Street view of the Aaron G. Cloud House and the Cloud State Bank, located at 164 and 108 S. Washington Street in McLeansboro | WikipediA
Street view of the Aaron G. Cloud House and the Cloud State Bank, located at 164 and 108 S. Washington Street in McLeansboro | WikipediA
City of McLeansboro Township Board met June 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
PRESENT: Alderman Brault, Pence, Petersen, Muench, Miller, Dewitt, Alderwoman Rohlfs and Mayor Marcier
ABSENT: Alderman Garfield
GUESTS: Tony Moore with Republic Services, Building Inspector Eric Brandt, Code Enforcement Shane Eades, and residents Brandon Ferrell and Jessica Rogers
Alderman Brault opened the meeting at 6:39 pm. Tony Moore with Republic Services spoke about the upcoming 5-year contract that will expire in October and about recycling. He stated every resident would be charged an additional $10-15 per month for curb side recycling. A possible option for the city would be a drop box recycle center that would cost $1400 per pick-up of the 25-yard box that would need to be placed on a concrete surface. Mr. Moore stated the current contract will go up 4% with a 4% increase every year for the next 5 years. The committee is going to discuss the recycling program later.
Building Inspector Eric Brandt reported on the following:
IDNR Flood Mitigation: the last 3 homes have been demolished, and the grass seed is down, a reimbursement request was sent to the state for $119,240.50, so far the city has used $3,462,571.50 and $1,894,457.50 remains of the 5.23-million-dollar grant. Poultry Ordinance: Eric stated at one time poultry was allowed but not roosters this was changed in 2019 when the ordinances were codified, there is a current ordinance regarding noisy animals. Brandon Ferrell and Jessica Rogers spoke to the committee regarding poultry, Mr. Ferrell handed out several pieces of information to the committee, he stated Watseka is a lower income community and has a lower population than before, he went on to say there is no accountability for dogs barking, messy yards, people trespassing etc. He stated most lots are 50x100 or 50x50, he suggested the bigger the lot the more chickens you can have. After more discussion Alderman Dewitt made a motion to allow 6 chickens, no roosters, ducks or turkeys allowed a $50 fee and a limit of 25 permits and if it doesn’t work out the city could do away with the ordinance. Alderwoman Rohlfs suggested a trial period and it was stated that would not work out at as Mr. Ferrell stated the chickens do become pets. Alderman Pence stated code enforcement, and the police department have their hands full now and believes this just will not work out. After more discussion
Alderman Dewitt makes a motion to recommend to the Council to start working on an ordinance to allow chickens in the city and Alderwoman Rohlfs seconded. Roll call failed 5-3 with Alderman Muench, Miller, Petersen, Pence and Mayor Marcier voting no. Façade Grants: Eric has 2 façade grants-218 E Walnut Watseka Theatre for $5,000 for marquee restoration and Heritage FS for $5,000 for landscaping and a new parking lot. Alderwoman Rohlfs makes a motion to recommend to the Council to give Heritage FS a façade grant for $5,000 and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 7-1 with Alderman Dewitt abstaining. Alderman Pence makes a motion to recommend to the Council to give Watseka Theatre a $5,000 façade grant and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.
319 W Hickory St: The owners of Crossroad were present to let the committee know they are planning on getting a fence they are just trying to put it into there budget. They are asking for 3-4 months to get it done. It was suggested they see about getting a revolving loan or even applying for a façade grant. They will keep Eric updated about the condition of their property.
Code Enforcement Shane Eades stated he is working on the rv trailers and utility trailers on the corner of N 6th and E Elm St. The homeowner that lives next to the empty lot would like to put gravel in the lot to park his trailers. There was discussion about ownership of the lot and if gravel is put in since that is in the flood zone will he need to remove dirt before bringing in the gravel. Shane will continue to work on this issue.
Shane also stated the current ordinance regarding junk vehicles states it needs to be a police officer to remove the vehicle and process the junk title, and the vin needs to go through leads that he no longer has access to. Shane has no desire to become an officer again so he and Chief Starkey are asking to amend the ordinance to change it to Code Enforcement and Police Department. The committee is ok with this. Chief Starkey will get in touch with Attorney Cainkar.
Alderman Muench makes a motion to adjourn at 7:39 and Alderwoman Rohlfs seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.
http://www.mcleansborotownship.com/meetingMinutes/June2025Minutes.pdf