REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO

June 18, 2024, 7:00 PM
Reagan Community Center

Mayor Bruce Peltier called the Regular Meeting of the Tampico Village Council to order at 7:00PM.

Commissioners Sherry Coleman, Susan Dean and Jim Coleman were present. Commissioner Tammy Kendell was absent. Chief Strike and Village Public Works Superintendent, Tyler Chriest, were also present. Village Clerk, Jamie McIntire, was present and recorded the written and audio minutes.

Mayor Peltier led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes of the May 21, 2024 Regular Meeting were approved as presented.
Minutes of the May 21, 2024 Closed Meeting were approved as presented.

Reports of Village Officials
Mayor Peltier advised that he spoke with Robert Zais about the memorial at Booth Park. Zais said he spoke with someone at Doty Concrete to get the ball rolling for the picnic table. They will be using the cement pad that was previously spoken about. At this point they just have to decide what they would like the memorial plaque to say.

Chief Strike reported that the Village needs to decide how to move forward with Beverly Adamson and the demolition of her building on Market Street (the old barber shop). Chief Strike advised that it’s now to the point where we’ll have to get the Village attorney involved depending on how we move forward.
Chief Strike advised that Larry Harrell will soon begin the process of fixing his shed out back on Benton Street.
Mayor Peltier said he’ll be getting in touch with the gentleman that has property next to Adamson’s building on Market Street to get an update on where they’re at as well.
Commissioner Dean asked how things are going with the old Chriest Garage located on Main Street. Chief Strike advised that the owner has been in touch and was recently in a car accident. He has taken care of part of it and is looking for someone to assist him in taking care of the rest of the demolition. Chief Strike said it may be a couple weeks, but he checks in with the office with updates.

Officer Oostenryk advised that the whole County is going through a new system for the CAD system for the computers in the cars and offices. A whole report is done on the system, sent to the State’s Attorney, and this will tie together Sterling, Rock Falls and the rest of the County all together. There are times that Rock Falls has to deal with Tampico calls, and vice versa, but neither of us know what’s going on because we can’t see the reports. Oostenryk advised that with this new system, there will be a cost from the County for about $1,855 and that will be for three computers, two squad car computers, the PC in the office and if another phone is needed. Oostenryk is in the process of getting quotes to install the software. Oostenryk said time is on our side because the County is currently dealing with connectivity issues, but they would like this to go live in August. Oostenryk will update the Mayor and Council when he receives the quotes for installing the system.

Superintendent Chriest reported that the public restrooms at Booth Park are open, and everything has been working well. It did appear that a few showers may have been taken in there, but it wasn’t too much of a mess. Chriest asked Chief Strike if the police could assist in locking the restrooms up at night when we have police on duty at approximately 8:00PM.
Chriest also advised that they moved swing sets from the east side playground out to the ballpark. We may also take the other swing set and move it to the west side playground and arrange a few more pieces between the ballpark and the west side playground. Then whatever is left the Village can dispose of or even give away if anyone is interested. Mayor Peltier said if we can move the equipment to a place where it would be used, that makes more sense.
Chriest reported that they have also been trimming tress around town to take the obstruction away from an intersection, displayed signs and to help from it rubbing on the trucks.
Mayor Peltier said he looked at the bathrooms at Booth Park and they look great and the swing set at the ball diamond also looks great.

Next on the agenda was the approval of a fence permit for 311 E. Booth St. – K. Crane. Clerk McIntire advised that this was replacing an existing fence. Mayor Peltier advised that the current fence was initially not to code with our Village ordinance, but this fence isn’t blocking any views because there are existing trees that already block any view. Superintendent Chriest advised that they did actually move it in a little closer on their property from where the existing fence was already placed so now, they are most likely within what our ordinance demands. A motion to approve the fence permit was made by Commissioner Dean, second by Commissioner S. Coleman. “Yes” votes were S. Coleman, Dean, J. Coleman and Mayor Peltier. The motion carried.

Remarks from Guests
Resident Bonnie Anderson advised that she’ll be hosting the Sauk Valley Bike Night at the Kickback Saloon this Friday night, June 21st, and she would like to block off part of Market Street from Main Street to the alley by the Kickback from 6:00PM to 8:00PM so people can safely look at the bikes. Mayor Peltier asked Anderson if she had a plan as to how she’d like to block it off. Anderson said no, it was just brought up to me by Officer Oostenryk. Officer Oostenryk said we could block that section, so we don’t have to worry about vehicle traffic and not allow them to take alcohol out of that area. Commissioner Dean said she doesn’t see a problem with it and it’s actually a smart idea. The Council agreed. Mayor Peltier told the police that if they’re fine with doing that, he has no issue with it. Chief Strike said it would be nice to have more control over it. Superintendent Chriest said there should be a road closed sign on Joy Street for those coming from the West so they have a chance to turn there and then one can be placed along Main Street, on Market Street. Chriest said maybe the Village can look into purchasing some of the type 3 barricades to use in the future. They are expensive but maybe just get two at a time. Dean said it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Village to have some.

Resident Beth Etheridge was present with two issues. Etheridge said she was present to represent part of East Third Street. They would like to know what could be done about the loud music in their neighborhood. Etheridge said she is in her house with her windows closed, air conditioner running and tv on and it’s still heard and drives you out of your mind. The home in which this is coming from, those people use our Village streets around 100 times a day. Etheridge said she would think that between Whiteside County and our Village Police, something should be done about it because we shouldn’t have to put up with that. Etheridge said it happens every day. Sometimes it starts at noon and goes on until midnight. Etheridge said she spoke with the landlord of the property and explained that it’s not the music, it’s the bass that’s an issue. It’s booming. Mayor Peltier said it’s a Tompkins property and it’s technically a county property, not within the Village limits. Etheridge said she spoke with both Dale and Paul Tompkins about it, but nothing came of it. You can’t sit outside or have your windows open. Etheridge said it’s very ridiculous. Mayor Peltier said we’ll see what we can figure out with it.
Etheridge said my other thing is that we are in a world of saving energy. This is the third time that I have come to a meeting, the other two were before you, and asked for a burn ban in this town. You get a beautiful day where you can open your windows and hang your clothes out, but someone is always burning. Etheridge said last Saturday one of her neighbors was burning and the smell was horrible. It had to be plastic or wiring or something. Commissioner J. Coleman said that’s against Village ordinance. Did you try calling the police department? Etheridge said no and that she was already planning on coming to the meeting. Etheridge said all the other towns and Village’s have days where you cannot burn, why can’t we. J. Coleman said we have a burn ban on garbage and things like that. Etheridge said the Village provides a place for us to take our yard stuff. Why can’t people use that. They burn their grass, and it smolders for days. I have breathing problems and when people are burning it affects it. Etheridge said there is always someone burning. I don’t understand why Tampico can’t have certain days where you can’t burn. Mayor Peltier said it would be hard to tell people they can’t burn on the weekend because people work and that’s the only time they can do it. Etheridge said so choose one day or the other that you can’t burn. Etheridge said there was a day she went down North Benton Street, and it wasn’t even anyone on Benton that was burning, but that area was covered in thick smoke. It was ridiculous. We, as a Village, should have days that you can’t burn. Mayor Peltier said we do have an ordinance that restricts what you can and cannot burn and you’re not supposed to burn on Sunday mornings or on Halloween. Etheridge said the fire is supposed to be out by 7:00PM but no one follows that. Even the people having little campfires. The smoke goes to everyone else’s house instead of their own. Mayor Peltier said we’ll discuss everything and see what we can come up with. We’ll check the existing ordinance and see if it’s something we need to add to it. We’ll figure something out. Etheridge said thank you. Commissioner S. Coleman said if they’re burning something during the day that they’re not supposed to be burning, feel free to call it in. Chief Strike is usually here Monday through Friday, and he can fine them if they’re burning something against our ordinance. Etheridge said I’d hate to be a bad neighbor.
Commissioner J. Coleman said with the music, unfortunately, our officers can’t do anything about it because the property is in County. We’ve already looked into it before.
Officer Oostenryk said ordinance states that yard waste burning can only happen between the hours of 8:00AM and 7:00PM on Mondays through Saturdays and between the hours of 1:00PM and 7:00PM on Sunday and only when winds, dryness and other weather conditions are such to where the fire can be contained so not to endanger or damage any property. Etheridge said the fire on Saturday did not cover any of that. The winds were blowing, and the grass was dry, and I think they were burning plastic. Commissioner Dean said at that point you would have to call it in or else no one would know. Etheridge said I just don’t understand when we have a place right outside of town, why they can’t take it there. Dean said not everyone has the ability to be able to do that. Mayor Peltier said we’ll see what we can figure out, but we need to move on. We’ll look over the ordinance again and try to reiterate what residents are supposed to follow. Etheridge said you can reiterate it all you want but it’s not going to change. J. Coleman said it’s going to start with you calling the police on your neighbors when they aren’t following the Village ordinance so they can be fined.

Unfinished Business
First under unfinished business was an update on the Lead Service Line Inventory. Mayor Peltier said we just received our first installment of grant funds and made a payment to MO-ST with that. Clerk McIntire said she received an email from MO-ST recently with a few more names of residents that have called in and set up an appointment to get it taken care of. There are still quite a few residents that need to get it taken care of, and soon.

Next was to review and discuss the Lot by the Tampico Township Building. Mayor Peltier advised that he spoke with Larry Specht about this again and since it requires so much, they’re not worried about it. They were concerned because they were thinking of building a salt shed there but I told him it’s not an issue with the Village and letting them continue to use that space the way they have been. Mayor Peltier said he’ll speak with them more to make sure, but he didn’t think the Township wanted to spend the money for all that was required to buy or lease that lot.

New Business
First under new business was to review, discuss and possibly approve a Sponsorship Donation for the 3 on 3 Prophetstown Firecracker Basketball Classic. Clerk McIntire advised that I received an email asking if the Village would be interested in donating a sponsorship. It’s actually for the PHS Class of 2027 and one of the class fundraisers. Mayor Peltier said he would be fine with donating $100 and the Council agreed. Commissioner J. Coleman asked if that would come out of the General Fund and Clerk McIntire responded that yes it would. A motion to approve the $100 sponsorship donation was made by Commissioner S. Coleman, second by Commissioner Dean. “Yes” votes were S. Coleman, Dean, J. Coleman and Mayor Peltier. The motion carried.

Next, the Council began to review and discuss the Lease Agreement with the Tampico Men’s Club. Clerk McIntire advised that she provided the Council with drafts of the ordinance and lease agreement for the renewal that Mr. Shirk had put together. This lease actually came due in the end of 2023 but was not noticed until now. They would like it renewed for another 20 years with all the same terms and the prior lease. Mr. Shirk advised that a public notice does need to be published in a local newspaper not less than 15 days and no more than 30 days from the meeting intended to pass the ordinance to authorize the lease. This would not be able to approve until the July 16th meeting, with it being published on July 1st. Clerk McIntire advised that if anyone has any questions to let her know.

Last under new business was to review, discuss, approve the Bid from Helm Civil for the 2024 General Maintenance Project. Mayor Peltier said they came in lower than what the engineer estimated for the project. The estimate was $82,444.00 and Helm Civil bid $80,959.00 and they were the only bid. A motion to approve the bid was made by Commissioner Dean, second by Commissioner S. Coleman. “Yes” votes were S. Coleman, Dean, J. Coleman and Mayor Peltier. The motion carried. Mayor Peltier asked if we knew the date of when the project will start. Superintendent Chriest advised that they’re starting to pave on Hahnaman road this Thursday, and they would like to finish our project while they’re here working on that, so it could be very soon. Mayor Peltier said when we know for sure we’ll try to put a post out of when the construction will take place.

Building Permits
Building Permits approved by Zoning Administrator, Tyler Chriest, were 104 E. Fourth St. – Deck Alteration and Replace Boards, 401 E. Second St. – Patio Shelter, 209 W. Third St. – Roof and 214 S. Main St. – Windows.

Communications
Clerk McIntire provided the Mayor and Council a copy of their latest Illinois Municipal League magazine.

Clerk McIntire also reminded everyone that the Village Hall office will be closed tomorrow in observance of Juneteenth.

Clerk McIntire reminded everyone that the last day of garbage pick up with Republic will be Friday, June 28th. After they empty the bins, they will also be coming around to take those bins away that same day so leave them on the curb. The first day for garbage pick up with Midwest Disposal will be on Saturday, July 6th because of the 4th of July holiday. Regular pick up will still be on Fridays, having your garbage to the curb by 6:00AM the day of. Also, a reminder for those residents with additional cans, you will need to contact the Midwest office to get that set it. It will be the same as it was with Republic where it will be a separate account that they’ll be charged directly from Midwest for their additional cans. That information is in the Village Hall office.

Clerk McIntire also wanted to remind Village residents to contact Whiteside County Animal Control for any issues of that nature. We have a contract set up for that reason. The Village does not charge a resident an additional fine on top of what they may receive from Whiteside County Animal Control. That information is also in the Village Hall office. Commissioner Dean asked about the Tampico Fee that was spoke about on Facebook. Clerk McIntire said I believe the Village may receive a portion of what is charged through Whiteside County Animal Control, but we do not charge them with an additional fee. Mayor Peltier said they won’t be fined from Animal Control, then receive another ticket from the Village. Everyone needs to make sure their animals are taken care of properly and per Village ordinance, whether it’s a one-time thing or not. It doesn’t excuse you from Village ordinances.

Resident Beth Etheridge had a question about the garbage. Can residents opt out from Midwest and keep Republic. Clerk McIntire advised that Republic stated they will not continue service with Tampico residents without a contract. They won’t come out for just a few cans. Mayor Peltier asked Etheridge why she would want to do that. Etheridge said because of who owns Midwest Disposal. I don’t want to give her anymore money. Mayor Peltier explained that you’re not giving her money. I don’t know why anyone would be upset with us trying this contract with Midwest Disposal when it’s saving the Village $40,000 to come back to the community. This has nothing to do with her. We’re paying them to pick up our trash and it will be $40,000 cheaper where those funds can be used elsewhere in the community and that should be all that really matters. Commissioner J. Coleman said absolutely, and if people have a problem with that…I don’t know what else to tell you. Clerk McIntire advised that we see exactly what we’re being charged on invoices. We’ll know that they’re not taking more than what was contracted. It is itemized on the invoices that they are picking up this many cans at this price. I see the bill every month and I’ll know, because Republic actually over changed us a few times. Clerk McIntire advised that we keep our eye on it. Etheridge said you’ve just cleared up a lot of things for me that I did not know. Clerk McIntire said good. Commissioner Dean said that decision was not taken lightly. There were several meetings where we outweighed the pros and cons. Inevitably, the bigger picture is that the Board felt like the amount in savings over the time was what made the decision. Etheridge asked if they’ll be providing garbage bins. Clerk McIntire said yes, and residents might start to receive those anytime between this week and next week to make it a smooth transition. Make sure to continue using the Republic bins until June 28th, then use the Midwest cans after that date. Etheridge said thank you for the clarification.

Resident Bonnie Anderson said one more thing, she would like to request for the extended hours at the Kickback Saloon for the weekend of Tampico Days. Mayor Peltier said we’ve done it in the past and I see no issue with that. The Council agreed. Clerk McIntire said she’ll get the paperwork for it.

Bills were ordered paid on a motion by Commissioner Dean, second by Commissioner S. Coleman. “Yes” votes were S. Coleman, Dean, J. Coleman and Mayor Peltier. The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 7:41 PM. The next Regular Meeting of the Tampico Village Council is Scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Reagan Community Center located at 202 W. Second Street.

Jamie M. McIntire
Clerk
Bruce Peltier
Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS 2nd DAY OF July, 2024

**These minutes are not official until signed, dated and sealed by the Village Clerk**