David Horn summarizes agenda of next Decatur City Council meeting on August 19 at 5:30 PM
The next city council meeting will include several items pertaining to the Brush College Rd. overpass project including land acquisition, utility relocation, and moving of an electrical substation. Approximately $7 million in funding (of a project estimated to cost $43.1 million) is being considered for approval with funding coming from federal and state sources including Competitive Freight Program Funds, Illinois Jobs Now! Funds, and State Motor Fuel Tax dollars. In addition, the Near West Side Restoration and Preservation Society (NWRAPS) is requesting to become the receiver of a distressed property in order to repair and restore it. If approved, this project could become a model for how to rehabilitate other distressed properties throughout the city. Below are more details about items on the agenda.
1) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION PLANS TO REHABILITATE DISTRESSED PROPERTY – The Near West Side Restoration and Preservation Society (NWRAPS) is asking that the city appoint the organization as a receiver of a distressed property on the 1000 block of W. Wood St. This will allow the organization to make repairs to the property, place liens against the property for the cost of the repairs, and seek title to the property if not reimbursed. This method could be an important component of Decatur's neighborhood revitalization initiative, and specifically, be used to rehabilitate other distressed properties in the area and save them from demolition.
2) TREASURER’S REPORT FOR JULY - Year to date, the city has $2.2 million more in its general fund than projected. This is a result of revenues being 3% greater than expected and expenses being 2% lower than expected. Much of the decrease in expenses is a result of current staffing levels (442 full-time equivalent employees) being lower than budgeted staffing levels (458 full-time equivalent employees). While financial conditions change from month to month, the city is on track to achieving a balanced budget in its general fund for 2019.
Meetings take place at the City Council Chamber located on the third floor of the Decatur Civic Center (1 Gary K. Anderson Place). Free parking is available in the lot immediately south of the entrance. Citizens are encouraged to attend, and 3 minutes per citizen is allotted for public comment near the beginning of each meeting. An agenda to each city council meeting can be found at: https://www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council-meetings/