The Minonk City Council approved the payment of TIF II funds to SMF Incorporated of
Minonk to aid in the conversion to a powder paint method on parts manufactured at
the plant. The council agreed to pay half of the $123,665.00 purchase print
for the equipment that would replace the current wet paint system. THe payment would
be made in annual installments of $10,305.41 for six years.
SMF President Brian Brown said the installation of the powder paint system involves
a baking process that is more efficient and faster than wet painting. Brown said
it could result in an increase in sales of $3 to $4 million dollars a year and
also give them a 20% to 30% increase in capacity.
Chief Butler requests retirement buyout
The council discussed Chief of Police Bill Butler's request for an early buyout
on his retirement. Butler has served the city for 28 years and 8 months and would
like the city to consider buying into his retirement that would give him 30 years.
City Administrator Trent Smith said that the city would have to pay the IMRF an
early retirement incentive $8369 annually for 5 years to allow Butler to retire with
30 years. Smith said the replacement salary for the Chief of Police would be based
on many factors which would determine the applicant's level. A level 1 applicant would
receive a salary of $41,250 a year, level 10 would be $45,115, and level 20 would
be $51,180. If a level 1 applicant is hired the city would save $8329 a year, a level
20 applicant would save $4058, and a level 20 would cause the city to lose $3057 a year
after taking into account the incentive payment to the IMRF. He also said that typically,
someone with less experience is hired and that the city would save money.
The decision to accept the buyout of Chief Butler's retirement will be decided at
the next city council meeting.
Other news
Alderman Bill Koos asked if something could be done to get WOODCOM to page the
ambulance squad more than once during night time hours. Koos said that a page in
the middle of the night may not be heard by a drowsy squad member. Koos said that
WOODCOM has refused to page more than once. Mayor Mark SpencerMark said he was aware
of the issue and that it will be taken to the Woodford County 911 Board.
