Summary of Lanark City Council Meeting

In the absence of Mayor Edward Stern, City Clerk called the meeting to order. The Clerk asked for the appointment of Mayor pro tem. A motion was made by Ald. Strohecker and seconded by Ald. Fehlhafer to appoint Ald. Macomber as mayor pro tem. The motion carried unanimously.

Marty Beranek of MSA Professional Services submitted a project update on the Southside Sanitary Sewer Extension. MSA and Loberg Excavating completed a kick-off meeting earlier in the day as a precursor to initiating project construction. The schedule, staking requirements, directional drilling work, etc. were discussed. The Notice to Proceed with construction was presented for Council approval and Mayor's execution. Steve Haring of MSA passed out copies of highlights from the capital budget. Lanark is listed twice for a total of $150,000 for sewer lift station replacement and other infrastructure improvements. Haring announced there is no money available as bonds are yet to be sold. MSA will keep the city informed of availability.

The council discussed: replacement of sand in sand filters at the sewer plant, all seemed to agree to get a quote from contractor; abandoned cars around town, Chief Magill continues to work on these; appointment to Library Board, a list was submitted for review, Jeri Beverley was present requesting clarification on being denied appointment to the Library Board at the last council meeting - several council members felt Beverley was too aggressive and too passionate toward the library project to serve on the Board; the purchasing of AEDs for city maintenance building and van, after a short discussion, it was tabled for the next meeting; resident's payment schedule request, after a brief discussion council denied request as all rate reductions will be null and void as of August 31, 2009 as approved at the last council meeting; Mediacom franchise agreement which is up for renewal as of November of this year, John Huggins reported at Economic development committee meeting Monday night that he has been researching this renewal and there are several things the city should consider, and it was agreed to hold another meeting; establishing another utility for storm sewers and adding fee to water bills in order to raise revenue for drainage projects; the possibility of putting a sidewalk on the east side of the grade school; Option G for the municipal building located at 111 South Broad Street, after consulting with the State Plumbing Inspector, Ald. Fehlhafer made several changes to the restrooms which provide more room for the Police Department; appointment for Treasurer, after a brief discussion, it was agreed to table until the next meeting; trees which need to be removed and what is appropriated, report from the Tree Board was submitted at the last council meeting - after a short discussion, it was agreed to find out if John Kelly of Mississippi Valley Tree Experts has had a chance to look at these specific trees which have been requested to be removed.

The council approved the following: authorization of Mayor pro tem to sign Notice to Proceed; policy change for full time employees up to four full days bereavement leave; allowing the veterans to move the war memorial stone from city plaza to city cemetery; two building permits (to put up a storage shed and for a retaining wall and blacktop driveway); allow a sidewalk in front of fitness center upon submitting building permit application; suspending parking on East Claremont on September 5 for a wedding; installation of two units (cameras) for $5,600 in both squad cars; hiring of Kathleen Orr to do TIF District annual report; and clerk to sign check in absence of mayor.

The council went into execurtive session at 9:40 p.m. to discuss pending litigation and personnel. The council exited executive session at 9:58 p.m. with no action taken. The meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.

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