The McLeansboro City Council met Tuesday night for its regular monthly meeting for about an hour and 15 minutes.. Scott Mareing was there and has this report…
There was a complaint that teenagers have been speeding and driving recklessly on Hurst Street with several near-misses with the residents. Several residents have been complaining for many years about the problem. The Police try to do what they can, but they don’t have enough manpower to be everywhere. Some of the suggestions from the board members included putting up speed bumps, more speed limit signs and more of a police presence, but the city is very aware of the problem. They will continue to do what they can to keep people safe.
There has been talk about not enough parking on the south side of the square mainly due to too much traffic, but there doesn’t seem to be much that can be done to alleviate the problem right now. Discussion on the issue will continue.
There was first reading of an Ordinance updating the Zoning Code regarding expanding the access for the MR1 zoning district. Approval of the ordinance will be voted on at next month’s meeting.
The Consent Agenda was approved, which included a FY 26 Appropriations Amendment and a façade grant with the Dairy Queen on 134 East Market.
The aggregated tax levy was approved.
First reading of an Ordinance making the annual tax levy for the city for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2025 and ending April 30, 2026 took place. It will be looked over and corrections may be made at next month’s meeting.
Police Chief Nathan Taylor addressed the board about joining the Downstate Illinois Major Case Squad. He said their police department would work with others on major crimes at no cost to join. Board members questioned whether the city could afford to have their police on call so frequently that they couldn’t afford to pay the overtime. Taylor said they try hard not to have anyone work overtime as much as they can. A motion was made to let them join the task force, but the motion died due to the lack of a second, so no action will be taken.
The issue of natural gas rates was tabled until next month’s meeting.
Regarding storage containers within city limits, an ordinance does not permit them, but there was willingness by board members to revisit the issue. It was decided that the current ordinance will be enforced, then possibly changed at a later date.
An Ordinance amending McLeansboro’s net metering policy was approved. It will lower the electricity rate from .11 cents to .04 cents per kilowatt hour.
And an Ordinance amending various sections of the 1916 ordinance regarding gaming and gambling houses was approved, which would add the new class of liquor license that was approved two months ago .
The board rejected spending $8,500 from a $20,000 matching grant for $1,000 feet of hose for the Fire Department truck, but approved spending $4,250 on 600 feet of hose.
And the board renewed their contract with Bellwether LLC.consulting firm at no change in price.
The board then went into Executive Session at 6:43 PM to discuss collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or representatives. No action was to be taken.