REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO

July 15, 2014, 7:00 PM, Reagan Community Center

Mayor Kristine L. Hill called the regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council to order at 7:00 P.M.

Jim Wozniak, a Republican Candidate for the Illinois House, District 71, stopped by to visit with the Village Council. Wozniak told the council he is currently an assistant District Attorney in Rock Island County and would like to run as a republican in the next election for the Illinois House seat currently held by Mike Smiddy. He spoke briefly about his goals for the district and acknowledged a few of the issues municipalities are facing with the current economic downturn.

Mayor Hill led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioners Toby Johnson, Bruce Hill, Mary Jo Sigel and Derrick Maupin were present. Also present: Police Chief Terry Strike. Village Clerk Kathy Leathers recorded the written minutes.

The minutes of the July 1, 2015 Regular Meeting were approved as presented.

Mayor Hill reported she is still waiting for estimates from two people on touching up the three welcome signs at the entrances to town. She had hoped to have estimates from each of them for the council to review. She also reported that she spoke with Jeff Steele who is creating a sign welcome for out at the Ball Diamond that was destroyed in a storm last year. This sign design will be the older version of the signs that was up years ago. Mayor Hill stated she has been told by curators of the Ronald Reagan Birthplace that tourists stopping by are always asking where the original sign, that’s on the postcard, is so they may take a picture with it.

Commissioner Johnson asked about getting a brown sign, a recreational sign, to put on the highway showing the direction of the ball diamonds. He said it would be for next year so there is plenty of time to check into it. He also said people from out of town struggle to find where ball games are being played. Mayor Hill stated long ago there were arrows that were put up designating the direction of the diamonds. Commissioner Maupin stated the brown sign would be the way to go. Mayor Hill said she thought it would be better if something could be found with a little more “pop”, since the brown signs tend to blend right in. Commissioner Maupin said it would be nice to have something fancier but he thought the brown signs would be the most economical way to go. Mayor Hill advised she would find out the proper signage and color. Commissioner Johnson also said it would be great to have a sidewalk to the diamonds as well.

Mayor Hill asked the council members if they thought only one council meeting should be held in August since there isn’t that much on the agenda this time of year. The council did this last year and it worked out fine for bills that Kathy needed to get out. She also stated that if we need to we could call a special meeting if anything comes up. On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill, approval was given to have only one Regular Village Council Meeting in August; August 5, 2014 at 7:00 PM. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, Maupin and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.

Clerk Leathers told the Council she will be taking time off on July 23, 24 and 25. She told them that Anna is willing to cover her hours so someone is in the building. Mayor Hill agreed with Anna covering the hours since the building is fairly busy during the day. Mayor Hill requested, if Anna is not able to cover all the hours that the adjusted hours be posted for the public on the door.

A building permit was issued, by Zoning Administrator, Ron Kuepker, to Dan Wiederin to construct a 25-unit Storage facility on property he is purchasing near the Laundromat on S. Lincoln Street. The property is zoned I-1, (light industrial).

Reports of Village Officials

Commissioner Johnson and Commissioner Maupin told the council they are planning events with the Recreation Board. A cook-off and a bags tournament are being planned for the ball diamond. Commissioner Johnson stated the Rec Board has been meeting every week and so will get the details to the council as soon as they are completed. Commissioner Maupin told the council they have been discussing who they should approach to fill the empty seat on the recreation board. Commissioner Sigel suggested they could talk to her daughter if they need help with the bean tournament since she as experience with bags. Commissioner Maupin said they will need volunteers to help.

Mayor Hill advised that Julie Deetz is interested in becoming a member of the Historic Preservation Committee. Denise McLoughlin is talking with her and work out the details. There is still one seat open.

Commissioner Hill reported to the council he rode around the trash pickup route with a representative of Republic Services, (dba Allied Waste). Hill stated they went down the alleys and discussed having residents put their trash curb-side like they do with their recycling bins. Some alleys are difficult for the heavy garbage trucks to maneuver in and out of and at times the overhead branches take lights off the trucks. Hill also told the council garbage trucks have even been stuck numerous times during the winter. Commissioner Hill is working with Republic to map out trash pickup addresses that need to be moved from alleys to curb side on the streets in an effort to save wear and tear on village alleys. Also, In the near future trash and recycling pickup will be on the same day on Fridays rather than two different days. Arrangements may be made for the handicapped and those who have difficulty in getting their recycling and trash out to proper pickup place. Commissioner Sigel is concerned about complaints if the policy is not across the board for everyone. Mayor Hill advised there may have to be exemptions such as the alley between Ross Street and S. Grove Street. Mayor Hill said residents will be given plenty of notice when the pickup sites and times will be changing.

Commissioner Sigel advised she has had some complaints about the permit the Village signed for north of town. Village residents are complaining about a hog confinement or chicken facility. Sigel understood the property owner was going to build a house. Sigel stated she wanted to let the council know there are people complaining to her about it. Mayor Hill told Sigel the village has no say in what the property is used for. The village approved a “subdivision” plat of land only because the property lies within a mile and a half from the village limits. The Village has no say in the use of the subdivision land. Mayor Hill said she called the Whiteside County Zoning because she was curious what was doing up on the property. The county told her that they also have no say in the use of the land. Whether it is a hog confinement or chicken facility, the property owner only needs approval from the USDA.

Clerk Leathers advised the council the new computers have been delivered and set up with most of the conflicts and bugs worked out. She advised everything is done and done properly. She is pleased with the speed of the new computers. There are plans for using the old computers in other village departments.

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 was adjourned at 7:34 PM. The next regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council will be Tuesday, August 5, 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 APPROVED THIS _5th_ DAY OF __August_____, 2014

**These minutes are not official until signed, dated and sealed by the Village Clerk**