City Administrator Doug Elder
The Minonk City Council welcomed Doug Elder as its new City Administrator at its normal Monday night meeting. Elder, said he was thrilled to be here in Minonk. He said there were two events today that reminded him of why he loves small town America. First, he was walking down the street and people waved at him even though they did not know him. Secondly, he went to the local bank to see someone and the receptionist said, "Oh, you must be the new City Administrator".
Elder previously lived in Sycamore, IL and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and a masters degree from the University of Wisconsin, said he will work hard to earn the trust of the citizens of Minonk. The City has been without a City Adminstrator for two years.
MFT Bid Proposal
The Council approved bids for road work this summer. Bob Kohlhase of the Farnsworth Group presented the Council with the bid proposals. A bid of $19,000 was submitted for spray patch work by Ace in the Hole of Washburn, IL and a bid of $34,550 was submitted by Road Oil of Granville, IL. for a total of $53,550. Kohlhase said that the total of these bids was less than the current MFT fund balance of $75,000 and said that the bids appear to be very reasonable.
Storm Sewer Project Payment Approved
The Council approved a payment of $42,412.05 to Opperman Construction of Pontiac as payment # 3 for the storm sewer project completed this spring. This is the last payment for the project work. Negotiations are ongoing with Opperman for payment for change order items. Bob Kohlhase said he expects an agreement to be reached on the payment amount sometime this month.
Future Drainage Project
The City has authorized Farnsworth to do another study on future drainage projects. Bob Kohlhase said Farnsworth has done some field work to determine existing problem areas of drainage and asked the council members to give him feedback on problem areas in the city.
Click here for a report on the problem areas.
Mayor Bill Koos asked if the runoff at the retention pond at Millenium Park will be addressed. Kohlhase said that removal of a one foot silt dam in the adjoining ditch should allow the retention pond to drain much faster. The drainage on North Jefferson between 7th and 8th streets was also cited as a problem drainage area.
Mayor's Comments
Mayor Koos thanked the 4th of July Committee for its hard work and for providing another great celebration.
The proposed demolition of two abandoned houses was turned over to the States Attorney's office for further action.
Welcomed Doug Elder as the new City Administrator