The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Dallas City Council convened twice in October to handle routine business, community requests, infrastructure updates, and significant decisions on property and personnel.
The meetings, held on October 6 and October 20, highlighted ongoing maintenance efforts, donations to local groups, and debates over a proposed Verizon Wireless tower.
With attendance varying due to absences, the council managed to approve several motions while adjourning early on one occasion for lack of quorum.
October 6 Meeting
Early Adjournment Amid Partial Attendance
Mayor Kevin Six opened the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. on October 6, with Commissioners Peggy Newberry and Greg Olson present.
Commissioners Carole McDowell and Harold Northup Jr. were absent. Attendees included Anne Thompson, Jalen Smith, Mike Howley, and Police Chief Gary Smith.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from the September 15 meeting and authorized bill payments, with Newberry, Olson, and Six voting aye.
Jalen Smith, representing the Bulldog Boosters, requested donations for the group’s Penny Carnival scheduled for October 17. The item was tabled for discussion at the next meeting.
Police Chief Gary Smith presented the Nuisance Ordinance Violation Tracking Report, noting 12 citations issued.
He also reviewed his September monthly report, mentioned attendance at the Deflection Summit in Carthage, and previewed a School Reunification Drill at Western Illinois University (WIU) on October 15 as part of the Dallas City Elementary School District Team.
Both Chief Smith and Officer Rosson had recently completed training. Repairs to the catalytic system on the 2020 Explorer police car were slated for that week.
Maintenance issues included a warped head on the zero-turn mower, under repair by Melton’s Auto, and leaking fire hydrants needing replacement, with Housewright Plumbing assisting.
A roadway concern involved the westbound lane of Illinois Highway 96 east of the 4-Way Stop, where a jurisdictional disagreement exists between IDOT Districts 4 and 6.
Mike Howley, representing Verizon Wireless, proposed installing a tower on city property west of the boat dock parking lot.
Discussion was cut short when Commissioner Olson departed at 5:45 p.m., leading to a lack of quorum and adjournment at 5:46 p.m.
October 20 Meeting: Full Council Tackles Donations, Projects, and Resignations
The October 20 meeting at 5:30 p.m. saw full commissioner attendance: McDowell, Newberry, Northup, and Olson, alongside Mayor Six.
Attendees included Anne Thompson, Jason and Michelle Gold, Jerry Young, Mike Howley, and Mariah Wallace.
A revision was added to the October 6 minutes: After Howley’s tower presentation, Olson requested delaying a vote until the full council was present, but Mayor Six insisted on voting that night, prompting Olson’s early exit.
The revised minutes were approved with Newberry, Olson, and Six aye; McDowell and Northup abstained.
Jerry Young introduced himself as the new TEST Inc. employee replacing Tracy Markey for city maintenance.
Jason Gold thanked the council for replacing a light at the Legion Memorial and announced the Dallas City Legion’s Halloween event on October 30, serving hot dogs and drinks from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Knapps Park.
Noting last year’s $200 city donation fell short, he requested $300. The council approved the increase unanimously.
Howley returned to discuss the Verizon tower lease, offering a one-time $150,000 payment. McDowell’s motion to approve died without a second.
The zero-turn mower was reported fully repaired with a new head. The city attorney confirmed recording of the deed for the lot at 396 Oak Street, now city-owned.
Updates on the Father Schram Hall building included a church representative’s call assuring no issues with the sale, though delayed. Rental fees and a potential generator purchase were deferred to future meetings.
The Bulldog Boosters’ donation request was approved at $300 unanimously.
Young received approval to repair the sewer lagoon building as needed.
The council approved Pay Estimate #3 for the OSLAD project: $102,317.90 to Laverdiere Construction (final construction payment) and $15,800 to Benton Engineering (remaining 20% of fees), paid from the OSLAD Grant Fund.
City insurance renewal with the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association was approved for $30,224.22 (including $150 dues) if paid by November 14 for a 1% discount.
Mayor Six announced Police Chief Gary Smith Jr.’s resignation effective December 1. The council accepted it unanimously.
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department offered $1,356.11 for a ballistic vest previously used by former employee Kenny Foster; the sale was approved.
The meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m.
These meetings reflect the council’s focus on community support, infrastructure reliability, and fiscal responsibility amid personnel transitions.
The Verizon tower proposal remains unresolved, and further discussions on building rentals and equipment are anticipated.
This information was taken from the October 6 minutes approved at the October 20 regular meeting and the October 20 minutes approved at the November 4 regular meeting.
The Dallas City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 on Monday, November 17 at City Hall.