North Egypt News

City of Sesser City Council met Sept. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Sesser City Council was held on Saturday, September 9, 2023. It was called to order by Mayor Ashmore at 8:30 AM. Prayer was led by David Bates. 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--here, Travis Zettler--here, David Bates--here, Jeff Hamburger--here.

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

Agenda Item #1--TIF

Mayor Ashmore explained the TIF resolution with David Harrison, this is the TIF agreement that was approved last month. A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by Jeff Hamburger to approve Resolution #15-2023 a TIF agreement with David Harrison as approved last month for a home rehabilitation for the home 15737 Nina Street. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Mayor Ashmore explained the TIF agreement with Terry Newman as approved last month. A motion was made by David Bates and seconded by Wayne Shannon to approve the Resolution #16-2023 a TIF agreement with Terry Newman for 4 homes on the property at East Nettie and North Broadway Streets as approved last month. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agreement & Resolution with John D. Hollis was tabled until next month.

Mayor Ashmore explained the TIF agreement with Ariel Moore for a new home construction at 204 East Murray Street. A motion was made by David Bates and seconded by Dana Laur to approve the TIF agreement with Ariel Moore for the construction of a new home at 204 E. Murray Street for a reimbursement amount of $7,500.00 upon completion. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #2

Mayor Ashmore explained the DCEO grant administration bill (Matt Tosh was unable to make the rescheduled meeting). A motion was made by David Bates and seconded by Jeff Hamburger to approve the DCEO Grant #21-242013 Administration Bill #1 to Brown and Roberts in the amount of $14,082.60. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #3

Mayor Ashmore explained the Water System Improvement 2022 DRA Grant Construction pay Estimate #3. A motion was made by David Bates and seconded by Wayne Shannon to approve the Water System Improvement 2022 DRA Grant (Elm Street) Construction Pay Estimate #3 to Wiggs excavating in the amount of $23,969.33. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #4

MAyor Ashmore explained the Water System Improvement DRA grant change order #2. A motion was made by Travis Zettler and 2nd by David Bates to approve the Water System Improvements 2022 DRA grant (Elm Street) Change Order #2 for a decrease in price of $26,407.22 and an increase in contract time of 100 days. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #5

Mayor Ashmore explained that the Halloween Stroll was from 4—6 PM on the 31st of October and the Ministerial Alliance would have their event from 5—7 PM, so Trick or Treat Hours could be set for 5—9 PM. A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and 2nd by Travis Zettler to set Halloween Trick or Treat hours for Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #6

Mayor Ashmore explained that Phil Coomber was retiring from his position of Code/building Inspector. Mayor Ashmore thanked Phil for his service to the city in this position. Phil wanted to thank the city for welcoming him into the community.

Mayor Ashmore explained that with this retirement, a new person was needed to fill this job. He explained to the council that he would like to appoint Scott Ward to this position. A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and 2nd by Dana Laur to approve the appointment of Scott Ward as Code/Building Inspector with a payment of $600.00 per month. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #7

Mayor Ashmore explained that a position on the Opera House Board needed to be filled. The position that had been previously filled by Phyllis Pearson. Mayor Ashmore asked the council to approve the appointment of Suzanna Moore to the Opera House Board. A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and 2nd by David Bates to approve the appointment of Suzanna Moore as an Opera House Board member. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #8

Mayor Ashmore explained the purchase of a used zero turn mower that was a 42-inch deck for the smaller areas that the city must cut, it will get into these areas easily. A motion was made by David Bates and 2nd by Dana Laur to approve the purchase of the zero-turn mower from Greg White for the cost of $1,800.00. Votes were as follows: R. Bochantin—abstain (pass), D. Laur—yes, W. Shannon—yes, T.Zettler--yes, J.Hamburger--yes, D. Bates—yes. Motion carried.

Attorney update—filed lien on Lucretia property. City court will be on Tuesday. Still working out the kinks but moving forward nicely. Several tickets paid at city hall, just a few going to court.

A motion was made by Dana Laur and second by Jeff Hamburger to approve the bills as presented by the finance committee. 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 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 David Bates 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 David Bates and 2nd by Dana Laur to approve the Opera House Board report. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Due to the change in meeting date and time, there were no Library or Tourism reports presented.

Public comment/questions:

Angela Evans—Asked about the property at 715 S. Cockrum Street and wanted to confirm that the city is working on an agreement to tear the trailer down on the property. The Mayor confirmed that they are working on that.

Joyce Hodge—Requested information on a possible marijuana dispensary coming to Sesser. Mayor Ashmore explained that Holly Roeder has been awarded a license that she can open one in one of 16 counties. She has not decided where she is locating that dispensary. She has not yet asked to put it in Sesser. If that request is made, it would have to go before the zoning board to be approved. But currently there has not been a request. Joyce also asked who made up the zoning board. Mayor Ashmore listed the members as: Missy Knight, Nathan Dilliner, Mary Threewitt, Kim Romani, Wade Lemmons and Mike Sulcer.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 9:16 AM by David Bates and 2nd by Dana Laur. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Adjourned at 9:16 AM. 

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