Mayor Mike Inman issued a proclamation Monday declaring November as Homelessness Awareness Month in Macomb.
He urged all residents to “encourage support for our local homelessness survivor assistance.” The mayor said America has the highest number of homeless in industrialized countries.
Inman said rural homelessness is often referred to as hidden homelessness, and that “anyone can be affected.”
The city council chamber was packed with representatives of local agencies that work with the homeless.
Macomb Police Department Community Service Officer Sally Vigezzi led the group.
It was announced that they are sponsoring a soup dinner in Chandler Park on Nov. 18, and that the Samaritan Well is conducting a fundraiser this month.
In other business, the Macomb City Council voted to accept a “statement of work” from the Spark Marketing Agency, a division of the St. Louis-based LEAP Group Matter. The agency has offered to work up to three years on a Macomb marketing plan. “This would promote Macomb as a destination,” said Alderman John Vigezzi. City Administrator Scottt Coker said a final contract would be presented to the city council in two weeks.
Aldermen, on a 5 to 1 vote, approved the city purchase of 5 East Side Square for $65,000. City Attorney Lisa Scalf said the building includes a parking area. The dissenting vote came from Alderman Justin Schuch, who said, “I struggle with this because I think the public needs to know more about it.”
Also Monday, the council heard a report on the 20242025 external audit from Jason Coyle of the audit firm Baker- Tilly. Coyle said his firm has given Macomb a qualified opinion,. the highest level of assurance. He said Macomb is at the 68 percent reserve level, a comfortable fund balance that could carry the city for two years if necessary. Coyle also stated that the city’s pension liabilities total $207 million for police officers, firefighters, and employees covered by the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.
The city council held a public hearing on the liquor license application of 309 Marketplace, located in the former Nostalgia building at 129 North Randolph Street. Two of the partners in the business, Seth Minter and Paul Runser, said the building serves as a showcase for 28 vendors and will have its grand opening Saturday. Minter said they are expecting 700 potential customers and will provide a lounge area. The liquor license would allow them to serve alcohol during future events. Minter said 309 Marketplace will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday-Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays, with extended hours on holidays.
Aldermen voted to approve a $51,137 payment to Laverdiere Construction for installation of 23 new external windows at the Macomb Police Department. Police Chief Jeff Hamer said the department received a $15,000 grant from Pella Windows to reduce the window price. He said the installation could take place in eight weeks.
The council also approved a $31,733 payment to Fluid Control Products to replace components of the sewer plant’s sludge thickener gearbox assembly. Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann said the gearbox can eventually get jammed and needs to be cleaned up.
