Caleb Painter named new commissioner for Chenoa City Council
CHENOA — Caleb Painter was recommended by Mayor Chris Wilder to fill in the vacant Water and Sewer commissioner on the city council at its meeting on Tuesday. The rest of the board agreed and voted to add Painter to the flock.
Painter is replacing Jay Bell, who resigned soon after being named for personal reasons. Bell had replaced Lee Reinhart, who announced his resignation in January. This makes Painter the third Water and Sewer commissioner in less than six months.
Former Streets Commissioner Joseph Bell resigned for personal reasons at the first May meeting and was replaced by Dwayne Price, who was the Streets commissioner prior to Bell.
In his report to the council, Price reported that he had received many requests to pick up brush. Because of staffing shortages, Price asked the public to have patience concerning how quickly the city would pick up the brush.
The Zoning Board reported that the city council had already approved nine changes in zoning. The zoning map is 15 years old and does not reflect these nine changes. Wilder stated that he ask Farnsworth for the cost of updating the zoning maps.
The zoning board also recommended that the city council approve a request from Evergreen FS to add a bulk storage propane tank. The council voted to approve this recommendation.
Fire and Insurance Commissioner Kyle Buchanan reported that he expects the budget to be ready to review at the next city council meeting.
In public comment, a resident stated a Memorial Day parade is being planned and requested the same streets be closed for the Memorial Day parade that are done for the annual 4th of July parade. The council approved this request.
Another resident inquired as to when the city would be applying more gravel. Price reported that he is ordering more road rock for city use.
Another group asked for approval to install three more benches on Route 66, similar to what are at Lexington. The benches will be donated to the city. The council approved this request.
One resident had questions about the proper accounting for restricted funds. Wilder said the accountant is making a review of past expenditures from the restricted funds, but that review is not completed yet. The accountant was also not at the meeting.
Bobbi Ludwig and Cheryl Jolly were supposed to be present at the meeting to discuss their respective TIF applications. Both parties canceled, so there were no TIF project discussions.
The minutes from the last meeting and bills to be paid were approved. Next on the agenda were comments from the floor.
A special meeting regarding discussion and action to be taken on MFT-Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds for the 2022-23 fiscal year was scheduled for May 26.
This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Caleb Painter named new commissioner for Chenoa City Council
