South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met May 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday May 12, 2025, 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, Council Member Castellari, Councill Member Allen, and Council Member Jackson Absent: Council Member Fontanez

Staff Members Present: Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Galen Mahle, City Manager; Chief Jeff Day, Fire Department; Chief Christopher Locke, Police Department; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; and Kim Enke, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk

PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Kuder led the Pledge of Allegiance and Council Member Jackson led the prayer.

AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

A Proclamation In Honor Of National Skilled Nursing Care Week was presented.

A Proclamation Recognizing Poppy Day was presented.

Bart and Marianne Toennies addressed the City Council regarding their son being released from volunteering for ESDA.

Ray Young addressed the City Council regarding the care of Elmwood Cemetery and the removal of decorations in the spring by staff.

Rick Garrett addressed the City Council requesting the anticipated completion date of the shelter at Laura Leake Park.

CONSENT AGENDA

A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve Items 1-3 of the Consent Agenda.

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The April 28, 2025 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 3,011,330.08

3. Approval of Request to Use Fairview Park by City Hope Church For A Community Event on May 26, 2025

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, and Mayor Kuder Nays: None

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

ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE

Mayor Kuder thanked Council Member Castellari for his service as a Council Member to the community. Closing comments were made by Council Member Castellari expressing his appreciation for the time he was able to serve as Council Member.

A motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Castellari To Adjourn The Meeting Sine Die.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, & Mayor Kuder Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 6:22 p.m.

OATH OF OFFICE BY NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS

The oath of office was taken by Re-elected Council Member Jackson and the new Council Member Garrett. City Clerk Enke administered the Oath to Council Member Jackson and Council Member Garrett.

Mayor Kuder called the meeting to order at 6:28 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Kuder, Council Member Garrett, Council Member Allen, and Council Member Jackson Absent: Council Member Fontanez

Staff Members Present: Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Galen Mahle, City Manager; Chief Jeff Day, Fire Department; Chief Christopher Locke, Police Department; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; and Kim Enke, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

None

BIDS

None

ORDINANCES

City Manager Mahle stated that in response to a rise in accidents involving low-speed electric and gas-powered bicycles, the City Council is considering the adoption of an ordinance aimed at enhancing public safety. These vehicles, while offering increased mobility and environmental benefits, are often operated in a manner that poses risks to pedestrians, motorists, and the riders themselves. The proposed ordinance seeks to establish clear rules governing the use of these bicycles, including safety equipment. Additionally, it will introduce mandatory inspection and registration processes to ensure that all such vehicles meet basic safety standards and are properly maintained. Registration will also help facilitate enforcement and promote accountability among users. He noted some of the information in the ordinance including that registration is required with the Police Department including an inspection process and fee of $20. An annual tag will be provided to each low-speed or low-speed gas bicycle; Owners/Operators shall furnish the Police Department with his or her name and address, the make, color, and serial number of the low-speed or low-speed gas bicycle, and any other information as the Police Department may require; the inspection includes mechanical fitness, and may refuse to grant or may revoke the registration of any low-speed electric or low-speed gas bicycle deemed to be in unsafe mechanical condition; they must have brakes, a white light on the front and reflector or red light on the back; they cannot have excessive noise or be equipped with an internal combustion engine without an efficient muffler; they cannot be operated on sidewalks; and they cannot be operated under the influence. He stated that any person found to be in violation of any of the provisions of this shall be subject to a fine of $75.00 or up to $750.00 for each violation. Each subsequent violation that occurs shall constitute a separate offense and impoundment. He noted that this ordinance will go into effect on June 1st. Mayor Kuder discussed his efforts to establish this ordinance and the purpose behind it due to his concerns for the safety of riders and other residents and drivers alike. He discussed the recent legislation that has made this ordinance possible and other communities that have passed similar ordinances. Council Member Jackson reiterated that the main purpose is for the safety of residents. City Manager Mahle stated that the riders are expected to follow the rules of the road. Mayor Kuder reviewed the inspection, licensing and enforcement. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Jackson to Approve An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13 Article 1 Of The Centralia Municipal Code Authorizing The Regulation And Operation Of Low-Speed Electric And Gas Bicycles On The City Streets.

Ayes: Council Member Garrett, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, and Mayor Kuder Nays: None

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

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Mahle stated that Dimond Bros is planning for improvements utilizing the façade loan that will include the awnings and signage of the business. He stated that bids were received and reviewed, and the funding is recommended for approval. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Forgivable Loan Agreement From TIF #3 To Dimond Bros Insurance LLC For Façade Improvements At 201 S. Locust.

Ayes: Council Member Garrett, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, and Mayor Kuder Nays: None

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

City Manager Mahle stated that a transfer has been requested for lake lease C-5 to individuals that are acquiring a mortgage thru Midwest National Bank. The lender is requiring an estoppel to be executed by the City of Centralia. This resolution is to approve the requested document as the City has in the past for other similar documents. The City Attorney has reviewed the estoppel for recommendation and approval. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Jackson to Approve A Landlord’s Estoppel Certificate For A Mortgage In Reference to Lake Lease Site C-5.

Ayes: Council Member Garrett, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

OTHER BUSINESS

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

REPORTS

City Clerk Enke noted that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday May 27th due to the Memorial Day holiday. She also invited residents to attend the Memorial Day program on May 24th at 10:30 a.m. She also noted that the City is seeking volunteers for the placement of flags at Veteran’s gravesites beginning on Thursday May 22nd at 10:30 a.m.

City Manager Mahle thanked Gayla Harting and the many volunteers that took the time to prepare and plan for the Locust St. Fair that unfortunately was not held due to the weather.

City Manager Mahle provided an update on the electric aggregation that was previously approved now that the Ameren rate information was received beginning in June which will reflect savings to residents.

City Manager Mahle stated that the Clinton County Historical Society will be provide a screening of the documentary Bill’s Thud on Thursday May 15th at the Carlyle Library. He noted that the documentary is about the pilot which flew the plane during the Vietnam War which is now on display in Fairview Park.

City Manager Mahle also provided a report from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources concerning the recent fish dying at Raccoon Lake stating that this fish kill appears to be the result of spawning stress and has only impacted one species in the lake. All of the dead fish that were observed were common carp and they appear to have been dead for a few days. It was noted that spawning season is the most stressful part of the year for most fish species, and they are more susceptible to diseases, bacterial infections, and can even die due to rapid changes in water temperature. This fish kill will likely not have either a positive, or negative, impact on the overall health of the fish in the lake. It appears that large carp were the most abundant size of dead fish and there are still many other carp in the lake. Common carp are very good at compensating for decrease. This is a natural event, they have already investigated it and these fish will decompose naturally over the next few days and there isn't any reason to remove/dispose of the carcasses.

Council Member Allen welcomed Bunny Garrett just as the rest of the City Council and staff had as well and she also thanked Jeff Castellari for his service and communication over the time that they served together.

Mayor Kuder discussed the experience he has had as a Mayor and his working relationship with the City Council Members thanking Council Member Castellari for his service and relationship and welcoming Council Member Garrett to the City Council.

Mayor Kuder also alerted residents to a recent scam that has been attempted for funds through contacts of the City, specifically wanting to take donations. He encouraged residents to be cautious when contacted from individuals calling or emailing for funds.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting.

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m. .