Macon Reporter

City of Decatur City Council met Oct. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

On Monday, October 14, 2024, the City Council of the City of Decatur, Illinois, met in Study Session at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, One Gary K. Anderson Plaza, Decatur, Illinois.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe presided, together with her being Council members Lisa Gregory, David Horn, Chuck Kuhle, Ed Culp, Pat McDaniel and Mayor Moore Wolfe. Councilman Dennis Cooper was absent. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared a quorum present.

City Manager Tim Gleason attended the meeting as well.

Mayor Moore Wolfe led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for a Study Session on the FY 2025 recommended budget.

City Manager Gleason provided an outline of the meeting and discussed the City being the Employer of Choice, and finalizing the Police and Fire contract negotiations.

City Manager Gleason gave a brief overview of the recommended budget.

Ms. Ruby James, Director of Finance, reviewed the revenue expenses and spoke about the property tax levy.

Mr. Jon Kindseth, Deputy City Manager, spoke about the Grocery Tax and the Central TIF District.

Mrs. French Wilson, Director of Human Resources, spoke about compliance and laws regarding the employees, adding one more employee to the department and an electronic filing system.

City Manager Tim Gleason, spoke about a “season of more” and adding one more person to HR is a modest proposal.

Ms. Wendy Morthland, Corporation Counsel, spoke about the legal budget with no changes.

Mr. Jim Edwards, Director of IT, spoke about the increases in funding for the website and fiber.

Mayor Moore Wolfe left the chambers at 6:34 p.m. and returned at 6:35 p.m.

Mrs. Lacie Elzy, Director of Transportation spoke about a heavy focus on operations in preparation of a route study, with route reorganization recommendations. Transit received a Community Project Funding Grant for micro-transit.

Mayor Moore Wolfe left the chambers at 6:39 p.m. and returned at 6:49 p.m.

Mr. Neil Elder, Deputy Fire Chief, spoke about adding one more fire inspector which will also help with Fire Prevention activities. One more position would include a training position to make sure everyone is trained to meet Illinois requirements. By the end of 2025 there will be 568 certifications that must be completed in accordance with the state.

Mr. Shane Brandel, Chief of Police, spoke about recruiting, training, retention and technology along with equipment. There also has been an increase of overtime, because of the staffing.

Mr. Matt Newell, Director of Public Works, spoke about the storm fund, and the sanitary sewer fund.

City Manager Gleason wanted to make the City Council aware and the community about transparency as to what is on the horizon for the City.

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

Mr. Cordaryl Patrick, Director of Economic and Community Development, spoke about the four divisions of the department and what they provide, regarding staffing and federal money.

Council members shared their comments regarding the budget.

With no other discussion, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Appearance of Citizens and the following citizen provided comments to the Council: Ayn Owens.

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

Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the City Council Study Session adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

https://decaturil.gov/389/Agendas-Minutes