November 20, 2012 – Regular Meeting in Tampico Village Hall
Mayor Kristine L. Hill called the above meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. when Commissioner Al Wildman arrived. Commissioners Bruce Hill and Mary Jo Sigel were present. Commissioner Carlos “Butch” McNinch was absent. Public Works Superintendent Tom Pierce and Chief of Police Terry Strike were also in attendance.
Minutes of the November 6, 2012 Regular Meeting were approved as presented.
Work has begun on the sewer plant aeration system. Public Works Superintendent Tom Pierce advised Council Members that one lagoon has been drained and the sludge removed and another is in the process of being drained in preparation for sludge removal as well.
On a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner Hill, Resolution No. R06-12-11-20 was approved to open a new checking account at Peoples National Bank – Tampico Branch for the purpose of accepting and disbursing IEPA Loan Funds for the Infrastructure Improvement Projects. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. McNinch was absent. The motion carried.
On a motion by Commissioner Sigel, second by Commissioner Hill, Resolution No. R07-12-11-20 to open a new checking account at Peoples National Bank – Tampico Branch for the purpose of accepting and disbursing Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportuinity CDAP Grant Funds was approved. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. McNinch was absent. The motion carried.
A review of the proposed zoning ordinance was continued. The proposed ordinance would limit storage in downtown historical buildings if determined to be a fire/safety hazard. Normal storage of items necessary for conducting routine business will not be considered an ordinance violation. Another change proposed by the council would be to raise zoning ordinance violation penalities to not less than $100.00 nor more than $750.00. The current ordinance states a fine not less than $50.00 nor more than $100.00.
The Village Clerk will send the proposed ordinance to Village Attorney William Shirk for his review before setting up a public hearing of the Zoning Board.
A final reading of the proposed changes to the village liquor code was conducted. Mayor Hill and council members have agreed the proprosed ordinance contains the recommended changes. The proposed changes include repealing outdated language such as issuing licenses to premises only in the 100 Block of S. Main. The second change would repeal language prohibiting a liquor establishment within 100 feet of a mortuary or undertaking establishment. Other changes would allow licensed businesses to remain open under special circumstances such as during Tampico Festive Days or perhaps on a Sunday night when a televised football game runs after closing hours. The licensee would need to request that permission ahead of time from the Mayor and Village Council.
Council members then reviewed a draft of the Tax Levy Ordinance for the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year. There being no further questions or suggestions, it was recommended the Ordinance be approved at their December 4, 2012 meeting.
The council discussed surplus funds in the Water and Sewer Accounts and whether to make a permanent transfer of those funds to the General Corporate Account. Commissioner Wildman motioned, seconded by Commissioner Sigel, that Resolution No. R04-12-11-20 Authorizing Making a Permanent Transfer of $7,500.00 in Surplus Funds from the Water Account to the General Corporate Fund be approved. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. Commissioner McNinch was absent. The motion carried.
Commissioner Wildman motioned, seconded by Commissioner Hill, that Resolution No. R05-12-11-20 Authorizing Making a Permanent Transfer of $7,500.00 in Surplus Funds from the Sewer Account to the General Corporate Fund be approved. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. Commissioner McNinch was absent. The motion carried.
Council members were asked to review the Village’s Investment Policy. At this time there will be no changes in the policy currently in place to safe guard Village funds while equitably distributing the investments and maximizing the income of this specific governmental unit.
Discussion then turned to certain downtown buildings falling into disrepair. Since some of the historic buildings share a common wall, there are concerns of a neglected building causing damage to the others. Mayor Hill told the council, to proceed, the village must retain independent council to get the ball rolling in making building owners responsible for keeping them in good repair. Current village attorney, William Shirk, will not be able to defend the village’s position in the matter. She told them she hates to spend the money but feels conditions in the buildings are not going to approve any time soon and will either cause more damage or cause property values to drop. Mayor Hill also sited safety issues and becoming a fire hazard. Shirk has recommended the village retain Ron Coplan to guide them in the process. Mayor Hill will ask Coplan to proceed in the matter.
There were no building permits issued by Zoning Administrator, Ron Kuepker.
In reports from village officials, Commissioner Sigel asked if there has been any news regarding Casey’s General Store and their plans to redo the Main Street entrance to the property. Mayor Hill advised her the plans should be fine and the project completed in the near future.
Commissioner Sigel also asked if there has been any news from the school district about their plans for the old elementary school building. Mayor Hill told the council a letter of
November 20, 2012 = Regular Meeting in Tampico Village Hall, cont’d.
interest was sent to the district office but no word has been received from the administration.
Commissioner Hill gave the council an update on a condemned/foreclosed property within the village. The Council and most neighbors of the E. Second St. property would like to see the building demolished since it is in such a state of disrepair and a public health risk. Superintendent Pierce told them most companies who foreclose on properties come out and secure the properties, such as boarding them up. Commissioner Sigel commented that the village should not have to be responsible for that. The village has received estimates on the cost of removing the building.
Superintendent Pierce told the council he is still in need of a dumptruck. He advised the current vehicles are aging and soon will not be cost efficient to keep.
Bills were approved as presented on a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner Sigel. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 PM. The next regular meeting will be December 4, 2012 at 7:00 PM in Tampico Village Hall.
____Kathy A. Leathers ______________ Kristine L. Hill _______________
Clerk Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS _4th __ DAY OF ___December_____, 2012
*These minutes are not official until signed, dated and sealed by the Tampico Village Clerk*
