West Central Reporter

City of Dallas City City Council met Sept. 8.

Here are 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, Peggy Newberry, Harold Northup Jr., and Greg Olson. 

Others attending the meeting were Anne Thompson, Samantha Harnack, Doris Harman, Laurey Wibbell, Ryan Thompson, and Gary Smith. 

A motion was made by McDowell, and 2nd by Newberry to accept the minutes of the August 25, 2021, meeting. McDowell, Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six AYE. 

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

Samantha Harnack discussed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and CURES funds. The city has received their CURES funds money and has applied for their ARPA funds. The city clerk has received an e-mail verifying that the city has submitted the required information for the ARPA funds. She also discussed grants that are available for small businesses.  

Anne Thompson discussed a problem with another resident's chickens that have been causing damage to her property. The police chief will talk to the owner of the chickens. 

Laurey Wibbell asked about the pile of old patch by the old recycling bin. The council informed her that they are planning on getting rid of this old patch as soon as possible. 

Ryan Thompson discussed some trees around town that he feels need to be addressed. He feels that there are some that need to be removed and some that just need to have the overhanging limbs trimmed for preventative purposes. The council feels that the city has spent its maximum amount of money on tree removal for this year. They will look at this more in the future. 

Police Chief Gary Smith gave his report for the month of August. The generator has been ordered, but it has an expected delivery of 20 weeks. Generations Electric & Service Company is planning on going ahead and pouring the concrete pad, running the gas line, and doing the necessary electrical work in the next few weeks before the weather turns cold so that it will be ready when the generator arrives. He also reported that the door switch in the 2017 Explorer police vehicle has gone bad, and Melton's Auto has ordered a new one to install as soon as it arrives. 

Discussed the city streets and alleys. Mayor Six is going to contact W.L. Miller Company to find out why a couple of alleys that were scheduled to be oiled and chipped were not done. It was also reported that more patch has been ordered so that the streets employee can finish the filling of the potholes in the streets. 

Discussed the part-time police officer position that needs to be filled. Police Chief Smith informed the council that he has not had anyone apply that is qualified. 

Discussed street signs that need to be replaced. 

Discussed trying to find someone that does seemless gutters for the garage at the city hall/police station.

Discussed a possible parking and snow removal ordinance for Oak Street. This will be discussed more at a later date. 

Discussed a notice that the city has received from Western Illinois Regional Council regarding the city's 2021-2022 fiscal year membership. The fee for this is $567. A motion was made by Newberry, and 2nd by Northup to pay Western Illinois Regional Council $567 for the city's 2021-2022 fiscal year membership fee. McDowell, Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six AYE. 

Discussed replacing the roof on the building at the sewer lagoon. Corrie Muller has given Mayor Six a bid of $1,500 for the labor only. It was decided to wait for the bid from a couple of others that are thought to be interested in the job. Also discussed making sure that whoever does the work for the city either has insurance or is willing to sign an “Independent Contractor Agreement”. 

Discussed the Hancock County Economic Development dues that are due. This years dues are $1,332.45. A motion was made by Olson, and 2nd by McDowell to pay the Hancock County Economic Development $1,332.45 for yearly dues. McDowell, Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six AYE. 

Hancock County ESDA Coordinator Jack Curfman has notified the city that they need to approve a statement of intent to remain eligible for possible future federal hazard mitigation funds. A motion was made by McDowell, and 2nd by Olson to approve a Statement of Intent to Participate in Natural Hazard Mitigation Planning. McDowell, Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six AYE. 

Discussed a couple of intersections around town that need to be addressed due to the fact that they are obstructed. Also discussed some sidewalks that are obstructed. 

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

The meeting was adjourned at 5:58 p.m.