REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO
March 4, 2014
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 by Mayor Kristine L. Hill.
Commissioners Toby Johnson, Bruce Hill, Mary Jo Sigel and Derrick Maupin were present. Police Chief Terry Strike was in attendance as well. Village Clerk Kathy Leathers recorded the written minutes.
Minutes of the February 18, 2014 Regular meeting were approved as presented.
William E. Holt, PLS of Norwest Surveying Services Inc., was present to have the Council approve a subdivision request. Local area landowners, Les and Bertha Hostetler, are subdividing land they own Northeast of Tampico on Fargo Road into two (2) land parcels. The Village Council must pass a resolution to approve and accept the subdivision request since the property in question is within one and one-half miles of the Village corporate limits. Commissioner Johnson motioned, second by Commissioner Hill to approve Resolution No. 08-14-03-04 approving and accepting the Hostetler Subdivision as outlined and attached. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Mike Mudge, Rock River Energy Services, Co., (the Village’s Energy Consultants), was present to advise the Council of their options in choosing an electric energy supplier when the first municipal aggregation contract runs out in July. The Village had approved Municipal Aggregation for electric suppliers two (2) years ago. Mudge shared information on the total program savings for the two year municipal aggregation so far. There are currently a total of 223 households on the Village’s aggregation program at 4.91 cents per kWh. In the first eleven (11) months residents averaged a savings of $28.64 per month and a savings of $9.50 per month in the next nine (9) months. Mudge told council members the rates are not as competitive today as they were for the original 2012 Municipal Aggregation. He said some rates are going as high as 8 cents per kWh. Mudge advised the Council a total savings to the village over the two year agreement was $89,200.00. He then handed out information to council members for the four suppliers who responded to the village’s request for rates. First Energy, (the village’s current supplier), will charge 7.20 cents per kWh for a one year contract, 7.06 cents per kWh for a two year contract and 6.72 cents per kWh for a three year contract. Constellation will be at 7.32 cents per kWh for a year, two years at 7.198 cents per kWh and 6.913 per kWh for a three year contract. Verde Energy has offered 8.650 cents per kWh for a one year contract, 8.913 cents per kWh for two years and 8.803 cents per kWh for three years. Homefield Energy offers a one year contract for 7.038 cents per kWh and 6.909 cents per kWh for two years. Mudge said ComEd rates will be going up in June. Mudge is encouraging communities to consider the rates now because it usually takes 90 days to get through the process. He said residents who would like to switch over to the village’s aggregation rates may still do so to take advantage of the 4.91 cents per kWh until July when the rate will change. In looking over a comparison of the rates submitted by the suppliers, it appears the three (3) year rate with First Energy, 6.72 cents per kWh would be the lowest. After much discussion, the Council decided the three year rate might be their best option. On a motion by Commissioner Sigel, second by Commissioner Maupin, approval was
given for Municipal Aggregation renewal rates of 6.72 cents per kWh with First Energy to begin in July 2014 for a three year term (36 months). “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. Since the village will be staying with their current energy provider, First Energy, the extension agreement with First Energy was signed by Mayor Hill. The Council thanked Mudge for all the work he has done on the Village’s behalf.
Clerk Leathers asked Mudge if there has been any news about Municipal Aggregation for natural gas service. Mudge advised the bill that would allow municipal aggregation for natural gas costs is in committee at the state level. He will have his office send information concerning the State Bill to Village Hall. Mudge said it would be good if letters could be sent to the respective state representatives and senators to have them look at the matter more closely.
A resident interested in starting a business in his home turned in paperwork for a requested zoning variance that will be passed along to Zoning Administrator, Ron Kuepker.
.A local business owner asked where the surplus goes for the higher water / sewer rates. She understood it was to be used to pay on the loan used for the recent improvements. Leathers explained the higher water / sewer rate revenue will be used for what it was originally intended for. Village Engineer, Matt Hanson of Willett, Hofmann and Associates, Inc. had outlined a list of projects when the higher rates were considered. Those projects are; purchasing radio reads to upgrade the water meters, relining manholes, the sewer upgrade on South Main Place and others. Leathers assured those present money from the higher water / sewer revenue is not and will not be used indiscriminately for anything and everything that comes along.
Mayor Hill reported the Open House for the Reagan Community Center went great. She felt there was a really good turn out. The mayor stated the health fair went really well. She reported at some future date NICIL, Northwest Illinois Council for Independent Living, will come back to teach a class on starting up a new business for those interested in working from home or for brick mortar store front start up. The Community That Cares is willing to come back anytime as well. The Whiteside County Public Transportation system, the mayor said, is in town more and more. The Whiteside County Health Department was here to answer questions about affordable health care. The mayor stated they were able to help a few people sign up for the healthcare programs.
Mayor Hill reported Missi Armstrong, APN, FNP-BC, from the CGH Tampico & Walnut Medical Centers, came to the Health Fair and Open House. Armstrong advised the mayor, she encourages her patients to walk and the gym will be a good place to do that.
Mayor Hill reported there have been quite a few people walking in the gym. Commissioner Hill said there is a group that walks early in the mornings.
Mayor Hill told the council, people will be here on Monday to look at the score board in the gym so it may be repaired and restored. Hill said it has been unused for a long time. Commissioner Maupin stated his basketball league players couldn’t remember the last time it was used either.
Commissioner Sigel asked if the gym is available for people to walk any time. Mayor Hill told her anytime that someone is here during regular business hours.
The Council also learned the Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Elections will be held here at the RCC. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Community Building is unable to have them there. According to local officials, the move will become permanent.
Discussion was held on approving an ordinance to adopt the State of Illinois Life Safety Code. Commissioner Sigel wanted to know if portion of the code dealing with sprinkler systems
installed in a home or business concerned mainly new construction. She understands it concerns one and two family homes but wonders if it would also concern multi-family housing. Mayor Hill advised her it would pertain to only new construction. Sigel questioned if the code deals with common hallways. Mayor Hill advised it wouldn’t matter, new construction would have to comply with the newer ordinance. Detailed in the new ordinance, the village would hire an independent consultant to ensure any new structure is constructed according to the Act. This will be at the sole cost of the applicant. It will be the consultant’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the Act. On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill, Ordinance No. O09-14-03-04 Adopting the State of Illinois Life Safety Code was approved as follows. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. The ordinance will be in full force and effect after its passage and on file in the Village Clerk’s office.
There have been no current updates to the South Main Place Sewer Project – DCEO Grant or the Safe Routes to School Grant. The Council was advised the date for submitting the grant application had been extended. Mayor Hill advised the Village is the only municipality in IDOT District 2 to seek the program’s grant funds.
The council briefly discussed budget planning for the upcoming 2014-2015 Fiscal Year. Clerk Leathers asked them to have their numbers in as soon as possible since she would like to have a rough draft of the Appropriations Ordinance completed for the next meeting. Mayor Hill advised Tom Pierce, Public Works Superintendent, has submitted two project proposals for the new fiscal budget year. Those include continuing to install radio read equipment on water meters to allow for quicker and easier meter reading and a Push Plow Snow Blade for the Backhoe. Pierce also mentioned getting forks for the backhoe to more easily move the generator and a multi-use pump when needed.
The council is still considering a resident’s request to have chickens within the village limits. Council members discussed getting more input from the resident and how her neighbors would feel about the issue. Commissioner Maupin stated he would like more input from the village to see if there is more interest village-wide than just one person. Maupin advised he is not opposed to it, he just wants to see if the interest is there. Mayor Hill said the matter will continue to be discussed and will be left on the agenda. Maupin stated he would like the interested resident to poll other residents to see if any interest is there. Commissioner Sigel thinks the resident should go to her neighbors and see how they feel about it and obtain their approval to have the chickens. Mayor Hill suggested a possible variance on just the person and not the property. Interested parties are encouraged to come to the next meeting with their opinions or at least call Village Hall with their input. Mayor Hill advised there is much to review in this matter.
The council discussed surplus funds in Water and Sewer Accounts and whether to make a permanent transfer of those funds to the General Corporate Account. Commissioner Maupin motioned, seconded by Commissioner Sigel, that Resolution No. R09-14-03-04 Authorizing Making a Permanent Transfer of $7,500.00 in Surplus Funds from the Water Account to the General Corporate Fund be approved. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Commissioner Maupin motioned, seconded by Commissioner Sigel, that Resolution No. 10-14-03-04 Authorizing Making a Permanent Transfer of $7,500.00 in Surplus Funds from the
Sewer Account to the General Corporate Fund be approved. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
The council next discussed approving a donation to Whiteside County Public Transportation. The organization has been providing transportation to residents of Whiteside County for over four years. They have asked participating communities to make a donation to keep the program going. Transportation services are offered to anyone whether they are six or sixty for a nominal cost or donation. If you are five yrs. old and under the cost is fifty cents one way. Six years of age to fifty-nine years of age is one dollar one way. If a person needs to travel ouside Whiteside County, the fee is only twenty-four cents per mile. The service runs from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Donations will help keep costs affordable for those who rely on the service. On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill, approval was given to donate $300.00 to the program. “Yes’ votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Mayor Hill asked the council to consider a donation to the Library for the next meeting as the council has done in the past.
REPORTS OF VILLAGE OFFICIALS
Commissioner Johnson reported the Recreation Board will be meeting again soon. They have planned a couple of dances at the Reagan Community Center as fundraisers. The first dance will be held Friday, March 14, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for grades 5 through 8 and a Daddy – Daughter Dance for all ages on Saturday, March 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Concession will be available and a D.J. will provide music.
Commissioner Sigel reported she has been talking to Superintendent Pierce about the available salt supply. Sigel asked if it would be possible to build a shed to store salt and sand supplies in. Mayor Hill said Motor Fuel Tax Funds might be able to be used to buy the materials but would need to use village labor. Sigel would like to talk with the township about sharing the cost and the space. The council was advised they will have Pierce look into costs.
Mayor Hill advised the council the village’s Historic Preservation Committee will need to be reorganized since a member has moved out of the village.
Commissioner Johnson reported April 1, 2014 will start a new segment of Men’s Basketball. They have been accepting fees on a quarterly basis and will now charge $25 per quarter to play or $2.00 per visit to play. They will also start requesting a registration / wiaver sheet sign up for players. They will send out flyers. Johnson also reported they may try to do a tournament at some point. It was also discussed there will be no basketball on Monday, March 17, 2014 to allow set up for the March 18, 2014 election. The election venue had to be moved from it’s current venue due to unforeseen circumstances.
Mayor Hill reported she has been in contact with Republic Services, the garbage collection company that bought out Affordable Waste in January about what the village may expect in the coming months. The village’s current contract will expire in June of this year. The Mayor advised she has been in contact with the village attorney and if the Council wished to extend the current contract they may do so with a majority vote of the council to waive the bidding process. Mayor Hill advised Republic is trying to make the current level of service better. They may offer
recycling cans instead of bins and garbage cans on wheels. She also stated they may offer both services for same day pick up rather than on separate days of the week. It was also learned pick up location, in the alley or curbside for recycling and garbage will be discussed to find a more efficient way to serve the village.
Commissioner Hill asked everyone to make sure they do a walk through before leaving the Reagan Community Center. All unnecessary lights should be turned off and the gym doors should be closed to avoid higher heating costs.
Bills were paid on a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Commissioner Sigel had a question on one of the Constellation Utility bills. Clerk Leathers advised her it was for all of the street lights.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm. The next regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council will be Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at 7:00 PM in the Reagan Community Center located at 202 W. Second Street.
Kathy A. Leathers Clerk
Kristine L. Hill Mayor
MINUTES APPROVE THIS _18th __ DAY OF ____March_____________, 2014
**These minutes are not official until dated, signed and sealed by the Village Clerk**
