South West Illinois News

City of Waterloo City Council met March 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Darter at 7:30 p.m.

2. The following Aldermen were present: Vogt, Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, and Row.

Absent: Most.

3. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Stan Darter.

4. Correction or Withdrawal of Agenda Items by Sponsor.

Mayor Darter requested that Agenda Item 7H(1) be withdrawn from the agenda as Dr. Blattner from Smiles R Forever cannot attend tonight’s meeting.

Motion to remove Agenda Item 7H(1) from the agenda was made by Alderman Matt Buettner and seconded by Alderman Hopkins.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, Row, and Vogt voting ‘aye’.

5. Approval of Minutes as Written or Amended.

Approval of the February 18, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes.

Motion made by Alderman Hopkins and seconded by Alderman Row to approve the February 18, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes as presented.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, Row, Vogt, and Matt Buettner voting ‘aye’.

6. Petitions by Citizens on Non-Agenda Items.

Mr. Scot Luchtefeld inquired about the CERTOP's monthly payment and the number of hours they work each week. Mayor Darter stated the contract is for $9,500 per month, and the number of hours is in the contract. Mr. Luchtefeld then requested a copy of the contract. Mayor Darter responded that Mr. Luchtefeld could file a FOIA for the contract.

7. Reports and Communications from the Mayor and other City Officers.

A. Report of Treasurer. No report.

B. Report of Collector/Budget Officer. No report.

C. Report of Subdivision Administrator & Zoning Administrator. No report.

D. Report of Deputy Director of Public Works. No report.

E. Report of Director of Public Works.

• The Third Street reconstruction project was put out for bid this week. The bid opening is scheduled for March 12, 2025.

• Site work for the gas turbine generator is also out for bid. The bid opening is scheduled for March 27, 2025.

F. Report of Chief of Police. No report.

G. Report of City Attorney. No report.

H. Report and Communication by Mayor.

1. Certificate of Commendation Presented to Smiles R Forever in Recognition of their 25th Anniversary.

The item was withdrawn from the agenda.

8. Report of Standing Committees. None.

9. Report of Special Committees. None.

10. Presentation of Communications, Petitions, Resolutions, Orders and Ordinances by Aldermen.

A. Consideration and Action on Ordinance No. 1898 Amending the City of Waterloo, IL Revised Code of Ordinances, Chapter 36 Taxation, Article IV: Hotel Tax, Section 36-4- 1 Definitions, regarding the word HOTEL.

Motion made by Alderman Kyle Buettner and seconded by Alderman Row to approve Ordinance No. 1898 Amending the City of Waterloo, IL Revised Code of Ordinances, Chapter 36 Taxation, Article IV: Hotel Tax, Section 36-4-1 Definitions, regarding the word HOTEL.

Comments: Alderman Kyle Buettner, Chairman of the Ordinance Committee, stated that the revision specifies the number of units to qualify for hotel/motel tax. That number has been defined as 8 units in a single residence.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Kyle Buettner, Row, Vogt, Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, and Charron voting ‘aye’.

B. Consideration and Action on Resolution No. 25-06 Approving the Appointment of an Authorized Agent of the City of Waterloo, IL to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.

Motion made by Alderman Row and seconded by Alderman Matt Buettner to accept Resolution No. 25-06 Approving the Appointment of an Authorized Agent of the City of Waterloo, IL to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.

Comments: The authorized agent will be Mrs. Trisha Hoagland

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Row, Vogt, Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, and Kyle Buettner voting ‘aye’.

11. Unfinished Business. None.

12. Miscellaneous Business.

A. Consideration and Action on Warrant No. 647.

Motion made by Alderman Matt Buettner and seconded by Alderman Hopkins to approve Warrant No. 647.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, Row, and Vogt voting ‘aye’.

B. Consideration and Action on Approval of an Estimate from Bauer Heating & Cooling, Inc. in the Amount of $6,910.00 for a Boiler Hydronic Loop Chemical Treatment System.

Motion made by Alderman Vogt and seconded by Alderman Charron on Approval of an Estimate from Bauer Heating & Cooling, Inc. in the Amount of $6,910.00 for a Boiler Hydronic Loop Chemical Treatment System.

Comments: Two quotes were received with Bauer & Cooling, Inc. providing the lowest bid. This process is necessary before the new boilers can be started. Additionally, it is required for the warranty to be effective and to reduce corrosion.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Vogt, Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, and Row voting ‘aye’.

C. Consideration and Action on Approval of a Special Use Permit for the Location of an Automobile Service Station to be located at the corner of Route 3 and Plaza Drive as requested by Rhodes Development Company, LLC.

Motion made by Alderman Matt Buettner and seconded by Alderman Hopkins on Approval of a Special Use Permit for the Location of an Automobile Service Station to be located at the corner of Route 3 and Plaza Drive as requested by Rhodes Development Company, LLC.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, Row, and Vogt voting ‘aye’.

D. Consideration and Action on Executive Session for the Discussion of Personnel as per 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).

Motion to move into Executive Session made by Alderman Charron and seconded by Alderman Row.

Motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.

Entered Executive Session at 7:41 p.m.

Adjourned Executive Session at 8:48 p.m.

Motion to Resume Session made by Alderman Vogt and seconded by Alderman Matt Buettner.

Motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.

Return to regular session at 8:49 p.m.

13. Discussion of Matters by Council Members Arising After Agenda Deadline. Alderman Vogt inquired about the Grocery Tax. Has there been any further review of the potential ramifications if we do not implement a grocery tax, and is there a deadline for notifying the state of the city's intended actions? Sarah stated she would look into this. Alderman Vogt also stated that he has received numerous compliments on the live streaming of the meetings.

Alderman Hopkins asked if information was available on ‘Icash’. Sarah Deutch explained that Waterloo will be hosting an ‘Icash’ event through the Illinois State Treasurer's office. ‘Icash’ assists people in finding unclaimed cash and property that belongs to them. On March 19, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00, a representative from the State Treasurer's office will be available to help individuals determine if there is any unclaimed property due to them and, if so, guide them through the steps to claim it.

Alderman Trantham expressed his gratitude for being informed about high water usage, and upon investigating, he discovered an open spigot.

14. Motion to Adjourn made by Alderman Vogt and seconded by Alderman Hopkins. Motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.

Mayor Darter adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m.

https://www.waterloo.il.us/wp-content/uploads/CC-03-03-25-Minutes.pdf