Aldermen Discuss Ward Revisions/Business Facade & Residential Rehab Grants
Population shifts in city wards as the result of the 2024 special census were discussed Monday at the Macomb City Council Committee of the Whole meeting. The City Council plans to vote next week on an ordinance adopting a ward remap.
City Administrator Scott Coker expressed thanks to the Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) Center at Western Illinois University for assistance with the population figures. Wards 1, 2 and 4 gained population, while Ward 5 lost population and Ward 3 remained the same. New population figures are: Ward 1 = 3,199 (+565); Ward 2 = 3.112 (+114); Ward 3 = 3, 182 (no change); Ward 4 = 3.007 (+30); and Ward 5 = 3,067 (-601).
The Committee of the Whole also discussed the rental of portable fire hydrant meters. Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann said this would be primarily for contractors who need access to water during construction. She said businesses would pay a $3,500 refundable deposit, which is equivalent to the cost of the hydrant and meter. Users would pay a $100 weekly rental fee.
“I wanted to get something in writing that says who is eligible to get a meter,” Ohrtmann said.
Aldermen also discussed five applications received for Downtown Facade Renovation grants. John and Ian Nelson will receive up to $20,000 apiece for back wall tuckpointing at Nelson’s Clothing, 104 and 106 N. Side Square. Jessica Thorman will receive $9,456 for building remodeling, plus paint and signage at Midwest Integrative Health, 217 N. Randolph St. Jena Parks will receive $1,583 for a new side door at J. Bee Designs, 17 E. Side Square. Kathryn Shrode will receive $16,905 for new windows and awnings at All About Pieces, 124 S. Lafayette St. Alderman John Vigezzi said, “It’s great to see the city is putting money back into these businesses.”
Also up for discussion was a $2,106 grant reimbursement from the Residential Rehabilitation Program. The money will go to Renata and Melissa Sturlic for gutter replacement and tree trimming at their home at 614 N. Edwards St.
“I was a bit disappointed that we haven’t gotten more (residential homeowners) for this program,” Alderman Dave Dorsett commented.
