MECHANICAL COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, April 24, 2007 – 6:30 p.m.
Historic Depot 50 North 4th Avenue
Aldermen in attendance: Joe Berardi, Jim Hartford, Les Carl, Eric Schenck, Sonya Lewis. Aldermen Absent – Craig West, Larry Sarff, Kevin Meade.
Others in attendance: Mayor Rodney W. Heinze, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City Treasurer Kathy Luker, Interim City Attorney John McCarthy, Acting Police Chief Dean Putman, Acting Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, Video Services by Joe Ginger. In the audience - Alderman Elect for Ward One Jason Strandberg, Tye Reed, Rick & Melody Berry, Gary & Lynn Snook, and news media of John Froehling for Daily Ledger, and Mark Bixler for WBYS.
Public Safety & Traffic
Alderman Eric Schenck, Chairman
Police Report. Police Chief Jeff Fritz was gone and acting Chief was Dean Putman. He spoke about the highlights from the report. On March 19, 2007 the United States Marshall’s Service Apprehension Team along with the Creve Couer Police Department located and arrested Jason A. McGlothlin at the Ragon Motel in Creve Couer, Illinois on Armed Robbery and Burglary warrants. McGlothlin was one of the suspects involved in the Armed Robbery of the Dollar General Store on December 16, 2006. On March 27, 2007 a search warrant was served at the basement apartment of 49 S. Main Street, Canton, Illinois. During the course of the investigation the Canton Police Department obtained crack cocaine, cannabis, assorted drug paraphernalia and over $4,000 in cash. Larry A. Robinson of Chicago, Illinois, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis not more than 2.5 grams but less than 10 grams, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Dean said the department is working with John Clark the States Attorney to have the funds turned over to the Drug Forfeiture Fund of the City of Canton.
Alderman Schenck wanted to know who made the arrest on South Main Street? Dean answered, was done by Canton Police and the warrant was for our court system.
Alderman Schenck ask about the Liaison Officer for each ward as to when will be implemented? Dean answered, we are attempting to try to set up meetings in each ward of any problems in the wards. Alderman Schenck said it is an excellent idea, and suggested having each of the Aldermen riding through their wards to become more familiar. Dean said he believed that is the intentions.
Fire Report. Fire Chief John Stanko was gone and acting chief was Bonnie Cremer. She highlighted the Fire report. The Canton Rotary Club presented their annual Rotary Fire Fighter of the Year award on March 28th. Due to some clever planning by the fire fighters, John said he was surprised to find that the award he had prepared was a decoy, and the award was instead presented to John!
Alderman Schenck ask how is the follow up with the clean up done after a fire? Bonnie answered, through investigation, and homeowners insurance. And the homeowner has been very cooperative.
The Public Safety & Traffic Committee adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Streets & Garbage
Alderman Sonya Lewis, Chairman
There was nothing listed on the agenda and discussion was not held.
The Streets & Garbage Committee adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Lake, Buildings & Grounds
Alderman Joe Berardi, Chairman
Gary & Lynn Snook came to the meeting by invitation from Alderman Berardi. Gary said he has a home at the lake area and a motor home has been sitting out in front of the area where Gary lives for over a year. The motor home belongs to people living in Del Bar Addition. Gary would like to lease this property that is owned by the city to have control, he will maintain the area, kids can play there, and he said he will not build on the property.
Alderman Schenck asked, is the issue that people are putting things on the property and they have no lease? Gary answered, that none of the people have a lease, this is city property they have parked the motor home on.
Alderman Carl remarked, that when the committee was active they had suggested to eliminate parking entirely. We should consider either leasing or making the area no parking! This will be forward to the Legal & Ordinance Committee.
Rick and Melody Berry were invited to the meeting by Alderman Berardi. Rick said he is in the process of buying the former Midwest Telephone building on West Locust Street. Rick mentioned the building has been kept up and has some 20 phone lines, and also has a vault. Rick wants to lease the building to a potential business and is asking the City to help him find such a business for the building.
The Lake, Building & Grounds Committee adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Public Works, Water & Sewer
Alderman Jim Hartford, Chairman
There was nothing listed on the agenda, and discussion was not held.
The Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
Recording Secretary,
Nancy Whites, City Clerk
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