North Egypt News

City of Sesser City Council met Sept. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Sesser City Council was held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. It was called to order by Mayor Ashmore at 6:30 PM. Prayer was led by Terry Miller. 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--here, Jeff Hamburger--here.

A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and 2nd by Jeff Hamburger to approve the minutes for the regular August meeting and a special meeting held on September 9, 2024. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Agenda Item #1--TIF

Mayor Ashmore explained the TIF resolution with Tim and Gail Laskowski for demolition of a home at 115 S. Poplar Street.  A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and seconded David Bates to the agreement for demolition of the home by the only bidder, Lappin Trucking, in the amount of $16,955.00.  All those in attendance were in favor of the motion.  Motion carried. 

Mayor Ashmore explained the TIF agreement with Jessica Ragland for demolition of a home at 714 N. Park.  A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by Wayne Shannon to approve the demolition of the home at 714 N. Park by the only bidder, Lappin Trucking, in the amount of $5,575.00   All those in attendance were in favor of the motion.    Motion Carried.

Mayor Ashmore explained the TIF agreement with Luke Baxter for a concrete replacement project of Luke’s Place Feed and Seed.  A motion was made by David Bates and seconded by Wayne Shannon to approve the TIF agreement with Luke Baxter in the amount of $6,850.00.  All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

 Agenda Item #2

Mayor Ashmore explained the Illinois Public Health Association membership dues.  A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and seconded by Jeff Hamburger to approve the Illinois Public Health Association dues in the amount of $517.50.  All those in attendance were in favor of the motion.  Motion carried.

Agenda Item #3

Mayor Ashmore explained the International Downtown Association membership dues.  A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by David Bates to approve the International Downtown Association dues in the amount of $490.00.  All those in attendance were in favor of the motion.  Motion carried.

Agenda Item #4

Mayor Ashmore explained the increased expenditure amount for the new city park bathrooms.  A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and seconded by Jeff Hamburger to approve the increased amount of the new city park bathrooms to the total amount of $55,000.00.  All those in attendance were in favor of the motion.  Motion carried.

Agenda Item #5

Mayor Ashmore explained the North Bridge quote for a new printer for the library.  A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by David Bates to approve purchase of the new printer for the library at a cost of $337.49.  All those in attendance were in favor of the motion.  Motion carried.

Agenda Item #6—information only

Mayor Ashmore explained the spending for the Library Construction Grant. This is to make the bathrooms ADA compliant.  They have received a grant, but construction is $18,000.00 and $2,000.00 for architecture—this will be sent out for bids.

Agenda Item #7

Mayor Ashmore explained library technology grant expenses.  A motion was made by David Bates and seconded by Wayne Shannon to approve the library technology grant expenses in the  amount not to exceed $12,500.00.  All those in attendance were in favor of the motion.  Motion carried.

Agenda Item #8

Mayor Ashmore explained the payment for travel to the IML conference for Attorney Bigler.  A motion was made by David Bates and seconded by Jeff Hamburger to approve payment of travel expenses for Attorney Bigler to the IML conference in the amount of $928.62.  All those in attendance were in favor of the motion.  Motion carried.

Agenda Item #9

Mayor Ashmore explained resolution #20-2024 for a road closure during the Oktoberfest. A motion was made by David Bates and seconded by Wayne Shannon to approve resolution #20-2024 a road closure of Franklin Avenue (State route 154) on October, 12, 2024 from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM for the Sesser Oktoberfest.  All those in attendance were in favor of the motion.  Motion carried. 

Agenda Item #10 

Mayor Ashmore explained the need to set Trick or Treat hours.  A motion was made by Wayne Shannon and seconded by David Bates to approve Trick-or-Treat hours for the city of Sesser for October 31, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  All those in attendance were in favor of the motion.  Motion carried. 

Agenda Item #11  

Mayor Ashmore explained that it is time to place ads for the 2025 Rend Lake Visitors Guide.  A motion was made by Travis Zettler and seconded by David Bates to approve the ad in the 2025 Rend Lake Visitor Guide in the amount of $900.00 for a Full-page ad.  All those in attendance were in favor of the motion.  Motion carried.

Attorney Bigler—could not be in attendance this evening. 

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

Public comments:   

Christie Sweely—said she would be stepping off the Tourism board due to becoming an owner of an Air B&B.  But gave some information:

The Corp of Engineers has taken in 1.5 million in fees from camping and boating this past season.  The Crappie Master tournament will be at Rend Lake in 2025 and 2026. 

Wesley Kash spoke to the council on water bill late fees that have been charged and that water service has been illegally shut off due to late bill payment.  The mayor instructed Mr. Kash to contact the city lawyer on this issue. 

Luke Baxter thanked the city of Sesser for approving his TIF grant.  He really appreciates the help. 

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 PM by David Bates and 2nd by Travis Zettler. All those in attendance were in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Adjourned at 7:08 PM.