Macon Reporter

City of Clinton City Council met Aug. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Clinton, Illinois in session in the Council Chambers of City Hall and electronically, Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Vice President of the Council Thomas Edmunds, presiding. On roll call, Commissioners Ballenger, Buchanan, and Wise were present.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

None

Written motion was made by Commissioner Ballenger and seconded by Commissioner Wise that the minutes of the regular meeting of August 1, 2023 be approved as submitted. On roll call vote, Commissioners Buchanan, Wise, Ballenger, and Vice President of the Council Edmunds voted “Yes.”

The bills and payroll were read.

Written motion was made by Commissioner Wise and seconded by Commissioner Buchanan that the bills and payroll be allowed as read and the Clerk be instructed to issue warrants on the Treasurer for the several amounts. On roll call vote, Commissioners Wise, Ballenger, Buchanan, and Vice President of the Council Edmunds voted “Yes.”

PETITIONS

None

REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Vice President of the Council Edmunds had no report.

Written motion was made by Commissioner Buchanan and seconded by Commissioner Ballenger to appoint Taylor Baxter Administrative Assistant to the Council for a period of nine months. On roll call vote, Commissioner Ballenger, Buchanan, Wise, and Vice President of the Council Edmunds voted “Yes.”

Commissioner Wise stated that we didn’t have a good track record with hiring. Mr. Peterson helped us find Mr. Baxter and I want to thank him and City Attorney, John Hoblit. We are looking forward to you coming to Clinton. You can ask anyone at City Hall for help. I have a cousin in Pontiac that speaks highly of you, and I hope you are around for a long time. Mr. Baxter thanked the Council.

REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF STREETS & PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS

Commissioner Buchanan reported next week is brush pick-up and he has seen some piles that are bigger than they should be. Just a reminder the size of the pile according to the Ordinance is 4x4x8 and if it is bigger than that it won’t get picked up and you will get a warning.

REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PROPERTY

Commissioner Wise reported everything at the Water Plant is breaking down. The part is in that was making the water discolored and it should clear up in a few days and then the 500 gallon per minute motor went out and we have a new motor coming. We already had plans to put bearings in the 1000 gallon the other 500 gallon. We have revamped the lime silo. The COVID money is being put to good use. The age of the Water Plant is 22 years old, so things are now starting to break down. He wanted to thank Commissioner Ballenger for having a few of his volunteer firemen cut the weeds at the property on the corner of Main and Quincy that the City owns.

REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY

Commissioner Ballenger reported the same thing Commissioner Wise stated about the property at Main and Quincy. The departments have been busy, and it got out of hand, but we got it cleaned up. He stated we have had trouble at 216 E. Adams St. with squatters so he called all the local contractors and the first one that called back the City hired to board up all the doors and windows so we will see an invoice for that.

REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTS & FINANCES

Commissioner Edmunds had no report.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Written motion was made by Commissioner Ballenger and seconded by Commissioner Wise to approve the Letter of Understanding between the Police Benevolent Labor Committee and the City of Clinton, State of Illinois (to expand residency from a 30-mile radius to 50 miles). On roll call vote, Commissioners Buchanan, Wise, Ballenger, and Vice President of the Council Edmunds voted “Yes.”

Police Chief Lowers stated the challenges we have in recruiting and this is the purpose of amending the mileage requirement.

NEW BUSINESS

On File – Exemptions for Vendors of the Apple-n-Pork Festival

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to come before the Council, a motion was made by Commissioner Ballenger and seconded by Commissioner Buchanan to adjourn the meeting. On roll call vote, Commissioners Wise, Ballenger, Buchanan, and Vice President of the Council Edmunds voted “Yes.”

https://www.clintonillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Minutes-2023-08-15.pdf