West Central Reporter

City of Hamilton City Council met July 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

ROLL CALL

The Hamilton City Council met in regular session 7:00pm at the Hamilton City Hall. Attending were Mayor Bocephus Casey, Aldermen Tommy Buckert, Andrew Asbury, Brandon Wilson, Debbie Summers, Steve Schlatter and Beverly Boone, Clerk Michelle Dorethy, Public Works Director Ryan Brotherton, and Police Chief Mike Boley.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Casey led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance

MINUTES OF JUNE 16, 2025

Buckert made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 16th meeting. Wilson seconded the motion. Roll was called with Asbury, Buckert, Wilson, Summers, and Schlatter voting aye. Boone abstained.

Motion carried.

Vote results: Ayes: 5 / Nays: 0

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Casey reported that there would be a public hearing on Thursday, July 10th at 6:00pm. The property owners along with the Solar Company will be there presenting their information. The hearing will be held at the Hamilton Community Center.

WELCOME vISITORS

Mayor Casey welcomed visitors. August Gregory of 151 North 20th Street request what the status of the property at 1970 Laurel. There are animals going in and out of the building and the property is overgrown. Mayor Casey noted he will talk with our TIF Attorney about acquiring this property and having the building removed.

Brandon Smith of 350 North 7th came to address his high-water bill. It was explained that it had to go through his meter and the meter would stop if was not working. Requested him to add color to his tank to see if his toilet was leaking.

FINANCE & APPROPRIATIONS

Summers reported that the Finance Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, July 9th at 5:00pm.

a. Selected Check Registers

Summers made a motion to approve the Selected Check Registers. Schlatter seconded the motion. Roll was called with Buckert, Wilson, Summers, Schlatter, Boone and Asbury voting aye.

Motion carried.

Vote results: Ayes: 6 / Nays: 0b. Treasurer’s Report (May)

Summers made a motion to approve the May Treasurer’s Report. Boone seconded the motion. Roll was called with Wilson, Summers, Schlatter, Boone, Asbury, and Buckert.

Motion carried.

c. WIRC 2025-2026 Membership, $1,651.80

Summers made a motion to approve renewing the City’s membership with Western Illinois Regional Council at a rate of $1,651.80. Asbury seconded the motion. Roll was called with Summers, Schlatter, Boone, Asbury, Buckert, and Wilson.

Motion carried.

Vote results: Ayes: 6 / Nays: 0

HEALTH & SAFETY

a. HVAC Quote for Animal Control Facility

Asbury report he had received one bid for a HVAC system for the animal control building. Buckert reported he had a quote from another company, but it was not in writing. After further discussion, it was decided to hold till next meeting.

b. Trash Pickup and Internet Service at Animal Control Facility

Trash pickup and internet service was discussed for the Animal Control building location. Mayor Casey reported that they should be able to hook onto the currently internet and he is working on how to manage the trash from the facility.

BUILDING & GROUNDS, PERMITS & ZONING:

a. Building/Demolition Permits

Buckert made a motion to approve the following building/demolition permits:

1. Rooftop Solar Panels (38 modules) to David Cunningham at 1841 Keokuk St

2. 12’L x 12’W Front Porch to David Hunter at 2040 Keokuk St

3. 42’L x 24’W New Deck to Barb Weller at 760 Walnut

4. 150’ of 6’H Privacy Fence to Garry & Lori Gibbs at 250 N 13th St

5. Demolition of Garage to Bill & Phylis Whitaker at 1540 Keokuk St

Summers seconded the motion. Roll was called with Schlatter, Boone, Asbury, Buckert, Wilson, and Summers.

Motion carried.

Vote results: Ayes: 6 / Nays: 0

b. Open Bids 1014 Police Department Building

Buckert reported we received one bid for the building at 1014 Broadway. The bid was for $1,000. Summers made a motion to award the bid to Ronnie and Sheila Monroe for $1,000 to purchase the building contingent on the understanding no liquor license will be in effect for this building unless purchase a special use permit. Schlatter seconded the motion. Roll was called with Boone, Asbury, Buckert, Wilson. Summers, and Schlatter.

Motion carried.

Vote results: Ayes: 6 / Nays: 0

PUBLIC WORKS

a. Department Updates

Public Works Director Ryan Brotherton reported that both the MFT and Non-MFT bids came in under the engineer’s estimates. He noted they just finished the IEPA inspection.

It was noted that there has been illegal dumping on 5th Street. The department will check it out.

Purchase Brush-Mower for Mini Excavator $20,485.00

Schlatter made a motion to approve purchasing a brush-mower for the mini-excavator for a cost of $20,485.00. Asbury seconded the motion. Roll was called with Asbury, Buckert, Wilson, Summers, Schlatter and Boone voting aye.

Motion carried.

Vote results: Ayes: 6 / Nays: 0

c. Notice of Award and Contract – W.L. Miller $96,540.00 – 2025 Street Maintenance (Non-MFT)

Schlatter made a motion to award and authorize Mayor Casey to sign contract for the 2025 Street Maintenance (Non-MFT) Project to W.L. Miller for $96,540.00. Boone seconded the motion. Roll was called with Buckert, Wilson, Summers, Schlatter, Boone and Asbury voting aye.

Motion carried.

Vote results: Ayes: 6 / Nays: 0

ECONOMIC & TOURISM

Wilson reported that the Economic and Tourism Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, July 16th at 5:30 pm.

Wilson reported there were approximately 250 in attendance at the first round of the Summerfest, they filled one dumpster for the city-wide clean up, and there were 62 flags for the July 4th event.

Buckert reported that they had walked thru the Safford auditorium last week. He noted that it is still in good condition.

ADJOURNMENT

Buckert made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm. Wilson seconded the motion. Roll was called with Wilson, Summers, Schlatter, Boone, Asbury, and Buckert voting aye.

Motion carried.

Vote results: Ayes: 6 / Nays: 0

Motion carried.

Vote results:

Ayes: 5 / Nays: 0

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