Macon Reporter

City of Decatur City Council Met July 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of the City of Decatur, Illinois, met in a Study Session at 5:30 p.m., in the Decatur Civic Center Theater, One Gary K. Anderson Plaza, Decatur, Illinois.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe presided, together with her being Council members Chuck Kuhle, Rodney Walker, Lisa Gregory and David Horn. Councilman Bill Faber participated through electronic attendance pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(2) and a determination made by Mayor Moore Wolfe that an in-person meeting of all members of the City Council is not practical or prudent because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Councilman McDaniel was absent. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared a quorum present.

City Manager Scot Wrighton attended the meeting as well.

Mayor Moore Wolfe led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Appearance of Citizens and the following citizens provided comments to the Council: Gary Funk and Darrell Reynolds.

Councilman Faber made a motion to suspend the City Council policy on Public Participation Rules and Procedures to allow Mr. Funk additional time to speak. Councilman Horn seconded the motion.

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

Council addressed Mr. Gary Funk’s concerns regarding the excessive number of fireworks that were set off on the Fourth of July.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for a Study Session on Minority Business and Other Small Business Assistance Initiatives.

City Manager Wrighton discussed the importance of the city’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program and explained that the city has been evaluating how to improve the program.

Council discussed proposed changes to the MBE Ordinance and City Manager Wrighton recommended that some MBE changes be enacted using new City Council policies and administrative policies. He added that the proposed changes would add incentives for minority owned businesses bidding on most city procurement proposals.

City Manager Wrighton outlined several strategies for assisting small businesses and asked Council to provide feedback to which ones should be researched further and prepared for final adoption.

Mr. Jim Seaburg, Executive Director of CICD (Community Investment Corporation of Decatur), explained the purpose and responsibilities of CICD.

With no other discussion on Minority Business and Other Small Business Assistance Initiatives, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for a discussion on Proposals for Distribution of External COVID/CARES Relief Funds.

Council discussed possible uses of the funds awarded to the city in the amount of $834,287 provided by the CARES Act.

Council agreed that the funds should primarily be used towards rental and mortgage payment assistance to those who have suffered employment dislocation due directly to COVID and utility assistance to those who cannot pay their delinquent bills due to employment dislocation directly caused by COVID.

Ms. Richelle Irons, Interim Director of Economic and Community Development spoke about the hearing that took place July 10, 2020 that addressed the Comprehensive Annual Performance and Evaluation Report that summarized the accomplishments and goals outlined during the year. A second hearing is scheduled for July 16, 2020 to gather public input on how to use funds awarded through the CARES Act.

Mr. Jon Kindseth, Deputy City Manager reported that the city acquired PPE (personal protective equipment) and the PPE was made available to the Decatur Public Library, Transit and not-for-profit agencies. Deputy City Manager Kindseth added that PPE is a reimbursable expense through the CARES Act.

With no other discussion Mayor Moore Wolfe called for adjournment. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Council meeting be adjourned; seconded by Councilman Kuhle and on call of the roll, Council members Chuck Kuhle, 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 City Council meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

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