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Council opens floor to public comment  Share
Casey City Council's new public comment forum was put to use for the first time at the Sept. 21 meeting. Mayor Scott Elkins suggested the forum as a means of opening communication between the council and its constituents. Belinda Nickles took the opportunity to address concerns with Casey In Action's Animal Shelter group's pet adoption process. Councilman Moe Wimbley reported possible lost revenue at the Sept. 9 meeting. He said there may be system savvy pet owners whose pets are impounded by the city and incurring as much as $350 in debt for care and food, who wait until the CIA fosters the animals and then adopt their own pets for $50. Nickles explained that her group keeps complete records and she would be happy to share that information. She will contact Casey Police Chief Mark Jenkins for a list of repeat offenders to help avoid this problem. CAS adoption fee is $10, plus any veterinarian bills incurred by the pet. The public comment forum is first on the agenda, just after roll call. The rules state, ''public comment is allowed on any subject matter pertaining to city business and is not restricted to matters on the agenda.''
Prior registration is required. A sign up sheet is provided for name and address and individuals are called in the order of sign up. There is a three-minute time limit for each person, which the mayor may waive. Fifteen minutes total are allotted per meeting. The mayor (or mayor pro-tem) conducts all matters of public comment. Participants are required to be respectful while present in the council chambers. Groups may have one spokesperson. And, profanity, shouting and abusive behavior are prohibited. The rules will be posted in the council chambers. Council member Donna Tutewiler reported on upcoming festival activity in the park. Casey's Park Recreation Director Debbie Hutton, is planning Christmas in the Park, to be launched the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Activities planned include the lighting of a community tree, park holiday decorations, use of the Scout building for Santa, a toys for tots drive and flooding of the tennis courts for an ice skating rink. It is hoped to work collaboratively with the Chamber of Commerce to encourage businesses to hold evening shopping hours and promote them in the park. The Lions Club may provide the Santa treats. The park will remain lit on weekends and the entire week of Christmas. Tutewiler said there has been a lot of positive response to the event. Also, in Fairview Park, Casey In Action is planning Harvest Festival for Oct. 24. Tutewiler said CIA is requesting a dumpster, to which they will haul garbage. JJet has donated the use of two Gators for CIA and Emergency Management Agency personnel. Several food and craft vendors have signed up. CIA will check with Utilities Superintendent Shelby Biggs for electric and water availability. Handicapped parking and transportation to festival activities will also be provided. The council decided to reduce the camping fee from $15 per night to $5 per night for Friday and Saturday nights of the festival weekend. Howard Loftis gave the CIA report, which included the group's offer to assist Chief Jenkins with organization of a block watch. A second used appliance pickup will be held Oct. 31. Information will be printed on the Oct. 1 utility bill. Warren Lefever, member of Complete Count Committee will be speaking to CIA about the 2010 census. Loftis reported CIA is involved in several fundraisers to finance ongoing and planned projects. He also told the council that Kal Kan, pet food manufacturer in Mattoon, is donating much needed pet food to the Animal Shelter group. Doris Lee reviewed the Mint-to-Garden Club's activities, along with a list of proposed projects, including beautification of the Fairview Park sign on the northwest corner. ''We appreciate your funding in previous years and thank you for your encouragement and support,'' she said. Funding assistance for the club's projects will be put on the next meeting's agenda. In other matters, the council: - Set an ordinance committee meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. - Heard Council Member Dave Sauer request the public comment forum rules be posted on the wall, as discussed at the previous meeting. - Heard Sauer request the committee meeting minutes be mailed out with the agenda. - Heard Wimbley ask for clarification on appropriate emergency lighting on EMA vehicles. Chief Jenkins later provided information from the Illinois Vehicle Code that determined the current EMA vehicle lighting to be legal. - Heard from City Attorney Sarah Holsapple-Miller that the deed for a ''sliver'' of property adjacent to the family medical practice on North Central would be ready at the next meeting. o Heard from Holsapple-Miller she was ready to send a draft of the nuisance ordinance, which will be discussed by committee Sept. 30. - Heard from Holsapple-Miller the Freeman property issue would be in court for a demolition order and that she has yet to hear from the Illinois Department of Transportation about an exception to the four-way rule regulating golf carts. - Heard from Park Recreation Director Debbie Hutton about her continued work on the Harvest Festival and Christmas in the Park. - Heard from Fire Chief Jason Garver about plans to assist with NIMS compliance and that he continues to wait for grant approval for the new firehouse. Garver commended Chief Jenkins with his NIMS compliance plans. - Heard Don Brewer, EMA Director, state his concurrence with NIMS compliance efforts. The council meets next at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5. Marcy Shonk is a staff reporter for the Casey Reporter.
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