City Council

August 19, 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, August 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Helen Michelassi, presiding. On roll call, Commissioners Buchanan, Wise and Ballenger were present. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Robert Huston addressed council to state he disagreed with the ordinances, Huston stated we are not an HOA community. He believes we should be worried about the roads and houses, not dandelions and honeysuckles which are wildlife. Michelle Monaghan addressed council stating her concerns with the proposed ordinances but agreed changes needed to be made, she believes the ordinances would create more of a headache than an improvement for the city. She believes we should be enforcing the ordinances already in place and in a timely manner. Monaghan believes we are shorthanded on manpower. Monaghan stated her concerns with nit picking on the yards with weeds. Monaghan stated she wanted to complain about feeding wild animals in her yard, if she has a squirrel feeder, she didn’t want neighbors causing issue. She believes council has created the ordinances to be too broad, there is a lot of room to take them out of context. Robert Kreitler addressed council regarding the vehicle storage ordinance, referencing back to 12-5-6. Kreitler focused on vehicle restrictions and setback provisions regarding side and front yards for parking with the examples he handed out as well as the 10-foot provision. Kreitler asked questions regarding the permits in this ordinance. Chuck Schram addressed council regarding stagnant water. Schram stated that when there is heavy rain, water ends up in his yard from the alley. He doesn’t want to end up being ticketed for something the city is causing. Kelley Harvey addressed council many issues she sought with the ordinances. Harvey first pointed out the fines questioned the guidelines, stating they were vague. Harvey stated she parks in front of her house as does Commissioner Ballenger, with the setbacks it would end up being illegal. As well as the rock drive in the alley, there is vegetation. She finds this to be a double standard. Harvey questioned council regarding a section from the ordinance proposal in the tree section. Harvey disagreed with the composting, noxious weeds, graffiti i.e. chalk and feeding mammals. Kenny Atchison addressed council stating he owned three properties in town, that his concerns are with the tree ordinances and liens on properties, he is all for cleaning up the town. He would prefer a judgment against a person. Gary Welch addressed council stating this town needs cleaned up and these ordinances are a step towards that goal. Welch stated this town is hurting. Welch urged council to vote “yes”. Larry Wetherholt addressed council and stated his disagreements with the ordinances. Written motion was made by Commissioner Ballenger and seconded by Commissioner Buchanan that the minutes of the regular meeting of August 5, 2025 be approved as submitted. 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 that the bills and payroll be approved, 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 requested Tony come address council, Tony said KONE Elevator turned in a change order in the amount of $137,961.45. Tony said public works has been working on Kiwanis Park has been underway and thanked the crew for working hard and it looks great. It will take approximately three weeks for the equipment to be put together and urges the public to stay clear of the crew. Mayor Michelassi reported there was a good crowd at the movie theatre trying get a plan together to keep it open as it is an important part of our community. Michelassi said the volunteers working on the stones at the Soldier’s Plot are still working and will be through the weekend, they are welcoming volunteers. REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF STREETS & PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS Commissioner Buchanan reported South Jackson Street is complete, there is an alley that will need to be redone. Summer maintenance is complete. Buchanan thanked his guys for working hard on the wall and for getting the streets ready for summer maintenance. Buchanan reminded that there is a size limit for the monthly pick up which is a pickup truck size load. Buchanan asked to have people not mow grass into the street as it clogs the gutters. REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PROPERTY Commissioner Wise reported a leak on Alexander Street just off of Main Street. There have been a lot of joint leaks, they have been working very diligently. REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY Commissioner Ballenger reported that he watched the street crew work hard on the wall at the playground. Commissioner Ballenger proposed keeping Kiwanis Park and naming the new playground as the Michael J. Reidy Playground. REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTS & FINANCES None OLD BUSINESS Written motion was made by Commissioner Wise and seconded by Commissioner Buchanan to approve Ordinance Rework 4-1 and 12-5-14. On roll call, Commissioners Buchanan, Wise, Ballenger and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes”. Written motion was made by Commissioner Ballenger and seconded by Commissioner Wise to approve the Resolution Adopting the 2024 DeWitt County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan. On roll call, Commissioners Wise, Ballenger, Buchanan and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes”. Written motion was made by Commissioner Wise and seconded by Commissioner Buchanan to approve the Resolution Accepting Bids for Park Lane West Lots 8, 9 & 10. On roll call, Commissioners Ballenger, Buchanan, Wise and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes”. Written motion was made by Commissioner Ballenger and seconded by Commissioner Wise to approve Subcontract Change order with Kone for the City Hall Elevator in the amount of $137,961.45. On roll call vote, Commissioners Ballenger, Buchanan, Wise and Mayor Michelassi voted “Yes”. NEW BUSINESS On File – SCBA Cylinder Purchase – Air One Equipment - $9,275.00 On File – Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Excess Personal Property On File – Demolition Bids 204 W Main Street – Lee Excavating $20,900.00; Furman Excavating $25,000.00; Earth Services $34,000.00; Taza Construction $39,786.00; Ezell Excavating $28,950.00; Dial Excavating $28,000.00; Walker Excavating $40,000.00 On File – Demolition Bids 111 S Quincy Street – Lee Excavating $18,800.00; Furman Excavating $12,500.00; Earth Services $19,400.00; Taza Construction $37,786.00; Ezell Excavating $16,000.00; Dial Excavating $17,000.00; Walker Excavating $25,000.00 Walker Excavating Combined $63,000.00 Written motion to amend made by Commissioner Buchanan and seconded by Commissioner Wise to name the new playground at Kiwanis Park the Michael J. Reidy Playground. 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