REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO ~ May 20, 2014, 7:00 PM ~ Reagan Community Center
A public hearing for the CDAP Grant was to be held at 7:00 PM before the regular meeting of the Council. Grant Administrator, Sharon Pepin, of Community Funding and Planning Services, Inc., was not present at the appointed hour due to severe storms near where she traveled from.
In that regard, Mayor Kristine L. Hill called the regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council to order at 7:00 PM.
Commissioners Toby Johnson, Bruce Hill, Mary Jo Sigel and Derek Maupin were presented. Police Chief Terry Strike and Sergeant Boyd VanDellen were also present. Village Clerk Leathers recorded the digital and written minutes.
Mayor Hill led the audience and council members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The May 6, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes were approved as presented. Mayor Hill instructed Council Members they could approve the closed meeting minutes or wait until after the closed session later in the meeting.
Martin Newman, 402 E. Second Street, was present to get approval of a fence permit at his residence. A motion was made by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill, to approve the fence permit for Newman. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. Newman had thought he may have had to install the fence before the next Village Council Meeting. Mayor Hill advised the Council, Zoning Administrator, Ron Kuepker, was able to conduct an onsight inspection and gave the preliminary okay for Newman to proceed. The fee of $10.00 was paid.
Fire Chief Brian Wetzell did not attend the meeting as listed on the agenda.
Resident, Carol Camper, asked the council if they had made a decision to allow chickens within the village limits. Mayor Hill told her they, the council, had not seen any interest in others to allow the chickens, but there have been objections voiced about the issue. Mayor Hill said some people don’t want them in their neighborhoods. Camper asked if Mayor Hill had showed people the papers she had provided to the Council. Camper stated there is no smell associated with chickens like there would even be with a dog. Camper said there is no noise from them, and it’s not like a rooster, it’s a chicken. Camper said she is trying to figure out the reasoning unless there is a stereotype with it.
Mayor Hill advised if the village could see enough interest in people wanting to have chickens within the village limits, the village could do it more so as a variance and poll your neighbors to make sure everyone was okay with it before you could proceed. Mayor Hill stated neighbors may not care for chickens being so near their property. Commissioner Sigel stated she just saw in the paper that Champaign just approved it. Camper said in her research, a lot of places have passed it. Camper stated she understood what Mayor Hill is saying, she is frustrated with it and she doesn’t agree with it. She stated most people would not even know there were chickens there unless they see them. Camper feels dogs make more of a mess and a variance isn’t needed for them. Mayor Hill pointed out the ordinance that specifically bans livestock. Commissioner Sigel stated the village has allowed rabbits. Camper cited the residence on Canal Street that has chickens. Mayor Hill said their backyards are township. Camper said one side of the road is in town and the other side is out. Mayor Hill stated she understood that but there are different rules. Commissioner Sigel said if Camper gets a paper as instructed and Camper goes around to the adjoining neighbors and see what they say. Camper stated she was going to do this on the vacant lot on Washington Street and use them
for education. Camper said homesteading is a big deal now. She stated it involves teaching people how to heat with wood chips and manure, which is what she wants to use the chicken manure for showing that you can have chickens in a very small area. Camper said it’s a process and part of that is getting permission to have the chickens. Mayor Hill stated that in itself would require a variance like running a business, where you would have the public involved. Camper stated she is a master gardener, in fact she is doing the star at the Lion’s Club park. She asked if that required a variance. Mayor Hill said Camper then would be in a park and she might be talking with children there, whereas Camper is talking about a residential area where she might be bringing in revenue and stuff. Mayor Hill said if it is more like a business then neighbors would need to be in on it as well, just out of consideration.
Resident Walter Schultz, who owns the vacant lot mentioned previously advised the council his future plans are to put a metal building on the property with minimal living space. For right now he is putting in flowers, trees, shrubs and hedges and asking permission to do that. Mayor Hill advised him if the bushes are used for a border it will fall under the same rules as a fence. Mayor Hill told Camper to stop by Village Hall and pick up a fence permit. Mayor Hill also told them to consult with the Zoning Administrator, Ron Kuepker.
Mayor Hill called for a brief recess from the Regular Meeting at 7:10 PM in order for Sharon Pepin, Community Funding and Planning Services, Inc. to conduct the public hearing on the village’s CDAP grant application. Pepin apologized for her delay.
Pepin advised the purpose of the hearing is to obtain resident’s views on the submission of a Community Assistance Program, (CDAP), public infrastructure grant application from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, (DCEO) for sanitary sewer improvements. The hearing is a requirement of the grant program. The grant fund applications must meet a least one of three objectives; benefiting low-to-moderate income persons; aiding in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight; or meeting other community needs that pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community. Eligible activites funder the Public Infrastructure omponent include water, sanitary sewer projects that involve the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, demolition or installation of public infrasturcture and improvements. The maximum grant amount varies with the type of project to be completed. The village’s grant request for funding is for the repair and lining of roughtly 8,000 linear feet of deteriorated and cracked pipe within the sanitary sewer collection system, the construction of approximately 256 linear feet of new sanitary sewer main to provide improved sanitary sewer service to four residences and upgrades to the Kimball Street Lift Station. Pepin told those present, grant funds being sought will bring in $341,500.00 which is 76% of the project cost that includes funds for administration of the grant. The village will be contributing 24% of the project cost, approximately $107,000.00. If the village’s grant application is successful, there will be another public hearing after the project is done. The public may access the Village’s Community Development Assistance Program grant application at Village Hall, 202 W. Second Street after June 2, 2014. Pepin closed the hearing at 7:25 PM and the regular village council meeting resumed.
Mayor Hill advised checking in to placing air conditioning units in the RCC. She stated she received a quote from Fritsch Home Heating so far. Mayor Hill said she would like to start in the Tiger Club Room for now. She advised Dennis Electric will need to be contacted for the electrical work. Mayor Hill feels if we can keep it in small chunks it won’t be so much at one time. The Tiger Club has been interested in having some things this summer and that room gets the hottest of all of them. Commissioner Sigel said when she talked to Mary Wendland, she was told it would only be a couple days. Commissioner Sigel asked if there are any plans for the kids this summer. Sigel also asked what was going on with the daycare. Mayor Hill advised she is working on those plans. Mayor Hill stated she had heard of a lady in town wanting to open a daycare in her home. Sigel asked if there was anyway that person could use the building for that. Mayor Hill advised Sigel not without everything being approved and in place. Mayor Hill advised she is working with DCFS right now. Mayor Hill advised there are a lot of permits to be obtained and it
has to be certified safe. It is Mayor Hill’s understanding, through DCFS, it is easier for someone to start a daycare in their home than it is for the village, especially the liability part. Commissioner Maupin wanted
to know what the big hurdle was right now. Mayor Hill advised the main thing is getting a committee together. Mayor Hill said for right now, she has been struggling to keep the other committees going together and there are only so many hours in the day. Mayor Hill stated she does have some people interested in helping her go through the thick book from DCFS to get everything in line for them to come and let the village know what the next step in the process is. Commissioner Sigel stated she has had a lot of mothers wondering when the daycare is going to start up. Mayor Hill said she understood. Commissioner Johnson stated it is such a huge liability to have people’s children. Mayor Hill said that’s why the village needs to make sure everything is done properly. Commissioner Johnson said one mistep and your reputation is gone when it comes to things of this nature. Maupin wanted to know if it will require renovations to begin. Mayor Hill advised him it won’t be too bad. She has already talked to the County and had them look things over and they told her they would have no problem approving the kitchen. Mayor Hill also wants to make sure she has the right people in line. Mayor Hill advised they are chipping away here; she wants the children to be able to be here. Hill said there are children that could be going to preschool but can’t because their daycare is not in town. So they’re not accepted in other school districts and they are missing out on opportunities.
Commissioner Maupin and Commissioner Johnson advised they will not be having a men’s basketball tournament. They stated it is more of a winter affair.
On a motion by Commissioner Maupin, second by Commissioner Sigel, Resolution No. R01-14-05-20 a Resolution of Support and Commitment of Funds in applying to the State of Illinois for a Community Development Assistance Program, (CDAP), Public Infrastructure Grant. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
There has been no new information on the Safe Routes to School Grant.
Approval was given to Ordinance No. O01-14-05-20 amending Title 5 of Village Ordinance by adding a chapter entitled: “Fair Housing Policy”. A motion was made by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill to approve the ordinance. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried. Pepin advised those present a fair housing ordinance is soon to be required when applying for any government grant.
After a brief discussion, the council decided not to take any action on providing vision and dental insurance for employees. Commissioner Sigel stated if the employees wanted this insurance, they would need to pay for it out of their own pocket. Commissioner Maupin stated he does not like vision or dental plans. He said it seems like if you just save the money you must pay every month, you would have enough to pay for glasses or dental care.
Discussion turned to approving the purchase of 200 Radio Read Adaptors at $130.00 each. Mayor Hill advised the purchase of the adaptors had been budgeted. The adaptors will allow meters to be read from the street and will save a considerable amount of time and effort, especially during the winter. Mayor Hill advised the adaptors will work with the current utility billing software and meter reading equipment. A motion was made by Commissioner Maupin, second by Commissioner Sigel to approve the purchase for a total cost of $26,000.00. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Mayor Hill signed a proclamation naming June 7-8, 2014 as American Cancer Society Relay for Life Day. This is the nineteenth (19th) year the Whiteside County Unit of the American Cancer Society has planned and held the event.
On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill, the council decided not to solicit bids for the solid waste contract but send out invitation packets to area solid waste hauling providers. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill.
Building permits issued by Zoning Administrator, Ron Kuepker, were: 308 Glassburn Street – Partial Roof Replacement; 107 N. Washington – Roof Replacement; 207 N. Joy – Roof Replacement.
Clerk Leathers advised she will be publishing the 2013 Annual Drinking Water Report in the Prophetstown Echo. Residents can also review the report by stopping by the Village Clerk’s Office.
Leathers also asked Sharon Pepin to inform the council about her new company, Hometown Solutions, has purchased the Village Books Account Software the village uses. Pepin has worked with the creator of the program, Don Arshem, over the years serving the same municipalities each in their own line of work. Pepin told the council they will be asking for feedback from those that have the software program. She advised they would also like to host a forum where answers to questions and problems could be found. She said there will now be annual fees that will include charges for the different aspects of the program that will include tech support and on-going training. Pepin said they will be updating and adding to the program in the future.
Mayor Hill reported to the Council, Dave Druen, who works with promoting and using the Hennepin Canal is back from Texas and organizing a kayak trip down the canal from Rock Falls to Tampico with an over-night campout. She advised he is also considering bike runs and other events to promote the use of the canal. She will be in contact with Mr. Druen.
Mayor Hill and Commissioner Hill provided the council with a rough draft of a emergency services / disaster services ordinance. They would like the council to consider approving the ordinance to make way for future disaster assistance and planning. It would give the mayor authority to organize and direct services in case of a serious disaster. The council also discussed arranging for NIMS training for council members who have not yet done so.
At 8:15 PM a motion was made to leave the regular meeting session to enter into a closed session portion of the meeting to discuss the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Employees of the Public Body & Possible Action on Any Item Discussed in Closed Session.. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
At 8:45 PM a motion was made by Commissioner Maupin, second by Commissioner Sigel to adjourn the closed session portion of the meeting to return to the regular open session. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Minutes of the May 20, 2014 Closed Session Minutes were approved as presented.
Discussion was held on water service to the concession building at the ball diamond. It has been reported the new water well pump has failed. The council is to decide if it’s possible to hook the building up to the city water supply. The council agreed to look into doing so.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hill, second by Commissioner Sigel to hire Lance Schindel as a part-time / as needed employee. “Yes” votes were Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. Commissioner Johnson abstained. The motion carried.
Bills were approved as presented on a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Maupin and Mayor Hill. Commissioner Sigel voted “No”. The motion carried.
Commissioner Sigel had questions about the attorney’s invoice. She would like to have an itemized statement so she knows why the bill is so high. Clerk Leathers advised Commissioner Sigel that any time she has a question about something like that all she has to do is e-mail or stop by Village Hall and she will be provided with a copy of the invoice. Mayor Hill stated the cost covers anything from changing ordinances to phone calls from members of the council.
There be no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:54 PM. The next regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council will be Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at 7:00 PM in the Reagan Community Center located at 202 W. Second St.
Kathy A. Leathers
Clerk
Kristine L. Hill
Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS 3rd__ DAY OF ___June_____, 2014
**These minutes are not official until signed, dated and sealed by the Village Clerk**
