Peoria Standard

City of Marquette Heights City Council met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The Committee Meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M by Mayor Hamm.

ROLL CALL

The following Aldermen were present: Alderman Neuhaus, Joos, and Amundson.

Also present were Mayor Hamm, Deputy Treasurer Reynolds, Clerk Steele, Police Chief Merritt, Water Superintendent Chet Merritt, Fire Chief Hermacinski, Street Superintendent Smith and Building Inspector Dearborn.

Absent: Alderman Greiner, Alderman Neumann, and Office Manager/HR Maria Minson.

Open Session for discussion of possible sale of Liberty Hall

Alderman Babb said City Council is considering selling Liberty Hall. Public input is welcome.

Resident Dale Little of 102 Algonquin Road: The Profit/Loss shows an average $1,200.00 per year loss. He inquired why the city would sell this for such a small loss when the community has a need of the building for personal events, special meetings, etc. He said the benefits outweigh the revenue loss.

Scott Little, Sheridan Road, Pekin: Remove the internet from Liberty Hall, saving $156.00 monthly. He brought up current rental rates and water usage there.

Chris Hermacinski, 205 Kaskaskia Road: Where would this sale fit in with the City’s strategic plan?

Dana Dearborn, 200 Beloit: Liberty Hall is an asset to the city. It is needed, used, and valued.

Chief Merritt: This building cannot be replaced for the $135,000 sale price.

Alderman Neuhaus: Phone call from citizen very concerned we would sell it.

Alderman Babb made a motion, seconded by Alderman Neuhaus to enter Executive Session for purpose of discussing potential sale of city owned real estate.

Council exited regular session and entered Executive Session at 6:56 p.m.

Council resumed Regular Session at 7:14 p.m.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

Mayor

No report.

Clerk

No report.

Treasurer

Deputy Treasurer noted all should have a copy of the 2022 completed audit. If there are any questions, let the office know. The Capitalization Policy will be on the November 13th agenda for approval.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

Building Inspector – Dana Dearborn

1118 Wesley Road had torn up and crumbling concrete replaced in the parking lot area. No building permit was needed.

Water and Sewer – Alderman Neumann

A fire hydrant was ordered from Core & Main but was not used. Water Superintendent Merritt proposed we purchase the hydrant and keep it in stock for any future emergency. Council agreed. It will be on November 13th agenda for approval.

1118 Wesley Road has existing water service available from Creve Coeur. Will need to discuss with Creve Coeur the fee process. It should be similar to McDonalds in North Pekin.

Law Enforcement – Alderman Amundson

Chief Merritt hopes to hear more about the garage building soon.

Getting pricing for the retaining wall blocks for the Park & Ride. Aupperle quote is $16,000.00.

Quotes from LaHood and Roanoke Concrete have been obtained. Plan to get solid pricing asap.

Squad 21 recalled for axle. Transmission is slipping.

Squad 22-1 going to body shop tomorrow for accident repairs.

Streets – Alderman Joos

Two storm drains have been framed and poured.

Estimates from Walker and Dillon for storm drains.

The outfall at the end of Beloit needs to be completed, hopefully by the end of November. A formal complaint has been made.

Bridge project to proceed. Bids come up in January 2024, with no restrictions on the start date. Meeting with Ameren on November 14th to determine where the 6 inch gas line is.

Public Buildings / Parks – Alderman Greiner

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Community Sing will be December 3rd at 6:00 p.m.

Fire – Alderman Amundson

The insurance payment has been received for damages to Fire Engine 313 that hit fence post at the water tower. A check has been sent to Piercy Body and Paint. Repair will be scheduled soon.

Christmas Baskets and Toy Drive: Marquette School, 1:00 p.m. December 15th to pick up toys. Sort and fill baskets December 16th. Shop at Wal Mart December 17th. Delivery December 18th.

Food Drive with Santa at the Fire Station on December 18th from 9:00 a.m.- Noon, and from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Christmas Basket sign-ups are online.

Planning – Alderman Babb

Alderman Babb stated the City Council made the decision in May to not have a city flag, and that decision remains.

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Joos made a motion, seconded by Alderman Amundson to pay Maurer Stutz for MFT engineering services not to exceed $1,400.00. Roll Call Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed.

Alderman Joos made a motion, seconded by Alderman Amundson to purchase four rear tires for Dump Truck 315 from Best One for $1,764.00. Roll Call Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS PERTAINING TO THE CITY.

Deputy Treasurer Reynolds spoke about the city office selling Spook Hollow tickets. He is requesting to have a Men’s Club volunteer help sell tickets on the Fridays in October 2024, from 12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. That is when the largest volume of sales at the city office occurs.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Amundson made a motion, seconded by Alderman Neuhaus, to adjourn the regular City of Marquette Heights Committee Meeting at 7:44 p.m. Roll Call Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed.

COMMITTEE ADJOURNMENT at 7:44 p.m.

http://cityofmhgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11.6.23-Committee.doc