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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 10:21 PM CDT
Charleston accepts state housing grant

By ROB STROUD, Staff Writer
rstroud@jg-tc.com

CHARLESTON — The City Council accepted a $210,000 state grant Tuesday for the rehabilitation of five single-family, owner-occupied homes belonging to those with low incomes.

The grant money awarded by the Illinois Housing Authority will enable the city to continue a program that has funded housing rehabilitation for many years in Charleston.

Applications for the housing rehab program are accepted by the Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission, which administrates the program for the city.

In other matters, the council awarded a $10,000 tax increment financing (TIF) grant to John Williams to be used with matching funds from him for repairs at the former train depot at 20 N. Fifth St. This work will include façade repairs, window replacements, and painting.

The former train depot is home to the Pretty as a Picture Pet Grooming & Photo Boutique.

Tuesday’s meeting began with Circuit Judge Gary Jacobs administering the oath of office to newly re-elected Mayor John Inyart and council member Jim Dunn, and newly elected council member Tim Newell.

Council member Larry Rennels was later selected once again by the council to serve as mayor pro-tem, a position in which he presides over council meetings and handles other mayoral duties any time the mayor is absent.

Rennels took part in the meeting via a teleconference system. City Attorney Brian Bower said this marked the first time the council has used the teleconference system under a new state statute that allows votes to be cast in this manner.

The council also recognized Jim Louthan for his service on the Charleston Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Louthan, who joined the board in May 2006, has moved outside the city limits and, consequently, is no longer eligible to serve on the panel.

“It’s been an honor having him on the board and we appreciate his years of service,” said Parks and Recreation Director Brian Jones.

Other council actions included:

- Authorizing temporary street closures from 5 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June 3 through Oct. 24 for the Charleston Farmers Market on the courthouse square.

- Proclaiming May 3-9 as Municipal Clerk’s Week.

Contact Rob Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com or 238-6861.

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