May 22, 2013 – Re-Scheduled Meeting in Tampico Village Hall

Mayor Kristine L. Hill called the above meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Commissioners Toby Johnson, Bruce Hill and Mary Jo Sigel were present. Commissioner McNinch was absent. Also present were Public Works Superintendent Tom Pierce, Sergeant Boyd VanDellen and Art Spencer. Village Clerk Kathy Leathers recorded the written minutes.

Minutes of the May 7, 2013 Re-Scheduled Meeting were approved as presented.

Mayor Hill said she would like to take a moment to send thoughts and prayers out to Oklahoma and those affected by the tornado devastation. She stated, “We should feel fortunate that we have what we do and are able to be here tonight.”

Commissioner McNinch was unable to attend the re-scheduled meeting due to his work schedule. Clerk Leathers advised other members of the Council she had done research and it is permissible for her to swear McNinch in at anytime. She advised the Council it would be done as soon as possible.

On a motion by Commissioner Hill, second by Commissioner Sigel, approval for a fence permit was given to Marc Euhus at 209 N. Main. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel, and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.

On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sigel, approval was given to Tonya Swinbank, 106 N. Main, to put up a dog enclosure at the back of the property at the garage. There was some confusion about the paperwork, the Village Clerk will provide Swinbank with the correct documents. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill pending payment of the $10.00 fee. The motion carried.

David and Betsy Hoover were unable to attend for approval of their fence permit request. Mayor Hill advised that permit could be approved at the Council’s next meeting.

Beverly Adamson was present. She advised she only recently received a letter from Attorney Ron Coplan on behalf of the Village in regard to the condition of the building she owns on South Main Street. She has spoken with her attorney about the matter and she is in the process of purchasing materials for the necessary roof repairs. She questioned the council on the location of the leaks. She is only aware of a leak in the front portion of the building’s roof. Mayor Hill advised Adamson, the roof is pretty rough. Commissioner Hill advised Adamson that the old, worn roof was discussed with her during a tour of the building in question some time ago. Hill told her at that time she would need to repair her roof because of the leaching effect into the village’s building along a shared wall between the two. That damage, he said, is compromising village property. Adamson advised she is looking at getting it done as soon as she can. She also told them she has someone who wants to buy the building. She advised the items considered as storage in the building are stored for her farm when she retires. Hill stated we have to have ordinances like these so we can keep the Historic District from getting more run down. In March, the village council approved an ordinance that would prohibit excessive storage in the downtown historic buildings. The Council maintains the excessive storage poses a safety threat to the other historic buildings. Mayor Hill told Adamson the matter is now between her and the attorneys involved. Commissioner Sigel told Adamson the village cannot do anything with their building until hers is fixed. Adamson stated she did not realize it was still leaking. Mayor Hill advised Adamson she needs to discuss this matter further with her attorney and the attorney acting on the village’s behalf.

The Village Council next learned work at the sewer plant has been completed as well as at the new W. Market St. Lift Station. Fencing around the new lift station will be completed soon, otherwise both projects are complete and in working order.

The Council turned their attention to discussing village council appointments. On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sigel, the following department assignments were approved. The Commissioner of Accounts and Finance – Toby Johnson; the Commissioner of Public Health and Safety – Bruce Hill; Commissioner of the Water / Sewer Departments as well as Public Property – Carlos McNinch; Commissioner of Streets and Improvements – Mary Jo Sigel and Commissioner of Public Affairs – Mayor Kristine Hill. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.

Tampico Festive Days Plans are progressing according to Mayor Hill. Kate Fisk has been working with the different organizations in trying to list all of the scheduled events. Mayor Hill reported she has contacted Gimball’s candy company. They will donate 30 lbs of jelly beans for the parade and any other events where needed.

Commissioner Johnson reported that the Tampico Recreation Board is planning events during the Festive Days weekend as well.

Mayor Hill reported it is her understanding, there will be a 5K race held in honor of Jessie Coleman Strader sponsored by the Sterling Y and held at Sauk Valley College. She encouraged people to support this event in honor of our hometown girl. Bonnie Anderson brought posters for the Sterling Y event on June 15, 2013 as well as The Dutch Dash on June 23, 2013. Anderson said registration forms for both races can be picked up at the Kickback. The second annual Dutch Dash will be held during Tampico Festive Days with the proceeds going to benefit organizations around the villlage such as the Food Pantry.

Mayor Hill signed a proclamation declaring June 8 – 9, 2013 as American Cancer Society Relay for Life Day of Whiteside County. This will be the 18th annual Relay for Life event.

Council discussion turned next to sewer lines on South Main Place. Superintendent Pierce told the Council several issues were identified during the videoing of the lines. Pierce told the council, those lines are going to fail and the village will have a mess. Pierce has recommended the council allow Village Engineer, Matt Hansen, of Willett, Hofmann & Associates, to research the street and sewer lines to find the best approach in fixing the issues. Pierce also asked the council to consider plans to reline a portion of West Market Street in the future. Relining now could save the Village rather than waiting for a problem to occur. Pierce advised having the sewer lines video taped on the advice of Hansen has been able to identify potential problem areas that should be taken care of sooner rather than later. The Council learned all video taping of the sewer lines should be finished after this year.

Pierce also discussed the new meter reading program and equipment. There has still been no word from the equipment representative. The council discussed receiving the wrong equipment and the need for a company representative to come and install the software. Pierce advised the council he will keep trying to reach the company representative. Mayor Hill stated she would call the firm’s regional office if Pierce would like her to.

In recent meetings, several business owners had mentioned finding a way to thank the volunteer organizations around the village for all they do. The Council has been hesitant about starting such a program. Mayor Hill spoke to the council on the issue. She stated it has been mentioned

that the village needs to honor its volunteers more formally, perhaps with a plaque of some sort. Mayor Hill totally agrees that they all need recognition for all they do. She continued by saying, it would be impossible to give everyone their well-deserved recognition. She is afraid hard feelings could develop by inadvertently missing someone or some organization and making them feel discouraged and unappreciated. She read a poem she found about volunteers. She advised those present it has been said many times that actions speak louder than words. In addition to the poem honoring volunteers, Mayor Hill encourages everyone to say thank you to the countless people who help our village. Let them know that the work they do, whether it’s a major event or a simple picking up of garbage and putting it in the proper place. These efforts have made and continue to make Tampico a great place to call home and they give a sense of pride when others come to visit us. She said, most people volunteer because they want to be of service to others, not because they are seeking recognition. On behalf of the Village Council, Mayor Hill formally thanked all the organizations and individuals that give so much to make Tampico a great place to live. Commissioner Sigel agreed, that way no one is excluded.

Two building permits were issued by Zoning Administrator, Ron Kuepker. Tom Frank – 305 E. Market for a deck and Rob Lantz – 207 E. Market for a deck.

Commissioner Johnson told the council that the Recreation Board will be planning events for Tampico Festive Days and other events such as fun fairs and a back to school party. He advised they will bring their ideas to the Council.

Bills were ordered paid on a motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Hill. “Yes” votes were Johnson, Hill, Sigel and Mayor Hill. The motion carried

The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 7:00 PM in Tampico Village Hall.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.

Kathy A. Leathers  ___________________
Clerk

Kristine L. Hill          __________________
Mayor

MINUTES APPROVED THIS __4th__ DAY OF ______JUNE__, 2013
**These minutes are not official until signed, dated and sealed by the Village Clerk**