SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL INFORMATION MEETING
6:00 PM – JANUARY 21, 2014
TAMPICO VILLAGE HALL
Sharon and Randy Pepin, Community Funding and Planning Service, were present to provide information to the Village Council and members of the public. The Safe Routes to School Program is a grant based program that can be used to upgrade sidewalks, intersections and work with community schools to provide a safe environment for children who must walk or ride their bikes to school. Pepin provided a Power Point presentation outlining the potential program and what implementing and following the program would entail. She advised, her office has been gathering information from the local Grade School such as a survey to be completed by parents who were asked to rate certain concerns and their importance in their child’s safety in going to and from school. Currently, many children either ride the bus or their parents drive them to school. Pepin told the council some studies have linked childhood obesity and an increase in asthma related illnesses to a child’s lack of exercise. It is believed the Safe Routes to School Program will provide healthy ways to alleviate some of those issues.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO
January 21, 2014
7:00 Pm
Tampico Village
The regular meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Village of Tampico was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Kristine L. Hill.
Commissioners Toby Johnson, Bruce Hill and Derrick Maupin were present. Commission Mary Jo Sigel was absent. Police Chief Terry Strike was also in attendance. Village Clerk, Kathy Leathers, recorded the written minutes. Mrs. Ann Cooper, Tampico Elementary Students, their parents, grandparents and other family members were in the audience as well.
Mayor Hill addressed those assembled as follows: She stated it was wonderful to turn the TV on and see Tampico Elementary School on the news and doing such good things. The Village wanted to do something special for Mrs. Cooper, the grade school students and all those who helped them.
Mayor Hill had some of the children take turns reading the proclamation in their honor.
“WHEREAS; the Village of Tampico supports the spirit of giving and the caring for
one another evident in small community living,
WHEREAS; the students of Tampico Elementary School, with the help of school staff, and fund raising donations from Prophetstown Elementary School, PLT Middle School and Merrill School
students and staff, set before themselves the task of finding a way to help children, students like them, in Washington, Illinois, in the aftermath of devastating tornado damage to their community,
WHEREAS; the students were able to make and deliver warm blankets to elementary school students in Washington, Illinois, with the express purpose of making them feel safe and warm again,
WHEREAS, it is appropriate that we recognize the outstanding example these students
have shown in caring for those in need, and their desire to help others,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kristine L. Hill, Mayor of the Village of Tampico, do hereby proclaim and acknowledge the accomplishments of the students; Student Council and Mrs. Ann Cooper, sponsor, of Tampico Elementary School in caring for others, and extend the Village’s appreciation for setting forth such an exemplary model of citizenship for others to follow. Thank you all, you deserve a round of applause.
A short break was taken to allow for photos and for the students and family to leave the meeting if they wished to do so.
Minutes of the January 7, 2014 Regular Meeting were approved as presented.
Minutes of the January 7, 2014 Closed Session Meeting were also approved as presented in open session.
A local resident was present to question the council on who was reading the water meters, when and why. Mayor Hill advised the resident, that with the inclement and sometimes unpredictable weather, adjustments have had to be made in reading the meters.
The same local resident questioned the council and Chief Strike about recent break-ins in the community. He demanded to know who was on the list of suspects. Strike asked the resident what he wanted to know and why he thought he needed to know about the investigations.
The resident also asked why there was a car parked on Main Street over night. Chief Strike advised him the village and a local business owner were notified by the owner it had broken down and they would return the next day for the vehicle.
Discussion was held on renaming the old grade school building The Reagan Community Center or the RCC for short. Commissioners Johnson, Maupin and Hill agreed the name was in keeping with the town. Clerk Leathers advised those present, the absent Commissioner Sigel had mentioned liking the proposed name. Commissioner Johnson asked if the council would really have to name the individual rooms. Johnson would like to at least name the gym. Mayor Hill and council members were in agreement with naming the gym and stated it could be dedicated at a later time. On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill, to approve renaming the old grade school building “The Reagan Community Center”. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, (Sigel absent), Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Mayor Hill advised things just keep coming up but she is working on a fee schedule for the building. The Mayor made suggestions about fees and rules those renting the gym for parties, etc. She advised there should be a rental agreement with language to include other things such as a $10.00 additional fee if they bring in “bounce houses”. She stated the village should have a copy of the “bounce” unit agreement or at the very least a copy of that rental company’s liability insurance. The council discussed possible renters paying a deposit to cover any damages left for the village to deal with. Mayor Hill suggested each council member may want to take turns for checking on the building after it has been rented to make sure things are in order.
Mayor Hill stated the Council has not done much advertising of the Gym being available to rent for parties and events. Mayor Hill said it will be better when the village, [offices] is in the building and better able oversee things more. She advised, the Council has not wanted to lock the doors for local people so they have been renting the gym on a limited basis. She said she has had some interest from the surrounding area but believes for right now, the Village should take care of their own first.
Commissioner Maupin stated he wanted to find a way for each council member to have access to the gym schedule, like Google Calendars. Then the schedule could be shared with council members. Mayor Hill stated it is on the Tampico calendar page but it could be shared that way as well. Clerk Leathers told them of working up a Google Account for sharing the gym schedule among council members that updates automatically when a change is added. Maupin told those present that way Commissioner Johnson would know when he is trying to schedule something for parks and recreation whether the gym is available or not. He feels it could be shared among the council and members will know a change has been made and it would avoid scheduling conflicts because everyone will know in real time. Mayor Hill could then update the calendar available to the community.
Commissioner Johnson advised he would like to have a lock for the cabinet where sports equipment, etc. can be safely stored. Discussion was held on storage space for cleaning supplies and equipment.
Local business owner, Bonnie Anderson, asked the council if the gym has already been rented and fees paid. Mayor Hill advised her it has with a fee of $50.00 for residents. The Mayor stated the council is still learning and adjusting to how things should proceed for rentals. She also told Anderson as time goes on and there is more to offer for the rental, such as more tables and chairs, the fees can be adjusted. She stated the council is working on a rental agreement to include a deposit to be held until the key is returned and the gym is in good condition. Mayor Hill said the village attorney will be consulted prior to putting it into effect.
Anderson also questioned the council on ComEd and Nicor costs for the grade school building. She has heard rumors that electricity and other utilities are free. Clerk Leathers explained municipalities are given allowances for utilities at certain Village owned property to a certain amount. Leathers explained as treasurer, she had tried to anticipate the costs of moving village offices to the new building and there are Public Benefit Funds available for that use. She advised she had consulted with Village Attorney Shirk before budgeting those funds toward the new building. She also told those present, judging by what she sees that comes across her desk, public interest, the programs, rentals and any tenants in the building, the building should be paying for itself this time next year. Anderson stated she just wants to make sure that everything the council has worked hard for will not be taken away.
The Council reviewed a first draft of a change in the liquor license ordinance to allow liquor establishments to open earlier on Sunday and remain open later. The ordinance would also remove Section 5.04.090 of Chapter 5.04, Subparagraph E, Item 1, to remove dance floor regulations. Mayor Hill requested a change in the extended hours policy. The current ordinance, Chapter 5.04.060 Subparagraph C states such an extension will not be given more than six days in any one calendar year. She and council members agree it should be amended by adding “except as approved by the Council”. Mayor Hill advised it gives more flexibility. The changes will be made for the next meeting.
Status of the South Main Place Sewer Project and DCEO Grant was discussed. Leathers advised the council she has received the required permit from the IEPA for construction and operation of the sewer line project on South Main Place. Village Engineer, Matt Hansen, Willett, Hofmann & Assoc., Inc., has advised Mayor Hill he is pleased with the progress so far. Sharon Pepin, who is helping the village with the DCEO grant, told the council the grant deadline has been extended from February to April with the award date of the grant kept for September.
Mayor Hill reported the council will need to call a special meeting for Thursday night, to discuss an offer on the surplus village owned real estate, since it is not on the agenda to make any decisions. The council agreed to meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2014, to discuss the offer.
On a motion by Commissioner Maupin, second by Commissioner Johnson, Resolution No.07-14-01-07 in Support of the Safe Routes to School Program was approved. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS:
Mayor Hill reported she has met with Whiteside County Public Transportation officials. She said at some point they would like to partner with the village for donations. The program isn’t just for Seniors, it’s for anyone from 6 years old and up. She stated it’s free or a donation for those over 60 and $2.00 dollars for those under. Mayor Hill stated it is a bigger program than she was aware of. Most people think of it running just in Rock Falls – Sterling area. She has heard of people from outlying towns that use the county transportation to get to work in other towns because it’s cheaper than buying gas and running their own car. They run from six in the morning until six at night Monday – Friday. She said a day’s notice is suggested. She reported fees for transportation outside of Whiteside County are 25 cents per mile. She said there are passes available. Commissioner Maupin advised he didn’t know there was something like that out there.
Mayor Hill would like to promote theprogram and have brochures and flyers available during the open house for the RCC. She said she is working on putting together a health fair, with information about other county programs, and is hoping to include information such as help with applying for the new health care. The date has not been set for the Open House.
The council learned the Christmas wreaths will be taken down this week and stored at the RCC.
Mayor Hill reminded those present of Ronald Reagan’s Birthday Party at the Birthplace on February 6, 2014 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Mayor Hill announced the Methodist Church’s Men’s Annual Chili supper will be Wednesday, January 29, 2014 from 4:30 to 7:00 PM.
Police Chief Strike left the meeting to check into an alarm going off at a local business.
Commissioner Hill reported going to Brown County to pick up surplus police department equipment through the State of Illinois LESO Program.
Bills were ordered paid on a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
A short break was taken while Commissioner Hill left the meeting at 7:56 pm to check on the status of Chief Strike’s return. Commissioner Hill and Chief Strike returned to the meeting at 8:04 PM.
A discussion was held between Chief Strike and a resident asking questions about the investigations being conducted in the light of the burglaries around town. Chief Strike advised the council and those present he is closely monitoring both situations and will continue with the investigation. Strike cautioned those present about spreading rumors and posting things on Facebook which can likely hinder an investigation and / or prosecution.
Mayor Hill reminded the council of the special meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 23 at 6:30 PM in Tampico Village Hall.
The meeting adjourned at 8:33 PM. The next regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council will be Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 7:00 PM in Tampico Village Hall.
Kathy A. Leathers
Clerk ______________
Kristine L. Hill
Mayor ________________
MINUTES APPROVED THIS 4th DAY OF __February_____, 2014
**These minutes are not official until dated, signed and sealed by the Village Clerk**
