West Central Reporter

City of Dallas City Council met March 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Dallas City City Council held its regular meeting on May 5, 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, and Gary Smith.

A motion was made by Olson, and 2nd by Northup to accept the minutes of the April 21, 2025, meeting. Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six AYE. McDowell ABSENT.

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

Anne Thompson asked about the messaging system. The city clerk reported that he was hoping to have the final steps of the set-up of the new system completed in a day or two, and that he is hoping to have letters sent out to everyone that has a current water account by the end of the week that will explain to business owners and residents how to go online to get registered so that they can start receiving the messages.

Police Chief Gary Smith reported that the Carthage Memorial Hospital has contacted him regarding their desire to have a children's program here in Dallas City on June 3, 2025, and July 17, 2025, from 10 am to 12:30 pm both days. They are asking for the city's permission to park their mobile office at the city hall both days to have this program and to allow the children access to the city hall if they need to use the restroom. The council gave their approval for the use of the city hall both days.

Carol McDowell arrived at 5:36 pm.

Brad Poulter has asked if the council plans to clean the brush along the north side of East First Street this year. It is the city's understanding that this property has been sold, and they would have to get permission from the new property owner.

Discussed vehicles traveling at high rates of speed on East Third Street.

Mayor Six reported that the Verizon representative has contacted him again. He indicated to Mayor Six that they are interested in possibly putting a tower up on the city's property west of the boat dock parking lot.

Doug Erickson discussed the projects that Benton & Associates are working on for the city. In regards to the OSLAD Walking Path around the Wetlands area, he reported that the specs should be ready and expects to request to advertise for bids on May 19, 2025. The $300,000 up-front money has been requested from the IDNR. He informed the council that they will have to take out a short-term loan for the remaining $300,000 because the city will not receive the other $300,000 from the IDNR until the project is completed.

He reported that the engineering design on the boat ramp project should be ready for review on May 19, 2025. The IDNR BAAD grant application for this is due in September 2025.

He is working on the Phase II Wastewater System Improvements Project. The First Street relocation design is nearly complete. He plans to meet with someone from TEST, Inc. at 4:30 pm on May 19, 2025, at city hall to discuss this more. The public is welcome to attend. He has sent a list of easement requirements to the city attorney. He plans to discuss the funding timeline and full funding application process for this project at the next meeting.

It appears that there are +/- 220 lead/galvanized water service lines that need replaced. The replacement plan and replacement plan update have been completed by Benton & Associates. A formal Engineering Services Agreement for facility planning, funding, and design needs to be established. Mr. Erickson is targeting June/July for submission to the IEPA for funding in July 2026.

Discussed the Motor Fuel Tax program this year. It was decided not to do any oil and chipping of streets this year and just do patching.

Mayor Six left the meeting at 6:09 pm.

In the absence of Mayor Six, Finance Commissioner Peggy Newberry continued the meeting.

Discussed the 1% grocery sales tax that is due to be discontinued January 1, 2026, unless an ordinance is approved to continue the sales tax. It was decided to have the city attorney draw up the necessary ordinance so that the 1% grocery sales tax will continue.

It was reported that the city's John Deere Batwing mower had broke down. Parts are no longer made for this mower and the local dealer is not sure if he would be able to find the needed parts on the aftermarket or not. It was decided to check with some area dealers and get prices for both new and used mowers. The city will also check to see if the State of Illinois has a state bid option for batwing mowers.

Discussed the first meeting in September that is scheduled for September 1, and the fact that this is Labor Day. A motion was made by Olson, and 2nd by McDowell to change the first meeting in September from September 1, 2025, to September 2, 2025, at 5:30 pm. McDowell, Newberry, Northup, and Olson AYE. Six ABSENT.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 6:22 pm.

http://www.dallascity-il.com/documents/getfile.php?minutes=546