MEETING MINUTES
Monday, October 12, 2015
5:00pm
Invocation was givenbyTerry Beckerman.
Present on Roll Call: Mayor Bill Hudson Commissioners –Joe Judge, Rod Rodriguez, Justin Dulgar, Eric Ikemire
Also Present: City Administrative Assistant Rudy Witsman andCity Attorney Tom Price
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Hudson brought the city council meeting to order.
Mayor Hudson acknowledged City Administrative Assistant Rudy Witsman, who presented to the council a letter from the Retail Merchants Committee requesting the closure of the intersections of Third, Fourth, Fifth and Market Street with Market Street remaining open for their annual Christmas Uptown Festival. The festival will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on December 4th. The council approved the request.
Mayor Hudsoncongratulated the Lady Aces on winning the Regional Golf Tournament and the Sectional Tournament. Mayor Hudson wished the ladies good luck at state.
Mayor Hudson stated the College Drive project is progressing very nicely. Mayor Hudson thanked residents for their patience while driving on College Drive.
Mayor Hudson announced Sunday, October 25th is the Youth- In- Action’s Fall Festival at the city park from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Mayor Hudson asked citizens to please drive carefully through the park during the event.
Mayor Hudson announced from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on October 30th and 31st will be the trick or treating nights for Halloween. Mayor Hudson reminded residents to turn their porch lights on if they wish to receive trick or treaters.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS:
COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS
Commissioner Ikemire reported in the last two weeks the street department continued to mow city properties, worked on the leaf vacuum system to fit it in the new dump truck, patched potholes, repaired storm sewer inlet on Park Road, poured concrete to repair that curb section and sidewalk on Park Road, cleaned up tree stump grindings at the library, and trimmed limbs in the alleyway in the 600 of Cherry Street.
COMMISSIONER JOE JUDGE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials.
Commissioner Judgecautioneddepartment heads to please get approval on any purchases that were not in their budgets. Commissioner Judge reported the city will need to be very frugal with its own budget, as it could be a long wait before the State of Illinois balances their budget. Commissioner Judge stated department heads will need to meet with City Administrative Assistant Witsman and the commissioners before any large purchases are made.
Commissioner Judge announced the city has applied for grants for the police department, the fire department, the Senior Citizens Center, and the parks department. Commissioner Judge stated, hopefully, within the month the city will receive some positive information on the grants.
COMMISSIONER JUSTIN DULGAR – WATER AND SEWER
Commissioner Dulgar reported the water treatment plant performed general maintenance on and around the water wells, and cleaned the main clarifier at the plant. The water plant is still operating from well # 1 with a quality water supply. The water maintenance department installed a new drainage pipe at the West Third Street water tower and has been very busy assisting at the College Drive project. The wastewater plant replaced two pumps that failed at the Locust Street lift station. Commissioner Dulgar stated the plant’s outfall project is moving forward and is slated to begin next year.
COMMISSIONER ROD RODRIGUEZ – FIRE, HEALTH & SAFETY, GARBAGE, CITY HALLAND CIVIL DEFENSE
Commissioner Rodriguez stated in the last two weeks the fire department hadelevens runs, including one water rescue. Commissioner Rodriguez reported last week was fire prevention week and fire drills were conducted in each of schools.
Commissioner Rodriguez thanked everyone who supported the Lady Aces golf tournament and congratulated the team on going to state.
CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RUDY WITSMAN
City Administrative Assistant Witsmanreported the cost of getting the leaf machine ready for this year’s leaf season will be between $3000 and $4000. Despite budget constraints, the commissioners had no objections on getting the equipment operational for this year’s leaf pick-up service.
City Administrative Assistant Witsmanpresented to the council for their consideration the removal of the crosswalk flashing light, which is located in the middle of the block on Market Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets. The council tabled a decision until a later date.
CITY ATTORNEY – TOM PRICE
City Attorney Priceno report.
CITY INSPECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB
CityInspectorGidcumbabsent.
BUSINESS MOTIONS
CommissionerJudge motioned and CommissionerIkemire seconded to approve the Minutes from regular meeting of City Council held onSeptember 28, 2015. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
CommissionerDulgar motioned and CommissionerRodriguez seconded to pay all bills bearing the proper signatures. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
Meeting adjourned at5:09p.m.
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Mayor
ATTEST:
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City Clerk