City Council to vote on Illinois Housing Development grant

Staff Report

The Charleston City Council will vote on six action items Tuesday, including a resolution that would authorize accepting the Illinois Housing Development Authority APP Grant Award.

According to the resolution, the Illinois Housing Development Authority has agreed to issue a grant from the Abandoned Residential Property Municipal Relief Program to the city. The grant amount shall not exceed $55,000, and all funds must go directly to the program.

The council will also vote on a resolution that would approve an agreement for professional services and assistance with Economic Development Resources, L.L.C.

The city needs assistance reviewing and analyzing the Central Area Tax Increment District Plan, and dates for the redevelopment project’s completion may be extended afterward, according to the resolution.

The council will vote on two raffle licenses: one for the Coles County Farm Bureau Foundation and another for the Coles County Arts Council.

According to the Farm Bureau’s application for the raffle license, the funds will go toward a scholarship fund for students that will pursue agriculture-related fields of study. The raffle will begin Aug. 1 and end Aug. 23 at Morton Park and throughout the city.

According to the Art Council’s application for the raffle license, the funds will go toward art camp scholarships, which are available for high school students each spring.

The raffle will take place on July 26 and 27 at the amphitheater at Kiwanis Park.

The council will vote on a resolution that would memorialize the pavilion at North Park as “Faye Cobble Pavilion.”

Faye Cobble has served on the Recreation Advisory Board for 21 years and has been a supporter of the Charleston Playground and Recreation Department, watching over the park and picking up litter occasionally, according to the resolution.

Memorializing the pavilion in her name would be a way to honor another outstanding community leader, according to the resolution.

The council will also vote on a proclamation that would recognize Aug. 4-10, 2019 as National Farmers Market Week.

The News Staff can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].