City supporting electric Zamboni purchase, Council approves demolitions
Decatur, IL – Highlights from the September 5, 2023, Decatur City Council meeting include an agreement to help the Civic Center purchase an electric Zamboni, and approval of more demolitions of blighted structures.
Electric Zamboni
On Monday night the Decatur City Council approved an agreement with the Decatur Civic Center to help with the purchase of an electric Zamboni. The current propane-powered machine is near end-of-life and needs replaced. The Civic Center asked to move to an all-electric model which is better for the air quality in the arena and the Civic Center in general.
The agreement is mutually beneficial, with the Civic Center receiving a loan that has a lower interest rate than what is commercially available and the City receiving a return on this strategic investment. The loan is for eight years at a five percent interest rate. The new Zamboni will be approximately $170,000.
Once the solar project in the Civic Center parking lot is finished, the all-electric machine will likely be powered by those solar panels.
Demolitions
Council also approved demolition contracts for 11 unsafe structures on the City’s demo list. Two of the demos reached a threshold needing Council action: 452 W. Main St. and 1031 N. Edward St. The other nine properties to be demolished: 1944 N. 28th, 1048 N. Calhoun, 803 E. Cantrell, 665 E. Decatur, 822 E. Decatur, 2021 Dickinson Pl, 1396 S. Hilton, 1815 E. Johns, 1438 N. Union
Additionally, another 12 unsafe and abandoned structures were approved to move forward in the demolition process. The City will now seek court orders to get these properties demolished.
In other business
In other business…City Council passed an ordinance allowing the consumption of alcohol on Merchant Street to support the Northeast Community Fund’s annual ‘Farm-to-Fund’ fundraiser. The event is on September 23, 2023.
More information about these topics can be found in the City Council Agenda packet, downloadable/viewable here: www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council-meetings/
