March 5, 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 and Mary Jo Sigel were present. Commissioner Carlos “Butch” McNinch was absent. Police Officer Boyd Van Dellen and Village Employee Art Spencer were present as well. Village Clerk Kathy Leathers recorded the written minutes.

Minutes of the February 19, 2013 Regular Meeting were approved as presented.

Resident Al Morthland was in attendance to question the Village Council on several things he is concerned about. Mr. Morthland asked why the village has let pit bulls back in town. He told them of a recent dog attack in Galesburg. Mayor Hill answered his question by telling him years ago the village learned it could not ban any certain type or breed of dog.

Morthland went on to ask about the grade school building. He told them there are a lot of people talking about the village wanting to take over the building. He wanted to know where the village would get the money to run it. He told them he has heard it costs $40-$50,000.00 a year to heat it. Mayor Hill told Morthland that the village is interested in the soon to be vacant grade school building. She told those present she has contacted other communities that are the size of Tampico, who have been able to utilize their old school buildings in a way that benefits the community. Cedarville, population around 500, took over their old school and has even started to realize a profit from their programs. Mayor Hill had already talked of possible uses of the building in recent village council meetings and at a school district board meeting.

Morthland also expressed his concerns about snowmobiles flying past his house at three o’clock in the morning. He stated the snowmobiles have gone through his neighbor’s yard. Mayor Hill advised him snowmobile users are aware of the rules and are expected to follow them. Officer Van Dellen stated he has been watching the snowmobiles as they enter and exit the village and has not found a problem with their behavior. VanDellen stated he has been impressed and surprised at their behavior thus far. Commissioner Hill told Morthland, Chief Terry Strike had visited the neighbor earlier in the day to address any concerns they might have had.

Morthland also touched briefly on the issue of snow on the downtown sidewalks and those on village owned property. Mayor Hill told him the village’s first priority is to get the streets cleared for resident travel before they take care of other snow removal tasks.

Chris Abell was present to hear any news about resolving some nuisance issues in his neighborhood. Mayor Hill and Commissioner Hill advised him the village is doing everything it possibly can to find a solution to the problems. Commissioner Hill stated Chief Strike has been following up on several possible solutions. Mayor Hill told Abell the Council understands his frustration because council members are frustrated as well.

On a motion by Commissioner Sigel, second by Commissioner Hill, a Class E Liquor License upgrade to Casey’s Retail Company was approved at the pro-rated cost of $66.67. The approved license will expire at the same semi-annual time as other village liquor licenses. The Class E license will allow Casey’s General Store #1304 to sell package liquor for consumption off the premises. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.

Mayor Hill reported to the Council the new Market Street Lift Station should be up and running by the end of next week. She also told them the Sewer Plant Aeration System project should resume as weather permits.

On a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner Hill, an IEPA Construction Loan draw down request for Willett, Hofmann & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $4,200.00 for engineering fees was approved. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.

There were three (3) payment draw down requests for CDAP Grant Funds. A request from D.J. Sickley Construction Company for $9,924.50 (Inv. #4) was approved on a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner Hill. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. Payment for Fischer Excavating, Inc. invoice #2 in the amount of $40,725.54 was approved on a motion by Commissioner Hill, second by Commissioner Sigel. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. Payment Request for Invoice #2 in the amount of $5,500.00 for Community Funding and Planning for grant administration was approved on a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner Sigel. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.

Mayor Hill asked Commissioner Sigel for a status on the downtown building remediation issue. Sigel told her Attorney Ron Coplan has requested more information, such as the yet to be approved amendment to the Zoning Code, that she will forward to him as soon as possible.

After a Zoning Board Public Hearing held February 19, 2013, the proposed amendment to Chapter 17.48 Special Provisions, Chapter 17.56 Violation Penalty was approved to be put before the Village Council. Item 17.48.140 A. would “limit the time to allow excess storage in the Downtown Historic District to no more than three (3) consecutive days except as specifically permitted”. 17.48.140 B. would “exempt storage or collection of any product, goods, etc., used in or incidental to a business establishment operating from the building on a regular basis except if the business ceases to operate for more than thirty (30) days. Section 17.56.110 would “set penalties and fines for Violation of any Zoning Code to not less than $100 nor more than $750.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Wildman to approve the amendments, second was by Commissioner Hill. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.

Review of financial reports will continue in preparing the village’s 2013-2014 fiscal year appropriations budget.

Discussion was held on joining Whiteside County to develop a Whiteside County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan in conjunction with FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program. Participation may benefit the area by identifying hazards and prioritizing potential projects to mitigate the effects of natural hazards. Commissioner Hill motioned with a second by Commissioner Sigel to approve the village’s participation. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.

Mayor Hill told council members of the need to upgrade the village’s meter reading equipment and software. She advised the equipment is experiencing issues, it is outmoded and can no longer be repaired. She advised them costs of the new equipment and software will be gathered for their review.

On a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner Sigel, bills were approved as outlined and presented. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM. The next regular meeting will be held March 19, 2013 at 7:00 PM in Tampico Village Hall.

Kathy A. Leathers ____________ Kristine L. Hill _______________
Clerk                                              Mayor

MINUTES APPROVED THIS 19th DAY OF ___March___, 2013

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