Macon Reporter

City of Decatur City Council met Nov. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe presided, together with her being Council members Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, David Horn, Chuck Kuhle and Bill Faber. 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 a Study Session on the review of the 2022 proposed budget.

City Manager Wrighton gave an overview of the budget presentation beginning with performance outcomes, staffing, calculation of ending fund balance in the general fund, garbage and recycling and general fund revenues.

Council held a discussion regarding the creation a special account for the penny push tax dedicated to revitalization and demolitions, options for the property tax levy, increasing video gaming terminal fees for terminal operators, fund cash reserves, commuter tax and fees from building permits.

City Manager Wrighton continued with the budgets of the Legislative and Executive Department highlighting the creation of a Communications Manager.

Deputy City Manager Jon Kindseth answered questions from Council regarding performance measures and outcomes.

City Manager Wrighton moved to the budgets of Human Resources, IT Department, Legal Department and Finance Department.

Director of Human Resources French Wilson answered questions from Council about the recruitment process of Police Officers.

Director of IT Jim Edwards answered questions from Council regarding a revamp of the city’s website and citizen engagement.

Corporation Counsel Wendy Morthland answered questions from Council about staffing levels.

Finance Director Gregg Zientara answered questions from Council concerning the hours of operation at the cashier’s window.

City Manager Wrighton spoke about costs associated with city offices housed in the Decatur Civic Center and a new section added in the budget called Central Business District.

Community and Economic Development Director Cordaryl “Pat” Patrick answered questions from Council regarding new positions proposed in the 2022 budget and performance outcomes.

City Manager Wrighton moved to the budgets of the Police Department and Fire Department.

Interim Police Chief Shane Brandel answered questions from Council regarding ideas to fill vacant positions, initiatives in addressing mental health, use of ARP funds and an uptick in gun violence.

Fire Chief Jeff Abbott spoke about records management and maintaining fire apparatus.

Council held a discussion about adding fire inspector salaries back into the budget until negotiations are reached.

Fire Chief Abbott updated the Council on the Foreign Fire Tax Fund.

City Manager Wrighton continued to the budget of Public Works.

Public Works Director Matt Newell answered questions from Council about the increase in funds in the Municipal Services Division budget, outdoor warning sirens and funds for replacement of trees.

Councilman Horn exited the Council Chambers at 8:08 p.m. and returned at 8:11 p.m. City Manager Wrighton moved to TIF funds and the Transit budget.

Deputy City Manager Kindseth answered questions from Council regarding bus fares and ridership.

City Manager Wrighton continued to the Enterprise Fund and announced that the remainder of the budget will be discussed at a Study Session on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

Councilman Faber exited the Council Chambers at 8:45 p.m. and returned at 8:49 p.m.

With the conclusion of the Study Session, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Appearance of Citizens.

The following citizen provided comments to the Council: Abeer Motan.

With no other Appearance of Citizens, 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 Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Bill Faber and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the Study Session adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

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