The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
(From the minutes taken by Steven K. Vorhies, Village Clerk)
The Dallas City Council convened its regular meeting on May 19 at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor Kevin Six presiding.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from the May 5 meeting..
Doug Erickson reported that the OSLAD walking path project around the Wetlands area is ready for bidding. A pre-bid meeting was scheduled for June 19, 2025, at 10 a.m., with bid opening set for July 1, 2025, at 2 p.m., both at City Hall.
The council requested the project engineer to compare costs between a gravity system and a pump system to inform future decisions on Phase II of the Wastewater System Improvements.
The council reviewed bids for removing abandoned water service lines along Oak Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets. Housewright Construction’s bid of $6,600 per 8-hour day (including pavement trucking) was accepted over Laverdiere Construction’s $7,320 bid (excluding trucking).
A motion by Newberry, seconded by McDowell, passed unanimously, with both contractors estimating a one-day job.
Mike Amenell presented options for a new batwing mower, recommending a 2025 Woods BW 15.52 from Bedwell Farm Equipment Company in Bushnell, IL, for $19,465, with a $1,000 trade-in allowance for the city’s old John Deere mower, resulting in a net cost of $18,465.
The motion was unanimously approved.
City Attorney Mariah Wallace reported progress on acquiring 396 Oak Street, with one owner having signed the paperwork and the other still pending.
She will contact the owner of 386 Oak Street to explore a potential sale. A property line discrepancy was also raised, which Wallace will investigate.
The owner of the old high school building continues to demand a high price. Wallace proposed exploring a federal lawsuit but noted her firm lacks the licensing to file such cases. The council directed her to contact the Illinois Municipal League to identify a suitable attorney.
Following the closure of the Dallas City Catholic Church, a church representative inquired if the city would be interested in purchasing Father Schram Hall. The council agreed to investigate the asking price.
Mayor Six reported that Verizon representatives plan to visit to assess city-owned property west of the boat dock parking lot for a potential tower.
Anne Thompson inquired about the Motor Fuel Tax fund, which has approximately $36,000 remaining due to recent extensive street oiling and chipping projects.
Police Chief Gary Smith reported sending about 20 notices to property owners violating the city’s nuisance ordinance and discussed additional properties needing attention.
Mayor Six contacted Representative Jill Tracy’s office regarding potential additions to the Green Bay Levee across the river from Dallas City.
The meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
Commissioners Carole McDowell, Peggy Newberry, Harold Northup Jr., and Greg Olson were present, along with City Clerk Steven K. Vorhies, City Attorney Mariah Wallace, Police Chief Gary Smith, and other city officials and staff.