TIF roof rehab grants approved
- Kent Casson
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
TIF Roof Rehab Grants were approved by the Pontiac City Council Monday night.
“It’s a reimbursement grant program,” explained City Administrator Jim Woolford.
Those approved were at 909 E. Chestnut Street, 900 Indiana Avenue and 310 W. Livingston Street. The city makes sure there are no zoning violations on the property, according to Woolford.
Mayor Kelly Eckhoff said it is a program she hopes others take advantage of. It is something that came out of the Housing Committee.
In other business, the council amended Chapters 4 and 10 of the Municipal Code, putting rules in place for outdoor dining areas. One covers those serving alcoholic beverages and the other is for restaurants without a liquor license. The outdoor season is from April through the end of October and businesses can have portable heaters.
This was based on discussions at a recent committee meeting allowing business owners to have artistic freedom in their seating areas while addressing needs.
“The fire chief has to approve any heating and it has to be propane,” noted Woolford.
A sign variance was approved for the Pilot Shell Station which is building a truck stop on Reynolds. The owners of the station wanted the variance for the sign face so larger prices could be displayed which would be visible from the highway.
“The zoning committee didn’t have any questions but their recommendation was that we approve the variance,” said Greg Knowles, director of Building and Zoning.
City Council member Jayme Bradshaw asked if it was possible to tweak a couple of things so people don’t have to go through this process. Administrator Woolford said what makes signs unique is that they are based on total square footage.
The measure passed 7 to 2.
The purchase of a Toro greens mower was approved for the golf course. It has around 1400 hours on it.
A supplemental MFT allocation was authorized as the city has been working with IDOT and money would go back into the fund. They want to use the money for the hot mix asphalt maintenance bid award. Meanwhile, the HMA bid was awarded to Kankakee Valley Construction Company. Streets impacted by work will include: Locust, Mill and the alley at Howard and Elm.
Council members supported a resolution supporting the creation of a multi-use bike path along Route 66. Pontiac High School students developed the resolution proclamation which acknowledged 2026 is the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and that the path would boost tourism, support local businesses and provide new recreational opportunities.
The students hope to do a cleanup this spring if they get permission from IDOT.
Council member Frank Giovanini voted no because he did not see a cost associated with the project.
A public hearing on the FY27 budget was conducted prior to the meeting. Expenditures in the general fund seem to be higher, but Woolford said the ambulance fund has been moved over to the general fund.
“The purpose for the budget hearing is for the public if they would have any questions,” explained Woolford.
Consent agenda items approved included March 2 meeting minutes, payment of bills, peddler’s license applications for Rays Renovations Co. and Blue Line Roofing & Exteriors and a street closure for Kidsnic.