Alderman Bill Koos pushed to have the well put in the city park because that was the most economical place since the city owned the land already. The other sites would require land purchases. Alderman Dean Barth indicated that the cost of buying land and putting in a road for a well south of West Fourth Street could be offset by the benefits of having a road to farmland within the city limits that could eventually be developed.

Dave Uphoff, a member of the Westside Park Pavilion Committee, addressed the council with his concerns about putting a well in the city park. Uphoff felt that the city park was too small to accommodate the well and would further reduce the amount of space for recreational use. In addition, he said future well maintenance would require well rigs in the park. He indicated that the future growth of Minonk is dependent on residential growth and keeping the city park attractive and opening up new areas of residential growth are worth the extra cost of buying land south of West Fourth Street.

Koos countered by saying that the city must be fiscally responsible and also that future recreational dollars should be concentrated on Suttons Park in concert with the New Millenium Community Center Committee who have plans to develop recreational facilities in that area. Public Works Supervisor Charlie McGuire and city employee Jim Brown also felt that it was too expensive to consider the West Fourth Street land purchase.

The council voted to put the new well in the city park with Alderman Dean Barth the lone dissenter.

In other news, the council was addressed by Jim Hinrichsen on the need for a feasibility study for Woodford County Regional Airport. Hinrinchsen mentioned that the standard for a reliever airport is to have an airport within a 30 minute drive from any point in the county, which is not the case for Woodford County. He said the federal government will provide 95% of the cost of a feasibility study and the state will provide the rest. Hinrinchsen said that Woodford County needs to come up with $2500 to complete the study and he wanted the council to contact their county board members and urge them to do the study. Alderman Sherry Stalter made a motion that the council adopt a resolution to recommend a feasibility study be done by the county board. The motion was not seconded and no further action was taken.

The council approved a motion that stipulated that the Halloween Trick or Treat hours be between 5-7 p.m. on October 31 with alderman Stalter the lone dissenter.

The Eighth Street Sewer Project was completed according to Farnsworth & Wylie, engineers for the city. Public Works Supervisor Charlie McGuire indicated that the contractor has completed the requirements of the project and that the remaining work to be done such as seeding grass, etc. can be completed by the city. Alderman Barth recommended that the contractor be paid for his work and was agreed to by the council.

The council voted to approve the transfer of $1068 from the capital budget to the Parks and Recreation Department in order to cover the cost of new playground equipment that exceeded the $12,000 budgeted for the equipment.

The council tabled a request to replace doors in the library for $1392 until it is determined how much money is available in the Library Maintenance Fund.

October 7

The menu consists of chicken, baked potato, salad and bread. Carry-outs will be available.

If you are unable to attend and wish to donate, contact Jess or Pat Timmerman at Jess's Pub (309) 432-2260 or at home 432-2708.

The group collected over 30 bags of garbage. Those citizens who particpated where Bob and Mary Hartzler, Bob Cufaude, Michael Stagliano, Barb and Eli Hahn, Trent and Danelle Smith and son, Matt Fink, Lori Fink, Tiffani Fink, Brandi Fink, Gordon Spencer, Mark Spencer, Kelly Wilson and son, Clark Tarman and son Pat Tarman, Charlie McGuire, and Dave Uphoff.

October 14

After the session, a petition signed by 95 residents of Minonk against putting the well in the park was given to Mayor Spencer.

At the beginning of the session Doug Melton of the Farnsworth Group presented an outline of procedures for the council to follow in putting in the well. The outline included getting a low interest loan from the EPA, developing a plan, getting a permit from the EPA, preparing bids, awarding bids and constructing the well. The council passed a motion to give Melton permission to proceed with submitting a loan to the EPA for a $422,000 loan to construct the well.

Alderman Bill Koos presented the council a proposal on new water rates to cover the cost of the well as well as to reduce the current deficit of $117,000. Koos said that by not keeping the rates in line with the consumer price index that the city lost over $127,000 in water revenue since 1993. Starting with December the new water bills will increase by 25% to cover the cost of the new well and to pay down the current deficit. The water portion of the water bills will increase by 49% while sewer and garbage will remain the same. The average bill will increase from $16.72 to $25.16. Koos said that the new rates will allow the current deficit to be paid off in 5 years and the new well to be paid off in 20 years.

Alderman Matt Fink said that the waste/recycling fees need to be increased from $8.00 to $8.80 to cover the increased cost of the spring cleanup which jumped from $4700 to $5000. The council approved the motion.

Cathy Mckay of the Public Safety Committee said that the committee recommends that the city require each house in Minonk to have a house number. Many houses do not have numbers and it is hard to locate those houses on emergency calls. The city administrator is to look into developing an ordinance on requiring house numbers.

Cross walks are to be painted at the corner of Sixth and Walnut Streets and the curb is to be painted as well.

According to Fieldcrest Superintendent Michael Stagliano, McNamara can return to coaching girls softball this year without any preconditions. She has completed one a course in alternative teaching styles per an agreement with the school. She has not indicated if she will complete the remaining course before the basketball season starts on October 29.

A search for a new head and assistant basketball coach will be initiated.

Haag had a 20 yard touchdown run and Jordan Castrejon ran for a 35 yard touchdown to complete the scoring.

The Knights ended the season 4-5 with a 3-2 record in the Midstate Conference. Ryne Haag set a new single-season record in reception and yards. Jeff Crone set a record for tackles with 258. Shaun Manning completed over 1000 yards passing. Drew Glowacki set a game record by scoring 29 points that included 4 touchdowns which tied the record.

In their last game of the season against Woodland, Fieldcrest set a school record with 425 yards rushing, 561 yards total offense, and tied a game record against Woodland with 61 points.

October 21

Ms. Nemmers said that this was the most successful blood drive in years and wishes to thank all those who donated their time and their blood for this worthwhile project.

The visit was sponsored by the Minonk VFW Post 7185 and Ladies Auxiliary and American Legion Post 142.

The group is applying for an Open Space Land Acquistion and Development grant for $295,000. The grant is 50-50 which means the group will have to match the grant.

Bob Hakes, Mayor Mark Spencer, City Administrator Trent Smith, Ned Leiken, Jack Jochums and Neil Finlen, of the Farnsworth Group went to the presentation.

The grant funds would be used to build outdoor recreational facilities such as hiking and walking trails, a soccer and track field, and a parking lot around the proposed community center building. The money cannot be used for construction of the building itself.

The DNR committee will notify the group in February whether the grant will be awarded. The group will either receive all of the money or nothing.

The building was first used as a drive-in root beer stand in the early 1960's. Later the restaurant was converted to a sitdown restaurant by Don and Iris Ketchmark who ran the restaurant for many years. Dan and Virginia Marshall then ran the restaurant as Dan's Place. Murphy's restaurant was the last business in the building before it closed down two years ago.

Anyone who is hungry for lunch can order Tues-Sat between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The bar is open 7 days a week. Lunches will be delivered to business if requested.