West Central Reporter

City of Barry City Council met Aug. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Rennecker called the regular meeting of the Barry City Council to order at 7 p.m. He then led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. All elected officials were present except Tyler Patterson and Allie Walch.

Debbie Harshman made a motion to approve the minutes from the July meeting and Bridget Cramsey seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes, 0 nays and 2 absent. Steve Schultz made a motion to approve the payment of bills and Marynel Corton seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes, 0 nays and 2 absent. Jeremy Walston gave the Public Works Director report. He said they have the new mower and there has been no negative feedback from the ones that have run it. They read the water meters and found a couple of water leaks and going to do ditching in the next couple of weeks. One of the generators needs an injector pump and getting prices on motor and overhaul for it. Mayor Rennecker stated IEPA needs lead and copper sample sites and have Terry Leahr has been working to update our sampling sites around town. Jeff Hogge gave the City Administrator report. He completed and submitted insurance renewal and fall clean-up is September 8th thru September 14th. He requested and obtained bid for cyber security upgrade from Tiger Hawk Technologies and attended the water tower meeting with the inspector. They were pleased with how things went and will have 7 days curing and then water will be put in to flush it out.

Terry Beard spoke to the council about derelict vehicles, brush and camper shell. He has a house they are trying to sell and this place is across the street from this and is an eyesore. The white SUV is missing a tire, there is a camper shell and brush in yard and yard needs cleaned up and mowed. He asked that we follow the policy and do what’s right. Jeff Hogge stated that fines have been sent out and have not heard anything so sent letter asking her to call us and she won’t answer phone. Mayor Rennecker said a vehicle must be licensed, operable, insured or in a shed. The sticker enforcement has not been done by law officers.

Max Middendorf gave the engineer report. He said he expects installation of SCADA panels in August. The copper sampling plan for IEPA has been submitted for 20 test sites. The water tower repainting is completed and there is a 3 year warranty. Need to send two back to back samples to EPA for testing after tank is cleaned out and filled. They got done ahead of schedule and should expect 100% pay request in November. Mayor Rennecker said he talked to Duane Venvertioh from Jones Poultry and he is talking about listing property for sale. When the building was built the city got a grant from the state to build his parking lots with the condition that city had to own, but Jones Poultry maintained them. The broker said it would help if the lots went with the property. Mayor Rennecker said that DECO is fine with letting the parking lots go with the property and he has it in writing. We need legal description. Steve Schultz leave straight line instead of squaring off we need access to property behind Jones Poultry. Steve Schultz said he is for it and Marynel Corton said it makes since.

Mayor Rennecker said he has noticed a couple of blind spots around town where we have vehicles blocking visibility for intersections and making it hazardous and would like to purchase a couple of mirrors to help improve safety. The two intersections are Bainbridge Street /Pratt Street and Decatur Street/Tremont Street. Steve Schultz said lets try one and see what happens.

Mayor Rennecker said that Christina Powell is coordinating pickleball interest at the YMCA. We created a pickleball court at the pool park and have had residents using it. She has asked if we could put a court at Holy Redeemer Park. Mayor Rennecker said he thinks we could do that if we had a 30x60 slab ($13,000 quote from American Dirt Works) and move our current net there and install a light. Steve Schultz said he is in favor of the idea but needs more information, how about a double court with lights and concrete.

Tyler Patterson joined meeting at 8:05 p.m.

Jeff Hogge said David Schrock bought lot right behind Betty Syrcle’s home and wants to put Tiny House on it. He brought in a drawing and will be two structures with a breezeway between them. It will be 1100 sq feet and 1st structure will be kitchen and front room and 2nd structure will be bedrooms and utility room and bathroom. He is going to put $75,000 in it. Steve Schultz sounds like a single family dwelling and following rules. The council is ok with it. It must be 15 ft off of front and other sides 10 ft. Air Conditioner for museum was discussed. Steve Schultz said better to get one that turns off and need to get quote on another unit.

Bridget Cramsey made a motion to adjourn and Tyler Patterson seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

https://www.barryil.org/agendas-minutes