West Central Reporter

City of Dallas Center City Council met March 28.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

The Dallas City City Council held its regular meeting on March 28, 2018, at 5 p.m. Mayor Kevin Six called the meeting to order with the following commissioners present: Lila Gittings, Esther Newberry, Harold Northup Jr., and Greg Olson.

Others attending the meeting were Anne Thompson, Shawn Lain, Aaron Ferch, Doug Erickson, Chris Classen, Gary Smith, Eric Icenogle, and Mariah Wallace.

A motion was made by Gittings, and 2nd by Newberry to accept the minutes of the March 14, 2018, meeting. Gittings, Newberry, Northup, and Olson Aye.

Police Chief Gary Smith reported that Skylar Bruenger has completed his 40 hour mandatory firearms training. There have been some problems with the in-car camera in the Ford Explorer due to a bad cable to the rear seat camera. This cable is under warranty and will be replaced at no charge to the city. Chief Smith also reported that the city's police department will be participating in a Nasal Narcan Training on March 29 at the Hancock County Health Department.

The next Prescription Drug Turn-In is scheduled for April 28, 2018. It will be at the City Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Chief Smith has received two estimates for a Community Storm Siren System and has requested an estimate from three other companies. Western Illinois Regional Council has been contacted to assist the city with finding a grant to help pay for such a system. The Department of Agriculture currently offers a Rural Development Grant that would cover 35% of the total costs, with a maximum amount allowed of $25,000. This will be discussed more at the next meeting.

Doug Erickson reported that there are a couple of reports that need to be completed. He is going to put together a proposal from Benton & Associates to complete these reports. He is still waiting for the IEPA's approval of the sewer improvement project bids. Commissioner Northup asked Mr. Erickson if Benton & Associates had ever looked over the boat ramp area at the city boat dock. Mr. Erickson informed the council that they had and that he would set up a time to meet with Commissioner Northup to discuss what was found out and what needs to be done.

Chris Classen reported that a pump in a lift station had to be re-built. There recently was a sewer back- up on East Fourth Street. The problem appears to be that when the new water line was installed a few years ago, the contractor bored the water line into the sewer line. He also reported that he has been having to clean out the pumps in the lift station at the old sewer plant.

Spring Clean-Up Days will be held April 12-15. Dumpsters will be located next to the recycling bin.

Discussed storage containers that are located along the edge of West Fourth Street.

Discussed a drainage problem along Weatherington Street.

Discussed a car that is being parked along Walnut Street.

Mayor Six reported that he recently attended an earthquake seminar in Gladstone, Illinois.

It was reported that the Dollar General store opened March 28. Mayor Six has approached Dollar General about having a ribbon cutting ceremony. Dollar General has informed him that they do not have a problem with a ribbon cutting ceremony as long as there is not any media involved.

Eric Icenogle reported that he is trying to locate the property owner of the old Legion Hall. He informed the council that it is going to cost approximately $150 to pursue this matter further. The council informed Mr. Icenogle to go ahead and pursue this.

Discussed purchasing new garbage cans.

Discussed the old high school building.

Discussed the electrical work that needs to be done at the old police station and at the boat docks. Max Faul has not had a chance to get this work done yet.

Bids for the mowing of the city cemetery in 2018 were opened. The following bids were received:

TA Mowing $500 per mowing

Lain & Son Snowplowing & Lawn Care $600 per mowing

A motion was made by Olson, and 2nd by Gittings to accept the bid of $500 per mowing from TA Mowing. Gittings, Newberry, Northup, and Olson AYE.

Mayor Six read a letter from the Illinois EPA stating that they feel the city's current sewer rates are sufficient.

Discussed proposal from Land & Water Vegetation Control for the spraying of weeds and other vegetation control around city property. The proposed cost for around the city cemetery fence, along Oak Street, along the guard rails west of the old high school, and around the bridges on First Street is $391. The proposed costs for around the sewer lagoon is $350. A motion was made by Northup, and 2nd by Olson to accept both proposals from Land & Water Vegetation Control for a total of $741. Gittings, Newberry, Northup, and Olson Aye.

Discussed the houses/trailers that have been destroyed by fires recently.

A motion was made by Newberry, and 2nd by Olson to adjourn the meeting. Gittings, Newberry, Northup, and Olson Aye.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:23 p.m.

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