Insurance options pitched at meeting

CHENOA — Insurance was the dominant topic at Tuesday's regular meeting of the Chenoa City Council as representatives of Compass Insurance pitched an array of options for the city to consider as it considers changes to its current coverage.

A trio of Compass representatives reviewed current coverages for the city and outlined what they have to offer. Brett Egan with Compass warned of ransomware attacks which are often targeted toward local governments.

"You guys are covered right now but I think you could be covered more going forward," he advised.

Dayton Kilgus of Compass noted the city is a target for cyber crimes since it has government money and a low level of control. A cyber attack would not only impact computer systems but anything connected to the internet, Kilgus said.

Egan said the company feels multiple buildings and business personal property are underinsured while replacement costs on some buildings have not been changed since 2016. Kilgus noted Compass would bring local professionals to the table to explain insurance information.

"We stay up at night if something's not right," Kilgus explained.

Kilgus warned if something bad happened currently, the city could be out hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. City Attorney Steve Mann feels this is better coverage and the city has more options from a legal liability side.

Joey Samuelson of Compass presented health insurance information and said they would move to a paperless benefit platform for medical and dental insurance. They can also help with COBRA and administering flex spending accounts.

"You really shouldn't have two group plans and you guys do," said Samuelson.

The city currently has insurance through the Illinois Municipal League but is exploring other options. Finance and Insurance Commissioner Kyle Buchanan expects the city to review insurance proposals and eventually make a decision.

In other matters Tuesday night, the council released Harrison Kamrath from a TIF redevelopment agreement with the city since he is moving out of town. Kamrath had purchased the old fire house and has since sold the property. Buchanan said the new owner will likely ask for a TIF agreement and the building will be renovated.

Mike Chrisman was appointed to the Zoning Board after a former member resigned and two individuals expressed interest in the position. He is also a volunteer firefighter who wants to become more involved in the city.

"I spoke with him at length several times," Mayor Chris Wilder noted.

Chenoa council members also authorized a request from Silliman Trust Trustee Heartland Bank to tear down a deteriorating house on property south of town in which the city is the beneficiary. The demolition will allow the property to be better utilized, according to the mayor. The city receives money each year from the farmland on the property.

During the commissioner comments portion of the meeting, it was revealed that hydrant flushing will begin next week and all full- and part-time employees have been doing a good job with various tasks such as moving tables and preparing ball fields for recent events.

City Treasurer Bryan Rowold reported the city was selected by IMRF for an audit which is concluding this week. There may be small corrections needed but no errors were discovered.

The group approved an ordinance amendment relating to the collection of yard waste in the city. Streets Commissioner Joseph Bell said he ran this by employees and they like the way it reads as it is straightforward. Mayor Wilder feels it looks good this time.

Public comments were given by resident Steve Bury, who said he heard the city might put water lines on Mason Street and do repairs.

"There had been some discussion two years ago about doing that replacement," admitted the mayor.

Wilder said this is on the city's list to continue monitoring.