(WMOK ) Metropolis, IL – The Metropolis City Council meeting on Monday night began with a traditional roll call, Pledge of Allegiance, and prayer. Council members then dove into a packed agenda.

First on the agenda – Public Speakers

Kerian Brannon, an advocate for the future of Metropolis’ Lincoln Civitan Park, addressed the city council. Her proposal to refurbish the park and transform it into a community hub was met with enthusiasm. She also suggested exploring alternative sites for the medical facility, underlining the importance of preserving green spaces. Her concerns about a perceived lack of transparency between city leaders and the community were voiced, urging for more open communication and collaboration in decision-making processes.

Laken Coleman and Mendy Harris represented the Massac County Youth Soccer Board, advocating for preserving Civitan Lincoln Park. Harris highlighted the park’s significance as the original soccer park for practices and games and its unique feature of being the only field with lights for evening practices. She emphasized its heavy usage during the fall season and explained how the 5th Street Park’s usage rotation helps preserve the new soccer fields on Metropolis Street, preventing wear and tear.

Laken Coleman, representing the Massac County Youth Soccer Board, made a request for the city council’s assistance in obtaining lights for the Massac County Soccer Complex. The estimated cost of $3,000 per field, with a total of three fields, was specified. This investment, if realized, would significantly enhance the soccer complex’s functionality, allowing for more flexible scheduling and extended playing hours. Coleman’s proposal sought the council’s support in securing funding or resources to make this improvement a reality.

The meeting progressed with the mayor’s report, outlining upcoming Metropolis events and proposing temporary closures in specific areas to accommodate these events.

Additionally, a motion was made and approved to purchase a new street sweeper for the city to enhance municipal services and maintain cleanliness.

In other business:

• Accepted Bid for Devers Road Project
• Approval of Pam Tyson to the Metropolis Public Library Board of Trustees – Tyson was approved with a 7-1 vote. The opposing vote was Councilman Brian Anderson. Community members asked Anderson to recuse himself from any votes regarding library business at the previous city council meeting.
• Approved motion to accept zoning board of appeals advisory report regarding 1214 Baynes Streeting in Metropolis for a Special Use Permit.
• Approved motion to hire street/water/helper position for city transfer station

As the Mayor moved to the corporate council reports, there was a conversation regarding the ability to hear in the citizens’ area.

Community member Kerian Brannon stated that it was difficult to hear and that the microphones on the council table should be turned on to assist in complying with American Disabilities Act regulations. Metropolis City Clerk Jan Adams advised that the microphones would be turned on at the next meeting.

Andrew Leonard made a motion to seek bids for unimproved property at the 600 block of West 11th. Leonard also made a motion to seek bids for sale of improved property at 1012 East 3rd Street, 905 Girard,

The meeting moved on to department heads, beginning with Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse, who spoke on National Police Officers Memorial Week.

Mayor Canada called for “Old Business,” and there were no items to be discussed; however, with the mayor’s call for “New Business,” – Councilman Jeremy Holly had a statement.

Holley stated, “Library Appointments or the necessity to seek outside counsel both require advice and consent.” Holly said, “It doesn’t seem things are going equitable for either in the city.”

In other new business:

• Councilman Al Wagner congratulated Councilman Dylan Chambers who recently graduated from Southern Illinois University.
• Councilman Chambers then had a follow-up question regarding the term limit for new library board of trustees appointee Pam Tyson. Canada advised that it is until the end of the regular term – through June 30.

In Miscellaneous Reports:

• Councilman Holley noted that a Metropolis resident had asked him about a free publication that is delivered in the community and adding up in the yards of residents. Holley suggested that contact be made with the company to ask them to purge their records.

In Financial Reports:

• Motion was made and passed to pay salaries, payroll and contract bills
• Motion was made and passed to pay miscellaneous bills
• Motion was made and passed to move to Executive Session for pending litigation

Executive Session began at 7:20pm

Upon return from the closed session, Councilman Darryl Neill confirmed that the Deed for Lincoln Civitan Park is now being sought so that the Mayor and Council can look at the possibilities of improving the park at its current location.

In closing Mayor Canada reminded the council that the next meeting falls on Memorial Day and will be held on Tuesday, May 28th