North Egypt News

City of Sesser City Council met Aug. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Sesser City Council was held on Thursday, August 8, 2024. It was called to order by Mayor Ashmore at 6:31 PM. Prayer was led by Brother Chris Hottensen from the First Baptist Church. The pledge of allegiance was said, and Mayor Ashmore 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--here, David Bates--absent, Jeff Hamburger--here.

A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and 2nd by Travis Zettler to approve the minutes for the regular July meeting and to amend the April meeting minutes as follows: Agenda Item #8—purchse of the police vehicle for $52,912.00 minus $25,000.00 from the insurance company for the loss of the old vehicle plus some money from the equipment fund, and to take a loan for the balance of the price of the new vehicle plus equipment ($15,696.00)—approx. $43,608.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #1--TIF

Mayor explained we now have the resolution for the TIF agreement with Terry Newman as approved previously. A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by Jeff Hamburger to approve resolution #16-2024 a TIF resolution with Terry Newman for a duplex on South Walnut Street. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Mayor Ashmore explained that we now have the TIF resolution with Kristy Alexander, dba Iron Horse Bar and Grille for repairs and rehab of the building at 206 East Franklin Street as previously approved. A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and seconded Wayne Shannon to approve resolution #17-2024 a TIF agreement with Kristy Alexander, dba Iron Horse Bar and Grille at the property at 206 East Franklin Street. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #2

Matt Tosh explained the Contractors pay estimate #8. A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by Rose Bochnatin to approve the contractors pay estimate #8 for the Sanitary Sewer System for Rend Lake to Wiggs Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $162,039.20. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion Carried.

Agenda Item #3

Matt Tosh explained the Sanitary Sewer System for Rend Lake Construction Engineering Bill #8 to Brown and Roberts. A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by Jeff Hamburger to approve the Sanitary Sewer System for Rend Lake Construction Engineering bill #8 to Brown and Roberts in the amount of $6,074.99. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #4

Matt Tosh explained the Sanitary Sewer System for Rend Lake Change Order #1. A motion was made by Rose Bochantin and seconded by Wayne Shannon to approve the Sanitary Sewer System for Rend Lake Change Order #1 which will decrease the price by $2,960.80 and increase the contract time by 70 days which will make completion by August 16, 2024. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #5

Matt Tosh explained the Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Phase IV Contract B notice of intent. A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and seconded by Rose Bochantin to approve the Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Phase IV Contract B notice of intent to award to Wiggs Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $435,320.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #6

Mayor Ashmore explained the USDA Opera House Annex Grant Agreement. A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and seconded by Rose Bochantin to approve the USDA Opera House Annex Grant Agreement. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #7

Mayor Ashmore explained the surplus property of a trencher (non-working). A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and seconded by Jeff Hamburger to approve the sale of the surplus property (non-working trencher) to Jeff Ragland in the amount of $1,500.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #8

Mayor Ashmore explained the sale of surplus property (two trencher boxes) that have not been used in years. A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and seconded by Rose Bochantin to approve the sale of surplus property(two trencher boxes) to Wiggs Excavating for $2,500.00 each for a total price of $5,000.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion. Carried.

Agenda Item #9

Mayor Ashmore explained that Sean had suggested we purchase a roll off dumpster instead of renting one each time. A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and seconded by Travis Zettler to approve the purchase of a roll off dumpster at the cost of $2,000.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #10

Mayor Ashmore asked Clerk Stacey to explain the advertisements for S-V programs. Clerk Stacey explained the purchase of ads in the sports programs, sponsorship of the Band and Chorus and the ad in the Tatler(yearbook). A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and seconded by Rose Bochantin to approve the purchase of adds in the S-V School sports programs, sponsorship of Band and Chorus and the ad in the yearbook for a total cost of $480.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #11

Mayor Ashmore explained that there one more tree on South Walnut that needed to be removed. A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by Jeff Hamburger to approve the bid from Kelley’s Tree Service for removal of the tree on South Walnut Street at a cost of $2,500.00. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #12

Mayor Ashmore explained that we now have the printed copy of the ordinance passed last month for elected officials pay. A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and seconded by Wayne Shannon to approve the printed ordinance #4-2024 amending the code of ordinances changing the pay of elected officials as approved July 2024-- Aldermen--$250.00 per month, Mayor--$800.00 per month, City Clerk--$800.00 per month and will begin for newly elected/re-elected officials on May 1, 2025. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Attorney Bigler—still moving forward on property at 110 East Lucretia.

Mayor Ashmore asked the council to approve all reports by consent agenda. A motion was made by Jeff Hamburger and seconded by Travis Zettler to approve the consent agenda (all reports presented from departments). All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Clerk Stacey read a thank you letter from the Sesser-Valier Area Lifeline for the donation last month.

Public comments:

Patty Utley spoke about the windows that were not used in her home from the grant and she would donate them to the Baxter Family as they rebuild—if needed.

Terry Miller—Tornado Sirens? Mayor explained that Novacom was preparing a map for placement so they could be heard outside as well as inside.

Howard Gale Eubanks—Asked what is being done with properties after city tears down dilapidated structures? Mayor explained that if the city owns the property, it is sold—not given away as was asked. Clarification was made on a specific property—it was sold, not given away.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 PM by Jeff Hamburger and 2nd by Rose Bochantin. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Adjourned at 7:20 PM.

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