More economic activity could be coming to Chenoa in the future.
During Tuesday’s regular Chenoa City Council meeting, Mayor David Shane announced Ameren wants to put a lay down area between Interstate 55 and Route 66. This would cover about 65 acres. He also said there has been commercial interest on that part of town.
It was also revealed at the meeting a man from Australia wants to put up a dog boarding house in town and is looking for three acres. He would also train dogs there.
Also at the meeting, council members approved an ordinance rezoning certain real estate in William M. Hamilton’s Second Addition in the city.
Commissioner Zack Lopeman said it has been a problem for a long time and is a good solution while Mayor Shane agreed. Bev Pickett abstained from the vote.
During public comment, a resident reported both flags are ripped at the pond.
“I don’t know who put that second one up,” stated Commissioner Manny Hernandez.
“The pole has been in there a long time,” said Shane.
The resident also asked about the status of spray patching around town. Lopeman responded that it is done while Shane explained it is hard to determine the number of spots to cover with the amount of material they can buy.
“We are not paying them by the hour, we pay them by the material,” said Lopeman.
The man then asked why the city didn’t put license plate readers on Route 66. Police
Chief Travis Cornwall noted it is due to money.
According to the chief, the majority of the most dangerous traffic comes in on Route 24 from Interstate 55.
Another member of the public questioned the water rate billing process as many of their rentals have $400 balances. City Clerk Alicia Rhoades said an unpaid balance is constantly rolling over if it is not paid. Rhoades also said they have a new billing system with kinks to work out.
“We have people that are one month behind all the time,” observed Shane.
Commissioner Hernandez reported the main city restrooms and pool have been winterized plus the Friends of the Trail planted trees along Route 66 recently. More trees will eventually be planted on Route 24 all the way to the county line. They are hoping to receive a grant that was applied for.
The Friends of the Trail are trying to get the railroad crossing fixed as well.
Commissioner Lopeman said the vac truck work will continue and they have a few tile holes to close up. At some point, they will work on trees and the workers go the downtown decorations out during the nice weather.
Commissioner Pickett revealed a meeting is planned soon to go over insurance for the next year.
Commissioner Spencer Shipley updated the council on an aerator motor which went down.
Mayor Shane said plans are in the works for Chenoa to be able to take animals to McLean County Animal Control without being charged since the city pays taxes for it.
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