The Taylorville City Council met on Tuesday evening for about 45 minutes to discuss business, review ordinance, and hear from the public at their first meeting of September. Alderman Steve Dennis was on zoom and Alderman Megan Bryant was absent. First things first, the council approved the Mayor’s appointment of MaryAnn Lowry to the library board. Jeff Stoner was promoted to fire captain and Luke Millan was given the oath of office for the fire department. 

Luke Millan takes the oath of office. 

Jeff Stoner gets promoted to Captain.

Ordinances that were approved include execution of the first amendment to the business district agreement and  city of Taylorville and Central Illinois Optometric Associates, the city of Taylorville and the Christian County Historical Society, and the city of Taylorville and the Christian County YMCA. Two resolutions authorizing real estate leases with Rick and Lisa Champley and Jake Heberling were approved.  

Special events permits for the St. Mary’s Fall Festival on September 12th, 13th, and 14th, and Sports Boosters for Faith Bible Christian Academy on September 27th and 27th were both approved. A motion for approval for the replacement of the current heating system at the cemetery passed as did a motion approving payment for the Route 104 sidewalks out of the TIF fund.  

A motion was approved to hire Sikich as the Auditor for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit.  Alderman Larry Budd informed the board that they have not received the 2023-2024 audit.  Rocci Romano encouraged the board to do its due diligence to find a company to do audits and not wait until the last minute.  The motion passed 5-2 with Aldermen Steve Dorchinecz and Kathy Driskell voting no. Finally under ordinances, a motion to recommend approval of the 2025-2026 Gas firm price contract with Central Commodity in reference to purchasing propane.  

Under committee reports, a motion to submit an overhang easement proposal to Commonwealth Edison for $44,300 for the 2.2155 acres owned by the City of Taylorville was approved for the lake. The council also approved a motion to amend the city code and applicable ordinance to increase the water reconnection fee up to $50 for residents and up to $85 for non-residents as fees for restoration of service.  Discontinue shut off notices as of November 1st, 2025 and remove Parage L in the city code 8-4-9. The motion passed unanimously. 

A motion to create an ordinance for a handicapped parking space for the United State Postal Service was approved as was a motion to update the city code to change residency requirements from 6.5 mile radius to 20 mile radius.  A motion concerning grandfathering current superintendents and non-bargaining members in with their current health insurance coverage was tabled.  

A motion to sign a change order with Illinois Valley Paving for the amount of -$52,446.88 for work performed at the Taylorville Food Center was approved with that money coming back to the city.  A motion for a pay request concerning work performed at the Taylorville Food Center for $286,531.18 was approved. 

A motion was approved 4-3 to approve the demolition of structures at 1133 East Elm Street, 902 E Thompson Street, 809 E. Lewis Street, and 625 N. Cheney Street with the property owner responsible for all dumpster fees.  An attempt to table by Alderman Chris Skultety to able failed 4-3 with Aldermen Steve Dorchinecz, Kathy Driskell, and Chris Skultety voting Yes on the table.  The motion passed 4-3 with Aldermen Dorchinecz, Driskell, and Skultety voting no. 

A motion to recommend to the City Council to approve turning off the power in Industrial Park failed 6-1. There were concerns over liability. Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says that roadwork continues around Taylorville Food Center, and he encourages everyone to be safe around the school now that it’s open. 

During public comments, Aldermen Chris Skultety said that he was not going to bring discussion of demolition to structures back to committee. 

The next city council meeting is set for 9/18/25