Macon Reporter

City of Decatur City Council met Oct. 15.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

On Monday, September 15, 2025, the City Council of the City of Decatur, Illinois, met in Regular Meeting 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 Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn and Ed Culp. 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 Appearance of Citizens.

The following citizens provided comments to the Council: Maggie Potempa, Ayn Owens, Nick Cox and Kathy Williams.

Council members responded to citizens’ comments.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for approval of the minutes.

The minutes of September 2, 2025, City Council meeting were presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the minutes be approved as written; seconded by Councilman Culp and on call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

This being the time set aside for Unfinished Business and there being none, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for New Business.

R2025-250 Resolution Authorizing Property and Liability Insurance Coverage for the City of Decatur, Illinois for the Policy Period October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Culp.

Mr. Brian Hastings, Risk Manager, gave a brief overview of the cost changes compared to the previous year.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2025-251 Resolution Authorizing Property Insurance Coverage for the City of Decatur, Illinois for the Policy Period October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Culp.

Mr. Brian Hastings, Risk Manager, gave a brief overview of the cost changes compared to the previous year.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2025-252 Resolution Authorizing Equipment Insurance Coverage for the City of Decatur, Illinois for the Policy Period October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Culp.

Mr. Brian Hastings, Risk Manager, gave a brief overview of the cost changes compared to the previous year.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2025-253 Resolution Authorizing Crime Liability Insurance Coverage for the City of Decatur, Illinois for the Policy Period October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Culp.

Mr. Brian Hastings, Risk Manager, gave a brief overview of the cost changes compared to the previous year.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2025-254 Resolution Authorizing Excess Liability Insurance Coverage for the City of Decatur, Illinois for the Policy Period October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Culp.

Mr. Brian Hastings, Risk Manager, gave a brief overview of the cost changes compared to the previous year.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2025-255 Resolution Authorizing Auto Inland Marine Lot Insurance Coverage for the City of Decatur, Illinois for the Policy Period October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Culp.

City Manager Gleason addressed the reasons for the significant increase.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2025-256 Resolution Authorizing Cyber Liability Insurance Coverage for the City of Decatur, Illinois for the Policy Period October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Culp.

Mr. Brian Hastings, Risk Manager, gave a brief overview of the cost changes compared to the previous year.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2025-257 Resolution Authorizing Crisis Protection Insurance Coverage for the City of Decatur, Illinois for the Policy Period October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Culp.

Mr. Brian Hastings, Risk Manager, gave a brief overview of the cost changes compared to the previous year.

Mr. Ted Miller with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc., answered questions from Council members about crisis protection coverage.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

R2025-258 Resolution Authorizing Excess Workers Compensation Insurance Coverage for the City of Decatur, Illinois for the Policy Period October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Culp.

Mr. Brian Hastings, Risk Manager, gave a brief overview of the cost changes compared to the previous year.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Resolution Accepting and Executing the Agreement between City of Decatur, Illinois and Love Learning and Laughter Daycare, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Resolution do pass, seconded by Councilman Culp.

City Manager Gleason shared a timeline detailing the events over the past couple of years.

Council members discussed the claw back provision in the proposed agreement. Ms. Cherri Johnson spoke about the initial number of shifts and expected enrollment. Ms. Quache Parson spoke in support of Ms. Johnson.

Ms. Ayn Owens expressed her desire for what is best for both Ms. Johnson and the community.

Council members engaged in a discussion about the expenses associated with maintaining the building, project costs, the necessity for a daycare center in Decatur, the number of shifts, expected enrollment and the desire to see a business plan before voting on the agreement.

Mr. Ross Munsterman with Featherstone, Gaumer, Stocks, Flynn & Eck, LLP spoke about funding and the request for a business plan.

Councilman McDaniel made a motion to table the item until the next City Council meeting, seconded by Councilwoman Gregory.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

City Manager Gleason provided the City Manager Update. Water Plant Operaters Joseph Born and Kathleen Davis received their Class A Water Treatment Plant Operator license. City Manager Gleason also talked about the success of Decatur Moves.

Ms. Lacie Elzy, Director of Economic and Community Development, spoke about the Residential Exterior Improvement Program and Millikin Corridor Permit Waiver and answered questions from Council members.

Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Consent Agenda Calendar Items A. through Z. and asked if any Council member wished to remove an item from the Consent Agenda Calendar. Councilman Cooper requested to remove Item Y. from the Consent Agenda Calendar. The Clerk read Items A. through X. and Z.:

2025-64 Item A. Ordinance Rezoning Property 200 Block of West Mound Street from R 3 Single Family Residence District to B-2 Commercial District

2025-65 Item B. Ordinance Rezoning Property at 280 W North from B-2 Commercial District to R-6 Multiple Dwelling District

R2025-259 Item C. Resolution Waiving all City Permit Fees for Development within Millikin Corridor

R2025-260 Item D. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Precision Pro LLC for the Residential Exterior Improvements at 924 W. Wood St.

R2025-261 Item E. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Precision Pro LLC for the Residential Exterior Improvements at 2164 N. Water St.

R2025-262 Item F. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Precision Pro LLC for the Residential Exterior Improvements at 817 W. Macon St.

R2025-263 Item G. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Precision Pro LLC for the Residential Exterior Improvements at 2275 N. Main St.

R2025-264 Item H. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Precision Pro LLC for the Residential Exterior Improvements at 536 E. Grand Ave.

R2025-265 Item I. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Precision Pro LLC for the Residential Exterior Improvements at 1043 W. Wood St.

R2025-266 Item J. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Precision Pro LLC for the Residential Exterior Improvements at 1946 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

R2025-267 Item K. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Precision Pro LLC for the Residential Exterior Improvements at 1037 W. Wood St.

R2025-268 Item L. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Precision Pro LLC for the Residential Exterior Improvements at 429 S. Oakland Ave.

R2025-269 Item M. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Precision Pro LLC for the Residential Exterior Improvements at 1630 N Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

R2025-270 Item N. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Precision Pro LLC for the Residential Exterior Improvements at 2270 N. Main St.

R2025-271 Item O. Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Steve's Trucking for the Demolition of 942 N. Main St.

R2025-272 Item P. Resolution Receiving and Filing the 2024 Official Zoning Map

2025-66 Item Q. Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 52 - Alcoholic Liquor

2025-67 Item R. Ordinance Authorizing Consumption of Alcoholic Liquor on Public Rights-of-Way - 100 Block of East Prairie Avenue and 100 Block of North Merchant Street - Decatur Area Arts Council - Downtown Decatur Fall Family Festival

2025-68 Item S. Ordinance Authorizing Consumption of Alcoholic Liquor on Public Rights-of-Way - 100 Block of North Merchant Street - Northeast Community Fund - Farm to Fund

2025-69 Item T. Ordinance Annexing Territory 3061 South Wheatland Road

R2025-273 Item U. Resolution Accepting the Bid and Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Cothren’s Custom Hardscapes, for the 2025 Lake Decatur Staley Basin Improvements – Staley Boat Ramp, City Project 2025-17

R2025-274 Item V. Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a Site Readiness Planning Grant for the Northeast Water Main Extension

R2025-275 Item W. Resolution Authorizing a Professional Engineering Services Agreement with Clark Dietz, Inc. to Provide Final Design Engineering Services for the Northeast Water Main Extension, City Project 2025-13

R2025-276 Item X. Resolution Authorizing Payment to the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center for New Police Officer Recruit Training (Recruit Class 25- 26)

R2025-277 Item Y. Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with MGT Impact Solutions, LLC for Finance Director

Councilman Cooper clarified that he intended to remove Item Z. from the Consent Agenda Calendar. Item Y. was placed back on the Consent Agenda Calendar.

Councilwoman Gregory moved Items A. through Y. be approved by Omnibus Vote; seconded by Councilman Culp, and on call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

2025-70 Ordinance Approving Appointment - City Treasurer, was presented. Councilwoman Gregory moved the Ordinance do pass, seconded by Councilman Culp.

Councilman Cooper expressed the urgency of hiring someone quickly due to the associated costs.

Upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

With no other New Business, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Other Business.

Mayor Moore Wolfe commended Councilman Culp for his efforts that led to the capture of a couple of suspects and the removal of a firearm from the streets. Councilman McDaniel thanked City Council and staff for their proactive efforts in securing additional water supplies during this drought.

There being no Other Business, Mayor Moore Wolfe called for Recess to Closed Executive Session at 7:23 p.m. pursuant to Open Meetings Act Section 2(c)(1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body.

Council returned to the regular City Council meeting following Closed Executive Session at 7:32 p.m.

Councilwoman Gregory moved the regular City Council meeting be adjourned, seconded by Councilman Culp and upon call of the roll, Council members Dennis Cooper, Lisa Gregory, Consuelo Cruz, Pat McDaniel, David Horn, Ed Culp and Mayor Moore Wolfe voted aye. Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the motion carried.

Mayor Moore Wolfe declared the regular Council meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

https://www.decaturil.gov/539/Agendas-Video-Archive