East Central Reporter

City of Tuscola City Council Met July 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the council;

Mayor Kleiss opened a public hearing regarding the proposed appropriations for FY 2022 at 7:15 pm. Administrator Hoel stated the fiscal year budget is the plan the city uses for allocating resources and the appropriation ordinance sets the legal spending limit. There being no questions or comments, Mayor Kleiss declared the hearing closed at 7:18 pm.

The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order with Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop, and Mayor Kleiss in attendance Mayor Kleiss led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment - None Consent Agenda Mayor Kleiss went over the items on the consent agenda:

Minutes of the June 28, 2021 meeting

• Payment of bills totaling $232,999.71 Hoey moved to approve the items on the consent agenda for July 12, 2021. Morris seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop. Rund moved to approve the consent agenda for July 12, 2021, as presented. Waldrop seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey. Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop. 

Requested Time on the Agenda 

Council discussed a request submitted by Kenny and Angela Hogue for Homecoming weekend spoken with all downtown businesses about their plans, Mayor Kleiss reported, and have received positive feedback. In addition to their request, the Hogue's have included a map of the downtown area showing locations for booths, food trucks, and other events. Mayor Kleiss also asked council to consider which evening - Friday or Saturday - we should plan for our 4th of July fireworks. Kleiss stated we can check with the pyrotechnics group to see if they are available both nights. After some discussion, Shoemaker moved to approve the request submitted by Kenny and Angela Hogue for the homecoming weekend events. Slaughter seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop.

Mayor Mayor Kleiss read a note signed by Kathy Clapper, Cathy Chaplin, Connie Meyer, and Lynn Kohlbecker, thanking the city for the new pickle ball courts at the park. City Clerk - No Report 

City Treasurer In Treasurer Long's absence, Administrator Hoel reported Eddie Boutilier and Red Barn Veterinary Services are delinquent on their TIF loans.

City Attorney - Absent

City Administrator - No Report

Ordinances

Rund moved to approve ordinance 2021-0-7, an ordinance making the appropriations for corporate purposes for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2021 and ending April 30, 2022. Shoemaker seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop. Other

1. Administrator Hoel discussed a recommendation for a water rate increase, stating there have been no increases since 2017. 

The recommendation is to raise the basic monthly rate by $1 with no changes to the sliding scale. Hoey asked how long this will hold us and Hoel answered until next fiscal year. The city has had several increases from Illinois American that have not been passed on to our customers. We've also experienced some large water losses and costs are going up, Hoel added. Hoel stated this will be brought back before council in the near future. 

2. A public hearing has been scheduled for 7:15 pm on July 26, before the next council meeting.

The hearing is part of the process required for the Meadowview water main grant application. Hoel stated the income surveys are complete. Council will be asked to commit to $65,000 in funds toward the cost of the project, Hoel added. Committing funds will make our application look better and hopefully enable us to re-do the mains in the entire Meadowview subdivision. Mayor Kleiss thanked the residents of Meadowview for submitting their income surveys so the city can file the grant application. 

3. Mayor Kleiss opened discussion on the Ervin Park dog park fencing and decorations. 

The fencing for the dog park was bid with the other park improvements and will be completed by Main Street Fencing. Kleiss would like something done with the two tiles in the area where the dog park will be built. Kleiss had some drawings, submitted by Ainslie Heilich, showing possible tile paintings featuring dogs taking selfies. Kleiss went on to say Ainslie would be willing to do the paintings for $2000. The dog park is being funded by the Kelly Locke family donation of $50,000, Kleiss added. The fencing will run about $34,000, and there are plans for some doggie water fountains. Funds are available for the artwork. 

4. Kleiss commented the city is constantly working to clean up dilapidated/trashy properties around town. Letters are written and court dates are set but it takes a lot of time. Administrator Hoel added going through due process to take over someone's property is a slow process. The motion to adjourn was made by Hoey and seconded by Rund. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Waldrop.

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