Lanark City Council Discusses Capital Improvement Plan Update

The Lanark City Council accepted a project update from Steven Haring of MSA Professional Services. The quarterly reports and corresponding reimbursement request were submitted to Mike Charles of MBRG on May 6th. The Council set the opening of the bids for the Southside Sanitary Sewer Extension to May 28th in city hall at 3:30 p.m. The project update included a list of all of the companies and individuals holding documents for the project. Haring discussed updating the Strategic Plan, which was included in the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). In order to keep the new Council members better informed, Haring offered to update the CIP, which was completed in 2006 for 2007 through 2011. Completed projects could be checked off and look into current projects as well as looking ahead at new projects. All agreed to wait for now.

Municipal bonds & bonding insurance

The Council also discussed the calling of municipal bonds. Kevin Willis of First Midstate, Inc. was present to report the savings to the City if bonds were to be called. Wills also provided explanation of process of calling the bonds and the timeline involved. Bonds are only callable on date of payment ­ May 1st and November 1st.

The Council also heard from Ron Gronewold of Gronewold Insurance, who submitted and reviewed quotes for bonding insurance for the bonding of city officials. Council discussed increasing the bond insurance on the Treasurer and Clerk, and reducing it for the mayor. After discussion, the Council agreed to table the motion until next meeting when Gronewold could provide more figures for other options.

Around town

Alderman Ron Strohecker, Streets & Property Chair, has a list of needed sidewalk repairs and will prioritize and discuss with Maint. Supervisor Guenzler. The Council also briefly reviewed Mayor Stern's request of considering two seasonal maintenance positions.

The Council discussed a recent complaint regarding a resident, who did not obtain a building permit for a driveway. Alderman Anne Lindsay submitted more information, as the cost of the job did not exceed $1000 as per the ordinance. Council agreed no permit was needed.

Also, the clean up of property located at the entrance to the city cemetery was discussed. This has been an ongoing issue. Mayor Ed Stern reported he and his wife visited the property owner recently to discuss the matter.

The Council agreed to waive fees for late permit for a resident in order to correct the owner's name, as the resident had obtained a permit at the time of construction.

In light of a resident's complaint regarding a recent sewer drainage issue, the Council discussed widening a drain to prevent recurring problems, which was felt by some to be an issue because garbage was washing down into a gutter, plugging it up.

The Council approved reimbursing former alderman John Huggins for a water bill payment, which was promised to a property owner during negotiations for an easement for the Southside Sanitary Sewer Extension.

Planning Committee meets with Library

The proposal which was submitted to the Library Board earlier at a Planning Committee meeting held at the city building located at 111 South Broad before the regular council meeting was discussed. Some suggested uses for this building includes renovation for the Police Dept., City Hall and Library.

Some aldermen feel that it would be best to renovate the building just for the Library and new City Hall quarters. It was also suggested to demolish the current Library building and extend the current Maintenance Building to the east, rather than take up space at 111 S. Broad.

After some discussion, Mayor Stern will appoint a committee to finalize this project. He suggested that members of the Planning Committee, 2 members of the Lanark Library Board, one member from the Friends of the Library, and Maintenance and Police Dept. representatives participate, and to have a projected date of August 1st to have a plan in place.

BHRC&D report

John Huggins was present to report information on the Blackhawk Hills RC&D, who is applying for a grant to get broadband extended and upgraded in Northwest Illinois. A broadband task force has been formed. Huggins gave a brief update of activities.

On behalf of the Lanark Chamber of Commerce, Huggins requested permission for the Chamber of Commerce to put newsletters in the next water billing. The Council approved his request. Huggins volunteered to lead the Strategic Planning session if the Council decides to proceed with this project.

Council action

The Council approved:

· Building permit for a resident to expand front porch pending inspection by Alderman Ron Strohecker.

· Allowing the Chamber of Commerce to include newsletters in the upcoming water billing.

· Re-issuing a building permit as late permit to and waive fees.

· Reimbursement of water bill to John Huggins.

· Proceed with grant to replace vests in the next two years.

· Chief Magill to pursue grant MDC (Mobile Data Computer)

The Council entered executive session at 10:23 p.m. to discuss personnel and pending litigation. The Council exited executive session at 11:09 p.m. The Council approved hiring Matt Haverland for the full-time maintenance position and Quinn Kosmecki for a seasonal position. The meeting adjourned at 11:10 p.m.

Update

On Friday, May 22, Alderman Mark Macomber told Council members that Matt Haverland had accepted the full-time Maintenance job. His start date will be June 8.

Alderman Ken Weaver stated that Les Guenzler, City Maintenance Manager, said that Quin Kosmecki has accepted the part-time seasonal position. Quin will start Tuesday, May 26.

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