South Central Reporter

City of Pana City Council met Jan. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Nathan Pastor called the meeting of the Pana City Council to order at 7:00 P.M.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited.

Roll Call showed the following Alderpersons as being present: Eddy, Christer, Schneider, Stephens, Scott, Smith, Garret, Beeson were present. Eight aldermen were present. None were absent.

Scott/Stephens to approve the consent agenda as presented. Items included in the consent agenda are the minutes of the December 18, 2023 regular session meeting, payrolls to be paid on December 29, 2023, January 3, 2024 and January 12, 2024, and disbursements to be paid January 16, 2024. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: Christer, Eddy, Schneider, Stephens, Scott, Smith, Garrett, Beeson voting aye. No nays. Eight ayes.

Scott/Christer to waive first presentation and pass Ordinance #1960, “An Ordinance Prohibiting and Making Unlawful Prohibited Discriminating in Housing and/or Real Property in the City of Pana.” The motion carried on the following roll call vote: Eddy, Schneider, Stephens, Scott, Smith, Garrett, Christer, Beeson voting aye. No nays. Eight ayes.

Scott/Beeson to waive first presentation and pass Ordinance #1961, “An Ordinance Approving a Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Agreement and Authorizing the Transfer of Real Estate Pursuant to the Agreement” with WGO Investments, LLC. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: Schneider, Stephens, Scott, Smith, Garett, Beeson, Christer, Eddy voting aye. No nays. Eight ayes.

Scott/Beeson to pass Resolution #24-01, a “Resolution Reallocating Rebuild Illinois Grant Funds.” Funds to be used for the Sixth St project and the pedestrian crossing on Route 29. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: Stephens, Scott, Smith, Garrett, Beeson, Christer, Eddy, Schneider voting aye. No nays. Eight ayes.

On behalf of Economic Development Director Kirby Casner, Mayor Pastor reported that the city was awarded the 2023 Urban and Community Forestry Grant which addresses Ash trees that have Emerald Borer infestation. The amount awarded is $18,000. An update was given on the Rise Grant.

City Clerk Toberman opened and read bids for property at 401 E First St. One bid was received from the American Legion in the amount of $500.

Scott made a motion to accept the bid from the American Legion. Motion withdrawn.

Eddy/Scott to sell property at 401 E First St. to the American Legion for $1.00, waiving their original bid. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: Scott, Smith, Garrett, Beeson, Christer, Eddy, Schneider, Stephens voting aye. No nays. Eight ayes.

Scott/Eddy to accept the proposal from Lively, Mathis, Hooper & Noblet, CPA for audit services for fiscal year 2024 – May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: Smith, Garrett, Beeson, Christer, Eddy, Schneider, Stephens, Scott voting aye. No nays. Eight ayes.

Scott/Stephens to approve the Special Events Application for the Rose City Open Disc Golf Tournament on May 18, 2024 Kitchell Park. The event coordinators request that traffic in the park be closed. Police Chief Bland will tend to traffic request. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Stephens/Christer to approve the Special Events Application for the Panthers 9U Baseball Tournament to be held on June 21, 22 & 23, 2024 in Kitchell Park. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Eddy/Christer to expand residency requirement by 20 miles for new hires with the Pana Police Department. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: Garrett, Beeson, Christer, Eddy, Schneider, Stephens, Scott, Smith, voting aye. No nays. Eight ayes.

Mayor Pastor recognized the Pana Police Department for their excellent work throughout the year of 2023. Stephens to recognize Wes Bell from Robinson Outdoors.

Mr. Bell addressed council regarding the approval of a billboard to be placed near the Junction Garden Center. Council has not received information from the Planning & Zoning Board on the matter. The issue will be addressed at the next council meeting.

Stephens/Smith to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

https://www.cityofpana.org/_files/ugd/17a6de_8f06fc1dc9aa46fb8baf88471a6a43b3.pdf