Peoria Standard

City of Mason City Council Met Jan. 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Call to order by Mayor Bruce Lowe at approximately 7:01 P.M.

Council members physically present were Scott Francis, Gerald Mahin, Kevin Snyder, Danny Mason, Julie Mize, and Jim Miller. Treasurer Mike Griffin, Clerk Michele Whitehead, Superintendent Wayne Dixon and Wendy Martin were also present.

The minutes of the December 14th, 2020 Council meeting and the January accounts payable and November Treasurer’s report were approved.

R21-01 Alderman Mason moved, seconded by Alderman Miller to approve the regular session minutes of the December 14th, 2020 meeting, the January account payable and December treasurer report.

Ayes: Alderpersons Mize, Snyder, Miller, Francis, Mahin, and Mason

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

A variance request was received from Neil and Joyce Conklen to erect a garage within 4ft of the property line on the East side of the property known as 1015 E. Pine. The Conklen’s submitted all required documentation and permission from all property owners within 150 ft. of said property. The Zoning Board voted (by mail due to Covid restrictions) to approve the request. The Council agreed with the Zoning Boards recommendation and granted the variance.

R21-02 Alderman Miller moved, seconded by Alderman Mason to approve the Conklen’s request for a variance to erect a garage within 4ft of property line on the East side of 1015 E. Pine Street.

Ayes: Alderpersons Mize, Snyder, Miller, Francis, Mahin, and Mason

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

The discussion regarding full-time vs part-time for the City Hall office assistant was postponed from last summer until after the start of 2021. The City Hall office is getting busier with the many projects and changes that have taken place over the last few years, it would be beneficial to all employees and the city if there were two full time employees in the office. Office Manager Michele Whitehead’s concerns are making sure there is sufficient training in all the critical aspects of the responsibilities that come out of City Hall, so that there is a back-up person who is knowledgeable and able to do the duties and keep things going in the event of extended leave or injury of the manager. The Council agreed to promote Elizabeth Harbin from part-time to full time.

R21-03 Alderman Miller moved, seconded by Alderman Francis to approve the employment of Elizabeth Harbin from part-time status to full-time status.

Ayes: Alderpersons Mize, Snyder, Miller, Francis, Mahin, and Mason

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Superintendent handed materials to the Council regarding painting the new water tower that the City will be getting in the near future. After some discussion the Council decided on a gray tower with two gold stripes and the town name in black letter between the gold horizontal stripes.

R21-04 Alderperson Mize moved, seconded by Alderman Snyder to approve the colors of gray base, gold stripes and black lettering for the new water tower.

Ayes: Alderpersons Mize, Snyder, Miller, Francis, Mahin, and Mason

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Superintendent Dixon explained to the Council that a chlorine upgrade is necessary. The cylinder size needs upgraded along with safety precautions, valves, shut-offs and other requirements at a cost of approximately $85,000. The Council approved the upgrades and expense.

R21-05 Alderman Snyder moved, seconded by Alderman Miller to approve the chlorine upgrades and the approximate expense of $85,000 for the upgrades.

Ayes: Alderpersons Mize, Snyder, Miller, Francis, Mahin, and Mason

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

The estimate of funds for the CSO project in the amount of $251,116.21 which included pay app #10 in the amount of $245,098.04 to Schwartz Construction These expenditures are paid out of the CSO construction account funded by the USDA RD loan the city obtained. The Council approved the expenditures pending USDA RD approval.

R21-06 Alderman Mason moved, seconded by Alderman Francis to approve the estimate of funds at an expense of $251,116.21 which includes Schwartz construction payout #10 of $245,098.04

Ayes: Alderpersons Mize, Snyder, Miller, Francis, Mahin, and Mason

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Superintendent Dixon discussed Change order #4 from Schwartz Construction. There are more changes needed regarding the beams and deep lifting system. Change order #4 was put on hold until all changes and expenses are included in the order.

Wayne Dixon addressed the Council regarding the oil and chipping and MFT expenditures. He estimates the cost to be approximately $9,000 more than last years’ cost of around $94,000. The Council approved.

R21-07 Alderman Mason moved, seconded by Alderman Miller to approve the MFT expenses and oil and chipping costs.

Ayes: Alderpersons Mize, Snyder, Miller, Francis, Mahin, and Mason

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Mayor Lowe recognized and thanked Superintendent Dixon and the Public Works employees for all their quick and hard work during the New Years’ ice storm.

Alderman Miller also commented on the Public Works departments hard work and also thanked Randy’s Tree Service for their quick response assisting the City where needed during the ice storm clean-up.

Alderwoman Mize informed the Council that she had been approached by Brian Durbin of the Community Chapel regarding handicapped parking spaces in front of the chapel. Superintendent Dixon responded that the handicapped parking spot situation had been researched a few years ago and since there are no ramps or handicap access along that area, it was decided to put the handicap spot at the end of Tonica near the Chestnut St side, where there is handicap access to the sidewalk from the street and vice versa. The Council agreed the issue has been researched before and resolved the best way possible.

R21-08 Alderman Miller moved, seconded by Alderman Snyder to adjourn the meeting at 7:28 P.M.

Ayes: Alderpersons Mize, Snyder, Miller, Francis, Mahin, and Mason

Nays: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:28 P.M.

http://www.masoncityillinois.org/1-11-21min/