The village of Tampico Board of Commissioners seated Jennifer Morales as the newest member during their Tuesday, May 4 meeting. Village Clerk Kathy Leathers reported that since there was no candidate for the vacancy on the April ballot, which was created by the departure of Al Wildman whose term had expired, an appointment would need to be made. Mayor Kris Hill nominated Morales who was then approved by the full board and was sworn in by Leathers.
Morales, a Tampico native, founded an Illinois Chapter of C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) when she moved back to the village after she lost her husband Marlon in the line of duty in 2001, while he was serving on the Metro Transit Police Department in Washington, D.C.
“Jennifer has a lot experience with law enforcement and has a passion for the village”, said Hill. “When I asked her if she would serve on the board she didn’t hesitate in saying yes.”
Employee Raises
After executive session the board approved the following pay increases for village employees: Tom Pierce – 4% , Kathy Leathers – 4%, Miranda Klockenga – $.50/hr., Devan Batten $.50/hr., Peggy Hadaway – $.50/hr. Bruce Hill – $1.00/hr., Jamie McIntire – $1.00/hr.
Water Line Replacement
Mayor Hill reported that there is an emergency water main replacement project would begin immediately for several residences on Booth Street. Hill said she had consulted with Geoffrey Smith and Matt Hanson with Willett & Hofmann, the engineering firm that lead the recently completed water main update project on the problem. Hill said that the water lines running to the houses were in desperate need of repair and could not wait for the next phase of the water main project for remediation. “We are charged with giving those folks a service and we were not not doing a good job,” said Hill. MOST plumbing will be doing the work should be done in in about ten days.
Building Ordinance
Hill reported that she heard back from Village attorney Bill Shirk about the updating an ordinance regarding building on lots that are not connected to the owner’s home residence lot. Shirk advised that the board pass a resolution to amend the current ordinance so the council can approve or disapprove any building on a case by case basis. The resolution may be ready for adoption at the next meeting.
Resident Water Issue
Dave Fox spoke to the council about his on-going problem with water run off on his driveway. Hill responded that the village is not responsible for the problem citing a letter written to Fox by the village attorney stating the same. The problem stems from the driveway sitting below grade. “if I would have been here when it was built if I would of had it built higher up,” said Fox. Hill said that she hopes that the upcoming sewer system upgrade project will help with some drainage issues that are going on in the Village and that the Village is doing the best it can to resolve any drainage problems.
New Business
The Council approve designating Village Utilities Clerk, Jamie McIntire, to be Deputy FOIA Officer for the Village.
The Council Approve an ordinance to sell surplus Village property. Several old items including an old public works pick up and snow plow will be sold by Robbie Young of Rock Falls at an area auction.
A request by resident Dave Cady, for a sidewalk extension on his property was denied. The proposed extension sidewalk would overlap a sewer line.
Building Permits
109 W. Market St. – Replacing/repairing a deck 212 S. Lincoln St. – Replacing garage roof 307 W. Glassburn St. – Repair/replacement of deck
Mayor Hill reported that a “Thank You” was received from the Tampico Cemetery board for the donation made to them for mowing. Hill added that there is an account set up at Peoples Bank of Tampico for anyone who would like to donate to the cemetery’s upkeep.
The next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 18th at 7:00 PM.
