January 8, 2013 – 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. Part-Time Village Employee, Art Spencer, was also present.
Minutes of the December 18, 2012 Regular Meeting were approved as presented with one change. Mayor Hill advised when the downtown buildings were viewed by Commissioner Sigel and Attorney Ron Coplan, Commissioner Hill was also present.
According to Willett, Hofmann and Associates, Inc., infrastructure projects are moving along. As for the Wastewater Treatment Plant project, the aeration equipment is scheduled to be delivered late this month, or possibly the first week in February. The blowers are scheduled to be delivered mid-January. Depending on the weather, work should resume soon.
The Market Street Lift Station project has begun as well. Fischer Excavating started work this week. Clerk Leathers told council members Market Street will be closed to through traffic from time to time to allow for excavation and delivery of pre-cast structures, pumps, etc. Correspondence from Engineer Dan Loos advises Fischer plans on getting quite a bit of work done in the next few weeks. Residents are asked to find an alternate route around the construction site.
The engineering firm has also sent a request to the IEPA for engineering fees associated with the project in the amount of $3,111.90. A motion was made by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner Sigel to approve the payment request. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
The council has been working on amending the Village’s Zoning Ordinance. The requested changes have been completed and the Ordinance will be sent to the Village’s Zoning Board for their approval. The Zoning Board must hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed changes. If they decide to approve the changes, the draft ordinance will be sent back to the Village Council for their final approval. Clerk Leathers suggested the hearing could be held on February 5, 2013 at 6:30 PM in Tampico Village Hall. The Clerk will publish the notice in the paper and on the Village’s website. The proposed ordinance changes may be viewed in the Village Hall, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00-3:00 pm. The proposed changes include limiting storage in the downtown historic district buildings. Under certain circumstances, excessive storage may cause dangerous and hazardous conditions to the historic district buildings and may compromise the safety of residents. Any storage allowed in the buildings should be maintained in such a manner so as not to cause an increase in the risk of fire or impede firefighters or first responders should the need for them arise. The last change will increase the penalty or fine for violation of any zoning ordinance. Anyone who violates, disobeys, omits or neglects to comply with any part of the total zoning ordinance will be fined not less than $100 nor more than $750.00 for each offense.
On a motion by Commissioner Hill, second by Commissioner McNinch, approval was given to purchase a 2007 International 4300 Dump Truck with a 10ft Boss Snow Blade at a cost of $43,680.00 from Holt & Sons, Inc., Gardener IL. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Commissioner Sigel stated she has been asked by residents if monies from the increase in water/sewer bills will be used to purchase the truck. She stated residents were told the increases were earmarked for water/sewer projects. Mayor Hill reassured Sigel that the money for the truck will be taken from general funds. Commissioner Hill advised he was able to talk to Holt & Sons, Inc. and have the price lowered on the newer truck.
Commissioner Sigel reported she has not heard back from Attorney Ron Coplan about the downtown buildings remediation issue. Conditions in certain downtown buildings could be causing problems with other adjacent buildings. The Council has been working to find a solution to the problem.
On a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner Sigel, approval was given to request a second disbursement of Department of Economic Opportunity CDAP grant funds in the amount of $57,042.86 for D.J. Sickley invoice No. 2 for work on the sewer treatment plant aeration system. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
In other business, Mayor Hill signed a Proclamation urging all citizens to participate in activities planned by the Tampico Area Historical Society & Museum and the President Ronald Reagan Birthplace to remember President Reagan’s birthday. The birthday observance to honor the former President and Tampico native is planned for Wednesday, February 6, 2013.
On a motion by Commissioner Hill, second by Commissioner McNinch, to approve Resolution No. R09-13-01-08 allowing the Village to do business with PNB – Tampico Banking Center for a 6-month promissory note of $22,000.00 to pay for half of the dump truck purchase. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. Using the promissory note funds will allow for repayment of the note in the new 2013-2014 budget year rather than to go over budgeted funds for this fiscal year.
Resolution No. R08-13-01-08 approving and authorizing the sale of a 1986 F8000 Dump Truck with 10-FT Box and 11-FT Snow Plow. Motion by Commissioner Sigel, second by Commissioner McNinch. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. Clerk Leathers will have the notice to bidders published in the Prophetstown Echo with sealed bids accepted until noon on January 22, 2013. The Council will reserve the right to waive any technicalities and to reject any or all bids.
Mayor Hill reported Casey’s wants to be able to sell full liquor rather than just beer and wine. She told the Council, more and more Casey’s are moving to the change. Mayor Hill advised she will contact Village Attorney William Shirk for the change in the ordinance to allow the business to do so. The Council should be able to discuss and approve the change at their next meeting.
Mayor Hill has also been in contact with David Rogers, Superintendent of the P-L-T School District about the future of the present elementary school building. Due to the district wide building projects, the school district may not have a need for the old building when its students are moved to the current middle school building. Mayor Hill said she will attend one of the next school board meetings to speak with them about the building.
Due to an error by the Village Clerk, the list of meetings for the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year is incorrect. The list only has one meeting for February. Mayor Hill will ask council members to consider having only one meeting in February at the January 22, 2013 meeting.
Commissioner Sigel told council members she has been in touch with her brother, who is experienced in applying and receiving grants. She stated she will be receiving information from him soon.
Commissioner Hill told the Council he is still working with LESO, the State’s surplus equipment program. He said once the on-line program works properly, the Village will be able to receive specific information about what equipment is available.
The Council also discussed what to do about residents who are delinquent on their water/sewer bills. There are some residents who have well water and only use the village sewers, who have fallen behind in their payments to the village. In most cases, when someone is delinquent, their water is turned off until the delinquent bills are paid. In the case of those who have well water, there is no such leverage for payment of delinquent fees. He stated it might be a good idea for the council to consider withholding garbage pickup for those residents instead.
Other items discussed were the shed behind the old ambulance building becoming a safety issue and people using the dumpster at the ball diamond for their trash.
Mayor Hill told those present, she, Commissioner Hill and Chief Terry Strike would like to sit down with other area municipalities to go over their police ordinances. She stated some of Tampico’s are really old and need to be cleaned up. She feels discussing issues with others in the area may be beneficial to everyone.
Commissioner Sigel questioned the status of Part-time Police Officer Chad Hermes. Commissioner Hill told of a letter he received from Hermes. Hermes has requested a temporary leave until March. He would like to come back and help out then. Mayor Hill advised the matter will be put on the next agenda for discussion.
Bills were approved as presented on a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner McNinch. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
There being no further business or discussion, the meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM. The next regular meeting will be January 22, 2013 at 7:00 PM in Tampico Village Hall.
Kathy A. Leathers
Kristine L. Hill________________________
Clerk Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS __22nd __ DAY OF _ January_____________, 2013
*These minutes are not official until signed, dated and sealed by the Tampico Village Clerk*
