South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met Aug. 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday August 25, 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 Garrett, Council Member Fontanez, and Council Member Allen Absent: Council Member Jackson

Staff Members Present: Andrew Thomson, 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

Mayor Kuder recognized Police Department Sergeant Michael D. Peebles For 20 Years Of Service.

Janelle Charman addressed the City Council with a statement read from Tom Hawkins from the Raccoon Lake Association. She discussed the boat that they purchased for the removal of debris on the lake. She stated that they would like to establish a committee for the purpose of a study to determine the need of shoreline stabilization and funding of it. She provided handouts and photos for the Council Members.

Morgan Taylor from the Centralia Sunshine Project addressed the City Council introducing herself and explaining her non profit that provides free art and community engagement. She stated that she is planning the 1st annual art and wine walk and plans to attend another meeting in the future to get the necessary approvals for the event.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The August 11, 2025 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 950,135.31

3. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of July 31, 2025

Ayes: Council Member Garrett, 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

None

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Mahle noted the meeting held prior to the Council meeting concerning the Safe Routes to School Grant. He explained that a portion of Country Club Road was included previously and to expand on this project and provide further safe walking and bicycling routes within Centralia, the City would like to apply for the SRTS grant. The City is proposing the construction of approximately 800 feet of new ADA-compliant sidewalk along the west side of Country Club Road, from Penta Way to the driveway at 520 Country Club Road, including pavement striping at cross streets to enhance pedestrian visibility. This infrastructure improvement is designed to serve students and families of Jordan Elementary School by creating a safer, more accessible route for walking and biking. The project aligns with the goals of promoting active transportation, reducing traffic congestion near schools, and improving air quality and public health. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Of Financial Commitment For Illinois Safe Routes To School Grant Program – Cycle 2025.

Ayes: Council Member Garrett, 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 The City of Centralia is seeking approval to apply for an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant to support significant improvements at Fairview Park. This proposed project aims to enhance the recreational value and accessibility of the park for residents of all ages and abilities. Planned improvements include a new internal roadway and sidewalks, the installation of fencing around the playground for added safety, updated skate park equipment, outdoor fitness stations along a new walking path, birdhouses, benches, and additional trash receptacles. These additions are designed to promote outdoor activity, community engagement, and environmental appreciation. As part of the grant requirements, the City acknowledges that all construction must be completed within a two-year timeframe from the date of the project agreement. The City also certifies it will comply with all applicable regulations, including those under the OSLAD program, the Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act, civil rights laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and more. The City further agrees to maintain the site in a clean, safe, and publicly accessible condition, and to preserve the land exclusively for outdoor recreational use in perpetuity. The grant threshold is $600,000.00 and the total estimated costs at this time is $745,815.00 with the City still looking at reducing the total cost where available with use of the City employees as feasible, utilizing donations for the skate park improvements and reducing the scope prior to the final application being submitted. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Authorizing An Open Space Land Acquisition And Development ("OSLAD") Grant Application For Fairview Park.

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

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

Mayor Kuder stated that the pump at the WWTP has broken and the repair estimate would be more than a new pump. Jeff Schwartz stated that the last pump lasted 38 years. Galen reviewed the quotes received. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From Municipal Equipment Company, Inc For Pump Replacement At The Wastewater Treatment Plant In The Total Amount Of $41,778.28.

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

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

Mayor Kuder explained that the mutual aid agreement is similar to what other surrounding agencies have entered into with the city to respond in times of law enforcement need. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Authorizing A Mutual Aid Agreement With The Washington County Sheriff’s Office To Promote Public Safety And Protect The General Welfare Of The Citizens.

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

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

Mayor Kuder reported that this vehicle requested to be purchased is for the replacement of a damaged vehicle in the Police Department. Council Member Allen questioned the insurance coverage and City Manager Mahle stated that the insurance funds would cover the cost of the car and the upfitting for it as well. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Approving The Purchase Of A 2022 Ford F150 From Asia Motors Inc In The Amount Of $33,000.00.

Ayes: Council Member Garrett, 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 City of Centralia working through Affordable Gas and Electric has received a recommended Credit Purchase and Sale Agreement from Nexamp Solar, LLC regarding a community solar program. Community solar allows for the City to benefit from solar energy without having to install solar panels at all of the city owned facilities. This program allows for the support of clean, local, renewable energy, in addition to providing savings on electricity bills. A local solar farm sends solar energy into the electricity grid with guaranteed savings each month based on the solar energy the farm produces. Information regarding the terms of the agreement was provided including the savings of approximately $24,000 per year for the next 20 years at the sewer plant and approximately $29,000 per year for an initial 3 year term that can be renewed every 3 years for the other 83 accounts. It was noted that this resolution allows for the credit purchase and sales agreement to be finalized and executed by the City Manager. Council Member Allen questioned the savings with explanation from the AGE representatives in attendance who provided an overview of the subscription service. Council Member Garrett confirmed that there is no cost to the City for the subscription. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Authorizing Approval Of An Agreement With Nexamp Solar, LLC For A Credit Purchase And Sale Agreement.

Ayes: Council Member Garrett, 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 The City Council is being asked to approve a Letter of Intent (LOI) and a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the installation of a solar energy system at the new Water Treatment Plant at 660 W. Green Street Road. This proposed project, developed in partnership with StraightUp Solar and Balance Solar Fund 25, LLC through the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) Non-Profit/Public Facility program, would be implemented at no upfront cost to the City. The structure of the agreement guarantees a minimum of 65% savings on electricity costs compared to current utility rates for the first year, and there will not be any City funds expended for construction or for the project.

Approval of the LOI and resolution would allow the City to move forward with project development, including permitting, engineering, utility interconnection, and the PPA. Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate the final PPA ensures timely execution and compliance with program timelines, while supporting the City’s long-term goals for sustainability, cost savings, and responsible infrastructure development. Mayor Kuder confirmed that this was for the Water Treatment Plant and City Manager Mahle stated that this would be for the placement of a solar array. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution

Authorizing The Execution And Approval Of A Letter Of Intent With StraightUp Solar LLC And Power Purchase Agreement.

Ayes: Council Member Garrett, 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

None

REPORTS

City Clerk Enke noted that the trash collection service would be delayed by one day the following week due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday.

City Manager Mahle congratulated Officer Peebles for his service anniversary. He also thanked the staff of Milano & Grunloh for the work on the grant applications and AGE for their assistance with the solar programs.

Council Member Allen recognized and thanked all of the volunteers and steering committee of Balloon Fest this year and also thanked Milano & Grunloh and AGE for their assistance to the City.

Mayor Kuder also reiterated the success of Balloon Fest and the recent boat races. He reminded everyone of the upcoming Shrine football game against Salem.

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 6:26 p.m. .

https://www.cityofcentralia.org/media/8396