South West Illinois News

City of Waterloo Beautification Committee met May 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Attendance: Chairman Jim Trantham

Committee Members: Joel Vogt, Jim Hopkins, Gary Most.

Absent: Kyle Buettner

Attendees: Mayor Stan Darter, Tina Charron, Jordan Riley, Sarah Deutch, Nathan Krebel, Mechelle Childers, Jake Grimm, Shelby Mathes and Steve Krekorian.

Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM.

Agenda Item 1: Petitions by Citizens on Non-Agenda Items: None

Agenda Item 2: Grant Application – The Coffee Girl (Application is in the 05-19-25 City Council Meeting Packet).

Mr. Steve Krekorian, the applicant's father, was present to speak on behalf of this application. The total grant funds requested are $15,000, for which the applicant meets the qualifications. Middendorf and Reuss Construction, Inc. will perform the work. The project includes new storefront windows, new exterior doors, painting the building, and ADA improvements. There are certain technicalities concerning the ADA portion of the project that the City will address in collaboration with Josh Kruse and Steve Krekorian.

Motion made by Alderman Vogt and seconded by Alderman Hopkins to approve the Waterloo Beautification Grant Application from The Coffee Girl, Inc. as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

This application is on the May 19, 2025, City Council agenda for approval.

Agenda Item 3: Non-Profit Grant Application – Monroe County History Museum (Application is in the 05-19-25 City Council Meeting Packet).

Mr. Shelby Mathes, President of the Monroe County History Museum, was present to speak on behalf of this application. The total grant funds requested are $7,500. Volunteers will do all the work, including the foundation. The project is for a 12’x24’ storage shed that will be placed on the backside of the existing building alongside the creek. The storage shed material will match the existing structure. A building permit has been submitted.

Motion made by Alderman Hopkins and seconded by Alderman Most to approve the Non-Profit Grant Application from the Monroe County History Museum as presented.

Motion passed unanimously.

This application is on the May 19, 2025, City Council agenda for approval.

Agenda Item 4: Fall Hanging Baskets.

Sarah Deutch explained that periodically, new baskets are added to the collection of fall hanging baskets displayed on downtown utility poles. Additionally, every two to three years, the baskets are refreshed to address fading or missing flowers caused by wear or weather.

The current 60 baskets are tattered and worn. Bountiful Blossoms is advising that they should be completely redone, including the replacement of the original cocoa liner. A detailed cost for replacing all the flowers and cocoa liners was provided. The baskets themselves remain in good condition. The most recent refresh of the baskets occurred in 2022, costing $3400. This refresh involved adding a few flowers as needed and replacing those that were in poor condition.

Motion made by Alderman Most and seconded by Alderman Hopkins to approve $10,000 to completely replace the floral arrangements in the fall hanging baskets, including the replacement of the cocoa liners.

Motion passed unanimously.

This proposal will be on the June 02, 2025, City Council agenda for approval.

Agenda Item 5: Comments.

Alderman Most inquired about the condition of the holiday decorations. Sarah

Deutch explained that the City and the Chamber make a yearly assessment of the decorations. They retire and subsequently purchase as needed. The annual expense for the City and the Chamber to replace decorations and light bulbs amounts to approximately $1,500 each.

The motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Vogt and a second by Alderman Most. Motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 PM.

https://www.waterloo.il.us/wp-content/uploads/Waterloo-Beautification-Cmte-Mtg-Minutes-05-19-25.pdf