West Central Reporter

City of Dallas City Council met Feb. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Dallas City City Council held its regular meeting on February 14, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Kevin Six called the meeting to order with the following commissioners present: Carole McDowell, Peggy Newberry, and Greg Olson. Harold Northup Jr. was absent.

Others attending the meeting were Tracy Markey, Doug Erickson, and Gary Smith.

It was noted that there was an error in the minutes for the January 24, 2024, meeting. In regards to the vote to accept the resignation of Magaliy Espinoza, the vote should have been shown as follows: McDowell and Olson AYE. Six NAY. Newberry and Northup ABSENT.

A motion was made by Olson, and 2nd by McDowell to accept the minutes of the January 24, 2024, meeting, with the above mentioned correction. McDowell, Newberry, Olson, and Six AYE. Northup ABSENT.

A motion was made by Newberry, and 2nd by McDowell to pay bills. McDowell, Newberry, Olson, and Six AYE. Northup ABSENT.

Tracy Markey reported that the pump in a lift station has been changed and is working fine now. He asked for permission to paint the inside of the building at the sewer lagoon. The council gave him permission to do this.

Discussed putting a permanent ladder on the outside of the water tank.

Police Chief Gary Smith gave his report for the month of January. All of the equipment has been installed for the body cameras, and they are ready for the deployment date of February 22. Officer Espinoza has returned all of her uniforms and equipment.

Doug Erickson reported that the city has been awarded a $600,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant from the State of Illinois. This money will be used to build a walking path around the wetlands area in the west end of town.

Mr. Erickson also informed the council that the deadline for the lead service line inventory has been extended to September 1, 2024.

The city's engineer will be driving the streets in March to determine which street needs to be oiled and chipped this summer.

It was reported that the city's streets employee has been working on the maintenance of the city's backhoe.

Commissioner McDowell has contacted a landscaper, and she is going to get the city an estimate for the landscaping work at the city hall.

Discussed the property the city is purchasing from the school district. The city attorney has notified the city that due to the inability to determine who the school district purchased the property from, title insurance is not going to be possible to be issued. Therefore, the transfer of property will have to be done with a Quitclaim Deed. A motion was made by Olson, and 2nd by Newberry to authorize the city attorney to proceed with the purchase of the property from the Dallas City School District #327 via a Quitclaim Deed. McDowell, Newberry, Olson, and Six AYE. Northup ABSENT.

Discussed property on the north side of East First Street and West First Street that Ameren Illinois owns. The city attorney is working on checking on these properties.

Discussed the truck/snow plow that the city is going to purchase from the City of Carthage. The City of Carthage is still waiting for their new truck to arrive. As soon as it arrives, they will get their old truck ready for us.

Discussed the Hancock County Dog Control ordinance. The Hancock County States Attorney's position is that the city should hold off on sending a letter in opposition to this ordinance right now. Police Chief Smith recommended that the city still have the city attorney send a letter in opposition of the Dog Control ordinance on the city's behalf. The council decided to have the city attorney send a letter in opposition of the Dog Control ordinance on the city's behalf.

A motion was made by McDowell, and 2nd by Olson to adjourn the meeting. McDowell, Newberry, Olson, and Six AYE. Northup ABSENT.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

http://www.dallascity-il.com/documents/minutes.php