West Central Reporter

City of Macomb Committee of the Whole met July 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Committee of the Whole, of the Macomb City Council, met in the City Council Chambers on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 5:15 p.m. located in City Hall at 232 East Jackson Street, Macomb, IL.

Mayor Inman called the meeting to order and roll call was taken, Deputy Clerk Jennifer Cerven called the roll and the following were present: Aldermen John Vigezzi, Byron Shabazz, Dave Dorsett, Ashley Katz, Don Wynn, and Dennis Moon.

In addition to the Mayor, Deputy Clerk, and Aldermen, City Attorney Lisa Scalf, and CDC John Bannon were present. City Administrator Scott Coker, and Alderman Justin Schuch were absent.

Public Comment:

Ms. Lauren Merritt presented council with a Backyard Chicken FAQ’s packet highlighting diseases. Ms. Lindsey Wiemerslage stated she had collected over 150 signatures with positive feedback.

Ms. Stephanie Foulk stated birds can be very beneficial with providing eggs, education, and help people heal from loss.

Ms. Loren Dimmitt stated she lives outside of Macomb city limits, and currently has over 40 chickens. She has never lost a chicken to predators, and believes this would not be an issue for the Macomb community.

Ms. Mallory Kessler stated they were going door to door for petitions, and have an online petition, as well as, petitions at local businesses. Currently, they have collected 183 signatures in favor of the ordinance.

Mr. Chris Enroth, horticultural educator with the University of Illinois Extension, presented council with a handout highlighting the benefits of raising urban chickens.

Ms. Cassie Branniff stated she does not live inside Macomb city limits, but raises a variety of birds, and believes this ordinance would be beneficial to Macomb.

There was no further discussion.

The first item on the agenda for discussion was on an ordinance to Amend Article II Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code to allow Chickens in the City of Macomb.

Alderman Vigezzi shared concerns from people who live within his ward.

Alderman Dorsett asked Ms. Merritt if the online portion of voting, had guard rails in place to prevent multiple attempts to vote.

Ms. Merritt stated they must provide a name.

Alderman Dorsett asked if IP addresses could be blocked.

Ms. Merritt stated no.

Alderman Wynn expressed his concerns with the online survey, and odors from chicken coops.

Alderman Shabazz expressed his concerns with the number of resources it would take to regulate the ordinance, and asked if the ordinance had a 3-year period.

City Attorney Scalf stated the ordinance as written, does not have an expiration, and would take an act of council to change the ordinance.

Alderman Katz asked in regards to how the ordinance currently stands with the public hearing process, will notifications be sent out.

City Attorney Scalf stated an application would first be brought to the Planning Commission, and a buffer letter would be sent out to every homeowner within 250 ft. of the proposed location. Planning Commission would hold a public hearing, and the commission would make a recommendation to grant the license or deny it. It would then be brought to council to act.

Alderman Katz asked if neighbors would be given the opportunity to come speak either against it or for it. City Attorney Scalf stated yes.

There was no further discussion and Mayor Inman stated the item would be placed on the agenda for second reading and final action at the August 7, 2023 council meeting.

The second item on the agenda for discussion was on an ordinance to create a Special Event Liquor License for the Macomb Arts Center’s Anniversary Celebration Event. Petioner Nan Crossman spoke on behalf of the Macomb Art’s Center. She stated this event is in celebration of the Macomb Arts Center’s 20th year anniversary, and the 15th year anniversary purchase of the building. The event will take place on Saturday August 26th from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

There was no further discussion and Mayor Inman stated the item would be placed on the agenda for second reading and final action at the August 7, 2023 council meeting.

Alderman Dorsett moved, seconded by Alderman Wynn to adjourn into executive session to discuss information relative to: a) Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of an employee of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, pursuant to Sec. 2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act., on question being put Aldermen Vigezzi, Shabazz, Dorsett, Katz, Wynn, and Moon being all Alderman voting “Aye” on roll call and no “Nay” votes, Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and they adjourned into executive session at 5:48 p.m.

Alderman Vigezzi moved, seconded by Alderman Dorsett to move back into open session, all Aldermen voting “Aye” by voice vote and no “Nay” votes, Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and they adjourned back into open session at 6:01 p.m.

There was no further business.

There being no further business to come before Council, Alderman Vigezzi moved, seconded by Alderman Wynn to adjourn the meeting, all Aldermen voting “Aye” by voice vote and no “Nay” votes, Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and they adjourned the meeting at 6:01 p.m.

https://cityofmacomb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/07-24-2023.pdf