REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO
September 6, 2022. 7:00 PM
Reagan Community Center
Mayor Kristine L. Hill called the Regular Meeting of the Tampico Village Council to order at 7:00PM.
Commissioners Jim Coleman, Jennifer Morales, Tammy Kendell and Ryan DeBrock were present. Chief Lewis, Village Superintendent, Tyler Chriest, and Village Utilities Clerk, Jamie McIntire, were also present. Village Clerk, Kathy Leathers, was also present and recorded the written and audio minutes.
Mayor Hill led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the August 16, 2022 Regular Meeting were approved as presented.
Minutes of the August 16, 2022 Closed Meeting were approved as presented.
Reports of Village Officials
Mayor Hill advised that there are three Air Conditioning Units left for sale and the Village is taking reasonable offers. The Blower for the gym and the Kewanee Boiler Parts are also still available for purchase.
Mayor Hill reported that Geoff Smith was ill but since recovered and will get the ball rolling with the Motor Fuel Tax projects previously discussed. Smith will get as much of the projects as he can accomplished for this season.
Tyler Chriest reported that Hoerr Construction was in town to finish up the televising of parts of the sewer system. They’ll finish their reports for the Village and that should wrap up the Sewer Relining Project.
Remarks from Guests
Sean Sandrock was present with exciting information for the community and the President Ronald Reagan Birthplace. Sandrock has been in contact with the Mayor of Grantham, Graham Jeal, located in the United Kingdom. They are teaming up to promote the two communities for the hometown of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the birthplace of President Ronald Reagan. They will be traveling around the area communities the first week in October and will be in the Village of Tampico at the Ronald Reagan Birthplace on Friday October 7th at a tentative time of 10:00AM. That day will include a large ceremony with a possible plaque to be presented. All residents of the Village and surrounding communities are invited to attend the special event as it is a great honor to have Mayor Jeal in attendance.
Sandrock included that himself and Mayor Jeal have discussed joining the Sister City Program to further promote their communities. It’s a great opportunity and would include an annual fee of $190.00 for the Village to be apart of the program. Mayor Hill asked to have approval of the Sister City Program on the next Regular Village Meeting’s Agenda for the Council to review and vote. Sandrock advised that more information about the program can be found at sistercities.org for anyone who is interested. He is also available to discuss any questions or concerns and plans to attend the next Regular Village Meeting to be held on September 20th at 7:00PM with updates on the event.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business at this time.
New Business
Joe Glynn with Test Inc. was present to speak with the Council about information concerning the scales and the control panels at the water and waste water plants. Glynn provided the Council with quotes that
included lists of everything provided with the updates for a WTP Booster Pump Control Panel at the cost of $30,000.00 and a WTP Blower Control Panel at the cost of $5,000.00. These new panels would provide a better alarm system for issues that may occur at the plants. Commissioner Kendell asked about the scale system and what was needed for that. Chriest advised that there is currently one scale down and one that is acting up. Chriest provided the Council with the cost to replace the scales which would estimate to be around $2,400.00 a piece. Instead of just replacing the scales for roughly $5,000.00 and not move ahead with updated equipment, Chriest thought this would be a good time to take the step and move ahead with technology and update the Village’s equipment. This update would also better monitor the systems. Mayor Hill asked the life expectancy on the quoted control panels. Glynn answered 20 years. Kendell asked what the warranty would be for it. Glynn said he would have to check with the vendor but he’s assuming a year. Commissioner DeBrock asked if the scales would be included in the quote provided for the panels. Glynn answered no, they would be a separate purchase but the quote includes installation of the panels, labor and all things related to the panels. DeBrock asked what is necessary to get through this fiscal year. Glynn answered the panels should be fine for this year but scales do need to be purchased. DeBrock asked so we can spend the $5,000.00 for the scales this year then budget for the panels for the next fiscal year and integrate the two. Glynn answered yes. Mayor Hill asked what is the realistic expectations of the scales lasting until next year. Glynn answered it just depends and Chriest advised we only have the one currently running. Chriest also advised that he investigated trying to find the parts to repair the current scales and he could not find the parts that would be needed for the type of scales the Village currently has. Glynn advised that with this upgrade you can receive a lot of the information on your phone. You could be prepared and know what was needing to be taken care of before you get to the plant. Glynn also advised the Council that ComEd should have a VFD Forgiveness Program because of the energy savings that comes along with it. The VFD’s are right around $2,500.00 a piece, so you could be getting that money back as long as it’s under $10,000.00 on the proposal. You fill out the form then you would receive a rebate. Chriest advised that the VFD’s would also be helpful with the water tower cleaning. Commissioner Coleman asked if this is all done through the internet. Glynn answered it’s done locally but monitored through the internet. Chriest advised that with this update the Village would be able to cancel the Lectronics alarm system and possibly the additional phone line. Chriest also talked with local resident, Mike Sigel who owns the Wisp, and he told Chriest that he would provide free internet at the water tower. DeBrock said so ideally, what’s requested is two new scales and these panels for an estimate of $40,000.00 minus what’s received from rebates and such. Mayor Hill suggested having Matt Hansen come talk to the Council with his thoughts on the budget side of the situation. Clerk Leathers will also provide the current budget standings for the Water/Sewer to the Council for review. Mayor Hill advised this will be tabled until the next meeting.
Mayor Hill asked if there were any other remarks from guests at this time.
Village resident, Bonnie Anderson, asked if the Tampico Non-Emergency Police Number belongs to the Village. Mayor Hill answered it is the Village’s phone. Anderson asked if it’s proper to be using that number for campaigning. Chief Lewis replied no it’s not. Anderson advised that it’s on Chief Lewis’s campaign page. Chief Lewis said it was put on there by mistake and it’s coming off. Anderson said thank you and Chief Lewis replied you’re very welcome.
Building Permits
Building Permits issued by Village Zoning Administrator, Art Spencer, are 210 N. Main St. – Siding House and 102 S. Grove St. – Roofing House.
Communications
Clerk Leathers advised that the Council was given their copies of the Illinois Municipal League Review Magazine and then they were also given a small pamphlet of information from the Pipeline Companies in the area.
Bills were ordered paid on a motion by Commissioner Kendell, second by Commissioner DeBrock. “Yes” votes were Coleman, Morales, DeBrock, Kendell and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
At this time Mayor Hill asked for a motion to go into Closed Session. A motion was made by Commissioner Kendell, second by Commissioner Morales at 7:38 PM, to leave the Regular Meeting and go into a Closed Session to discuss the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of Employees of the Public Body and Possible Action on Any Item Discussed in Closed Session as Allowed by 5 ILCS 120/1 and the Illinois Open Meetings Act. “Yes” votes were Coleman, Morales, DeBrock, Kendell and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Coleman, second by Commissioner Morales at 8:09 PM to leave the Closed Session portion of the meeting and return to the Regular Open Meeting. “Yes” votes were Coleman, Morales, DeBrock, Kendell and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Clerk Leathers asked if there is a motion to hire Marcus Gaffney as a part-time police officer, not to work over 30 hours per week unless approved by the Mayor or Commissioner for a probationary period of 90 days. A motion was made by Commissioner Morales, second by Commissioner Coleman. “Yes” votes were Coleman, Morales, Kendell and Mayor Hill. “No” votes were DeBrock. The motion carried.
Mayor Hill also announced that the Village is taking applications for the Utilities Clerk position. Clerk Leathers will be retiring the first of next month and Utilities Clerk McIntire will be stepping into her position. Those present congratulated and thanked Clerk Leathers for all she has done for the Village.
The meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM. The next Regular Meeting of the Tampico Village Council Scheduled to be Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 7:00 PM will possibly be rescheduled and announced as soon as possible in the Reagan Community Center located at 202 W. Second Street.
Kathy A. Leathers
Clerk
Kristine L. Hill
Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS 20th DAY OF September, 2022
**These minutes are not official until signed, dated and sealed by the Village Clerk**
