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South Central Reporter

Friday, July 18, 2025

City of Centralia City Council met April 25

City of Centralia City Council met April 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met in the Council Chambers at Centralia City Hall. Mayor Kuder called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Kuder, Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, & Councilman Jackson

Absent: None

Staff Members Present: Derek Sherman, Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Director; Gayla Harting; Community Development Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Chief Dodson, Police Department; Chief Lynch, Fire Department; Bill Agee, City Treasurer; William Smith, City Attorney; and Kim Enke, Acting City Manager/City Clerk

PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Kuder led the Pledge of Allegiance and Vernell Burris led the prayer.

AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Police Officer Curtis M. Griffith was recognized for 15 Years Of Service. Water/ Wastewater Plant Lead Maintenance Operator Roger A. Kapp was recognized for 15 Years Of Service.

Vernell Burris requested that the City contribute a monetary donation to the Juneteenth program.

Herb Williams addressed the City Council in regard to the Youth Center, other members of the Youth Center Board were also present. He discussed his history with the Youth Center and the objective to build activities for the youth of Centralia. He described the youth summer camp that the Youth Center has established that provides meals, activities, and trips for the various age groups of children in the community. He stated that this program is not possible without the aid from the City. He asked that the City provide minimum wage employment for 4 young adults to work as mentors for the children in their program.

Herb Williams and Josh Favors addressed the Council in regard to the R3 grant program. Mr. Favors stated that this is a statewide program that uses cannabis tax funds and invests in communities that have been impacted. The Strategic Plan summary was provided to the Council for Centralia. He stated that they now intend to seek the money needed to implement the strategic plan that includes education, crime prevention, and community development.

CONSENT AGENDA

A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve Items 1-4 of the Consent Agenda.

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The April 11, 2022 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $800,636.62

3. Receive And Place On File The Monthly Treasurer’s Report As Of March 31, 2022

4. A Resolution Confirming Appointments Of Certain Individuals to Various Boards and Commissions of the City of Centralia

Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

None

BIDS

Acting City Manager Kim Enke explained that this bid was for the annual MFT materials. She reported that bids were received from Howell Paving and Don Anderson with the low bid being from Howell Paving. She noted the increase in cost of materials comparing the bid last year in the amount of $483.00 per unit for Bituminous to the bids submitted this year in the amount of $717.45 per unit. She also reported that Beelman Logistics was the sole bidder for seal coat aggregate in the amount of $25.65 unit price. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve The Bids From Howell Paving, Inc. For Bituminous Materials And From Beelman Logistics For Seal Coat Aggregate For The 2022 MFT Oil And Chip Rehabilitation And Resealing Program Contingent Upon IDOT Approval.

Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

ORDINANCES

Acting City Manager Enke explained that the residential properties being considered for surplus were obtained by the City in most cases by either judicial or tax deed. All of the bids would be submitted through the sealed bid process with a deadline and opening date of June 13th. She noted that the property on 902 S Marion is a residential property but could also be a commercial property if special use permits would be obtained for certain types of businesses. She noted that the Raccoon Lake property has not been previously leased or sold as other properties had in the past on the lake. She noted that this property has a ravine and steep incline and it would not be a buildable lot. She stated that most of these properties have neighboring property owners that are interested. Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate – 1335 S Locust.

Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate – 1015 N. Franklin.

Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate – 508 & 510 E. Kell.

Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate – 902 S. Marion.

Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder Nays: None

Abstain: Councilman Castellari

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate – 2nd Addition, Lot 15 Raccoon Lane.

Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

RESOLUTIONS

None

OTHER BUSINESS

City Clerk Enke administered the Oath of Office to City Manager William K. Smith. He stated that he looks forward to serving the City to the best of his ability.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

REPORTS

Acting City Manager Enke welcomed City Manager Smith and thanked the Mayor and City Council for their support and confidence in her during the interim. Acting City Manager Enke stated that the bids for the Hoffman Hart building are due on May 9th and will be opened during the meeting on May 9th.

Treasurer Agee congratulated Kory Smith on his appointment as City Manager.

Councilman Castellari welcomed Kory Smith and stated that he expects him to work well with the Council. He noted that he has heard from the public how the city needs someone local, and he is confident that he will do well.

Councilman Smith also welcomed City Manager Smith stating that he will be a huge asset to the City of Centralia. He thanked City Clerk Enke for stepping in during the interim.

Councilman Griffin thanked City Clerk Enke stating that she is an asse to the City and he appreciates what she does and has done for the City. He congratulated Kory Smith stating that he was happy for him, his family, and friends but most of all he is happy for Centralia to have a local hometown City Manager. He also thanked everyone that had a role in hiring the City Manager.

Councilman Jackson welcomed and congratulated Kory Smith stating that they are all looking forward to working with him. He thanked City Clerk Enke and the department heads during all of the transitions. He expressed that he is happy to be at this point with good solid leadership ahead.

Mayor Kuder reflected on the discussions he had with City Manager Smith leading up to his appointment. He stated that Mr. Smith has the education, experience and is also eager to start. Mayor Kuder thanked those that attended the State of the City Address and thanked the Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring it. Mayor Kuder also discussed the amount of work and the effort that 618 Sports Academy is putting into the fields at Fairview Park. He thanked them for their contributions and noted their first tournament that is coming up in May with 18 teams. Mayor Kuder also announced that the Locust Street Fair will be on Saturday May 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and hoped to have a great crowd once again this year.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Adjourn The Meeting Under 5ILCS 120/2(C)(1) The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, Or Dismissal Of Specific Employees, Specific Individuals Who Serve As Independent Contractors In A Park, Recreational, Or Educational Setting, Or Specific Volunteers Of The Public Body Or Legal Counsel For The Public Body, Including Hearing Testimony On A Complaint Lodged Against An Employee, A Specific Individual Who Serves As An Independent Contractor In A Park, Recreational, Or Educational Setting, Or A Volunteer Of The Public Body Or Against Legal Counsel For The Public Body To Determine Its Validity.

Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m.

https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/04-_April_25_2022.pdf

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