City Council

May 20, 2025 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, May 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Michelassi shared revisions that have been made to Ordinance 4-1 of the Clinton City Code, as there were concerns. Mayor Helen Michelassi, presiding. On roll call, Commissioners Buchanan, Wise and Ballenger present. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Doug Sturgeon came before the council to discuss trees, which he stated he was glad that was fixed. Sturgeon shared concerns regarding chalk graffiti, cats and feeding of squirrels (mammals). Clarification was made by Mayor Michelassi as to the intent. Gary Welch came before council in support of the proposed ordinance changes. Welch shared his concerns with the state of some properties. Rebecca Stone came before the council to share her concerns and awareness for the ordinance as it pertains to the feeding of any mammal, specifically feral cats. Seth Redington came before the council sharing his concerns regarding the ordinance, specifically smoke. Redington has concerns as he heats his house with wood. Redington also shared concerns with the amount of cars being limited on property. Ashley Miller came before the council to share her concerns regarding feral cats and the pet limit. Miller offered to help the council come up with ideas to help. Robert Kreitler thanked everyone for the turnout. Kreitler came before the council regarding the proposed ordinances concerning trees, vehicles, feeding mammals as well as concerns on the training of the enforcement officer. Tammy Gentry came before the council regarding her concerns with feral cats, cars and their limitations as well as vandalism and the timeline stated in the ordinances. Mitchi Tucker came before the council regarding her concerns with enforcement, i.e. neighbors reporting on neighbors. Tucker objects to that violation of a person’s freedoms. Darrel Tucker came before the council to share his concerns regarding the ordinances, specifically smoke and recreational fires. A participant via zoom shared his concerns with the council regarding overreach in the ordinances. Tom Redington came before the council sharing his concerns with the approach in which the ordinance was brought forward. Redington suggested having discussion with community to review moving forward. Kim Easton shared her concerns with the ordinance regarding feral cats, as she feeds them. She believes the ferals are bringing the community together and we have a community of good people. Written motion was made by Commissioner Buchanan and seconded by Commissioner Ballenger that the minutes of the regular meeting of May 6, 2025 be approved as submitted. On roll call vote, Commissioners Wise, Ballenger, Buchanan and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” The bills and payroll were read. Written motion was made by Commissioner Wise and seconded by Commissioner Ballenger 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 Ballenger, Buchanan, Wise and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” PETITIONS None REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS Mayor Michelassi read a proclamation from Friends of Warner Library recognizing the installation and dedication of the new pavilion at Vespasian Warner Library. Mayor Michelassi introduced Bobby Perryman with Vespasian Warner Library and Katrina Held from Friends of Warner Library. Mayor Michelassi shared that she was in attendance of the Warner Hospital health fair. She commended Paul and his staff. Mayor Michelassi reported that the Weldon Springs concessions will be open this weekend. Commissioner Wise also stated the marina was opening their restaurant this weekend as well. REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF STREETS & PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS Commissioner Buchanan reported the size limit will be waved for pickup this week due to the storms. REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PROPERTY Commissioner Wise brought Kyle Morris forward and reported the lime softening system is up and running. There is a planned full town flush scheduled in two weeks. After the flushing there should be no discoloration, and it will be back to normal. Commissioner Wise commended the water department employees. REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY Commissioner Ballenger reported that former Assistant Fire Chief Gilbert Wood passed away today, May 20th. REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTS & FINANCES No report. OLD BUSINESS Written motion was made by Commissioner Buchanan and seconded by Commissioner Wise to approve the fireworks contract with Pyrotecnico. On roll call vote, Commissioners Buchanan, Wise, Ballenger and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Written motion was made by Commissioner Buchanan and seconded by Commissioner Ballenger to approve Resolution 2025-5 a resolution accepting offers to purchase lot 15 and lot 17. On roll call vote, Commissioners Wise, Ballenger, Buchanan and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Written motion was made by Commissioner Buchanan and seconded by Commissioner Wise to approve Jackson Street bids with Feutz for $1,073,593.90. On roll call vote, Commissioners Ballenger, Buchanan, Wise and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Written motion was made by Commissioner Wise and seconded by Commissioner Ballenger to approve the Water Utility Truck bid from Douglas Dodge in the amount of $53,156.03. On roll call, Commissioners Buchanan, Wise, Ballenger and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Written motion was made by Commissioner Buchanan and seconded by Commissioner Ballenger to approve the Christmas Display purchase from in the amount of $38,693.15. On roll call vote, Commissioners Wise, Ballenger, Buchanan and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Written motion was made by Commissioner Ballenger and seconded by Commissioner Wise to approve the Rotary Park Pickleball Court Maintenance & Nets from All Weather Courts in the amount of $3,125.00. On roll call vote, Commissioners Ballenger, Buchanan, Wise and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Written motion was made by Commissioner Buchanan and seconded by Commissioner Ballenger to approve the proposal for the used 2021 Farmall 75A from Central Illinois Ag for the Street Department in the amount of $44,500.00. On roll call vote, Commissioners Buchanan, Wise, Ballenger and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Written motion was made by Commissioner Wise and seconded by Commissioner Ballenger to approve the proposal for the 52” Toro ZMaster 2000 3 Points from Central Illinois Ag for the Water Department, in the amount of $9,000.00. On roll call vote, Commissioners Wise, Ballenger, Buchanan and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Written motion was made by Commissioner Ballenger and seconded by Commissioner Buchannan to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Police Benevolent Labor Committee, Inc. On roll call vote, Commissioners Ballenger, Buchanan, Wise and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Written motion was made by Commissioner Ballenger and seconded by Commissioner Buchanan to approve the GFL Solid Waste Contract. On roll call vote, Commissioners Buchanan, Wise, Ballenger and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Written motion was made by Commissioner Buchanan and seconded by Commissioner Wise to approve the J&S Solid Waste Contract. On roll call vote, Commissioners Wise, Ballenger, Buchanan and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Written motion was made by Commissioner Wise and seconded by Commissioner Buchanan to approve the Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 of Title 7 (Water Rates) & Chapter 9 of Title 7 (Sewer Rates). On roll call vote, Commissioners Ballenger, Buchanan, Wise and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes”. NEW BUSINESS Discussion on Ordinance Reworking 4-1 of the Clinton City Code On File – (3)Fire Rescue Chainsaws – Eastern Fire Equipment Services – Fire Department $8,098.62 On File – Dedication of Sanitary Sewer Agreement and Perpetual Easement – Longview Capital Subdivision/1439 W State Hwy 54 On File – Purchase Quicket Solutions eCitation System – Police Department - $8,550.00 On File – Ordinance Amending 7-7-7 and 7-7-8 On File – Collective Bargaining Agreement – International Association of Firefighters, Local 3069 Written motion was made by Commissioner Buchanan and seconded by Commissioner Ballenger to approve Jackson Street Project Construction Engineering Agreement with Cummins Engineering in the amount of $149,602.12. On roll call vote, Commissioners Buchanan, Wise, Ballenger and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” 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 Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes.” Respectfully Submitted, Kamren Wilford City Clerk