City Council

City to allow other non-highway vehicles on city streets

Monday, October 01, 2012 - Posted 8:15:21 PM

The Minonk City Council approved an amendment to allow other non-highway vehicles on the streets of Minonk in addition to golf carts. The Council approved an ordinance last month to allow golf carts on the streets. This amendment will allow non-highway vehicles such as Gators to be allowed. However, 4 wheelers will not be allowed on the streets.

Mayor Bill Koos asked how the City will apply the prohibition of non-highway vehicles on streets during inclement weather when some of the non-highway vehicles are often used during snowstorms and blizzards to help people who are stranded. Alderman Russell Ruestman said the City police will have to make decisions on the inclement weather issue.

Alderman Justin Faulk made the motion to approve other non-highway vehicles on city streets citing that the State of Illinois recently approved the use of such vehicles just prior to the Council's vote on allowing golf carts last month. Alderman Nick Ferini voted no on the amendment while all others voted yes.

The definition of a non-highway vehicle other than golf carts that is approved for use on city streets is as follows:

Any motorized off-highway device designed to travel primarily off-highway, 64 inches or less in width, having a manufacturer's dry weight of 2,000 pounds or less, traveling on 4 or more non-highway tires, designed with a non-straddle seat and a steering wheel for steering control, except equipment such as lawnmowers.

All non-highway vehicles must have equipment such as seat belts, headlights, taillights, etc. and be approved by the Police Chief. An annual permit fee of $50 is required. Operators must be at least 21 years of age and show proof of liability insurance.

Audit Report

Ben Smith of Striegel, Knobloch & Company presented the results of the 2012 Financial Audit to the City Council. The City's books were in good shape with $2.3 million in cash reserves with total assets of $10,700,000.

Ball diamond improvements

City Administrator Gary Brennan announced the proposed improvements to the ball diamonds at Veterans Park. Brennan said all of the improvements cannot be done this year because of budget constraints. Below is a list of improvements to be made this year.

Replace infield material on east and West diamonds which consist of 540 tons of material at $11.50 per ton for a total of $6, 212 plus $7,128 in hauling costs from Pontiac.
Replace backstop and side fences to far end of dugout.
Move dugout doors to far end.
Overhead netting to retain foul balls.
Move outfield fence in to 260 feet down foul line, 275 feet in center.
Reshape infield to regulation size.
West diamond(backstop, side fences, outfield fence) - Hohulin ($15,062)

Brennan announced the following future plans for improvements at Veterans Park.

Reseed east diamond where sod was lain
New side fences on east diamond from backstop to outfield fence
New side fences on west diamond from dugouts to outfield fence
New lighting (will put in for grant)
New batting cages
New instructional field

In other business, the Council did not approve payment on a bill for $234 submitted by Vernon Barth for labor and watering sod on his property that was part of the Storm Sewer Drainage project from last year. Alderman Kari Carls abstained from voting.

Alderwoman Julie Redenius reminded everyone of the Pumpkin Patch Festival next Sunday, October 7th, at the Westside Park. Redenius said the festival is to raise funds for the Fourth of July Committee.