Gibson City Council approves $374,845 in payments, buys street truck and OKs two TIF façade grants

The Gibson City Council on June 9 approved multiple finance and personnel actions, including payments totaling $374,845.43, authorization to buy a new street truck and two downtown TIF façade grants.

Mayor Daniel Dickey convened the meeting at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The council unanimously approved the minutes of the May 27, 2025 meeting and then moved to bill approvals and new business.

The council voted 7-0 to pay one TIF-2 check for $150,000 and separately voted 7-0 to pay General Fund checks totaling $224,845.43. Alderman Ray Hankes made the motion to pay the TIF-2 check; Alderman Terry Roesch seconded. Alderman Laura Miller moved the General Fund payment; Alderman Randy Wyant seconded.

City Superintendent Tyler Martin explained the need for a replacement street truck. Alderman Terry Roesch moved to approve the purchase, with the price capped at $52,000; Alderman Laura Miller seconded. The motion carried 7-0.

Council considered two Downtown TIF façade grant applications: Scott Harden’s request for a grant up to $20,000 and Lindsay Carpenter’s for up to $10,000. Alderman Scott Davis moved to approve Harden’s grant; Alderman Terry Roesch seconded. Alderman Randy Wyant and Alderman Denis Fisher abstained from the vote, citing ownership of property in the TIF district. Alderman Terry Roesch moved to approve Carpenter’s grant; Alderman Susie Tongate seconded. Wyant and Fisher again abstained. The motions carried with the abstentions recorded.

During the meeting the council voted to enter executive session at 7:11 p.m. under Illinois statute 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) to discuss the employment, compensation and performance of specific city employees; the council returned to open session at 7:22 p.m.

After returning to open session the council approved two hires. Alderman Ray Hankes moved to hire Meg Fairchild as Head Administrative Assistant for the City of Gibson at an annual salary of $65,000 with full benefits and one week of vacation after 60 days; Alderman Susie Tongate seconded. Fairchild’s start date was recorded as June 10. The motion passed 7-0. Alderman Terry Roesch moved to hire Mark Goodwin at an hourly rate of $26.50 with one week of vacation after 60 days; Alderman Randy Wyant seconded. That motion also passed 7-0.

Council tabled discussion of an ordinance regarding the Farmers Market until the next meeting.

Votes at a glance

• Approval of minutes (May 27, 2025): motion carried 7-0. • Pay 1 TIF-2 check — $150,000: motion carried 7-0 (mover: Ald. Ray Hankes; second: Ald. Terry Roesch). • Pay General Fund checks — $224,845.43: motion carried 7-0 (mover: Ald. Laura Miller; second: Ald. Randy Wyant). • Purchase of street truck — not to exceed $52,000: motion carried 7-0 (mover: Ald. Terry Roesch; second: Ald. Laura Miller). • Downtown TIF façade grant — Scott Harden, up to $20,000: motion carried (Wyant and Fisher abstained; mover: Ald. Scott Davis; second: Ald. Terry Roesch). • Downtown TIF façade grant — Lindsay Carpenter, up to $10,000: motion carried (Wyant and Fisher abstained; mover: Ald. Terry Roesch; second: Ald. Susie Tongate). • Executive session for personnel (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)): entered 7:11 p.m.; returned to open session 7:22 p.m. • Hire — Meg Fairchild, Head Administrative Assistant, $65,000/year, full benefits, one week vacation after 60 days; start date June 10: motion carried 7-0. • Hire — Mark Goodwin, $26.50/hour, one week vacation after 60 days: motion carried 7-0. • Farmers Market ordinance: tabled until next meeting.

What it means

The council used TIF-2 funds for façade improvements and approved substantial General Fund disbursements. The approvals to hire a head administrative assistant and an hourly employee were finalized immediately after a personnel-focused executive session. The Farmers Market ordinance discussion did not conclude and will return to a future agenda.

The council adjourned following the listed business. The next regular meeting date was not specified in the minutes provided.