South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met Aug. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday August 11, 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 Fontanez, and Council Member Allen

Absent: Council Member Jackson & Council Member Garrett

Staff Members Present: Callah Wright, City Attorney; Galen Mahle, City Manager; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Chief Chris Locke, Police Department; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director; Chief Jeff Day, Fire Department; Bill Agee, Treasurer; and Kim Enke, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk

PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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

AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

None

CONSENT AGENDA

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

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

2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 1,289,598.69

3. A Resolution Confirming Appointment Of Galen Mahle To The Board Of The South Central Illinois Regional Planning And Development Commission

Ayes: Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

None

BIDS

None

ORDINANCES

City Manager Mahle explained that Raccoon Water company that provides water service to the Shook Lane area is requesting a permanent easement for installation of a poly line for water service to residents in that area. The easement will be approximately 15’ in width and lie between Lot 1 and Lot 2 which is approximately 119’ in length. This line will serve the residents to the south end of Shook Lane. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve An Ordinance Granting A Permanent Easement To Raccoon Water Company For Water Distribution Improvements Along Shook Lane.

Ayes: Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Mahle stated that the FAA and Illinois Division of Aeronautics require Airports to undergo Consulting Engineer selection for retainer contracts every five years. As required by the FAA, advertisements for soliciting qualifications for airport engineering were published on the Division of Aeronautics website. At the deadline, one sole engineering firm submitted qualifications. The interested qualifying firm that submitted their qualifications is a firm that has assisted the City for approximately 35 years. An agreement will be provided with the scope of services for the next 5 years. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Approving The Selection of Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) for Consultant Engineering Services at the Centralia Municipal Airport.

Ayes: Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

City Manager Mahle explained the proposed mural plans submitted by The Centralia Juneteenth Committee, in partnership with the Centralia Chamber of Commerce Image Committee and local artist Jamie Allen, which has proposed the creation of a Centralia Globetrotters mural on the side of the said city-owned building to celebrate community culture, history, and community spirit. The 5 Centralia players to be represented are Bobby Joe Mason,

Fred Pearson, Ken “Preacher” McBride, John “Buddy” Scott and Jackie White. He noted that the proposal was presented to the Parks and Recreation Committee with their recommendation to approve it. The cost of the project is estimated between $5,000 to $10,000 with the Centralia Image Committee and Centralia Juneteenth Committee providing 100% of the funds. The project is expected to be completed in June 2026 with an unveiling at the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Approving A Request To Use City Property For The Purpose Of A Mural In Laura Leake Park.

Ayes: Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

OTHER BUSINESS

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

City Manager Mahle explained that the ordinance presented proposes increasing the number of Class A liquor licenses to accommodate the new business. Colden Brewery, a new business slated to open downtown. He stated that they are currently renovating at 117 E. Broadway and is applying for a new Class A license as a bar/restaurant. While the Mayor, as Liquor Commissioner, grants licenses, Council approval is required to increase the number of available licenses in each class. This ordinance seeks to raise the Class A license count to allow approval for Colden Brewery. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding An Amendment To Increase The Number of Class A Liquor Licenses For A Business At 117 E. Broadway.

Ayes: Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

City Manager Mahle stated that this ordinance proposes increasing the number of Class A liquor licenses to accommodate a request of the business at 320 E. Noleman with a change in operation for an existing license holder. Rolln Up, located at 320 E. Noleman, is requesting to change from a Class C to a Class A license to allow for gaming. While the Mayor, as Liquor Commissioner, grants licenses, Council approval is required to increase the number of available licenses in each class. This ordinance seeks to raise the Class A license count. Council Member Fontanez asked if this license would allow for the serving of liquor in the store at this location. City Manager Mahle stated that this class of license would allow for it. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding An Amendment To Increase The Number of Class A Liquor Licenses For A Business At 320 E. Noleman.

This ordinance failed due to a lack of a second.

Due to the increase in the Class A license not being adopted for 320 E. Noleman, the next ordinance was requested to be amended by a Motion made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Amend the Ordinance presented to decrease only the Class E and Class F Liquor Licenses.

Ayes: Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding An Amendment To Decrease The Number of Class E and F Liquor Licenses.

Ayes: Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

Shannon and Mindy Cooney, owners of RE: Purpose Development LLC who owns the property located at 117 E. Broadway is requesting façade improvement funds from TIF #3 for new façade improvements. The improvements related to the façade loan and improvements include the purchase, framing, and installation of an overhead door of the business that will be known as Colden Brewery. The work will enhance the building appearance, serve the purpose of the tenant and business owner and also replace deteriorating material. The improvements will help draw patrons to their business and improve the overall appearance of this new business to be located in downtown Centralia. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Approving A Forgivable Loan Agreement From TIF #3 To Re: Purpose Development For Façade Improvements At 117 E. Broadway.

Ayes: Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

REPORTS

City Clerk Enke reminded everyone of the clean up planned on August 12th at 6 pm downtown.

City Manager wished everyone a safe return to school this coming week and a successful Balloon Fest. He also offered thoughts and prayers for the family of Mike Curry and Curry & Associates who have experienced the loss of a family member in a tragic work-related helicopter accident.

Council Member Fontanez commended the support offered by the residents of the community for back-to-school efforts providing school supplies, clothes, haircuts and more. He noted the heart for the kids that the community has. He also wished everyone a safe back to school and great Balloon Fest weekend.

Council Member Allen stated that she was proud of the community and the large number of successful events recently including Balloon Fest. She thanked Crooked Creek Winery for a great family friendly event downtown during summer concert series. She also thanked Castle Ridge for the talent they are bringing to Centralia and large number of attendees at their recent concerts. She also commended Council Member Fontanez for the work he does with the Junior Football League.

Council Member Allen reported that she would like to see an amendment made to the temporary sign ordinance due to the way the city looks when there are so many signs placed everywhere. She stated that this is something that she will be focusing on.

Mayor Kuder reiterated the number of successful events and concerts thanking the businesses that are putting these together.

Mayor Kuder also announced that once again he and Salem Mayor Nick Farley will be competing for the pie in the face and collection of donations with his personal goal of $10,000 for Shriners Hospital prior to the rivalry Shrine football game at the end of the month.

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 6:17 p.m. .

https://www.cityofcentralia.org/media/8326