City of Marquette Heights City Council met May 23.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M by Mayor Hamm.
ROLL CALL
Aldermen present for Roll Call: Alderman Joos, Neuhaus, Neumann, and Greiner.
Also present were Clerk Steele, Water Manager Chet Merritt, Police Chief Merritt, Street Superintendent Hoehn, Building Inspector Dearborn, Office Manager/HR Minson and Treasurer Harris.
Absent: Alderman Amundson, Attorney Hermann, Fire Chief Hermacinski, and Alderman Babb.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
Mayor
A moment of silence was observed in honor of Pekin Police Officer Daniel Graber who recently passed away on May 17, 2023. Funeral services are scheduled for May 24, 2023, at 10:30 am. Fire and Police departments will be in the funeral procession.
Clerk
Clerk Steele expressed gratitude to all that helped with the remodel of the office this weekend.
Treasurer
Scheduling a meeting with a Financial & Planning Committee Chair once committees are approved.
Attorney
Absent.
Building Inspector
Police Chief Merritt informed the Council about a situation where a homeowner on 110 Beloit is trying to establish residence in a camper in their front setback.
Communication
None.
Citizens Wishing to Address the Council
None.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:
Water and Sewer – Alderman Neuhaus
A water main break occurred on the 300 block of Hamilton Road but has since been repaired and the boil order has been lifted.
Water employees continue to exercise valves. Valves that once were reported as issues under former supervision have been revisited and have been found to be operable. The Briarwood butterfly valve controlling the Hydro tank is operatable enough to provide service to the pump station without requiring an interconnect with Groveland Township.
OSHA required shoring equipment on tonight’s agenda. All full-time employees have attended the required training in Bloomington earlier this year to use equipment.
Alderman Neumann question about 710 & 708 Joliet sewer laterals. Water Representative Merritt responded he has since spoken with both homeowners and both sewer laterals have been fixed. City is okay to proceed and fix the road at homeowners’ expense.
Law Enforcement -
Concrete quotes ranging from $9,000 – $12,000. More discussion to come at the next committee meeting.
Academy training is going well for new officer.
Required uniform purchase for new officer on agenda tonight.
Update on Squad 19-1. Chief Merritt has a case number and will ask about an extended warranty from Gallery Ford due to the length of time of repair. Squad has been out of service for 5 months.
Streets –
Street sweeper is broke down. A new motor has since been ordered, installed and is back in service.
Thirty-nine tree stumps have been ground. Street crew going around cleaning up mulch.
Plan of action to street sweeping later this week. Then to continue working on the park n ride next week, weather permitting.
Alderman Neuhaus questioned when will storm drains be worked on. Street Superintendent Hoehn response, “As soon as we get one other project done. I’ve got to start rolling these out. I can’t keep stopping and going”.
Public Buildings / Parks – Alderman Greiner
Update on Liberty Hall’s doors. The manufacturer is three weeks behind.
Rec Association President Chris Carroll sent an email to Alderman Greiner requesting the fields be sprayed. They have become a safety issue. He also wanted the Council to be aware of multiple issues that have been happening at Independence Park this ball season. They are;
Small fire on Diamond 4.
Diamond 2 was flooded.
Grass seed has been put down on the dirt in the diamonds.
Heat presses have been stolen from the concession stand.
Banners zip ties have been cut. If it was serious wind, it would have torn the metal holes and grommets.
Pepsi machine plug-in was cut off.
The Co2 tank turned off in the concession stand which destroyed a motor.
Padlock taken off from water faucet on Diamond 2.
Chris Carrol wanted to bring these items to Council attention and stated, "In six years up to this year, the most that has ever happened was a broken water heater.”
Police Chief Merritt and the Marquette Height Police Department were only made aware of two of these incidents. Chief has heard rumors about other incidents but never formally approached by a Rec. Associative. The one issue with a fire on diamond 4 this happened in the winter season of last year prior to Chris Carroll’s involvement, Chief Merritt explained. There is a lot of unclear information about some of these incidents. He needs to follow up with the proper authority when giving this information.”
Cleaning of bathrooms at the concession stand will be done by the Rec. Association.
Fire – Alderman Amundson
No Report.
Planning – Alderman Neumann
Individuals interested in purchasing Joliet property are invited to the next committee meeting.
Old Business
None.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Approve May 8, 2023, Regular Council Meeting Minutes.
Approve Bi-Monthly expenditures in the sum of $119,159.42.
Approve $1,379.97 to LCD Uniforms for Vest and uniform for new police officer.
Approve $9,671.40 to TC3 for Police Dept. portion of Dispatch Service May-July 2023.
Approve $1,074.60 to TC3 for Water Dept. portion of Dispatch Service May-July 2023.
Approve $7,424.71 to Tazewell County ETSB for one-time dispatch/computer reporting.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
None.
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA:
Alderman Neumann made a motion, seconded by Alderman Greiner to approve the Consent Agenda in its entirety. Roll Call Vote: All Ayes, Motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Greiner made motion to approve the Mayoral Committee Appointments, seconded by Alderman Joos. Alderman Neuhaus - Aye, Joos – Aye, Greiner - Aye, and Neumann - Nay. Motion passed.
Fire Committee Chair: Alderman Greiner
Committee Members: Alderman Neuhaus, Alderman Amundson
Finance/Planning Committee Chair: Alderman Babb
Committee Members: Alderman Greiner, Alderman Neumann
Parks/Buildings Committee Chair: Alderman Neuhaus
Committee Members: Alderman Joos, Alderman Greiner
Police Committee Chair: Alderman Amundson
Committee Members: Alderman Babb, Alderman Joos
Streets Committee Chair: Alderman Joos
Committee Members: Alderman Neumann, Alderman Babb
Water Committee Chair: Alderman Neumann
Committee Members: Alderman Amundson, Alderman Neuhaus
Alderman Joos made motion, seconded by Alderman Greiner to approve $36,035.00 to Walker Excavation for installation of manhole at 802 Lincoln. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Alderman Joos made motion, seconded by Alderman Neuhaus to approve payment not to exceed $1,600.00 to Key Equipment for repair parts to the street sweeper. Alderman Neuhaus asked if he can have the broken motor. Street Superintendent agreed. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Alderman Neumann made motion, seconded by Alderman Greiner to approve payment not to exceed $8,000.00 to Prospan Manufacturing for shoring equipment. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Alderman Greiner made motion, seconded by Alderman Neuhaus to approve the appointment of Grace Augustine to the Library Board for a two-year term. All Ayes. Motion passed.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS PERTAINING TO THE CITY.
Alderman Greiner requested the purchase of a clock for Council Chambers.
Alderman Neuhaus asked to have a bench located behind City Hall be relocated to the dog park at Independence Park. Street Superintendent Hoehn informed Alderman Neuhaus this has already been completed.
Alderman Neuhaus addresses a citizen’s idea to construct a pickle ball court here in Marquette Heights. More to come at the next committee meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Greiner made a motion, seconded by Alderman Neumann, to adjourn the regular City Council Meeting at 7:48 p.m. Roll Call Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed.
City of Marquette Heights City Council met May 23.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M by Mayor Hamm.
ROLL CALL
Aldermen present for Roll Call: Alderman Joos, Neuhaus, Neumann, and Greiner.
Also present were Clerk Steele, Water Manager Chet Merritt, Police Chief Merritt, Street Superintendent Hoehn, Building Inspector Dearborn, Office Manager/HR Minson and Treasurer Harris.
Absent: Alderman Amundson, Attorney Hermann, Fire Chief Hermacinski, and Alderman Babb.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
Mayor
A moment of silence was observed in honor of Pekin Police Officer Daniel Graber who recently passed away on May 17, 2023. Funeral services are scheduled for May 24, 2023, at 10:30 am. Fire and Police departments will be in the funeral procession.
Clerk
Clerk Steele expressed gratitude to all that helped with the remodel of the office this weekend.
Treasurer
Scheduling a meeting with a Financial & Planning Committee Chair once committees are approved.
Attorney
Absent.
Building Inspector
Police Chief Merritt informed the Council about a situation where a homeowner on 110 Beloit is trying to establish residence in a camper in their front setback.
Communication
None.
Citizens Wishing to Address the Council
None.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:
Water and Sewer – Alderman Neuhaus
A water main break occurred on the 300 block of Hamilton Road but has since been repaired and the boil order has been lifted.
Water employees continue to exercise valves. Valves that once were reported as issues under former supervision have been revisited and have been found to be operable. The Briarwood butterfly valve controlling the Hydro tank is operatable enough to provide service to the pump station without requiring an interconnect with Groveland Township.
OSHA required shoring equipment on tonight’s agenda. All full-time employees have attended the required training in Bloomington earlier this year to use equipment.
Alderman Neumann question about 710 & 708 Joliet sewer laterals. Water Representative Merritt responded he has since spoken with both homeowners and both sewer laterals have been fixed. City is okay to proceed and fix the road at homeowners’ expense.
Law Enforcement -
Concrete quotes ranging from $9,000 – $12,000. More discussion to come at the next committee meeting.
Academy training is going well for new officer.
Required uniform purchase for new officer on agenda tonight.
Update on Squad 19-1. Chief Merritt has a case number and will ask about an extended warranty from Gallery Ford due to the length of time of repair. Squad has been out of service for 5 months.
Streets –
Street sweeper is broke down. A new motor has since been ordered, installed and is back in service.
Thirty-nine tree stumps have been ground. Street crew going around cleaning up mulch.
Plan of action to street sweeping later this week. Then to continue working on the park n ride next week, weather permitting.
Alderman Neuhaus questioned when will storm drains be worked on. Street Superintendent Hoehn response, “As soon as we get one other project done. I’ve got to start rolling these out. I can’t keep stopping and going”.
Public Buildings / Parks – Alderman Greiner
Update on Liberty Hall’s doors. The manufacturer is three weeks behind.
Rec Association President Chris Carroll sent an email to Alderman Greiner requesting the fields be sprayed. They have become a safety issue. He also wanted the Council to be aware of multiple issues that have been happening at Independence Park this ball season. They are;
- Small fire on Diamond 4.
- Diamond 2 was flooded.
- Grass seed has been put down on the dirt in the diamonds.
- Heat presses have been stolen from the concession stand.
- Banners zip ties have been cut. If it was serious wind, it would have torn the metal holes and grommets.
- Pepsi machine plug-in was cut off.
- The Co2 tank turned off in the concession stand which destroyed a motor.
- Padlock taken off from water faucet on Diamond 2.
Police Chief Merritt and the Marquette Height Police Department were only made aware of two of these incidents. Chief has heard rumors about other incidents but never formally approached by a Rec. Associative. The one issue with a fire on diamond 4 this happened in the winter season of last year prior to Chris Carroll’s involvement, Chief Merritt explained. There is a lot of unclear information about some of these incidents. He needs to follow up with the proper authority when giving this information.”
Cleaning of bathrooms at the concession stand will be done by the Rec. Association.
Fire – Alderman Amundson
No Report.
Planning – Alderman Neumann
Individuals interested in purchasing Joliet property are invited to the next committee meeting.
Old Business
None.
CONSENT AGENDA:
- Approve May 8, 2023, Regular Council Meeting Minutes.
- Approve Bi-Monthly expenditures in the sum of $119,159.42.
- Approve $1,379.97 to LCD Uniforms for Vest and uniform for new police officer.
- Approve $9,671.40 to TC3 for Police Dept. portion of Dispatch Service May-July 2023.
- Approve $1,074.60 to TC3 for Water Dept. portion of Dispatch Service May-July 2023.
- Approve $7,424.71 to Tazewell County ETSB for one-time dispatch/computer reporting.
None.
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA:
Alderman Neumann made a motion, seconded by Alderman Greiner to approve the Consent Agenda in its entirety. Roll Call Vote: All Ayes, Motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Greiner made motion to approve the Mayoral Committee Appointments, seconded by Alderman Joos. Alderman Neuhaus - Aye, Joos – Aye, Greiner - Aye, and Neumann - Nay. Motion passed.
Fire Committee Chair: Alderman Greiner
Committee Members: Alderman Neuhaus, Alderman Amundson
Finance/Planning Committee Chair: Alderman Babb
Committee Members: Alderman Greiner, Alderman Neumann
Parks/Buildings Committee Chair: Alderman Neuhaus
Committee Members: Alderman Joos, Alderman Greiner
Police Committee Chair: Alderman Amundson
Committee Members: Alderman Babb, Alderman Joos
Streets Committee Chair: Alderman Joos
Committee Members: Alderman Neumann, Alderman Babb
Water Committee Chair: Alderman Neumann
Committee Members: Alderman Amundson, Alderman Neuhaus
Alderman Joos made motion, seconded by Alderman Greiner to approve $36,035.00 to Walker Excavation for installation of manhole at 802 Lincoln. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Alderman Joos made motion, seconded by Alderman Neuhaus to approve payment not to exceed $1,600.00 to Key Equipment for repair parts to the street sweeper. Alderman Neuhaus asked if he can have the broken motor. Street Superintendent agreed. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Alderman Neumann made motion, seconded by Alderman Greiner to approve payment not to exceed $8,000.00 to Prospan Manufacturing for shoring equipment. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Alderman Greiner made motion, seconded by Alderman Neuhaus to approve the appointment of Grace Augustine to the Library Board for a two-year term. All Ayes. Motion passed.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS PERTAINING TO THE CITY.
Alderman Greiner requested the purchase of a clock for Council Chambers.
Alderman Neuhaus asked to have a bench located behind City Hall be relocated to the dog park at Independence Park. Street Superintendent Hoehn informed Alderman Neuhaus this has already been completed.
Alderman Neuhaus addresses a citizen’s idea to construct a pickle ball court here in Marquette Heights. More to come at the next committee meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Greiner made a motion, seconded by Alderman Neumann, to adjourn the regular City Council Meeting at 7:48 p.m. Roll Call Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed.
http://cityofmhgov.org/2023-meetings-agendas/
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