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City Discusses Veterans Park Parking Lot
- Posted 8:41:49 PM
The Minonk City Council discussed a parking lot proposal at the northeast corner of Veterans Park at their normal Monday night meeting. The proposal was prepared by the Minonk Township and given to the City for review. The Township is prepared to give the City a plot of land 140' by 200' to be used as a parking lot. In return the City would provide a hookup to water and sewer for the Township if and when they build on the remaining property.
The Township's proposal included a parking lot paved with gravel, parking blocks for 37 spaces and would require removal of most of the trees. The estimated cost for the parking lot is $25,755.
Alderman Russell Ruestman said the City should not be spending $25,000 on a parking lot when a common parking lot on grass would be sufficient. Ruestman also mentioned that he didn't want to see all the trees cut down either as many people use the shade of the trees while watching the ball games. Alderman Gerald Fortner said the City should review the plans and determine how much money will be needed for next year's budget.
Alderman Nick Fiorini asked if connecting the sewer to the Township property will overload the system. CIty Administrator Doug Elder said future building on the Township's property will not result in a large use of the sewer system. Storm water will not run into the sewer system.
Mayor Bill Koos said the Council does seem to be in agreement on providing sewer and water hookup to the Township's property in exchange for the plot of land to be used for a parking lot. However, he added that the Council does not have to make an immediate decision on the proposed parking lot plan as the target date for establishing a parking lot at Veterans Park is March 20, 2012.
Attorney Fees for Section SixAlderman Russell Ruestman asked the Mayor what the current attorney bill for $5500 represents. Mayor Koos said the money was used in settling a dispute over the sale of Section Six without complying with the City's zoning ordinance. Koos said the sale is not legally completed until the buyer has complied with the zoning requirements in Section Six which is in the Minonk City Limits. The Mayor said the City's storm sewer runoff in Section Six has to be addressed before the City will sign off on the sale of the land.
Alderman Justin Faulk asked the Mayor why Minonk has spent over $40,000 on attorney fees in the past year while the City of El Paso has spent only $3000.
Animal ControlCity Administrator Doug Elder said the City has been busy this year dealing with animal control. So far this year the City has trapped and disposed of 6 racoons, 20 opossums, 6 skunks, 1 bat and several cats. Elder said this has required a lot of extra work of the City's employees and the employees have not been inoculated for rabies. Woodford County Animal Control only handles dogs. Elder concluded that the City needs to review its animal control procedures.
Storm Sewer Project
City Administrator Elder said Fein Construction worked hard to get Johnson Street completed before the start of school at Fieldcrest South Elementary. He said the City received a letter of commendation from Fieldcrest Superintendent Josh Olsen. Elder said the contractor is on schedule to complete the storm water drainage project by October 16.
Parks and Rec Committee Needs MembersAlderman Nick Fiorini said the Parks and Recreation Committee has had 3 members resign this summer and replacements are needed. Anyone who wishes to be appointed to the Parks and Recreation Committee should contact Alderman Fiorini or Committee Chairman Roger Gaspardo.
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1kimbarth wrote on 9/7/2011 at 06:20:24
I agree just having the area alone to park in would be great. But also it would help if people would be considerate of how they park when out there. They park in all different directions. Also, they park right along the street by the concession stand which makes it room for only one car to get thru and that is very frustrating when you have lots of people trying to leave. There is plenty of room to park. No one needs to park on the street. Has it ever been discussed about making it a one way street all the way around there? I am just wondering. I know after the football game last Friday night it was awful trying to get around there since cars are parked on both sides of street and only one vehicle can get thru at a time.
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