Old firehouse grant approved

Work has been done on the old Chenoa firehouse and a TIF grant was approved Tuesday evening.

A TIF Commercial Revitalization Grant was approved for the old firehouse building during Tuesday’s meeting of the Chenoa City Council.

The grant is for $10,000 and was recommended by the Chenoa Economic Development Commission.

Owner Andrew Jolly detailed his revitalization work on the building, which included more brick work than expected on the north end.

“There is some more work that needs to be done there on that north side,” Jolly explained.

White paint has been stripped off and white letters read, “Chenoa Fire District” on the brick. The year the fire district was established will be added to the right side.

“It really looks nice,” said Mayor David Shane.

Ever since Jolly purchased the building a couple of years ago, he has been looking to add apartments and a multi-use space. A mechanic’s garage is in the building as well.

“As of right now, there are four residential units,” Jolly told Chenoa News following the meeting.

He has two more open spaces with the goal of having a handicapped-accessible area. Jolly does use a portion of the building for personal use with storage.

The EDC’s Sarah Michaels noted that Jolly has fulfilled his obligations when it comes to standard operating procedures. Michaels serves has his EDC liaison.

Mayor Shane praised the way things are going with economic development.

“Communication locally has really gotten better.”

In another matter, the council discussed a request from the Chenoa Park Revitalization Committee for matching funds. They are talking $40,000, according to Shane.

“We’ve got money from the solar farm that has to be used in the parks,” Shane explained.

The mayor noted they weren’t voting on this now but they need to put together an agreement so the city is not just giving the committee $40,000. The group wants to move the batting cage and add pickle ball courts.

An intergovernmental agreement with nearby townships was another talking point. Both Yates and Chenoa townships would like an agreement with the city in place so they are covered by insurance whenever they come into town to help out.

“Our insurance is completely out of it,” stated Shane.

The possible purchase of a used tractor for ditch mowing was brought up by Commissioner Zack Lopeman. This could be used for a drainage ditch and old section of Route 66.

“The problem is, who’s going to do it and when it is going to get done?” asked the mayor.

“This would maybe get used a week out of the year,” said Lopeman.

“I don’t think we need it,” added Commissioner Jay Bell.

Lopeman said it was just an idea and his heart was not set on it.

During public comment, compliments were made on how good the city park looks and how the area is being used. Another woman introduced herself since she is fairly new to town.

Lopeman reported workers have been helping at the pool, sewer plant and dealing with trees. They had Opperman cleaning a storm tile.

Mayor Shane said he talked with the McLean County Board president about Show Bus, which is having its service replaced by Connect Transit. The company starts in the county July 1 with no fare, offering door-to-door trips connecting rural McLean County along with Bloomington-Normal, Pontiac and Gibson City. It will take residents to things such as doctor appointments.

“It’s going to be nice for McLean County and rural communities,” noted Shane.

Shane said Chenoa will be first in line to get the Show Bus building back, which was formerly Heller Chevrolet and at one time housed the Chenoa Pharmacy. He is hopeful to get a business in there but it could be a couple of years, the way things stand with the building and the county.

“The county owns the building and the buses,” he added.

The council then entered into a budget workshop before adjourning.

Andrew Jolly distributes information about the building he owns, formerly the Chenoa firehouse.