West Central Reporter

City of Rushville City Council met May 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

PUBLIC HEARING

REGARDING THE PROPOSED APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR

The following were in attendance: Mayor Jeff Ervin; Council Members – Susan Acker, Terry Dodds, Mike Farniok, Bob Fishel, and Bryan Matteson; City Clerk, Stacey Briney; and Moe Billingsley of The Rushville Times.

The public hearing was called to review the proposed appropriation ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Notice was posted to meet state requirements.

Fishel MOVED TO ADJOURN. Farniok SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 5 YEAS – Acker, Dodds, Farniok, Fishel, & Matteson; 0 NAYS; 3 ABSENT – Davis, Ryan, & Trimble. THE PUBLIC HEARING STOOD ADJOURNED AT 6:54 P.M.

RUSHVILLE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

1. ROLL CALL & CALL TO ORDER

The Rushville City Council met in the meeting room of the City Hall Building. Upon convening, Mayor, Jeff Ervin directed City Clerk, Stacey Briney to call the roll. Upon ROLL CALL, the following answered present: Council Members: Susan Acker, Terry Dodds, Mike Farniok, Bob Fishel, Bryan Matteson, and Mike Ryan. Council Members, Richard Davis & Paul Trimble were absent. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.

Others present included: Stacey Briney, City Clerk; Erin Wilson-Laegeler, City Attorney, Drew Ralston, Superintendent of Operations; Rick Wright, Chief of Police; Moe Billingsley of The Rushville Times; Joan Sullivan and Cindy Hannant, representing PRIDE; and Mike Carey.

2. OPENING PRAYER

The Opening Prayer was led by Mayor, Jeff Ervin.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Ervin.

4. CONSENT AGENDA

All items on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member so requests, in which event, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as the first item after approval of the Consent Agenda.

a) Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting April 21, 2025

b) Approve the Minutes of the Grievance & Personnel Committee Meetings held April 24, 2025; & Street Committee Minutes held April 28, 2025

c) Approve “Claims for Council Approval Dated 04/30/25” & Accept Monthly Reports

d) Consider Line Item Transfers

e) Approve Loan Reimbursements

f) Pass & Adopt Ordinance No. 1392, Annual Appropriation Ordinance

Farniok MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. Fishel SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 6 YEAS – Acker, Dodds, Farniok, Fishel, Matteson, & Ryan; 0 NAYS; 2 ABSENT – Davis & Trimble.

5. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION TO APPROVE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD OCTOBER 7, 2024; JANUARY 6, 2025; APRIL 21, 2025; GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD NOVEMBER 13, 2024; & APRIL 24, 2025; COMBINED CEMETERY & GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING HELD MARCH 27, 2025; POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD DECEMBER 12, 2024; & COMBINED TIF & JOINT REVIEW BOARD MEETING HELD APRIL 16, 2025– 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21)

Fishel MOVED TO ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION TO APPROVE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD OCTOBER 7, 2024; JANUARY 6, 2025; APRIL 21, 2025; GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD NOVEMBER 13, 2024; & APRIL 24, 2025; COMBINED CEMETERY & GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING HELD MARCH 27, 2025; POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD DECEMBER 12, 2024; & COMBINED TIF & JOINT REVIEW BOARD MEETING HELD APRIL 16, 2025– 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21). Dodds SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 6 YEAS – Dodds, Farniok, Fishel, Matteson, Ryan, & Acker; 0 NAYS; 2 ABSENT – Davis & Trimble. OPEN SESSION STOOD ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 7:02 P.M.

6. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

Open Session reconvened at 7:06 p.m. with the following present: Mayor Ervin; Council Members – Acker, Dodds, Farniok, Fishel, Matteson, & Ryan; City Clerk, Stacey Briney; City Attorney, Erin Wilson-Laegeler; Superintendent of Operations, Drew Ralston; Chief of Police, Rick Wright; Moe Billingsley of The Rushville Times; Joan Sullivan & Cindy Hannant, representing PRIDE; and Mike Carey.

(7:06 P.M.) – APPROVE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD OCTOBER 7, 2024; JANUARY 6, 2025; APRIL 21, 2025; GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD NOVEMBER 13, 2024; & APRIL 24, 2025; COMBINED CEMETERY & GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING HELD MARCH 27, 2025; POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD DECEMBER 12, 2024; & COMBINED TIF & JOINT REVIEW BOARD MEETING HELD APRIL 16, 2025– 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21)

Fishel MOVED TO APPROVE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD OCTOBER 7, 2024; JANUARY 6, 2025; APRIL 21, 2025; GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD NOVEMBER 13, 2024; & APRIL 24, 2025; COMBINED CEMETERY & GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING HELD MARCH 27, 2025; POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD DECEMBER 12, 2024; & COMBINED TIF & JOINT REVIEW BOARD MEETING HELD APRIL 16, 2025– 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21). Ryan SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 6 YEAS – Farniok, Fishel, Matteson, Ryan, Acker, & Dodds; 0 NAYS; 2 ABSENT – Davis & Trimble.

7. RECESS – ADJOURN SINE DIE

The recess was called in order for the clerk to administer the oaths of office to the newly elected officials.

8. ADMINISTER OATHS OF OFFICE TO NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS

City Clerk, Stacey Briney administered the Oaths of Office to the following elected officials: Aldermen – Bob Fishel, Mike Farniok, and Mike Ryan.

9. RECONVENE WITH NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS IN PLACE

The Rushville City Council Meeting reconvened and the newly elected officials accepted their seats at the council table.

10. ROLL CALL

Mayor Ervin called the meeting to order and directed Clerk Briney to call the roll. Upon ROLL CALL, the following answered present, Mayor Ervin; Council Members: Susan Acker, Terry Dodds, Mike Farniok, Bob Fishel, Bryan Matteson, and Mike Ryan. Council Member, Paul Trimble was absent.

Others present included: Stacey Briney, City Clerk; Erin Wilson-Laegeler, City Attorney, Drew Ralston, Superintendent of Operations; Rick Wright, Chief of Police; Moe Billingsley of The Rushville Times; Joan Sullivan & Cindy Hannant, representing PRIDE; and Mike Carey.

11. DISCUSS & CONSIDER APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF MIKE CAREY AS WARD IV ALDERMAN

Fishel MOVED TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF MIKE CAREY AS WARD IV ALDERMAN. Dodds SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL “YEA” VOICE VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 6 YEAS – Ryan, Acker, Dodds, Farniok, Fishel, & Matteson; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Trimble.

12. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO MIKE CAREY

Clerk Briney administered the Oath of Office to Mike Carey.

13. DISCUSS & CONSIDER DONATION TO PRIDE

Joan Sullivan, representing PRIDE, introduced herself and Cindy Hannant and explained that PRIDE takes care of the flowers on the square and inside Central Park. Sullivan noted they were here to ask the city for a donation to help with the cost of flowers. Sullivan stressed that having someone to water the flowers is a huge thing and they appreciate the city’s support. Sullivan said PRIDE is planning on starting to plant on May 19th.

Matteson MOVED TO APPROVE A DONATION IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($1,200) TO PRIDE. Acker SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Acker, Carey, Dodds, Farniok, Fishel, Matteson, & Ryan; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Trimble.

Joan Sullivan and Cindy Hannant left the meeting at 7:13 p.m.

14. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no Public Comments at this time.

15. CONSENT AGENDA

All items on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member so requests, in which event, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as the first item after approval of the Consent Agenda.

a) Approve “Claims for Council Approval Dated 05/05/25”

b) Consider Mayoral Appointments

c) Present 2025-2026 Committee Appointments

d) Present Report of Licenses Issued May 5, 2025

e) Approve Public Notice of the Regular Meeting Dates of the City Council for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year

f) Pass & Adopt Resolution No. 1161, Designating a Depository and Authorizing Signatures (RSB)

g) Pass & Adopt Resolution No. 1162, Designating a Depository and Authorizing Signatures (Marine)

h) Pass & Adopt Resolution No. 1163, Designating a Depository and Authorizing Signatures (1st Bankers Trust)

i) Pass & Adopt Resolution No. 1164, Designating a Depository and Authorizing Signatures (West Central Bank)

j) Pass & Adopt Resolution No. 1165, Resolution Appointing City Attorney

k) Approve $500 Donation for Veteran’s Flags in Central Park (as per past practice)

l) Approve $3,000 Donation to Schuyler County Fair for Fireworks (as per past practice)

m) Approve Hiring Monte Simpson as Central Park Waterer

Matteson MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. Dodds SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Matteson, Ryan, Acker, Carey, Dodds, Farniok, & Fishel; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Trimble.

16. ITEMS TO BE REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA – IF APPLICABLE

All items were approved on the Consent Agenda.

17. DISCUSS & CONSIDER HIRING PART-TIME EMPLOYEES AT CITY SHED & CEMETERY

Cemetery Committee Chairman, Bryan Matteson stated that Steve Finch will work on the days that Tim Zeeck does not and Kayden Bell will switch out with Dakota Smith.

Dodds MOVED TO HIRE CARTER FRETUEG, IAN HAINLINE, & ELI AYERS AT THE CITY SHED AND STEVE FINCH (TO ONLY WORK ON DAYS THAT TIM ZEECK DOES NOT), KAYDEN BELL & DAKOTA SMITH AT THE CEMETERY. Ryan SECONDED, THE MOTION CARRIED WITH A ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Carey, Dodds, Farniok, Fishel, Matteson, Ryan, & Acker; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Trimble.

18. DISCUSS & CONSIDER PURCHASING FORKS FOR THE LOADER

Street Committee Chairman, Bob Fishel reported that Superintendent of Operations, Drew Ralston got a bid of Five Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty Dollars ($5,830) from Luby Equipment for forks for the loader. Fishel noted the city crew can use the forks for a lot of things.

Farniok MOVED TO APPROVE PURCHASING FORKS FOR THE LOADER AT A COST OF FIVE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY DOLLARS ($5,830). Ryan SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Dodds, Farniok, Fishel, Matteson, Ryan, Acker, & Carey; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Trimble.

19. DISCUSS & CONSIDER REPAIRS TO EAST WASHINGTON STREET

Fishel reported Ralston assured him that the city crew could pour concrete in front of the Post Office and then match the bricks up against that. Council Member, Terry Dodds asked if the city crew was going to fix any of the curbing and Fishel said they might work on it while they are up there.

Fishel MOVED TO APPROVE POURING CONCRETE IN THE PARKING SPACES IN FRONT OF THE POST OFFICE ON EAST WASHINGTON STREET. Ryan SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Farniok, Fishel, Matteson, Ryan, Acker, Carey, & Dodds; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Trimble.

20. DISCUSS & CONSIDER REHABILITATION TO SOUTH MASTER LIFT STATION

Sewer Committee Chairman, Bryan Matteson reported the south master lift station is in very poor condition and there is leakage in places. Matteson stated VandeVanter estimated the cost to rehab it at One Hundred Seventy-Eight Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-One Dollars and Four Cents ($178,591.04) but that is subject to change with delivery, freight, disposal, etc. Matteson said the city’s vac will not reach as far as needed so that is something that will have to be hired out and no one is sure what shape the concrete floor is so those will and can be additional costs. Mayor Ervin stressed that if the city does not do this then no one will be able to flush their toilets. Council Member, Mike Ryan asked if that was the only estimate that Matteson got and he said that is about the one firm that does this type of work.

Matteson MOVED TO APPROVE REHABILITATING THE SOUTH MASTER LIFT STATION AT A COST OF ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-EIGHT THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE DOLLARS AND FOUR CENTS ($178,591.04), PLUS ANY ADDITIONAL COST ON DISCOVERY. Farniok SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Fishel, Matteson, Ryan, Acker, Carey, Dodds, & Farniok; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Trimble.

21. DISCUSS & CONSIDER LEAD & COPPER PLANS

Water Committee Chairman, Matteson reported the city has to do lead discovery on all pipes so the crew has been pot holing inside the curb. Matteson said Water Operator, Randy Dabney wanted the city workers to go into every home to check on lead service lines but no one is comfortable with that so he instructed Ralston and the crew to continue doing what they are doing. No action was taken on this matter.

22. COUNCIL MEMBER & OFFICIAL’S REPORTS

Water Committee Chairman, Bryan Matteson reported the Logan Street project has started and the valves are going in. Ralston said the demolition of the old tanks may start this week.

Matteson stated a citizen came to him regarding the dandelions in Central Park. Matteson wondered about looking into what Lawn Pro could do. Council Member, Susan Acker asked if that was something that the city crew could do and Mayor Ervin said he would rather have a company do it since no one has a sprayer license. Mayor Ervin noted that the park does not need to be fertilized, but just sprayed. Mayor Ervin directed Parks & Recreation Committee Member, Mike Carey to call Lawn Pro and see what it would cost to spray for the dandelions.

Cemetery Committee Chairman, Matteson reported there are a couple issues with some equipment at the cemetery but he is having Cemetery Sexton, George Vincent look into the repairs.

Sidewalk & Lighting Committee Chairman, Terry Dodds reported he, Mayor Ervin, Schuyler County Engineer, Dave Schneider, and Megan Crook of IMEG met to discuss a grant regarding dangerous intersections, roads, sidewalks, etc. Dodds said they are looking at doing an eight-foot (8’) sidewalk from the High School to Webster School. Clerk Briney was directed to place Discuss & Consider Approving an Engineering Agreement with IMEG for a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Grant on the next council agenda.

Council Member, Mike Carey stated that he is honored to be here. Carey said he has been a part of the community forever and he hopes to add wisdom and knowledge.

Council Member, Bob Fishel reported he talked to a couple folks on the south side of town that cannot hear the storm sirens when they go off. Chief of Police, Rick Wright said the sirens are tested the first (1st) Tuesday of every month so they might listen tomorrow and see what happens.

Chief of Police, Rick Wright reported on April 26th, himself and Mayor Ervin went to the graduation for two (2) of the officers and said it was a great ceremony. Chief Wright noted one (1) of the officers went right to work and the other one is riding along right now and will be out on his own the third (3rd) week of this month. Chief Wright stated both are excited to be back.

City Attorney, Erin Wilson-Laegeler reported the newly re-elected officials and appointed officials need to do the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) training within sixty (60) days.

Attorney Wilson-Laegeler stated she spoke to Mike Veith today regarding his property at the corner of East Jefferson and North Jackson. Attorney Wilson-Laegeler said Veith informed her that he is looking to tear the house down and the neighbor is wanting to buy the lot.

Attorney Wilson-Laegeler noted she also spoke to the folks that own the house on South Congress and they have sprayed and secured the house but she will keep on it to make sure they continue to take care of things. Chief Wright said someone mowed the yard last week.

Attorney Wilson-Laegeler reported she is working on an option to lease the land to the solar company. Attorney Wilson-Laegeler said the city is in good shape on the lease and she is just fine tuning it.

23. ADJOURN

Dodds MOVED TO ADJOURN. Fishel SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Matteson, Ryan, Acker, Carey, Dodds, Farniok, & Fishel; 0 NAYS; 1 ABSENT – Trimble. THE MEETING STOOD ADJOURNED ACCORDINGLY AT 7:37 P.M.

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