There were a number of concerns on the mind of Centralia residents who spoke at the Public Forum before Monday night’s meeting.
The Executive Director of the Centralia Youth Center Herb Williams was upset that the city council had changed their donation to the Center to a straight $55,000 and eliminated a part-time employee the city was paying the salary. While City Manager Scott Randall says the $10,000 increase kept the center whole, Williams claimed the move would jeopardize the summer youth program. The move was made because the salary paid so far this year is nearly twice what was budgeted.
Joan Crawford requested that Haussler Street or the intersection of Haussler and Franklin be named after her mother Lavetia Gardner for her contributions to the community. She presented the city clerk with petitions signed by 60 people.
Retired federal government employee Ray Young expressed his concern if the city and other public agencies in Centralia were meeting the requirements of Section Three. Section three is designed to help companies with minority or female ownership with obtaining government contracts.
A resident who lives next to the proposed business that will feature kennels and dog services questioned the council’s decision to allow the business to locate in the former Kaskaskia College WorkForce Center on South Poplar downtown. Jenifer Stilt of South Elm fears problems with noise from the maximum 54 dogs that can be served at the kennel at any one time. She felt the council was not paying attention when approving the ordinance change which she does not feel is in the best interest of Centralia.
Vernell Burris expressed concern about the proposed budget for next year not including any money for a new outdoor swimming pool in Fairview Park. He said the city could raise the property taxes to pay for the pool.
Resident Steve Coleman pushed the city to replace lost retail stores.
Council members did not answer most of the concerns but promised to do research and address some of the issues at a later date.
