Briefs From The Lanark City Council

The Lanark City Council had a busy schedule to take care of at the Tuesday, May 6 meeting, starting out with the possibility that bids for the Southside utilities extension project may be waived. Alderman John Huggins said that after some discussion, Council agreed to schedule a Water & Sewer Committee meeting.

"We'll have estimates for the next meeting," Huggins reported, "Then we'll be able to determine if waiving the bid process is needed."

Huggins also presented a new draft of possible renovations to the Hart Building, site of the new City Hall, located at 111 S. Broad St. The new draft includes the addition of the Police and Maintenance Departments.

It has been suggested several times during Council discussions to have all of the City departments under one roof. But after reviewing the draft, all seemed to agree not to include the Maintenance Dept. in the layout. Council will continue to review the draft for more options.

Lanark's New Washroom Facility in the Park

Construction of the new washroom facility at the Lanark City Park is near completion. A joint community venture with the Lanark Community Club and the City of Lanark, plans are to have them ready to go for Old Settlers Days weekend, June 20-22. (PA photo/Tom Kocal)

A letter from the Lanark Cornerstone Project (LCP) was reviewed and discussed. The letter was a request to enter into an Inducement Agreement with the City regarding the possible future use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds. The LCP is a non-profit corporation that is currently renovating the Shumway Building in downtown Lanark, which is in the City's recently-designated TIF District.

Council agreed that no formal agreement was necessary to apply for TIF funds, since anyone can apply for TIF funds, and go through the application process, at anytime.

Spring yard work brought about several complaints from residents regarding the yard waste program established by Moring Disposal. Moring changed their policy, and will no longer pick up yard waste in cardboard boxes which is set out on the curb. The City is contacting Moring Disposal and will suggest they place a policy clarification ad in the newspaper.

Because of the problems state-wide with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) devastating ash trees, the Lanark Tree Board requested an ordinance be developed that would ban fire wood from coming into town. The EAB can easily be transported in ash logs, and state officials suggest that all firewood gathered from last year be burned before the end of the month to help prevent infestation.

Since it would be nearly impossible to monitor the transporting of firewood, the request was denied. It was suggested to ban the planting of ash trees in Lanark due to the EAB problem.

Norm Brinkmeier and Conrad Aschenbrenner, Lanark Cemetery Board members, presented Council with an update on the Cemetery's finances and the computer program that to date has recorded 4,300 burials. Using the program, Brinkmeier reported that he could easily print out a list of war veterans for the Boy Scouts to use for the upcoming Memorial day Services.

Mayor Kevin Barnes read a thank you note from residents that stated their appreciation for the "help they received from Lanark Police Officer Randy Craft," who responded "in a very professional manner."

In other action, Council approved:

- Ordinance #834, setting the City's fiscal year from April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009;

- a resolution supporting the Carroll County Farm Bureau's Tractor Parade to be held during the Carroll County Fair;

- the purchase of a leaf collection box and leaf vacuum at a price of $34,250;

- Eastland Fabrication's bid of $33,500 for repairs to the City's street sweeper;

- a request by Police Chief Ron Page to attend a seminar in Urbana, and will pay for expenses not to exceed $175;

- Alderman Huggins' request to design a web site listing Lanark war veterans;

- a donation of $2,376 to the Carroll County Economic Development Corp., which is a per resident amount of $1.50 ea.

Council entered executive session at 9:14 p.m. to discuss pending litigation, and exited at 9:28 with no action taken.

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