Council Discusses Storm Damage and Clean-Up in Tampico

ComEd reported 613 customers affected by the power outage, including the Village Hall, lift stations and water tower, which had to be powered by a generator during the outage. Most businesses stayed closed until power came back in the mid-afternoon, though the Post Office continued operations with limited services. The Tampico Fire Department offered refrigeration for anyone needing it for medical supplies. Neighbors helped each other and used chainsaws to clean up branches in their yards and neighborhoods.

At the council meeting on Tuesday, July 2, Mayor Bruce Peltier thanked residents, businesses, village commissioners, and crews from Public Works, Tampico Township, and Tampico Police for helping with the clean-up, as well as the Prophetstown Public Works Department for bringing a backhoe and Prairie Choice Grains for bringing a forklift to the clean-up efforts. “There were so many people who came to help from the community, and it was greatly appreciated,” he said.

Public Works Superintendent Tyler Chriest also thanked all the volunteers that helped with the storm clean-up. Booth Park lost some trees and large branches, and the pavilion was damaged by a tree that fell on it.  He contacted the insurance company and received a quote of $7,568 for repair costs. Crews spent last week cleaning up storm debris, but had the park grounds cleaned up within a day. Straight line winds as part of a severe storm are suspected to be the cause of all the damage in town.   

Trees at Booth Park sustained heavy damage. Photos courtesy of Amy Klockenga.

Reports of Village Officials

Police Chief Terry Strike reported that he’s been in contact with the State’s Attorney Office about a vehicle obstructing the view on the corner of Main and Kimball Streets and they’ll be contacting him on how to move forward with the issue. He also reported that the time has come due on the condemned building owned by Beverly Adamson on Market Street. The next step will be to contact the Village Attorney William Shirk if the council wishes to move forward with the process.

Strike also reported that the computer for the squad will cost $1,499 and includes a docking station. The Mayor and Council said if the computer is needed, then it can be ordered. The body cameras for the department have also been ordered.

Remarks from Guests

Ronnie Church, president for the Lions Club, said the club looked at the damaged pavilion at Booth Park, since it was originally donated and maintained by the blub. Church said that when he joined in 1970, there were 20 members in the Lions Club. There are now 9 members in the Lions Club and only two who were active when the pavilion was first built.

Church said club members recently met and decided to ask the village to be responsible for maintaining the pavilion, since the club no longer has the help to maintain it. Village Clerk Jamie McIntire said the village has it covered under insurance, so it shouldn’t be an issue. Church said if needed, the Lions Club could try to get a grant to help with repair costs. If it gets to that point, the village will reach out and see what they can do to help.  

Unfinished Business

Around 14-15 appointments have been made for the lead service line inventory with MO-ST Plumbing since the last update. The council reviewed the lease agreement with the Tampico Men’s Club building at the base of the water tower, with McIntire providing a copy of the ordinance and renewal agreement that’s set to be approved at the next meeting. The required public notice has been published in the Sauk Valley newspaper.

New Business

The council was asked by Chriest to hire a part-time employee for the Public Works Department. He explained how Jordan Pierceson, who has experience with Prophetstown Public Works, helped after the storm clean-up. Chriest has other part-time employees, but another could fill in the gaps or help during situations such as the storm clean-up. The council voted to hire Pierceson as a part-time Public Works employee at $18.00 an hour, on an as-needed basis. They also voted to keep the closed minutes confidential.

Building Permits

There were no building permits needing approval at this time.

Communications

McIntire gave a reminder that the Village Hall will be closed on both Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th. On behalf of the village employees, she thanked Peltier for allowing them to have Friday off.

McIntire also reminded everyone that Saturday, July 6th will be the first garbage pickup with Midwest Disposal due to the July 4th holiday; otherwise, pickup will still be on Friday mornings. Residents must have their bins at the curb by 6 a.m. and the bins are only to be at the curb either the night before or the day of garbage pickup. Otherwise, per ordinance, they are to be placed by the residence when not pickup day. This helps with traffic and keeps the bins safe. Each residence is allowed one bulk item per week. McIntire also stated that the village doesn’t provide or charge garbage for businesses, and it’s up to the business owner to set that up with the company.

McIntire also reported that road work with prime and oil is scheduled to begin Monday, July 8th on South Joy Street, Ross Street, South Grove Street, and patching on East Second Street and South Fremont Street. The roads will be temporarily closed to give it a few hours to set.

The next regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council is scheduled for Tuesday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Reagan Community Center, 202 W. Second Street.