North Egypt News

City of Sesser City Council met Jan. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Sesser City Council was held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. It was called to order by Mayor Ashmore at 6:34 PM. Prayer was led by Terry Miller. The pledge of allegiance was said and the Mayor asked for Veterans to remain standing and thanked them for their service.

Clerk Stacey called the roll--Rose Bochantin--here, Dana Laur--absent, Wayne Shannon--here, Travis Zettler--absent, David Bates--here, Jeff Hamburger--here.

A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and 2nd by David Bates to approve the minutes for the regular meeting in December. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Mayor Ashmore and Fire Chief Rasnic presented Raymond Scott with a lifesaving medal. This was presented due to the valiant efforts of Firefighter Raymond Scott during the fire call on August 31,2022 where he saved an elderly woman from her burning home. Mayor Ashmore thanked Raymond for his continued work with the Fire Department.

Agenda Item #3

Matt Tosh explained the Water System Improvements Phase 2 Contractors pay estimate #4. A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and 2nd by Rose Bochantin to approve the Water System Improvements Phase 2 contractors pay estimate #4 to Wiggs Excavating for $122,806.00 for completed work. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #4

Matt Tosh presented information on the Water System Improvements Phase 2–Construction Engineering bill #4. A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and seconded by David Bates to approve the Water System Improvements Phase I–Construction Engineering bill #4 to Brown and Roberts for $7,516.40. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #5

Matt Tosh explained the Water System Improvements Phase 2–Change order #2. A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and 2nd by Jeff Hamburger to approve the Water System Improvements Phase 2– Change order #2 to extend the contract time by 60 days due to delayed supply delivery. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #6

Matt Tosh explained the agreement with Brown and Roberts for the Callie Street Water main Railroad Crossing. A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and seconded by Rose Bochantin to approve and pass Resolution #1-2023 to execute the agreement with Brown and Roberts for the Callie Street watermain railroad Crossing. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #7

Matt Tosh explained the Water Systems Improvements 2022 DRA Grant Change Order.. A motion was made by David Bates and 2nd by Wayne Shannon to approve the Water Systems Improvements 2022 DRA Grant Change Order #1 for an increase in costs by $5,675.00 for a new total cost of $208,580.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #1–TIFs

Mayor Ashmore explained the TIF agreement and resolution with the Goode Township Board. A motion was made by David Bates and 2nd by Wayne Shannon to approve the TIF agreement and pass Resolution #2-2023 to provide expenditures for the Goode Township Building HVAC project in the amount of up to $3,500.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Mayor Ashmore explained theTIF agreement with Anchor Grill Catering and Deli for renovation of the former Subway building. A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and 2nd by David Bates to approve the TIF agreement with Anchor Grill Catering and Deli for renovations of their building for commercial purposes in the amount of up to $18,000.00 which is 25% of the project, costs will be reimbursed after expenditure. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Mayor Ashmore asked Clerk Stacey what bids were received. Of those listed on the agenda, only one bid was received on 205 West Lottie Street. Clerk Stacey informed the mayor and council of bids on other properties that were not currently listed on this month's agenda. Those bids will be held until the February meeting.

Clerk Stacey opened the one bid on the property at 205 West Lottie Street. The bid was from Lappin Trucking for $11,848.00 to remove the dilapidated structure, remove concrete and fill and level off property.

A motion was made by David Bates and 2nd by Jeff Hamburger to approve the TIF agreement with Regina Miles for demolition and removal of the dilapidated structure at 205 West Lottie and accept the only bid of $11,848.00 from Lappin Trucking. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Mayor Ashmore read his state of the city address. (see attached)

Agenda Item #2–no annexations. 

Agenda Item #9

Mayor Ashmore explained that he had left Bill Smothers off the Christmas bonus list ($50) and that he would like the council to approve an increase in the bonus for Randy Newbury due to the fact he had to wait to have it paid due to his retirement and the 6% cap limit with IMRF so as not to pay any penalties. A motion was made by David Bates and 2nd by Wayne Shannon to approve the Christmas bonus list ($50) and that he would like the council to approve an increase in the bonus to $500.00 for Randy Newbury due to the fact he had to wait to have it paid due to his retirement, All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Mayor Ashmore was asked by Alderman Bates to give a summary of his trip to the Mayors Conference in Washington, DC. Mayor Ashmore gave a summary of many of the seminars and workshops that he attended.

Agenda Item #10

Mayor Ashmore explained the NLC Conference that he would like to attend in March. A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and 2nd by David Bates to approve Mayor Ashmore to attend the NLC Conference in Washington DC on March 26–28 for an approximate cost of $3104.91. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #11

Mayor Ashmore explained that he had discussions with Raymond Scott about his hourly pay and him having his CDL license. Mayor Ashmore suggested a $1.50 per hour increase. David Bates suggested $19.00 per hour due to him having his CDL license. A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and 2nd by Wayne Shannon to set Raymond’s new rate of pay to $19.00 per hour. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Attorney Bigler was unable to attend tonight's meeting due to a change in our schedule.

A motion was made by Rose Bochantin and 2nd by Travis Zettler Jeff Hamburger to approve the bills as presented. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and 2nd by David Bates to approve the treasurer’s report. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion Carried.

A motion was made by David Bates and 2nd by Rose Bochantin to approve the police report as presented. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and 2nd by Jeff Hamburger to approve the code inspector’s report. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

No Tourism Report.

A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and seconded by Rose Bochantin to approve the Library Director’s Report. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Public comment/questions:

Ned–Announced that there would be Jello Wrestling at the Chandelier Room. Mayor Ashmore informed everyone that the wrestlers must remain fully clothed according to ordinance.

Terry Miller asked about the police cars and why some did not have lettering on them. Mayor Ashmore explained that they were working on one unified plan for lettering and the cost at this time was very high.

Kim Scott wanted to commend the Sesser Police officers for all their help during first responders calls and fire calls and how well the two departments worked together. She wanted to thank them for their cooperation.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 PM by David Bates and 2nd by Jeff Hamburger. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Adjourned at 7:35 PM.

https://www.sesser.org/city-council-meeting-minutes/