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City honors Jack Jochums for volunteer work
Monday, November 21, 2011 - Posted 8:42:29 PM
Mayor Bill Koos presented Jack Jochums with a plaque for his service to the community at the Monday night City Council meeting. Jochums' many civic activities include being an announcer at football games, announcer at the Fourth of July parade and an announcer for 27 years at the annual Christmas Parade of Lights, a job that will be taken over by his successor Nick Petri at this year's Parade of Lights. Mayor Koos said Jack has added much to Minonk as a volunteer and citizen. In accepting the award, Jochums said there are many people who have helped the city over the years and he was glad to be of service to the community.
Veterans Park Parking Lot RevisitedThe Minonk Township made a request to have the agreement changed in which the Township agreed to give the City a parcel of land for a parking lot in exchange for the City running water and sewer lines to the Township property at the northwest corner of Veterans Drive and Mary Street. The Township requested that the City also agree to put in a fire hydrant as part of the agreement. Township Clerk Rich Luckey told the Council that he was informed by the fire department that a fire hydrant needs to be within 50 feet of the Township property in order to receive fire protection.
Mayor Koos asked the Council if they wish to strap the City of Minonk with a $50,000 expense item in the future. Koos said this was an eleventh hour change and it is the developer of the property who should install a fire hydrant, not the City. Alderman Russell Ruestman agreed but said he thought the two governmental bodies should be able to work out some kind of compromise. It was decided to have the Township meet with the Finance committee to see what can be worked out.
Discussion on Abandoned PropertyThe Council debated on what to do with a fire damaged house at 703 Jefferson Street. Alderman Ruestman wondered why the City continues to spend attorney money on getting advice on what to do with the property. Mayor Koos said the City has to go through certain channels to get the property either cleaned up or demolished. Either way its going to cost money, added the Mayor. Ruestman suggested the police should issues citations until the owner complies with the City's code. Mayor Koos said what makes you think he is going to pay when he hasn't done anything since 2001. The Council agreed to have an executive session with the owner to see if a purchase agreement can be arranged as this may be the least costly of the alternatives.
New Salt SpreaderThe Finance Committee approved the purchase of a new salt spreader from Quality Truck & Equipment at a cost of $5,200 and to include this amount in the the upcoming budget amendment. Alderman Ruestman asked why this was not brought to the Council for a vote since it was agreed that all purchases over $5000 should be approved by the Council. Alderman Faulk, who made the motion for the purchase, said he was unaware of this rule and asked that the City Administrator give the Committee guidance on the rules in future meetings.
Council CommentsAlderwoman Kari Carls said the parking blocks at the new curb installed on the north side of Pop's Sweet Shop at Sixth and Chestnut stick out so far that it is making two way traffic almost impossible. City Administrator Doug Elder said the parking blocks were put there so the car bumpers do not hit the highly elevated curb, but he said he will look into the situation to see if there is a remedy. Carls also mentioned that the new parking stripes on Chestnut Street are very bright and are distracting at night when driving. Elder said the stripes will eventually become duller and will not be an issue.
Alderman Julie Redenius said there will be a Christmas House Walk on Dec. 3rd from 12:00 to 4:00
p.m. Tickets for the Christmas Walk are
$10.00 and can be purchased from Julie Redenuis, Pop's Sweet Shop or Petri's
Pour House. Proceeds are to be used for the Fourth of July Celebration.
City Administrator CommentsCity Administrator Doug Elder said City Hall will be closed November 24th and 25th for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Garbage pickup will be on Friday this week because of the holiday.
The Parade of Lights will be held Dec. 3rd.
Removing of the debris from the Minonk fire will start on Tuesday, November 22. During the cleanup Fifth street will be closed from Chestnut Street west to the alley.
Parking on city streets is not allowed after a snowfall of 2 or more inches.
The public works water department received a commendation from the EPA for receiving the highest rating in water compliance for 10 years in a row.
Mayor's CommentsMayor Koos said he received a letter from Mediacom in which they indicated rates will be going up this year. The Mayor invited everyone to the Annual Parade of Lights on Dec. 3.
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