The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
(From the minutes taken by Steven K. Vorhies, Village Clerk)
The Dallas City City Council held its regular meeting on May 5, at 5:30 p.m.
Motions were made and approved to approve the April 21st board minutes and to pay current bills.
Anne Thompson asked about the status of the new messaging system. Steven Vorhies reported that he hoped to have the final steps of the setup of the new system completed in a day or two.
He plans to have letters sent out to everyone with a current water account with the city by the end of the week to explain how to go online to register so that they can start receiving the messages.
Police Chief Gary Smith reported that Carthage Memorial Hospital contacted him regarding their desire to host a children’s program in Dallas City on June 3, and July 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. both days.
They requested the city’s permission to park their mobile office at City Hall for these programs and to allow the children access to City Hall if they need to use the restroom. The council approved the use of City Hall for both days.
Brad Poulter asked if the council planned to clean the brush along the north side of East First Street this year. The city understands that this property has been sold, and they would need permission from the new property owner.
The council discussed issues with vehicles traveling at high speeds on East Third Street.
Mayor Kevin Six reported that a Verizon representative contacted him again. The representative indicated to Mayor Six that they are interested in possibly erecting a tower on the city’s property west of the boat dock parking lot.
Doug Erickson discussed the projects that Benton & Associates are working on for the city.
Regarding the OSLAD Walking Path around the Wetlands area, he reported that the specs should be ready and he expects to request to advertise for bids on May 19.
The $300,000 upfront money has been requested from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
He informed the council that they will need to take out a short-term loan for the remaining $300,000 because the city will not receive the other $300,000 from the IDNR until the project is completed.
Erickson reported that the engineering design for the boat ramp project should be ready for review on May 19. The IDNR BAAD grant application for this is due in September.
Erickson is also working on the Phase II Wastewater System Improvements Project. The First Street relocation design is nearly complete. Erickson plans to meet with a representative from TEST, Inc. at 4:30 p.m. on May 19th at City Hall to discuss this further.
The public was welcomed to attend. He has sent a list of easement requirements to the city attorney. He plans to discuss the funding timeline and full funding application process for this project at the next meeting.
It appears that approximately 220 lead/galvanized water service lines need to be replaced. The replacement plan and replacement plan update have been completed by Benton & Associates.
A formal Engineering Services Agreement for facility planning, funding, and design needs to be established.
Erickson is targeting June/July for submission to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for funding in July 2026.
The council discussed the Motor Fuel Tax program for this year. It was decided not to do any oil and chipping of streets this year and to just do patching.
Mayor Six left the meeting at 6:09 p.m. In his absence, Finance Commissioner Peggy Newberry continued the meeting.
The council discussed the 1% grocery sales tax that is scheduled to be discontinued on January 1, 2026, unless an ordinance is approved to continue it.
It was decided to have the city attorney draft the necessary ordinance to ensure that the 1% grocery sales tax continues.
It was reported that the city’s John Deere Batwing mower had broken down. Parts are no longer made for this mower, and the local dealer is unsure if they would be able to find the needed aftermarket parts.
It was decided to check with local dealers and get prices for both new and used mowers. The city will also investigate if the State of Illinois has a state bid option for batwing mowers.
A motion was made to move the Monday, September 1st, board meeting to Tuesday, September 2nd, because of the Labor Day holiday. The motion was approved.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:22 p.m. The commissioners present were Peggy Newberry, Harold Northup Jr., and Greg Olson. Carole McDowell arrived at 5:36 p.m., and Mayor Kevin Six left at 6:09 p.m.
Others attending the meeting were Anne Thompson, Doug Erickson, and Gary Smith.
These notes were taken from the minutes approved at the May 19th meeting. The next city council meeting will be on Monday, June 2nd, at City Hall.