REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO
November 1, 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, Ryan DeBrock and Tammy Kendell were present. Chief Lewis was also present. Village Clerk, Jamie McIntire, was also present and recorded the written and audio minutes.
Mayor Hill led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the October 18, 2022 Regular Meeting were approved as presented.
Reports of Village Officials
Mayor Hill advised there was an inquiry about some railroad property that the Village owns near Canal and Grove Street. Mayor Hill reviewed with Village attorney, Mr. Shirk, how that process would go. Copies of his response will be given to the Council in their next meeting packets. Clerk McIntire did double check that they weren’t inquiring about the property to put up solar panels since that is not allowed in yards, but that was not the case. If the interested party doesn’t want to spend too much to purchase the property, the Village will not start the appraisal process. Commissioner Kendell asked if solar panels are allowed on garages. Mayor Hill replied that they’re allowed on roofs.
Mayor Hill reported that herself and Clerk McIntire have been working with Mr. Shirk on the upcoming tax levy. It does look like the Village will be eligible for the tax levy this time. That information can be tabled until the first of the year.
Mayor Hill advised that herself, Chriest, Peltier and Clerk McIntire met with Matt Hansen with Willett & Hofmann last week to clarify what’s recommended for the water and sewer bill increases. Hansen advised that an increase does need to happen this coming up year. Clerk McIntire advised that the last increase for water and sewer took place in February of 2011. The recommendation for this year’s increase would be $38.50 for water and $35.00 for sewer, which is a $2.55 increase, with the base rate changed to 1,000 gallons rather than 0 – 3,000 gallons. Also, it was advised to have a 2.5% increase annually to help with future projects and have reserve money for the budget. Mayor Hill advised that there are future projects to be done such as the water tower needs painted, but overall the Village is in pretty good shape.
Mayor Hill reported that the Village has been approached by someone who is interested in starting an Airbnb. There is property in town that could possibly market for that but there’s no current ordinance for such. Art Spencer and the Zoning Board plan to meet Wednesday, November 9th at 6:00PM so they can go over the information provided by Mr. Shirk and decide what needs to be done such as tax and maintenance on the properties.
Remarks from Guests
Robert Zais was present with questions on an investigation that his daughter is involved in. He has not been to a meeting prior but was told that our police department was requesting more money and more hours to work on the investigation, and it was supposedly turned into the States Attorney’s Office this week. Zais found the information weird and felt nothing was being done with the investigation. Chief Lewis advised Zais to speak with him in his office after the meeting since investigations aren’t to be discussed at Village Meetings. Zais asked if the police did request more money to work on the investigation. The Mayor and Chief both advised that that information was not true. Mayor Hill advised that the Village attorney was involved more and maybe that’s where the confusion took place. Chief Lewis advised that the reports have been turned in and it’s now in the hands of the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Village resident, Deb TerBush, asked if a game plan has been made if Chief Lewis does get voted Sheriff at Tuesday’s election. TerBush feels that the current two part time Village officers are not capable of handling the position. Chief Lewis advised that he will not leave the Village high and dry. Commissioner Morales advised that the Sheriff position would not start immediately. TerBush reminded how Mayor Hill appointed Lewis to Chief without letting the board vote and she feels it should be voted on by the board. Mayor Hill replied that’s the way she would’ve liked it done but it didn’t work out that way.
Village resident, Bonnie Anderson, asked if Lewis is elected Sheriff, will the County cover until he is replaced? Mayor Hill replied yes. Morales reminded that the position does not start immediately. Chief Lewis advised that the Village would have him at no charge. There will be police protection. Commissioner Coleman said that change would not go into effect until December. Chief Lewis advised the Village will have time to decide what they would like to do because he will still be here for the Village. Anderson asked if it’s a general rule with the County that they must cover if the Chief was to leave. Chief Lewis replied yes.
Unfinished Business
Next on the Agenda was to discuss Water Tower and Sewer Plant Updates. Mayor Hill advised that Chriest is plugging along. He would like to purchase some more equipment in the future, but Chriest was not present and Mayor Hill did not want to speak on his behalf. There is no current major problems but there is equipment that needs updated. Commissioner Kendell did advise that when Chriest is present she would like to ask where he currently stands on his testing. Mayor Hill replied yes and what upgrades are currently needed. Kendell advised that she is not comfortable with spending the previously quoted $30,000 on equipment this year. Mayor Hill advised the Hansen said there are ways to get that money so the Village can be covered. Commissioner Coleman advised that he’d also like to know how Chriest’s schooling is going because of how expensive the water testing is. It was one of the prerequisites for future raises. Mayor Hill advised that Joe Glynn with Test Inc. has advised Chriest to take the test so he can know what areas he needs to work on. Kendell advised getting rid of that expense every month would free up some funds too.
Anderson advised that she had one more question with the election coming up in April for the board members and mayor. With this being a small town and as far as socializing and a quorum, people have a right to socialize, right? Mayor Hill replied absolutely. Anderson asked if there were three board members together, are they considered a quorum if they’re just socializing? Kendell replied no. That was made clear when this board started because they all run in the same circles. Mayor Hill advised they can socialize but they should not speak about Village business.
Next on the agenda is to review / approve renewing IML Insurance Coverage and Payment. A motion was made by Commissioner DeBrock, second by Commissioner Kendell, to approve Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association coverage for 2023 with Option #3 to pay in two installments as follows: $14,702.23 due by 12/16/22 and $14,702.32 due by 5/19/23 for a total contribution of $29,404.65. “Yes” votes were Coleman, Morales, DeBrock, Kendell and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
New Business
There was no new business to discuss at this time.
Building Permits
Building Permits issued by Village Zoning Administrator, Art Spencer, are 106 S. Joy St. – Roof House.
Communications
Clerk McIntire reported the Council was given their copies of the Illinois Municipal League Review.
Clerk McIntire also advised that Jim Pozzi, the Village’s representative for Republic Services, stopped by
the office last week to check in and say hello. He also gave the Village an informational packet of what
Republic has going on that was also given to the Council.
Bills were ordered paid on a motion by Commissioner Kendell, second by Commissioner DeBrock. Commissioner Coleman asked if there was anything unusual with the bills. Clerk McIntire reported that the office just received the invoices from Astro Ven Distributions, Inc. for purchases made this summer for the ball diamonds concession stand, but she called and double checked that they were accurate. “Yes” votes were Coleman, Morales, DeBrock, Kendell and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Mayor Hill advised that the Village is talking about having a Christmas party for Village employees and Council like in years past. We’d like to try for a Friday night at the Break Room before the holidays, if possible.
Mayor Hill also reported that she’d like placed on the next meeting agenda to only have the first meeting in the month of December because of how busy it gets around the holidays. That’s been done in the past and works well.
The meeting adjourned at 7:16 PM. The next Regular Meeting of the Tampico Village Council is Scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Reagan Community Center located at 202 W. Second Street.
Jamie M. McIntire
Clerk
Kristine L. Hill
Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS 15th DAY OF November, 2022
**These minutes are not official until signed, dated and sealed by the Village Clerk**
