Business district plans proceeding

By Kelly Costa

During Monday night’s city council meeting, the first reading was given for Ordinance #2195 establishing the Staunton business district; approving a business district plan; authorizing the imposition and collection of a sales tax within such business district; and approving certain actions in connection with the establishment of the business district. The plan is to upgrade utilities and infrastructure, improve the sidewalks and street network, redevelop or demolish buildings, enhance the sales tax base, recruit new business, retain small businesses, enhance the property tax base, and provide for public safety related improvements.

In other business, the city council received a letter of resignation from part-time police officer David Burnett. The letter is dated Feb. 13, and his resignation was effective immediately.

The council also received a letter of resignation from part-time police officer Larry Rayburn. The letter is dated Feb. 27, and his resignation was effective March 1.

A letter was received from Madison Communications notifying the city of their success in exceeding customer protection requirements for the 2022 year.

Another letter from Madison Communications notified the city that due to local programmers and content providers of HDTV offerings imposing rate increases, Madison will be imposing rate increases as well, effective April 1, 2023.

City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier announced that Governor Pritzker has signed a new Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide declaration through April 1, 2023, which means that public meetings may continue to be held remotely.

In Park and Civic Improvement, the council agreed to grant Mayor Craig Neuhaus the authority to prepare a letter requesting consideration for community project funding.

In Finance and Claims, the city council voted to pay an invoice from Sandberg Phoenix for professional services rendered for special projects for $2,896.64.

In Streets and Sewer, the council agreed to pay two invoices from Vandevanter Engineering for an annual maintenance service contract for small flygt lift stations in the amount of $3,282 and for an annual maintenance service contract for the main lift station in the amount of $5,515.

In Economic and TIF, a bid was approved from Advanced Environmental Services, Inc. for asbestos abatement at 104 East Main Street for $8,800. A second bid was approved from Advanced Environmental Service, Inc. for asbestos abatement at 108 East Main Street for $5,500.

In Judiciary, the council approved a pre-annexation agreement with John M. and Jordan K.L. Forbes regarding property located at 20424 Tall Timber Road, but not physically annexing the property to the city’s corporate boundaries at this time.

The first reading was given for an ordinance adopting the city’s updated zoning map and authorizing its publication.

The first reading was given for an ordinance approving a collective bargaining agreement with Chauffeurs, Teamsters, Warehousement, and Helpers Local Union No. 525, on behalf of the city of Staunton and part-time police officers and dispatchers.

A resolution including a balloon glow agreement and hot air balloon tether agreement with Winddancer Balloon Promotions, LLC, was approved.

Those present for the meeting were Mayor Craig Neuhaus, City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier, Public Works Director Mike Kuethe, Aldermen John Moore, David Manning, David Dias, Terry Tipler, and Kristy Berg. City Treasurer Cindy Pirok, City Attorney Phil Lading, and Alderman Ryan Machota were absent. Police Chief Jeff Doerr attended electronically. The next city council meeting will be on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 7 p.m.