REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO
November 19, 2013, 7:00 PM
Tampico Village Hall
The regular meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Village of Tampico was called to order at 7:00 PM, November 19, 2013 in Tampico Village Hall by Mayor Kristine L. Hill.
Village Clerk, Kathy Leathers, called the roll, present were Mayor Hill and Commissioners Toby Johnson, Bruce Hill, Mary Jo Sigel and Derrick Maupin.
Also present were Police Chief Terry Strike and Sergeant Boyd VanDellen and local realtor, Wes Anderson.
Mayor Hill announced to those present that all Village Council meetings will now be digitally recorded.
Minutes of the November 5, 2013 meeting were approved as presented.
A resident told the council of several vehicles that are in violation of the nuisance code. He was reassured that the police department will handle the matter.
The resident also asked the council if something could be done with the street that goes between the Village Annex Building and the elevator. Commissioner Sigel told the resident she doesn’t think it’s a road. Mayor Hill and Commissioner Hill advised they don’t think it’s a road either. Commissioner Sigel will look into it.
Mayor Hill had asked Wes Anderson from Xtreme Realty to attend the meeting in regard to the Village Annex building at 126 S. Main and the current Village Hall building at 104 W. Market. At the council’s direction, an appraisal of the two buildings has been completed. Discussion was held concerning setting a fair market value for each of the buildings. Anderson told the council it is his opinion the appraised value of $5,500.00 for the S. Main building is a fair asking price for a building in that condition in today’s real estate market. The village purchased the building a number of years ago and had completed some upgrades to the structure. Anderson told them the building still needs a lot of work. Commissioner Sigel voiced her concern over the amount of money previously spent on the building. She stated she would like to know how much of a loss the village will take if sold for the appraised value. The Council decided the matter will be looked into.
The current village hall building’s appraisal came in at $22,500.00. Anderson told the council this, too, was a fair market price for this type of structure in today’s market. The Village Council has been considering the use and the possible sale of the buildings since acquiring the former Tampico Grade School building. Anderson advised if the village decides to list the property with his firm, there will be no charge unless the building and / or buildings have been sold.
On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill, approval was given to list the Village Annex building located at 126 S. Main with realtor Wes Anderson, of Xtreme Reality for a starting reserve in the amount of $5,500.00. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
On a motion by Commissioner Sigel, second by Commissioner Maupin, approval was given to list the current Village Hall building at 104 W. Market Street with Realtor Wes Anderson, Xtreme Reality, for a starting reserve in the amount of $22,500.00. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
The Village Attorney, William Shirk, will be contacted for the proper steps to take in the sale of the buildings.
Mayor Hill suggested the council consider holding a planning meeting at the old school building to brainstorm ideas. She stated the council could take away a lot from such a meeting. The Council agreed to meet on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 6:30 PM at the building to plan the work needed to prepare for the village offices to move.
As for naming the building, Commissioner Maupin stated he would like to tie the name of the building in with Reagan. He continued by saying having the Reagan name involved somehow would give the village marketability to people outside the area. Commissioner Sigel suggested having a competition for name ideas. Commissioner Johnson suggested maybe school kids could write an essay or something. Maupin suggested maybe naming the different rooms in the building as well. Mayor Hill advised she loves the idea and will work on having it put on the village’s website.
The discussion turned to a local bar owner’s request to open earlier on Sundays. The current village code allows bars to open at 12:00 noon on Sundays. Bonnie Anderson, Kickback Saloon, claims she is losing business to other area towns who are allowing bars to open two hours earlier on Sunday. Anderson gave several examples of when it would have been of benefit to her business such as Sunday poker runs, snowmobilers and football games. Commissioner Maupin stated he is concerned whether people should be drinking before noon on Sunday. He wants to look out for the village’s best interest. Mayor Hill is concerned about allowing the opening time change since Sunday is church day. Commissioner Johnson stated he is not concerned about changing to earlier liquor sales on Sunday. He said if it brings more business to town, it’s more revenue for local businesses and the village itself. He said if the council voted on the matter right now, he would vote yes to change the ordinance. Anderson asked the council to consider the change saying why push people to another town when she can be making the money. Mayor Hill stated the village has spent a considerable amount of money changing the Liquor Ordinance several times already. Sigel asked how much it costs to change. The clerk advised there are attorney fees and the cost of publishing it in village code format. The clerk estimated the costs at $450.00 to $500.00. Mayor Hill stated the village liquor code does have a policy to allow for extended bar hours for specific events six times a year. She suggested that might be an option rather than changing the ordinance. Council members were asked to review the Liquor License Ordinance before the December 17 Council meeting and make note of any changes that could or should be made rather than changing the ordinance one issue at a time.
Those present were reminded of the December 17, 2013, Council Meeting as the only regular meeting in December.
On a motion by Commissioner Sigel, second by Commissioner Maupin, approval was given to accept the Tiger Club After School Program as a village program to be housed in the former Tampico Grade School building. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill, approval was given to appoint Mary Wendland as Administrator of the Tiger Club After School Program. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. Mayor Hill reported Wendland has her room at the old grade school set up and it looks great.
Council members reviewed the annual treasurer’s report. The report was completed and will be published in this week’s Prophetstown Echo and will be kept on file in the Village Clerk’s office.
Village Clerk Kathy Leathers presented the Council with a draft of the 2013-2014 Tax Levy. The Council informed her they would like the tax levy to be 105% over last year’s levy. The Council will review the final levy ordinance and approve it at their December 17, 2013 meeting. The tax levy must be filed with the Whiteside County Clerk and Whiteside County Treasurer’s office before the last Tuesday in December which will be December 31, 2013 this year.
Council members were asked to review the Village’s Investment Policy. At this time there will be no changes in the policy currently in place to safe guard Village funds while equitably distributing the investments and maximizing the income of this specific governmental unit.
Clerk Leathers advised council members she has received the annual invoice to renew the village’s Worker Compensation and General Property and Liability insurance coverages with the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association. The total premium due would be $25,891.00. Leathers suggested taking advantage of the 2-payment option the company allows. $13,010.59 would be due this month and the remainder in May of 2014. Leathers told them this would allow for those budgeted line items to catch up to the total costs needed on a yearly basis. On a motion by Commissioner Maupin, second by Commissioner Sigel, approval was given to approve payment of Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association Insurance Premium for Workers Comp and General Property – Liability Insurance in two installments. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
The council has also been made aware of furnace problems at the Sewer Treatment Plant building. According to Public Works Superintendent Pierce, Fritsch Home Heating was only able to get the old furnace to work for a few hours. Fritsch has submitted a cost of $1,280.00 to replace the existing heating system. On a motion by Commissioner Maupin, second by Commissioner Sigel, approval was given to have Fritsch Home Heating replace the furnace at the Sewer Treatment Plant at the quoted estimate price. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Reports of Village Officials:
Clerk Leathers reported one building permit was issued by Zoning Administrator, Ron Kuepker, to Angie Woodley for a new roof at 209 S. Benton.
She also reported an extra $3,353.00 in Motor Fuel Tax money was received through the Illinois Jobs Now capital bill program.
Mayor Hill reported there will be a Toys for Tots sign-up in Tampico Village Hall on Monday, November 25, 2013 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 PM. She reminded those present new unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at Village Hall or can be given to any Village Council Member. The mayor said she would have this put on the village website.
Mayor Hill told the council of the outstanding job the grade school did on the Veteran’s Day Program. She said it was wonderful. She would also like to thank the Tampico American Legion for their wonderful ceremony at Reagan Park.
The mayor also reported Christmas In the Country will be on December 7, 2013.
In considering programs for the grade school building, Mayor Hill advised she has been talking with KSB in Dixon about offering a wellness program to residents. She advised it’s a nice program that shares recipes, facts on reading food labels, an exercise program and a BMI evaluation.
Commissioner Johnson advised the Parks and Recreation Board will be starting a running program. He advised there is a group of people that meet every Wednesday at 5:00 AM now to run at the canal.
Recreation Board Member, Bridget Maupin, stated the program could be for anybody who wants to walk or run. The Rec Board will make sure they have access to the gym when needed. A contact list will be compiled and information flyers will put around in area businesses. Mayor Hill will have the information put on the village’s website.
Commissioner Johnson also reported on talks he has had with former resident, Tim Hatten, who would like to set up a youth athletic program. Johnson spoke of having an open house and allowing Hatten to set up his stuff and explain just what the program entails.
Johnson reminded those present the Tampico Recreation Board meets on the first Wednesday of the month in Tampico Village Hall.
Commissioner Hill advised he has paint samples for choosing room colors at the grade school building that the council can look over at their planning meeting.
Commissioner Hill also reported he is still working on gaining entry to the state surplus program website.
Commissioner Johnson made a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss the “Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of Employees of the Public Body at 8:24 PM. It was seconded by Commissioner Hill. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Commissioner Johnson motioned with a second from Commissioner Hill to adjourn the closed session portion of the meeting and return to regular session at 8:42 PM. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Bills were ordered paid on a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. The next regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council will be Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 7:00 PM in Tampico Village Hall. This will be only one regular council meeting in December.
Kathy A. Leathers ____________________
Clerk
Kristine L. Hill______________________
Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS 17th _ DAY OF __December _____, 2013
**These minutes are not official until dated, signed and sealed by the Village Clerk**
