Lanark City Council Update

During the April 7 Lanrk City Council meeting, MSA Professional Services, city engineers, told Council that a construction permit was received from the Environmental Protection Agency for the sewer portion of the Southside Utilities Project. They are still waiting for project approval from IL Dept. of Transportation.

Council briefly discussed reviewing and possibly releasing past executive meeting minutes, but the item was tabled. They also discussed wage increases for the maintenance dept. employees, and the pay rate and qualifications for a new hire in that dept. The purchase of a new police squad, and whether to trade-in the current squad, or sell by sealed bids was discussed, but no action was taken. Other items discussed included a water problem on East Leland St., street repairs for Leland St., a proposed increase in Mediacom rates, and a request by a resident to place fill dirt to rectify a drainage problem. Council agreed that there is no ordinance prohibiting this action, but recommended not to proceed until the situation could be investigated.

Wheel chair ramp regulations were reviewed. Council agreed that ramps should not go over any city sidewalks or parkways. Aldermen were asked to walk their wards to review sidewalk conditions as well, in order to prepare a list of sidewalks needing maintenance or replacement.

Council approved:

- Ordinance 845, the appropriation ordinance for the FY beginning April 1, 2009 and ending March 31, 2010.

- a building permit for an addition for Ken and Ardena Grant.

- reimbursing the General Fund from the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District fund for expenses. This will fully reimburse the General Fund for accumulated TIF expenses. Future TIF funds received will be used for TIF District projects.

- a proclamation that April 25 is Arbor Day.

Mayor Kevin Barnes conducted his last meeting. Council and MSA representative Marty Beranek expressed their thanks to Barnes for his service as alderman and mayor for the past 8 years. "Lanark is a better place due to his work," said Clerk Jackie Hawbecker.

See the article in this week's issue announcing Carroll County election results from the April 7 Consolidated Election, or visit www.pacc-news.com.

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