Dog Park, Police Chief and Cruise Nights Discussed at Mt. Carroll CouncilRachel Smith For The Prairie Advocate NewsThe bell was rung to start the meeting of the Mt. Carroll City Council March 9. After the roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, the invocation was given and the city council unanimously approved the regular meeting minutes of the February 23rd, 2010 meeting, as well as the accounts payable. In attendance: Mayor Carl Bates and Aldermen John Boelkens, Diane Lego, Nina Cooper, Doug Bergren, Bill Sparboe, and Doris Bork. In financial news, Mayor Bates reported that he and the Chief have narrowed the field of candidates for the position of Chief of Police in Mt. Carroll to eleven. A questionnaire has been sent to each of the candidates and is due back by March 15th. Another police committee meeting will be held at this time to further evaluate candidates. In other reports, Aldermen Bork and Sparboe shared citizen complaints concerning dog fecal matter that was not being cleaned up, the drainage area from School Alley to Mill Street, recommendation for approval of gift certificate of $30 in Chamber Bucks for city employee Craig Vietmeyer to celebrate his 20-year anniversary with the city, discussed the Galena Street bridge, funding for Community House bathrooms, and the need for an ordinance to raise the rate for garbage pick-up by $1.00 per household per month. The need for the rate increase is due to the fact that the Garbage Fund will be in the negative by the end of the month. In updates on the Kraft Building, Lou Schau reported that the windows have been ordered and will be installed in the next couple of weeks after they have been stained. The framing is now complete and the floors relayed in needed areas. A motion was then made for the Mayor’s signature to withdraw funds and then another motion to pay Loescher Heating and Air Conditioning $46,593.04. Motions approved. Discussion continued concerning the adaptation of the International Building Codes. The council also decided to enter into a contract with Burbach Aquatics for professional services. Motion to for Mayor Bates to sign contract to enter into Phase 1, Step 1 for $4,500 approved. Motion approved. Mayor Bates also discussed the potential for a Dog Park in Mt. Carroll, saying that a dog park is a good idea, but something for the city’s wish list. Due to lack of funding at this time, the project may not be able to move forward. Some citizens have also expressed concerns over placing a dog park in the “burning area” because if may interfere or create an unsightly area for future events in the area. One alternative may be to locate a dog park by the treatment plant. Mayor Bates noted that this area already has a chain link fence that could be used for one side of the dog park and so would cut costs. Dr. Alan Schroeder of the Humane Society asked the council to draft a letter in support of the Humane Society for grant funding purposes. Motion for City Clerk Julie Cuckler and Mayor Bates to draft this letter motioned and approved. Len Anderson presented a plan to extend a local trail to include the bandstand. It was suggested that this is a good idea because it would be easier to patrol the area and protect against damage. Mayor Bates liked the idea and said that he will speak with city workers, but that they need to see what the balance is between current city projects and learn how this project would fit in with presently planned projects. He also let the council know about the upcoming “Cruise Nights” on June 19th, July 17th, August 21st, and September 18th. Mr. Anderson also wanted to give reassurance that they would not interfere with local business parking and commented that a street lamp needed to be fixed. Alderman Bergren asked Mr. Anderson if he was aware of the decision to incorporate the community brand “Brick Streets” into advertising. Mr. Anderson said he was aware of this, but at this time, fliers have been completed and so they will have to wait for future events to include the brand. After briefly discussing correspondence, the meeting was then adjourned. The next city council meeting will be held on March 23rd at 7:30 p.m.
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