REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COMMISSIONERS
OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO
August 20, 2013
6:30 PM / 7:00 PM
Mayor Kristine L. Hill opened a public hearing at 6:30 PM and introduced Sharon Pepin of Community Funding & Planning Services. Pepin conducted the public hearing to provide information on sanitary sewer improvement projects that were funded in part with a Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and with a Clean Water State Revolving Loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
The Village applied for the CDAP grant in February of 2012 with the award notification coming in June of 2012. The overall project was expected to cost $541,000, with the CDAP grant providing $400,000 of that amount. Any costs over the grant amount were covered by the IEPA Loan.
Pepin stated the scope of the improvements were broken down into two projects. The first phase replaced the Village’s existing W. Market St. Lift Station by moving it to a new location on the corner of W. Market and S. Joy Streets. The second included replacing the wastewater treatment aeration system.
She reported that on September 28, 2012, the Village officially awarded the West Market Street lift station project to Fischer Excavating, Inc. and the aeration system replacement to D.J. Sickley Construction Company.
Pepin continued by telling those present, the wastewater treatment plant aeration system project was completed in April 2013 with the W. Market St. lift station completed in May 2013.
Pepin stated Willett, Hofmann & Associates, Inc. provided the design engineering as well as on-site construction observation. Engineering costs were paid from IEPA infrastructure loan funds at a contract cost of $48,048, that included an amended cost.
Pepin’s firm, Community Funding & Planning Services, was retained by the village to provide administrative oversight of the grant. Those fees totaled $22,000 that includes all paperwork, quarterly reports to DCEO, correspondence, etc. The fees also included both the initial public hearing and tonight’s hearing to close out the grant process. She advised, she will also provide a copy of all grant documents that should be kept on file in Village Hall for approximately four years.
Council members thanked Pepin for all she has done in her part of the grant process. Mayor Hill stated the council was thankful for a mild winter. Public Works Superintendent, Tom Pierce, advised everything turned out well. Pepin also advised the Village has been very fortunate in that the mild weather allowed for a sooner than expected completion of the projects and the IEPA awarded the village a loan principle forgiveness grant of over $100,000. She stated that will bring the infrastructure loan repayment figures down to just a little over $100,000 instead of the previous total of over $200,000.
There being no further comments or questions, the hearing was closed at 6:50 PM.
Mayor Kristine L. Hill then called the regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council to order at 7:00 PM.
Commissioners Toby Johnson, Bruce Hill, Mary Jo Sigel were present. Commissioner Carlos “Butch” McNinch was absent. Police Sergeant Boyd VanDellen and Public Works Superintendent Tom Pierce were also present.
Minutes of the August 6, 2013 Regular Meeting were approved as presented.
Resident Al Morthland, presented the council with several issues he is concerned about. First off, he wanted the council to know about loud motorcycles within the village. He said it’s ridiculous that the noise is allowed. He is also concerned about the number of dirt bikes and four wheelers being ridden in the village. He again wanted to know where all the police officers are that residents pay so much for. Mr. Morthland then asked Mayor Hill if the village is going to buy the (old grade) school. Mayor Hill advised him the village is not purchasing the building and she has not had word from the school district announcing what will be done with it. Morthland told the council there are a lot of people against it.
Business owner, Bonnie Anderson, Kickback Saloon, was present to ask the council if there was any progress in her sidewalk safety plans. Anderson’s insurance carrier had done a safety inspection of her business property and advised her the sidewalk in front of the business and on the south side of her building had several safety issues. The Village has been working with Anderson to help alleviate the problem. Mayor Hill told Anderson the project is in the planning stage and can soon be let out for bids. Mayor Hill advised her, Commissioner Sigel will oversee patching some of the “trip” factors on the sidewalks for right now. Anderson told them she has to have something to her insurance company before August 27, 2013. Commissioner Sigel advised a letter could be sent to the company detailing the plans for resolving the issue.
Clerk Leathers told council members she is currently waiting for the final disbursement from the state in regard to the IEPA Infrastructure project. She will seek advice from Willett, Hofmann & Associates, Inc. on what will follow the final payment. She anticipates something similar to closing out the CDAP grant will need to be arranged.
Sharon Pepin submitted the final payment request from CDAP grant funds in the amount of $5,500.00 for grant administration to the council. Since the item did not specifically appear on the agenda, it will be approved at the council’s September 3 regular meeting. In addition, Pepin told them it has been decided a single audit of the grant funds for the last fiscal year will not be needed as is sometimes the case if monies received by the grantee total more than $500,000.00. Pepin advised the village only received $106,000.00 for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Mayor Hill and the council thanked Pepin again for all her work on the village’s behalf throughout the process.
Commissioner Hill told the council he has nothing new to report in regard to the downtown building remediation issue. Attorney Ron Coplan, who has been representing the Village’s legal matters for this issue, has been away from his office. Hill advised he would keep trying to reach Coplan.
Mayor Hill next advised council members she has been asked by Village Attorney, William Shirk, to hold off on approving the proposed “Golf Cart / Low Speed Vehicle” ordinance. Mayor Hill reported the state is trying to clarify a policy that allows such vehicles to cross state and county highways. She said it is on Governor Quinn’s desk at this time. She also told council members Commissioner Hill has added the use of a safety flag to be on the vehicle as another requirement of golf cart/low speed vehicle use on village streets. Commissioner Sigel agreed saying it was a good idea to require their use.
Mayor Hill asked council members how they would like to proceed with selling or auctioning off the village’s unused building located at 126 S. Main St. The Council’s general consensus would be to auction the building. Mayor Hill advised the council would have to have a reserve amount for the building. Clerk Leathers advised she would research the requirements for approving such and will contact Attorney Shirk for specifics.
Discussion turned to the Village’s 50/50 Sidewalk Program. Normally, Mayor Hill said, the Village would not take such an active part in redoing a sidewalk. She stated the issue at the Kickback Saloon is a rare case because it does have a higher public safety risk. Mayor Hill told Anderson the village will do what it can to help in this situation.
Council members reviewed the draft of an ordinance that would remove limits on the number of liquor licenses allowed in the village. Mayor Hill told the council removing the licensing limit and setting a few schedule would allow the council a little versatility in encouraging new business. The proposed ordinance gives the Village Council the ability to determine how many licenses may be issued for each class. Mayor Hill said she realizes there may be reservations for the most part on considering such. Commissioner Sigel stated she understands the issue, but has concerns if 3, 4 or more bars are allowed in the village. Sigel stated she does not want that. Mayor Hill advised that is when the council would come in. The council would have the power to reject any license. Sigel asked how the council would say no to any given license application. Sigel wanted to know if the council would have to show just cause why it denied anyone a license. Mayor Hill replied that she understands that part of the change as well but adds the council has already had to change the liquor license code three times. Each time an ordinance is changed the village incurs legal fees and the increased cost of publishing the change. Switching to a schedule of fees would allow for changes in the number and cost of the licenses without the added expense of changing a portion of the ordinance. Commissioner Sigel stated she would still like to see a cap of 3 or 4 used. Commissioner Hill doesn’t think it would hurt to change to the fee schedule approach. For example, he said, what if an antique shop locates on Main Street and would like to stock specialty wines or beers. He feels each application could be dealt with on an individual basis. Commissioner Johnson, stated he doesn’t share in the fear that too many taverns or bars will want to locate in the village. It makes sense to put a cap on the number allowed but he doesn’t want to pay again to change the ordinance. He stated his opinion is to give the council the opportunity to make it work. Mayor Hill said she understands their concerns. She reported the body of the village’s liquor license code is already setup with parameters as to locations and times of operations which gives the council added control when considering any application. She also cited zoning restrictions and requirements would safeguard the village as well. She suggested tabling the matter until the council’s next meeting.
The council held a discussion on paying annual maintenance fees to Sensus for tech support and upgrades on the newly purchased meter reading equipment. On a motion by Commissioner Hill, second by Commissioner Sigel, the annual maintenance, technical support and upgrades cost of $1,732.50 was approved. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Joan Johnson, Tampico Historical Society and Director of the Ronald Reagan Birthplace, announced that after six years of fundraising they have reached their goal to purchase the completed statue of Ronald Reagan. She stated they are now offering bricks and pavers for a donation that will be used to landscape the area around the statue. On behalf of the Tampico Historical Society, Johnson said they would like the Village Council to accept the statue of a young Reagan to be placed in Reagan Park, as a gift. On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sigel, approval was given to accept the gift of a Ronald Reagan Statue that will be placed in Reagan Park from the Tampico Historical Society. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. Ms. Johnson is hoping to have the paved path to the statue completed soon so they may have the placement of the statue and a dedication ceremony before it gets too cold. The village clerk has contacted the village insurance carrier, IMLRA, to be sure the gift could be insured. Costs for coverage would be around $200.00 per year. Johnson also told the Council how much the Historical Society has appreciated all the Council has done for them. Council members thanked Johnson for all the hard work and the effort that she and others have put into the project.
Council members next learned the village backhoe is down. Superintendent Pierce was instructed to look into leasing options as opposed to purchasing the equipment outright.
Mayor Hill then read a letter of resignation from Commissioner Carlos “Butch” McNinch. McNinch wrote that the office requires more time than he is able to offer at this time. He also said it had been a great learning experience and he is thankful for the opportunity he was given to serve the community. Mayor Hill said she is going to miss McNinch. He did a great job and he served the community well. On motion from Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill, McNinch’s resignation was accepted with regret. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Building permits issued by Zoning Administrator, Ron Kuepker, were Laverne Tornow – 201 W. 4th Street – Replace Roof.
Reports – Village Officials:
Mayor Hill stated she would like to set up a Recreation Board Meeting sometime in September. She also asked Derrick Maupin, recently appointed to the Board, if he would consider serving on the Village Council in the wake of Commissioner McNinch’s resignation. Maupin could resign from the Recreation Board so he may appointed to the Council and his wife, Bridget Maupin, could be appointed to the vacated post on the Recreational Board. The matter will be discussed and approved as needed at the next council meeting.
Commissioner Hill reported he will join with Police Chief, Terry Strike, Sergeant Boyd VanDellen and Fire Chief Brian Wetzell to work on an area-wide disaster plan. Hill said
establishing such a plan would allow quick response to the needs of the community if a disaster were to take place.
Clerk Leathers reported she is researching upcoming rules and mandates as the Affordable Care Act goes into the next stage. She will need to provide correspondence to employees and comply with the Illinois Department of Labor standards.
Bills were ordered paid as outlined on a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sigel. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM. The next regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council will be Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 7:00 PM in Tampico Village Hall.
Kathy Leathers
Clerk
Kristine L. Hill
Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS 3rd DAY OF September , 2013
**These minutes are not official until signed, dated and sealed by the Village Clerk**
