West Central Reporter

The Mt. Pulaski City Council met June 28 to consider a request to open a bar where a doctor's office used to be.

"The Mt. Pulaski City Council meets on the second and the fourth Tuesday of each month. The first meeting of the month is the regular voting session. The City Council will vote on items that have been previously discussed and also review and approve the City's Account Payable ledger."

Here are te meeting's minutes, as provided by the city: 

Mt. Pulaski City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 28, 2016 6:30pm

Present: Mayor James Fuhrer, Alderman Bobell, Howe, Knauer, Neaville and Utterback, City Treasurer Jim Sutton

Absent: Alderman Maxheimer, Chief of Police Lynn Freer

Recognition of Guests: Clarence Mardis, Mr. Lucky

The City Council meeting was called to order, Mayor Jim Fuhrer presided. Mayor Fuhrer led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Comments — Agenda Items only: none

Police: Doug McCarty stated the consensus of the committee is there are a lot of intersections in town that could have a stop sign. Alderman Neaville stated he drove down to the intersection of Marion & Dekalb and it is the responsibility of the driver to slow down at any unmarked intersections.

Water/Sewer: Alderman Neaville stated the well that was cleaned is back up and running. The well has gained some capacity.

The sewer rate increase will take effect on the next billing cycle.

Streets/Alleys:

Finance: The deposits to date are $73,553.41

Public Comments – Non Agenda Items: Clarence Mardis stated the water that is running down the alley has busted up the sidewalk. All the water from the building is running down onto his property. The concrete use to be about six (6) inches and now it’s only about two (2) inches. Clarence has spoken with the building owner and he says he is working on it. Mayor Fuhrer stated the committee will discuss this matter of business. Alderman Utterback stated he will take a look at Clarence Mardis’ alley. Matt Presswood will contact the business owner and try to get something arranged to get the water flowing elsewhere.

Mayor Fuhrer stated he met with Mr. Lucky and Lynn Freer about the request to open a bar where Dr. Schmidt’s offices used to be. Mr. Lucky stated he wants to open a gaming parlor in the vacant building. You have to obtain a liquor license to have a gaming parlor. The parlor would have a laid back environment. He has talked to people in Decatur trying to get a business in there but has had no luck. Mr. Lucky is trying to bring more to the community. Mayor Fuhrer stated Laura Lee will send a mass e-mail to get feedback from the community. Mayor Fuhrer is hoping to have and answer by the next council meeting.

Miscellaneous: Alderman Knauer stated meetings were held to discuss the options for rates for the municipal buildings. At this time Constellation’s rate is.05269 and AFP Energy’s rate is 0104637. Steve Smith with AEPEnergy recommends a 24 month contract in which the City can withdraw from if electricity rates goes down. A motion was made by Alderman Neaville and seconded by Alderman Howe to go viAFP Energy for the Municipal building power. All voting yea- the motion carried.

Mayor Fuhrer stated no changes were made to the appropriations. A motion was made by Alderman Howe and seconded by Alderman Utterback to approve the 2016/2017 appropriations. All voting yeathe motion carried.

Alderman Utterback stated he read an article on gulf carts and ATV’s in the Illinois Municipal Review. This article discussed the states dos and don’ts. Just because the state approves them does not mean Mt. Pulaski has to allow them, this matter of business will need to be approved through a municipality. Alderman Utterback would like the council to read this article and revisit this matter of business.

With no further items to discuss a motion was made by Alderman Neaville and seconded by Alderman Utterback to adjourn. All voting yea- the motion carried. -

Kelly Cowan- City Clerk -