The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
(From the minutes taken by Steven K. Vorhies, Village Clerk)
The Dallas City Council convened its regular meeting on June 16, at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor Kevin Six presiding. Commissioners Peggy Newberry, Harold Northup Jr., and Greg Olson were present, while Carole McDowell was absent.
Several community members, including Anne Thompson, Madisyn Bell, Ruth Higgins, Had Gracey, Tracy Markey, and Josie Finch, attended the session.
The meeting began with the approval of the June 2, meeting minutes, unanimously passed by Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six.
Key discussions and decisions followed, addressing local infrastructure, property transactions, and community concerns.
Ruth Higgins and Had Gracey, representing Sacred Heart Catholic Church, inquired about the city’s interest in purchasing Father Schram Hall and requested a potential offer.
Later, after an executive session, the council authorized Mayor Six to offer $30,000 for the property, with flexibility to increase the bid to $40,000 if necessary.
The motion passed unanimously among present members.
Madisyn Bell introduced herself as the new Executive Director of the Hancock County Economic Development, signaling fresh leadership for regional economic initiatives.
Tracy Markey, add-ressing the city’s sewer lagoon, recommended applying dye to eliminate algae, citing optimal seasonal conditions.
The council approved his request to purchase approximately $400 worth of dye, with all present members voting in favor.
Ruth Higgins raised concerns about an unauthorized PVC pipe in her yard, occasionally discharging sewage. The city committed to investigating the issue promptly.
The council also discussed maintenance concerns, including a storage shed behind the water salesman’s office, which requires repair or removal, and a pontoon boat west of the boat docks, confirmed to be on private property.
Mayor Six shared an update on the old high school building, noting that real estate agent Brenda Young reported the owner’s willingness to sell for $14,000.
Additionally, Verizon expressed continued interest in constructing a tower on city-owned property near the old sewer plant on West First Street.
The city attorney presented a Return-To-Work (RTW) Program policy, mandated by the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association for membership compliance. The council adopted the policy unanimously.
The attorney also introduced Ordinance #683, the appropriations ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year (May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026), which was tentatively approved by all present members.
The council briefly discussed the availability of empty plots in the city cemetery. At 6:15 p.m., the meeting entered an executive session to deliberate on potential property acquisitions, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5). The session concluded at 6:37 p.m., followed by the decision to authorize the offer for Father Schram Hall.
The meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m. after a unanimous vote by Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Six.
The June 16 meeting demonstrated Dallas City’s proactive approach to addressing community needs, from infrastructure maintenance to strategic property decisions, while fostering open dialogue with residents and stakeholders.