REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COMMISSIONERS OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO
September 3, 2013
7:00 PM
Tampico Village Hall
Mayor Kristine L. Hill called the regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll call was taken by Clerk Kathy Leathers who also recorded the written minutes. Commissioners Toby Johnson, Bruce Hill and Mary Jo Sigel were present.
Minutes of the August 20, 2013 CDAP Public Hearing were approved as presented.
Minutes of the August 20, 2013 Regular Council Meeting were approved as presented.
Resident Al Morthland was present to discuss his issues with the Village Police Department. Morthland continues to berate police officers for numerous issues he feels are taking place. He once again asked if the Council was cleaning up the town. He cited a dwelling in the Village he thought should be cleaned up. The Council told him the process takes time from when residents are notified they are in violation of the village nuisance code, the time period they are given to comply and what the penalty will be. Commissioner Johnson told Morthland there is no quick way to do this.
Resident Mark Mayfield called the council’s attention to sidewalks that are falling apart. He asked when action will be taken. He was advised by Mayor Hill that grants have been checked into to provide safe routes to school. Residents also have the option of the Village’s 50/50 Sidewalk policy.
Clerk Leathers advised the council she is still waiting for the final IEPA Infrastructure Loan funds to arrive.
Clerk Leathers presented the final CDAP Grant drawdown request in the amount of $5,500.00 to Community Funding & Planning Services for grant administration. A motion was made by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sigel to approve the request. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Commissioner Hill advised he has not heard from Attorney Ron Coplan, Morrision, in regard to the downtown building remediation issue. He advised council members he will contact Coplan’s office again to find out the status.
Approval of the Golf Cart / Low Speed Vehicle Ordinance was postponed until Village Attorney William Shirk adds changes to the ordinance from recent legislation signed by Governor Quinn.
The Council has been discussing changing the liquor license code to remove the restrictions on the number of licenses for any one classification. Mayor Hill has stated she would like to see the village go to a schedule of fees for the liquor licenses that would allow more flexibility and not limit the village’s ability to accommodate future business. Mayor Hill advised the village has already changed the liquor license code three (3) times since she has been in office. Going to a fee schedule and not limiting the number of licenses would cut down on the cost of changing the code when the council feels it is necessary. Commissioner Sigel handed out information about other area towns and villages and their liquor license codes. Sigel would like to see the number of licenses capped at four (4) per classification. The issue will be discussed further at the council’s next meeting when members have had a chance to review the information Sigel provided.
Commissioner Sigel reported village employees along with Elmer Crain and Dave Tabor did an excellent job on repairing the sidewalks at the Kickback Saloon. The business’s insurance carrier noted a safety issue with the sidewalks earlier this summer. The work was done in an effort to minimize “trip factor” potential. Since the sidewalk in question is along a state highway, Mayor Hill advised those present that the village has taken responsibility for them. Village engineering firm, Willett, Hofmann & Associates has been asked to develop plans to repair and / or replace sidewalks. Commissioner Hill stated once that happens it will be let out for bids. According to correspondence from engineers, it is their intent to have project letting early this fall.
Mayor Hill briefly discussed the sale of the village owned annex building on S. Main. The council has been provided information on the proper way to dispose of surplus village property. Mayor Hill would like to wait and see what the next few weeks will show in the building next door to be sure all issues have been correctly dealt with.
On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill, the council accepted the resignation of newly appointed Tampico Recreation Board member, Derrick Maupin. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
On a motion by Commissioner Hill, second by Commissioner Sigel, approval was given to the appointment of Bridget Maupin to the Tampico Recreation Board. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sigel, Derrick Maupin will be appointed to serve the current 2 year unexpired term of Carlos “Butch” McNinch. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Clerk Leathers administered the official oath of office to Maupin before welcoming him to the council and asking him to take his place at the council table.
Clerk Leathers told the council there was no new information regarding the discussion of village equipment. The village backhoe has been broken down for some time and the council must decide how it wishes to proceed in solving the issue.
On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill, Ordinance No. O05-13-09-03 was approved to accept the transfer of property from the Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico Community Unit School District #3. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. The ordinance will allow the village to accept the former Tampico Elementary School from the school district. Mayor Hill advised those present the agreement will allow the school district until June 2014 to dispose of the portable classrooms. At that time they will become the property of the village.
The Council next voted their approval of purchasing 20 – “radio read” adaptors for the new water meter reading system at a cost of $2,600.00 from HD Waterworks, LTD. A motion was made by Commissioner Maupin, seconded by Commissioner Sigel to approve the purchase. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Commissioner Johnson reported there will be a meeting of the Tampico Recreation Board on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 9:00 AM in Tampico Village Hall.
Clerk Leathers reported to the council a letter has been received from the Illinois EPA. They will be conducting an inspection of the Public Water Supply during the last week of September.
She also told them the use of handheld cell phones while driving will be against the law after January 1, 2014. Governor Pat Quinn recently signed the statewide cell phone driving ban.
Bills were ordered paid as outlined on a motion from Commissioner Maupin, second by Commissioner Sigel. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill.
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 PM. The next regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council will be Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 7:00 PM in Tampico Village Hall.
Kathy A. Leathers ________________
Clerk
Kristine L. Hill _____________
Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS 17th _ DAY OF _September __, 2013
**These minutes are not official until dated, signed and sealed by the Village Clerk
