Macon Reporter

City of Decatur City Council met Nov. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

On Monday, November 13, 2023, the City Council of the City of Decatur, Illinois, met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, One Gary K. Anderson Plaza, Decatur, Illinois.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe presided, together with her being Council members Ed Culp, Pat McDaniel, Lisa Gregory, David Horn and Chuck Kuhle. Councilman Dennis Cooper 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 a Study Session on the FY 2024 recommended budget.

City Manager Wrighton announced that the IT portion of the budget was moved to the Study Session on November 17th, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

City Manager Wrighton provided an outline of the meeting.

Councilman Dennis Cooper arrived at 5:16 p.m.

City Manager Wrighton gave a brief overview of the Legislative, Executive, Risk Management, Human Resources, Legal, General Administration, Civic Center, Finance and Public Works budget.

Ms. Ruby James, Director of Finance spoke about the property tax levy.

Mr. Matt Newell, Public Works Department spoke about staffing levels, roadwork projects and increased construction costs.

City Manager Wrighton continued with a discussion on the Police and Fire budget.

Mr. Shane Brandel, Chief of Police, spoke about increased speed enforcement and cell phone enforcement, staffing levels and technology.

Mr. Jeff Abott, Fire Chief, spoke about staffing levels, equipment replacement, facility upgrades, calls for lift assists and the foreign fire insurance fund.

City Manager Wrighton moved on to the Economic and Community Development Department budget.

Mr. Cordaryl Patrick, Director of Economic and Community Development, spoke about staffing levels, vacant property registration program, demolitions, home rehab projects, neighborhood cleanups and neighborhood revitalization projects.

Council members shared their comments regarding the budget.

With no other discussion, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Appearance of Citizens and the following citizens provided comments to the Council: Bret Robertson, Ayn Owens, Kathy Williams and Abeer Motan.

With no further business, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for adjournment. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Study Session meeting be adjourned; seconded by Councilman Kuhle and upon call of the roll, Council members Ed Culp, Dennis Cooper, Pat McDaniel, Lisa Gregory, David Horn, Chuck Kuhle and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the City Council Study Session adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

https://decatur.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/DisplayAgendaPDF.ashx?MinutesMeetingID=355