HOOPESTON — The Environmental Protection Agency closed Hoopeston’s city slab last week.

A letter was received by city officials stating that plastic and other items were found in a random survey by the Illinois EPA and the city slab was to be closed immediately except for Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.

"We have no choice," Mayor Bill Crusinberry said. "Someone abused the privilege. Unfortunately, everyone is punished for the abuse of the few."

Items accepted are yard waste and tree limbs only. Nothing else is allowed, according to Alderman Jeff Johnson.

The council went into executive session to discuss the possibility of receiving approval to hire a part time employee to operate the city slab during the week.

"(If approved) a part-time employee would be at the slab three days, Monday, Wednesday and Friday with half a day on Saturday," Johnson said.

In other business:

-- Hoopeston Regional Health Center CEO Harry Brockus announced the center has purchased a 20-foot giant noble fir for the city to display during the month of December for the Christmas holiday. The 1,000 pound artificial tree is the city’s tree, Brockus said, and would arrive next week. A tree lighting ceremony will be Dec. 5 following a free showing of "Polar Express" at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for area children. Other events are planned during the day.

-- Approved a facade program payment of $868.52 for Brian and Robin Lawson for the lift, paint and supplies used to refurbish their facade this past summer in the 300 block of East Main Street. The facade program reimburses half of the expenses up to $5,000 for work on the owner’s building.

-- Approved Schuler’s Greenhouse & Flowershop’s bid of $30 per spray for perpetual care winter sprays at Floral Hill Cemetery and accepted the Florence Goodrum agreement of $1,500 for perpetual care of graves.

-- Learned USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Callahan invited the public to attend a free workshop at 10 a.m. Tuesday on Funding for Illinois Projects through the American Recovery’s Reinvestment Act at Parkland Community College in Champaign. To register for the free workshop, call (217) 403-6236 or e-mail Susan at Susan.Petrea@il.usda.gov.

-- Learned that on Nov. 20, the Illinois Housing Development Authority will approve the tax credit for Hoopeston’s housing development. Once approved, the project should be finalized by Dec. 31, according to Jean Minick, VISTA volunteer for housing in Hoopeston.

A meeting will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at City Hall for all contractors, workers and the general public to discuss permits and ordinances.

WHAT’S NEXT

Hoopeston City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 17, at City Hall, 301 West Main St.