The regular meeting of the
Carthage City Council was held June 28, 2005,
at City Hall, 308 Walnut
Street. Mayor Nightingale called the meeting to order at 8:00PM. Answering to
roll call were Aldermen Duffy, Smith, Neally, Fleming, Bentzinger, and Walker.
Absent was Treasurer Lunt.
Motion was made by Alderman
Walker, seconded by Fleming to approve the meeting minutes of 6/14/05. All six
Aldermen answered “aye”.
Mayor Nightingale reported
that Don Fecht will be annexing his residence into the City limits and
connecting to City water service.
The Bowen State Bank has
requested permission to obtain samples from the City right of way at the
Fast-Stop property on Buchanan and Madison Streets. United Science Industries
will be checking the ground for potential contamination.
Motion was made by Alderman
Walker, seconded by Fleming, to have the Mayor sign the required documents
allowing them to conduct this study. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Mayor Nightingale reported
that he had contacted Representative Myers’ office regarding payment of the
Sewer permit. Rep. Myers indicated that some very small cities were allowed to
waive their payment, but cities the size of Carthage were not and are still
required to pay the fees.
Motion was made by Alderman
Fleming, seconded by Walker to approve payment of $7500.00 to the IL. EPA for
the Sewer Permit. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Clerk Graham reported on the
Water Billing computer software in regards to establishing the new agreed upon
rates. In order for the minimum 2-month residential bill to be $34.00, the
water rate portion needs to be $10.50 per month versus the $11.00/month the
Council had voted on at the last meeting.
Motion was made by Alderman
Walker, seconded by Duffy to correct the water rate figures to allow the
minimum water/sewer bill to be $34.00 for two months, and the minimum
commercial rate to be $39.00 for two months. Alderman Duffy, Smith, Fleming,
Bentzinger and Walker voted “yes”. Alderman Neally voted “no”.
Attorney Glidden reported that
papers had been served to Bruce Woodside, John Streator, Kurt Neff and Steve
McNally on their respective properties for various ordinance violations. They
have 30 days to respond to the violations.
Attorney Glidden is continuing
to pursue the Keokuk Railroad and Pekin and Grinnell Insurance Companies on
disputed Fire Run bills.
Alderman Smith reported that
the Fire Department is sponsoring their annual dinner for the Firemen,
Councilmen and guests on July 17th. All are to RSVP to Alderman
Smith when known.
Mayor Nightingale led a
discussion on hauling the landfill run off materials.
Motion was made by Alderman
Fleming, seconded by Neally to have Patrick Engineering complete a permit
application allowing the City to haul the materials. The cost of the
application is $250.00. The Street Department will determine what type of
vehicle and equipment will be necessary to do this task. All six Aldermen voted
“yes”.
Motion was made by Alderman
Fleming, seconded by Bentzinger, to have the City help in financing the
difference between a 24” culvert and a 36” culvert for Gene Patrick’s property
on Wabash. Alderman Duffy, Smith, Fleming and Walker voted “no”, Alderman
Bentzinger and Neally voted “yes”. Motion was denied.
Motion was made by Alderman
Smith, seconded by Walker, not to stop Gene Patrick from placing a 24”culvert
in the property, but because the City Engineer recommended a 36” culvert, the
owner assumes any liability by signing a release statement to be prepared by
Attorney Glidden. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Alderman Fleming reported that
Dana Walker had approached him requesting approval to mark the storm sewers in
town free of charge. The Council expressed agreement. Clerk Graham will notify
him tomorrow of their decision.
Clerk Graham reported that the
roadbuilding company Halverson Construction Co. is using approx. 20,000 gal of
water/day on Highway #336 building project and if
dry conditions continue, they
anticipate this to continue for a couple months. They had requested a rate
reduction due to the large quantities and length of time. Due to the recent
rate increase, the Council elected to keep their rate the same.
Due to the 4th of
July holiday, the Public Property, Finance and Safety Committees will all meet
on July 11th.
Motion was made by Alderman
Walker, seconded by Duffy to adjourn at 8:50 PM.
Katherine Graham
City Clerk