October 2, 2012 – Regular Meeting in Tampico Village Hall
Mayor Kristine L. Hill called the regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council to order at 7:00 PM. Commissioners Al Wildman, Bruce Hill, Mary J. Sigel and Carlos “Butch” McNinch were present. Officer Chad Hermes and several members of the public were also present.
Local business owner, Bonnie Anderson, told the Council she has been hearing that the Council is considering imposing a $25.00 fee for requests to extend business hours on certain occasions for tavern owners. Anderson wanted to know if other businesses in the village are required to pay fees to be in business. She stated the Council will just be adding fees to those she already must pay. She told the Council that if the Village is looking for other revenue, they should consider charging the other businesses a fee Council members have been amending the Village’s Liquor Code to include a section that would allow liquor establishments to request additional hours to be open during such times as Tampico Days and televised sporting events that continue past the Sunday night closing time of 10:00 PM. Mayor Hill and council members advised Anderson they understood what she was saying. Mayor Hill told her the village attorney advised the Village may impose a fee for extending liquor establishment hours. Mayor Hill told her there are reasons rules are set for establishments who sell liquor and licenses and fees are part of that. Mayor Hill told her the fees would cover administrative costs and police presence for the extended periods.
Resident Todd Tornow, who shares Anderson’s concerns, also stated his opinion that there are hardly ever any police in town. He said they’re never patrolling and the police car is usually at the village hall for hours. He reported Officer Hermes is the only officer he sees patrolling. Tornow feels a full-time officer is needed. Commissioner McNinch advised the Village does not have the money or resources to pay for a full-time police officer. Tornow angrily left the meeting.
In an update of old business, Mayor Hill told Council members the signed CDAP grant agreement had finally arrived. Grant writer, Sharon Pepin, will forward the official document to the IEPA for their consideration of the Village’s request to apply for a revolving fund loan to complete the Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Market Street Lift Station projects. Resident Mary Carboni asked when the projects will start. Clerk Leathers told Carboni the project should have already been started. Delays in receiving the proper paperwork for the CDAP grant and IEPA revolving loan funds, have slowed the process.
The Council will continue to review amendments to the Zoning and Liquor Codes. Several sections in the codes are not as up to date as they should be. However, once the council approves the rough draft for the Zoning Code, they must ask the Village Zoning Board to meet and hold a public hearing to review the changes.
Council members discussed Halloween hours as Wednesday, October 31, 2012 4:30-7:30 PM. Village residents are advised there will be no burning of any kind from 12:01 am until 11:59 pm on Halloween Day per Village Ordinance.
Council members next postponed a decision on an energy supplier for the Village’s sewer accounts. The length of contract will be considered along with the maximum energy cost savings.
On a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner Hill, a 2-year agreement to extend the Chief of Police Agreement with Sergeant Terry Strike was approved. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
Building permits issued by Zoning Administrator, Ron Kuepker, were Mary J. Sigel – 208 S. Washington St. – partial roof; Marshall Foy – 311 E. Market St. – Deck and Windows; Todd Batten – 306 E. Market – Garage Roof.
Mayor Hill reported receiving a Thank You note from the Dave Gerdes Family.
Commissioner Sigel reported receiving the survey letter from the Post Office. She told the council, Tampico’s Postmaster would be glad to come explain the survey at a future meeting.
Bills were ordered paid on a motion by Commissioner Wildman, second by Commissioner Sigel. “Yes” votes were Wildman, Hill, Sigel, McNinch and Mayor Hill. The motion carried.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:32 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council will be Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 7:00 PM in Tampico Village Hall.
Kathy Leathers _____________ Kristine L. Hill ____________
Clerk Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS __16th___ DAY OF October_____, 2012
**These minutes are not official until signed and sealed by the Tampico Village Clerk**
