West Central Reporter

City of Waverly City Council met June 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order and Roll Call.

Mayor Baines called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Present were: Alderman Duewer, Alderman Houchens, Alderman Lyons, Alderwoman Robinette and Alderman Smith. Alderman Nagel was absent.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Comments from the Floor

Nick Hurley / Karen Dennis – request made to block off Pearl Street in front of the Patriot’s Pub on June 28 from 4:00 pm – 12:00pm. The request was approved by the Council.

Dylan Haycraft – Mr. Haycraft did not appear.

Barry / Annie Austin – another request was made for the City to consider putting up for purchase a parcel of land at Waverly Lake adjacent to the Austin’s property. The request will be considered.

Tiffanie Robertson – Ms. Robertson did not appear.

Aurora Grimmett – Ms. Grimmett reported that the picnic will have a “foam party” on Friday and Saturday during the picnic in the southeast corner of the park. The Picnic Committee will also take over the responsibility for the beer tent on Friday and Saturday nights. A volleyball event was also discussed with no decision being made.

4. Approve Open Meeting Minutes from the May 06, 2025 Meeting

Alderman Duewer moved, second by Alderman Lyons to approve the minutes, as corrected, for the May 6 meeting. Alderman Duewer, Alderman Houchens, Alderman Lyons, Alderwoman Robinette and Alderman Smith voted aye.

5. Approve the Reports of Clerk, Collector, Bookkeeper and Treasurer

Alderman Smith moved, second by Alderwoman Robinette to approve all reports as presented. Alderman Duewer, Alderman Houchens, Alderman Lyons, Alderwoman Robinette and Alderman Smith voted aye.

6. Pay May Bills Due in June 2025

Alderwoman Robinette moved, second by Alderman Houchens to approve payment of the May bills. Alderman Duewer, Alderman Houchens, Alderman Lyons, Alderwoman Robinette and Alderman Smith voted aye.

7. Municipal

On-going discussion. Discussion and possible action regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation, State Route 104 Project. On-going discussion. As of August 2022, IDOT is responsible securing easement signatures. UPDATE: the City has reached out to State Senators and the Governor’s Office to get funding assistance.

NO NEW MOVEMENT.

Jamie Headen, Benton & Associates - Illinois Rt. 104 project.

John Lyons was asked to develop a plan to move the water line between Waverly and Franklin which s currently near Route 104.

Discussion and possible action regarding the Overhead Bridge on North Curtiss Street.

Alderman Houchens moved, second by Alderman Lyons to approved Ordinance 25-03 Closing a Portion of North Curtiss Street. Alderman Duewer, Alderman Houchens, Alderman Lyons, Alderwoman Robinette and Alderman Smith voted aye.

8. Finance

Second Reading of Appropriations 2025-2026. The Council requested removal of the section entitled Fire Department. The final version will be ready for the July meeting.

9. Parks, Lakes, and Recreation

Discussion and possible action regarding the boat ramp at Waverly Lake. Discussion tabled until the July meeting.

10. Police

Chief Berola report. As a result of citizen complaints, truck traffic on Route 111 heading out of town is being closely monitored.

A bicycle safety fair was held at the Waverly Elementary School and all went well and the Council received a thank you note from Christy Willman, Elementary Principal.

11. Utilities, Streets and Alleys

John Lyons reported it was a busy month with several maintenance projects taking place. The summer help is all present and doing a god job. Pending projects include the Water Clarifier at the Water Plant and Harker Stret renovation, pending approval of a grant from IDOT.

12. Zoning

Chairman report - none

13. Executive Session: (i) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the City; and (ii) Pending or threatened litigation affecting the City.

14. Old Business

Discussion and possible action regarding bills for the Waverly Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (City utilities, Ameren electric bill and Frontier phone bill) and the Waverly Community Ballpark (City utilities) beginning with the June bills (May utility usage). The issue regarding the ball park was dismissed

Discussion and possible action regarding rules for cats and other pets within the City of Waverly. Discussion tabled until the July meeting.

Discussion and possible action regarding Committee changes / assignments. New assignments have been made and posted at City Hall and on the website. Steve Smith was named Mayor Pro-Tem.

Discussion and possible action regarding the condition of the house at 173 East Prairie. Alderman Smith moved, second by Alderman Lyons to send final notification of intent to follow the Court Order of April 23, 2025. Alderman Duewer, Alderman Houchens, Alderman Lyons, Alderwoman Robinette and Alderman Smith voted aye.

15. New Business

Discussion and possible action regarding firework permits for Friday, July 4, 2025. Alderman Lyons moved, second by Alderman Smith to approve fireworks for July 4, 2025. Alderman Duewer, Alderman Houchens, Alderman Lyons, Alderwoman Robinette and Alderman Smith voted aye.

Discussion and possible action regarding flags remaining up for the period Memorial Day through Veteran’s Day. Flags will be put up throughout town and remain displayed until Veteran’s Day.

Discussion and possible action regarding filling of pools effective beginning Spring of 2026. No action taken, utility bills will remain as status quo.

Discussion and possible action regarding email access for elected / appointed officials. Discussion tabled until the July meeting.

Discussion and possible action regarding implementation of a 1% grocery tax. Discussion tabled until the July meeting.

Resignation. The resignation of Mr. Samaras as the City Collector, effective August 31, 2025, was accepted by the Council. A vacancy posting will be placed in the Waverly Journal.

Mayor Baines read a thank you note from Terry Campbell for the reception and plaque received at the May meeting.

Mayor Baines stated that he is pursuing the hiring of a Grant Writer for the City to take advantage of available grants funds. Further discussion will be held at the July meeting.

16. Adjourn:

Alderman Smith moved, second by Alderman Houchens to adjourn at 8:45 pm. Alderman Duewer, Alderman Houchens, Alderman Lyons, Alderwoman Robinette and Alderman Smith voted aye.

https://www.waverlyil.com/documents/304/MINUTES_06.03.25.doc