West Central Reporter

City of Dallas City Council met July 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Dallas City City Council held its regular meeting on July 24, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Kevin Six called the meeting to order with the following commissioners present: Carol McDowell, Peggy Newberry, Harold Northup Jr., and Greg Olson.

Others attending the meeting were Doris Harman, John Stimpson, Ruth Higgins, Jon & Lisa Kukuk, Tracy Markey, Gary Smith, and Josie Finch.

A motion was made by McDowell, and 2nd by Olson to accept the minutes of the July 10, 2024, meeting. McDowell, Newberry, Olson, and Six AYE. Northup ABSTAIN.

Doris Harman discussed the cats and dogs that are running at large around town. She also informed the council that she had her sidewalk replaced and will get the city the bill for the concrete.

John Stimpson appeared on behalf of the Riverview Sportsmen Club. The Casey's General Store is making them remove their marquee sign that they use to promote community events that are going to be taking place from the Casey's property. Mr. Stimpson asked the city for permission to place this sign on the sidewalk at the southeast corner of the 4-way stop. The council has no problem with this and gave their approval.

Jon and Lisa Kukuk informed the council that he has written a book about the history of Dallas City and its surrounding communities. The book has been published and there is going to be a public book signing in Macomb in September or October.

Tracy Markey reported that the new pressure reducing valve has been installed on West Fifth Street. The company that he has been trying to get a third estimate from for the flowmeter at the sewer lagoon has never gotten him an estimate. A motion was made by Northup, and 2nd by Olson to purchase a new flowmeter from Hydro-Kinetics Corporation for $9,673, which includes installation. McDowell, Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six AYE.

Discussed the trains going thru town and if there was any way to get them to stop blowing their whistle while going thru town. It is the city's understanding that if an agreement is made with the railroad to have them stop blowing their whistles in town, the city would become responsible for any accidents that occur at any of the crossings in town, and the city would also become responsible for the maintenance of all of the crossings in town.

Also discussed the trains that have been stopping in town and blocking several of the crossings at the same time.

Mayor Six reported that the city vehicles will be in the celebration parade on July 27.

Discussed changing the nights that the city council meetings are held. This will be discussed more at the next meeting.

Discussed a new Abatement Ordinance. The city attorney presented the council with a rough draft of the ordinance. This will be discussed more at the next meeting.

Discussed making an ordinance regarding dumping and littering in town. This will be discussed more at the next meeting.

Discussed the Illinois 1% food sales tax that is being repealed on January 1, 2026. It is the city clerk's understanding that the city can continue to collect this sales tax, but only if the city passes an ordinance. The city attorney will look into this.

Discussed getting a new part-time police officer. Police Chief Smith reported that he is trying to find one. Also discussed possibly having the full-time officers varying the hours that they work so that they aren't working the same hours constantly. Chief Smith reported that they try to vary their hours as much as possible.

The city attorney discussed the appropriations ordinance for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. A public hearing will be held at 5:00 p.m. on August 28 before the regular council meeting.

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 6:27 p.m.

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