currently being installed on Fuller Street. Commissioner Woodworth met with Lee Beckman and instructed him to move forward with the new water treatment plant.

10 Commissioner Hargis explained that the Street Department has started working on a project on Corey Avenue. The department has been working on brush clean up, replaced a damaged stop sign and will be getting ready for winter

11 Mayor Glazebrook thanked Commissioner Sherwood, Dan Flannell, the Police Department and first responders for their efforts during the recent tragedy The City has taken ownership of the Titus Home, an architect will be going through the home on Tuesday Mayor Glazebrook met with the department superintendents regarding long term plans for the City He has been working with Kathleen Preissmg on the P O W project, reported that Spence Monuments are refurbishing the grand army monument in the cemetery, and explained that landscaping for the pavilion is in the works.

12. Treasurer Sarah Golden gave a recap of the trick-or-treat hours for previous years. A motion was made by Commissioner Sherwood and seconded by Commissioner Hargis to approve trick-or-treat hours for October 31, 2019, from 4-9 p.m. Upon a roll call being taken, the results were are follows

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood yea 

Commissioner Mike Fowler yea

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Commissioner Peggy Hargis yea 

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

And the motion was declared carried.

13 A motion was made by Commissioner Woodworth and seconded by Commissioner Fowler to waive formal reading and adopt Ordinance No 19- 16 to amend Section 21- 2-6 of Article II Chapter 21 ofthe revised code of ordinances of the City of Sullivan thereby allowing holders of Class A, B or C liquor licenses to apply for a special permit authorizing off-site sales of alcoholic liquors covered by said licenses for a period not exceeding twenty-four hours per event. The City Administrator explained that this is designed for all liquor licenses holders, except package liquor stores, to be able to hold off-site functions. This provision permits license holders to apply for a special use permit that is valid for up to 24 hours, allowing them to sell alcoholic liquors permitted by their license at an offsite location within the city limits. Upon a roll call being taken, the results were as follows

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Commissioner Mike Fowler yea

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood yea 

Commissioner Peggy Hargis yea 

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

And the motion was declared carried.

14 Mayor Glazebrook asked for comments from the public regarding the legalization of recreational cannabis. The City needs to decide whether they will allow cannabis sales within the City and if they will impose additional taxes on the sales. Dan Flannell explained that they cannot override legislation but can opt-out of allowing a dispensary in Sullivan. If they choose not to opt-out, they can impose zoning restrictions. Dave Walker commented that there is a limit on how much cannabis you can possess. Nancy Barker asked if it is currently legal to smoke and have cannabis in your home. Dan Flannell explained that only current medical cardholders are allowed to possess or smoke cannabis at this time. Gerry Wood asked about the difficulty in testing for a DUI. Chief Andy Pistorius explained that it is difficult but there is cannabis testing currently under development. Mayor Glazebrook stated that if the City does decide to tax the sales he would like to pass the revenue on to the school, the police, mental health, grants, and equipment.

15 Richard French asked if lineman are required to remain employed with the City after they have completed their training. Dan Flannell explained that if a lineman leaves before acquiring Journeyman status, they are required to reimburse the City back at 100% within 60 days. After receiving Journeyman status the reimbursement is scaled down for seven years. There was a question asking for information about the P O W project. Mike Keown explained that they are asking communities to become P O W cities and to commit to completing P O W projects.

16 A motion was made by Mayor Glazebrook and seconded by Commissioner Sherwood to adjourn to closed session at 8. 06 p.m. to discuss the consideration of setting the price for the sale or lease of real estate owned by the City, consideration of the purchase of a specific parcel or parcles of real property for the use of the City and discussion of impending litigation concerning a tax assessment appeal adversely impacting City finances. Upon roll call being taken, the results were as follows

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood yea 

Commissioner Mike Fowler yea

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Commissioner Peggy Hargis yea

17 Mayor Glazebrook reconvened the meeting at 9 13 p.m.

18 A motion was made3 by Commissioner Fowler and seconded by Commissioner Sherwood to adjourn the meeting. Upon roll call being taken, the results were as follows-

Commissioner Mike Fowler yea

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood yea 

Commissioner Chuck Woodworth yea

Commissioner Peggy Hargis yea 

Mayor Richard Glazebrook yea

and the motion was declared carried and the meeting was adjourned at 9 13 p.

http://www.sullivanil.us/October%2015,%202019.pdf