Under old business Thursday eve, city aldermen passed a bill that will allow residents to keep chickens. The number of fowl permitted was not publicly stated, but the group mentioned that a permit to keep fowl is still required. The bill perhaps responds to a few complaints by city residents living near owners of those animals.
The meeting opened at 7:00 PM on March 21, with Aldermen Jon Beckman, David Locke, Diana Burdick, Mindy Fox present. Mayor Bob Meuschke presided; City Clerk Dawn Paul recorded.
City resident Diane Banks, living at 505 West Ferguson, appeared at a public hearing that the group offered her to deal with an allegation that her property was a public nuisance. She responded but the group eventually affirmed that the property was indeed a public nuisance, leaving her with an ultimatum to either clean up the property, or the city will do so at her expense.
Following, the group approved the eve's agenda, February bills and financials for the city, and minutes of the February 15 meeting.
Diane Simon, who lives outside the city, then discussed a plan to modernize public restrooms in the city. She thought such an effort might cost $16,000 to $20,000, adding that her organization has some of the funds to do so but she asked the city to also fund the project. The group, while favorable to the notion, asked her to provide more information about projected costs.
Also in old business, the group passed a trash ordinance which changes the time when trash will be picked up, with perhaps other provisions.
In new business, the group heard Clerk Paul discuss a proposed sound system for the meeting room. She was asked to obtain other bids, because of projected excessive costs so far.
Public Works Director Heath Roark then discussed a possible TAP grant for engineering costs to improve the Rock Island trail. He will issue a request for a consultant to do so.
Planning and Zoning Director Tammy Eckhoff reported that P&Z met this month and was getting "the ball rolling."
Clerk Paul was requested to get more bids for replacement of windows in the Community Building, especially as to labor costs. She then reported she attended a training session last week, where she learned a bit about grant writing. She has received one bid for a truck with 99,000 miles on it, and will ask for additional bids. Lastly, she said she will be on vacation for a week beginning Friday. Public Works Director Roark reported he received one bid for power washing the city's water tower, but still needs additional bids. He added that DNR gave the city a passing record on its water samples taken around town. He had purchased a 2018 Ford 3/4 ton truck for $24,300, and has received several bids for asphalt work to be done on the water main project.
Police Chief Jeff Canfield reported that the city needed several stop signs around town, or it needed to change its related regulations.
City Attorney Todd Smith briefly discussed several legal issues.
And Mayor Meuschke reported that work on the new pickleball court may have been done today.
The open meeting closed at 8:40 PM. This group usually meets on 3rd Thursday eves. Visitors are welcome.
