The Centralia City Council Tuesday night will consider entering into a three-year agreement with Retail Strategies, LLC for retail recruitment, market analysis, real estate analysis, and economic development services. The service will cost $50,000 a year. All the expenses in the budget will be allocated to Tax Increment Financing District five and six. The consultant will identify a minimum of 30 prospects for recruitment and conduct outreach to at least 30 retailers, restaurants, brokers, and /or developments. The company will also assist in preparation of a proposed STAR bond district.
City Manager Galen Mahle says the Placer AI program that is currently being used will be terminated in 2027 with the $20,000 a year cost being reallocated to pay for a portion of the agreement. The city may terminate the agreement after January 1st, 2028, for any reason with 30 days’ notice.
The council will also be asked to amend the Centralia Municipal Code to establish a process for providing special police services to businesses, organizations, and event sponsors that request police coverage. While the city has been providing services in the past, due to an increased number of requests for those services, the proposed process would authorize the Chief of Police to determine the appropriate level of police coverage and staffing needed for each request and authorize the city manager to enter into and execute agreements with the requesting entity. Fees for special police services would be established at the applicable police overtime rate.
The council will consider the purchase of a used 2022 Dodge Durango from the Kansas Highway Patrol for $34,000.
A resolution authorizing a mutual aid agreement with the South Central Illinois Special Response Team that will provide assistance to police departments with a major crime will be considered.
The regular Monday night Centralia City Council meeting has been moved to Tuesday at six pm this week due to the Columbus Day Holiday.
