West Central Reporter

City of Dallas City Council met Feb. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Dallas City City Council held its regular meeting on February 3, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Kevin Six called the meeting to order with the following commissioners present: Peggy Newberry, Harold Northup Jr., and Greg Olson. Carole McDowell was absent.

Others attending the meeting were Anne Thompson, Doug Erickson, Greg Hillis, Tracy Markey, Mike Amenell, Gary Smith, and Josie Finch.

A motion was made by Olson, and 2nd by Northup to accept the minutes of the January 20, 2025, meeting. Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six AYE. McDowell ABSENT.

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

Doug Erickson reported that he is working on the Facility Plan for the Sewer Lift Station Project. He is also working on the funding for the Lead Service Line Project. He informed the council that we have received an IEPA Loan Applicant Proposed Schedule Form regarding the Sewer Lift Station Project. He has sent the IEPA a schedule showing the approximate dates that we are looking at for this project. He discussed some changes that need to be made to the Sewer Lift Station Project. It appears that it might be necessary for all property owners that live in the flood plain to have a separate pump put into their sewer lines. It will be the city's responsibility to pay for the pumps and the installation, but the homeowner's responsibility to then pay for the electricity that will be required to operate the pumps. He feels that the cost for this electricity will probably be less than $5 per month per homeowner. He is hoping to have everything ready regarding the Sewer Lift Station Project so that it can go out for bid this fall.

Greg Hillis discussed the OSLAD grant project at the Wetlands Area and the proposal that he has come up with. The council gave Mr. Hillis their approval to go ahead with this proposal. Mr. Hillis will proceed with getting things finished up as soon as possible so that the project can go out for bids. He also discussed a grant that is possibly going to be available this fall for the boat docks. The grant would be for up to $200,000, and the application for the grant is scheduled to be coming out in July 2025. The council gave their approval to have Mr. Hillis proceed with this when the application is available.

Streets employee, Mike Amenell, reported that it appears that the city has some major water main leaks around town, as well as a few fire hydrants leaking. He is going to keep working on finding the leaks so that they can be repaired.

Discussed delinquent water bills, and the idea of purchasing some “NOTICE” door hangers that would be placed on a water customer's door when their bill is past due. A motion was made by Olson, and 2nd by Northup to purchase 100 “NOTICE” door hangers. Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six AYE. McDowell ABSENT.

Police Chief Gary Smith gave his report for January 2025. He recently attended a meeting with TASC to discuss the new Deflection Program and the School Safety Team Meeting at the grade school. He has received the final Taser Cartridge and the final packing slip has been sent to ILEAS for the TASER reimbursement. He has purchased 2 therapeutic waist restraints and 2 sets of leg restraints to meet the requirements for transporting pregnant women and mental health subjects. Any subject who is combative or actively resisting custody will continue to be restrained with handcuffs behind the back.

Due to poor fuel quality recently purchased in town, the city will be purchasing fuel at other locations until the problem in town is taken care of. Chief Smith has given the city clerk an application to open an account with WEX that is a fleet account through the State of Illinois that can be used for fuel and other purchases at locations in, and out of, the State of Illinois. The city clerk has sent this application in and is waiting to hear back from WEX.

The police department and street department's phone and fax services have been switched over to McDonough Telephone Cooperative. The internet service for the police department and the city clerk has not been switched yet, though, due to their firewalls preventing a connection with McDonough Telephone Cooperative's internet service. Access Systems is working on the problem with the firewalls.

Mayor Six reported that he recently attended a meeting with the Prairie Hills Resource Conservation & Development regarding the formation of a land bank. He was informed that it would require an initial investment of $2,400 per year. He also reported that it appears that it is going to be necessary for the Hancock County Board to join this group in order for this project to proceed.

Discussed installing a street light on West Fourth Street between Cottonwood Street and Palm Street. It has been looked into and does appear to be a very dark area at night. A motion was made by Olson, and 2nd by Newberry to have AmerenIllinois install a street light on West Fourth Street between Cottonwood Street and Palm Street. Police Chief Smith will get the pole number off of the pole that the light needs to be installed on. Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six AYE. McDowell ABSENT.

The Illini West Post Prom Committee has asked the council for a donation to help with the cost of the After Prom Party at Illini West High School. A motion was made by Northup, and 2nd by Olson to donate $325 to the Illini West Post Prom. Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six AYE. McDowell ABSENT.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 6:26 p.m.

http://www.dallascity-il.com/documents/getfile.php?minutes=540