North Egypt News

City of Sesser City Council met Feb. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Sesser City Council was held on Thursday, February 9, 2023. It was called to order by Mayor Ashmore at 5:00 PM. Prayer was led by Nathan Dilliner from the Ewing Baptist Church. 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--here, Wayne Shannon--absent, Travis Zettler--here, David Bates--here, Jeff Hamburger--here.

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

A motion was made by David Bates and 2nd by Travis Zettler to approve the minutes of the special meeting held on January 30, 2023. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #3

Matt Tosh explained the Water System Improvements Phase 2 Contractors pay estimate #5. A motion was made by David Bates and 2nd by Dana Laur to approve the Water System Improvements Phase 2 contractors pay estimate #5 to Wiggs Excavating for $86,259.00 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–Change order #3. A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by David Bates to approve the Water System Improvements Phase I–Change order #3 that will decrease the amount by $1,206.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #5

Matt Tosh explained the Water System Improvements Phase 2–Construction Engineering Bill #5. A motion was made by David Bates and 2nd by Dana Laur to approve the Water System Improvements Phase 2– Construction Engineering Bill #5 to Brown & Roberts for the amount of $5,699.77. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #6

Matt Tosh explained the row easement payments for the Army Corp of Engineers wastewater project. A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by David Bates to approve the row easement payments for the Army Corp wastewater project in the amount of $47,500.00 for 7 easements and 1 station site. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #7

Matt Tosh explained design engineering bill for the wastewater project. A motion was made by Rose Bochantin and 2nd by Jeff Hamburger to approve the design engineering bill #2 to Brown and Roberts in the amount of $24,400.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #8

Matt Tosh explained the Right of Way engineering bill for the Rend Lake Sewer System Project. A motion was made by Dana Laur and 2nd by David Bates to approve the Right of Way Engineering Bill #2 to Brown and Roberts in the amount of $1,907.10 for the Rend Lake Sewer System project. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #1–TIFs

Mayor Ashmore asked Clerk Stacey what bids were received. Of those listed on the agenda. Clerk Stacey informed the mayor and council that there were bids received on the properties listed on the agenda.

Clerk Stacey opened the one bid on the property at 608 West Murray Street. The bid was from Lappin Trucking for $5,350.00 to remove the dilapidated structure, remove concrete and fill and level off property. The next bid from K-5 Enterprises was $6,100.00.

A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and 2nd by Travis Zettler to approve the low bid on the removal of the structure at 608 West Murray at the cost of $5,350.00 from Lappin Trucking to be paid by TIF money. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Clerk Stacey then opened the bids on the property at 502 South Locust for removal of a trailer. The first bid was for $3,680.00 from Lappin Trucking and the second bid was for $3,200.00 from K-5 Enterprises.

A motion was made by Rose Bochantin and seconded by Travis Zettler to approve the low bid from K-5 Enterprises for $3,200.00 to demo the structure at 502 South Locust Street to be paid by TIF money. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Travis Zettler and 2nd by Dana Laur to approve the TIF agreement and Resolution #3-2023 with the Anchor Grille Deli and Catering as discussed in February. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #2–no annexations.

Agenda Item #9

Mayor Ashmore explained the Advance Cases Leads Online proposal. A motion was made by David Bates and seconded by Jeff Hamburger to approve the purchase of Advance Cases Leads Online for the cost of $2,261.00 for one year to assist in stolen goods. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #10

Mayor Ashmore introduced the SIAP representative and allowed him to explain the power of attorney for the municipality on energy rates. The mayor explained the current contract will expire at the end of the year and they are working now to secure rates for the upcoming years and new contract. A motion was made by Travis Zettler and 2nd by Dana Laur to approve SIAP as power of attorney for the municipality to negotiate electricity rates for the city of Sesser. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #11

Mayor Ashmore and the SIAP representative explained the solar panel project for the sewer plant. A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by David Bates to approve Mayor Ashmore having authority to enter into an agreement with Utopian Power for a solar array for the sewer plant. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #12

Mayor Ashmore explained that the price for Central Dispatch had increased, the new price was $6,225.00 per month. A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by David Bates to approve the new rate for Central Dispatch of $6,225.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Attorney Bigler—Romani Property—old bait shop—working with family of possibly getting a quit claim deed. More information as it becomes available.

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

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

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

A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and seconded by Travis Zettler to approve the Tourism Report as presented. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

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

Public comment/questions:

Ned–Would council consider passing a resolution to oppose the no bail/bond law and the gun laws that have been passed recently?

Is there an ordinance about solar panels and how they may affect surrounding properties?

Mayor Ashmore answered that we do have ordinances that cover these.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 5:50PM by David Bates and 2nd by Dana Laur. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Adjourned at 5:50 PM.

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