South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met June 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Thursday June 26, 2025 for a special meeting. Mayor Kuder called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

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

Staff Members Present: City Manager, Galen Mahle; Community Development Director, Gayla Harting; Blake Perez, Fire Department; Dylan Shahan, Fire Department; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director; and Kim Enke, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

None

OTHER BUSINESS

City Manager Mahle stated that the city as required by state statue is proposing the update of the building and fire codes with ordinance amendments. He noted that it was discussed over a month ago and publicly noticed and has been available for inspection. Blake Perez also reviewed the requirements to update the codes for construction, existing buildings and inspections. The benefit and convenience of digital access to the code by the department was also noted. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve An Ordinance To Amend The Centralia Municipal Code For The Adoption Of Building And Building Regulation Technical Codes

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

Jamie Newcomb stated that she would like to speak outside of the opportunity of public participation. She questioned the Knox Box system requirement and the cost and security concerns that she has about it. She stated that she was not aware of the changes proposed until the day of the meeting. She stated that she would like an option to opt out of the requirement. Mayor Kuder stated that there is not an option to opt in or opt out of complying with the code. Blake Perez explained the Knox Box system as well as the process the city has underwent to notify the public about the proposed changes. Ms. Newcomb requested that she get the information concerning the penalties for non-compliance and the city take into consideration other options for business owners. She stated that she is in the process of changing her security and locking system to an electronic authentication system which would not provide a key to be placed in the Knox Box. There was discussion among the Council Members and also business owner Greg Sutton about the steps business owners take to be informed. He stated his concern with electronic systems rather than using the key lockbox system. Council Member Allen discussed the requirements of the city to pass the ordinance and the ultimate reason to be to clean up the properties in Centralia and also to keep the residents safe. Mayor Kuder thanked those in attendance for being involved and raising concerns that may need to be considered. City Manager Mahle stated that the overall concern is to keep the businesses safe and operable in the City of Centralia. Gayla Harting stated that the Code Enforcement Department will work with business to allow time for correction of any compliance issues before immediately issuing tickets. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Jackson to Approve An Ordinance To Amend The Centralia Municipal Code For The Adoption Of The International Fire Code 2024 Edition.

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

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting.

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.

https://www.cityofcentralia.org/media/8161