December 4, 2012 – Regular Meeting in Tampico Village Hall

Mayor Kristine L. Hill called the above meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Commissioners Al Wildman, Bruce Hill, Mary Jo Sigel and Carlos “ Butch” McNinch were present. Police Chief Terry Strike and Officer Boyd VanDellen were also in attendance.

Minutes of the November 20, 2012 Regular Meeting were approved as presented.

In an update of the Infrastructure Project, the Council learned Village Engineers, Willett, Hofmann & Associates, Inc., have sent in a request for disbursement of IEPA loan funds in the amount of $7,394.00 for construction engineering costs. Sludge removal from the lagoons at the waster water treatment plant has been completed and the next phase of the project should start soon.

Sharon Pepin, Grant Administrator of Community Funding and Planning Services, was present to request the first draw down of CDAP Grant Funds. On a motion made by Commissioner Sigel, second by Commissioner McNinch, approval was given to request funds in the amount of $5,500.00 in grant administration costs and invoice #1 from D.J. Sickley Construction Company in the amount of $35,400.77. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. Pepin will send in the payment requests and when the funds have been received by the Village, disbursements will then be made.

Pepin also advised the Council they will receive copies of quarterly reports she prepares to send to DCEO, (Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity) for the CDAP grant. Matt Hansen, Willett, Hofmann & Associates, will do the same for IEPA loan funds.

On a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner McNinch, approval was given to Ordinance No. O08-12-12-04 Amending Chapter 5.04 Section 5.04.050 License Classification, 5.04.060 Times of Sales – Closing Hours and 5.04.090 Local Restrictions. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. The new ordinance will be sent to MuniCode and kept on file in Village Hall.

Final review was made of the 2012-2013 Tax Levy Ordinance. Commissioner Wildman, seconded by Commissioner Sigel, that Ordinance No. O07-12-12-04 Tax Levy Ordinance for the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year be passed, approved and in effect after its adoption as provided by law. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. This tax levy provides for $14,871.00 in General Corporate Fund taxes and $52,469.00 in Special Funds taxes. The total of the tax levy is $67,340.00. This is 105% over last year’s tax levy.

There has been no new information on remediation of the condition of several downtown buildings. Mayor Hill will contact an outside attorney for advice on how to proceed in getting the buildings up to safety standards. The Council has been discussing the conditions of a few buildings downtown that may have safety and structural issues. Village Attorney William Shirk will not be able to represent the Village in this matter to avoid a possible conflict of interest.

On a motion by Commissioner Wildman, seconded by Commissioner McNinch, approval was given for the Village Clerk to apply for a Business Visa Card from local bank PNB. Public Works Superintendent Tom Pierce and Village Clerk/Treasurer Kathy Leathers will be authorized users of the account. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill.

Mayor Hill reported progress on the Casey’s Main Street entrance/exit is delayed until paperwork with the state can be cleaned up.

Commissioner Hill reported that one of the new acorn lights downtown has been out. It is still under warranty and he will contact the necessary company for repairs.

Hill also told council members it appears the bank holding the mortgage for a foreclosed property on East Second Street has taken possession of the property. Hill will contact them to see what they are going to do about the neglected conditions there. Commissioner McNinch asked what is being done with the other foreclosed properties on East Second.

Hill also told those present he has been working through the process of getting on to the state of Illinois surplus website. He told the Council it’s possible to get computers and items useful to the police department among other things that could be used by the village.

Mayor Hill told council members there are still residents who are riding their bicycles on downtown sidewalks. Commissioner McNinch agreed. He stated he sees bike riders coming down Market Street and then getting on the sidewalk when they near the Dutch Diner leading to the possibility of someone getting hurt. Mayor Hill and the Council agreed having bikes on the sidewalk will not be tolerated.

Clerk Leathers reported to the Council a change in the nomination petition filing dates for the April 2013 election. The original dates were December 17 through December 24. Most municipalities, schools, townships and other election officials were concerned with Christmas Eve being the last day to file. Most officials are not in their offices on that day. The Illinois Municipal League and its members were able to work with state legislators to have the last day to file changed to December 26, 2012. Governor Quinn signed the bill into law on December 2, 2012. The Tampico Village Clerk will be in the office from 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on December 26, 2012 to accept the filing of petitions on that day.

Chief Strike and Officer VanDellen asked the council if they could start going through the Village Vehicle Code and propose amendments where needed. Strike cited some of the fines are so small they would not be cost effective to prosecute.

Commissioner Sigel asked Mayor Hill if any word has been received from the P-L-T School District in regard to the soon to be empty grade school building. Mayor Hill advised her the village had heard nothing from them.

Mayor Hill reported to the council that the Kickback Saloon and the Good Times Tavern would like to remain open later to serve breakfast to their customers on New Year’s Eve. Mayor Hill will make sure the council knows the plans ahead of time so the police department can be aware of the later hours.

Bills were approved as presented on a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissiioner Hill. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM. The next regular meeting will be December 18, 2012 at 7:00 PM in Tampico Village Hall.

____Kathy A. Leathers _____________ Kristine L. Hill _______________

Clerk Mayor

MINUTES APPROVED THIS _18th__ DAY OF _December ___________, 2012

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