West Central Reporter

City of Dallas City Council met June 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

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

Others attending the meeting were Anne Thompson, Chris Greenhalge, Gary Smith, and Mariah Wallace.

A motion was made by Olson, and 2nd by McDowell to accept the minutes of the May 27, 2020, meeting. McDowell, Northup, and Olson AYE. Gittings ABSENT.

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

Mayor Six reported that the city engineer has contacted the contractor that did the sewer project work last year about East Fourth Street where work was done. The contractor has informed the engineer that they do not feel that it is their responsibility to do the needed shoulder work along East Fourth Street.

Chris Greenhalge discussed the city's website and some possible options. If the council would like to upgrade the website, the current website domain would not be able to be used, and a new domain would have to be obtained. Mr. Greenhalge has done some research and reported that there are several different domains available that are very similar to the city's current one. He will work on getting the city an estimate for the cost to do the upgrading, including a new website domain. This will be discussed more at the next meeting.

Police Chief Gary Smith gave his report for the month of May 2020. The estimated delivery date for the new police vehicle is August or September. The rear brakes were replaced, and a tire and side marker light were repaired on the police pickup. The central air conditioner at the city hall/police station had to have a solenoid replaced. All three city police officers attended a Practice Range on June 4 and are scheduled to attend a Qualification Range on July 9. The office expansion is nearly complete.

Discussed holes along the side of Walnut Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street. The streets employee will be asked to check on this situation.

Discussed two trees in the city cemetery that appear to need to be removed.

It was reported that the ditches and culverts by the recreation park have been addressed.

Discussed the city boat docks. Due to the continuing high river water level, the boat docks still have not been able to be put into the water.

It was reported that the “15 Minute Parking” signs for Oak Street have been ordered.

The city attorney reported that she is working on getting everything done that the council has asked her to complete, including an ordinance regarding stray cats running at large.

Discussed some blocks that have been dumped along the river and having the city's street employee spreading them out with the backhoe to improve the appearance. Also, discussed putting some additional rip rap along the riverbank.

The city attorney discussed the levy and assessment of taxes ordinance for the May 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021, fiscal year. The calculated levy includes $70,450 in assessed property tax. She is also planning on lowering the other tax levy amounts due to the effects of the COVID-19 situation. A public hearing regarding the tax levy and assessments will be held by the city attorney on July 8, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. at the city hall.

Discussed oil and chipping the parking area in front of the city hall/police building.

Mayor Six reported that he feels that the recent Spring Clean-Up Days were a success. A motion was made by Olson, and 2nd by McDowell to pay both Christine Scanlan and Mike Eminell for 26 hours of assisting with the clean-up days at $12 per hour. McDowell, Northup, and Olson AYE. Gittings ABSENT.

Discussed a Hometown Hero nomination for an event that Representative Bustos is sponsoring.

The city has received a letter from its insurance carrier, IMLRMA, stating that the city's insurance rates will not be increasing for 2021.

Mayor Six reported that he has spoken to Max Faul and that he plans on doing the job of wiring the garage at city hall and running a wire to the front of the property so that a spotlight can be installed for the flagpole.

Discussed the 2020 Motor Fuel Tax Resolution. A motion was made by Northup, and 2nd by Olson to pass a motor fuel tax resolution for the maintenance of the city's streets in 2020 in the amount of $77,000. McDowell, Northup, and Olson AYE. Gittings ABSENT.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 6:07 p.m.

http://www.dallascity-il.com/documents/getfile.php?minutes=415