Silliman request discussed

A recommendation from the Silliman Trust Advisory Board to use funds toward a Friends of the Trail project was discussed by the Chenoa City Council Tuesday evening.

Silliman committee member Marion Shier shared information compiled by chairman J.D. Skaggs. The committee is seeking to fund up to $17,500 for trail improvements in 2025 with hope other entities could contribute to ease the burden. The committee wants to get funds from the township and park board for 2026.

The Friends group is pushing to get as many things done as possible by the Route 66 centennial in 2026.

“This is (Route) 24 north,” explained Shier.

“IDOT is paying for the crossing at the TP&W,” said Mayor David Shane.

No action was taken yet on the funding request from the Silliman Trust Advisory Board.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, repairs were authorized for Well #5. A motion was authorized to fix the well motor for up to $15,000. While the pump is in good condition, the motor froze up.

“It’s the motor that’s the issue,” noted Shane.

Commissioner Zack Lopeman said it has been suggested to replace the motor in a backhoe. While it isn’t used as much as in the past, the city does still use the backhoe. This will be discussed during an upcoming special budget meeting.

An intergovernmental agreement with Yates and Chenoa townships was another talking point. This agreement would help with insurance for townships when they come in to help the city after storms. Paperwork is being gathered for this and the mayor is checking with the city’s insurance carrier.

Commissioner Manny Hernandez reported the baseball field has been finished and there will be a tournament there soon.

Mayor Shane revealed the city swimming pool will open this season but they are planning for future work which will be needed beyond this year to keep operating. The current kiddie pool area will be closed this season but a splash pad is possible in that location down the road.

Lopeman said guys have been working on the salt shed and they worked on picking up brush after a recent storm.

Commissioner Spencer Shipley explained the current situation surrounding water billing. He said it was being estimated for the last four billing cycles. An adjustment will be made from the difference of what was estimated and what a resident was actually using. If it is too burdensome to pay, Shipley feels it is fair to have residents pay it over the next four months if they wish.

“If you didn’t ask for it, it will be assumed you’ll pay it all,” added Shipley.

Shane reminded residents they can now call anytime and pay their bill 24 hours a day.

A Business District Redevelopment Agreement was approved between the city, Chenoa Veterinary Clinic and Susan Albright. This is for a parking area there, according to Shane.

TIF application guidelines were reviewed, though no action was taken. The application covers standard operating procedures as to how TIF business agreements should proceed step-by-step.

“We try to keep it orderly and less confusing,” said Shane.

During public comment, one resident stated a tree needs to come down and he asked who the head of public safety is. An arborist will look at the tree.