Sarah Ford, AP Staff
The Public Works Department is asking Prophetstown residents to conserve water for the time being, especially on irrigation and outdoor watering, following discussions at the regular council meeting on Tuesday, June 13.
Public Works Director, Brian Strike said typical use is 140-180,000 gallons per day, but recent numbers are at 250-300,000 gallons per day. “The filters can’t do the work,” he said, especially while the new water plant is under construction on top of increasing drought conditions. If residents can limit their daily irrigation or outdoor watering and “consume less,” it would ease the strain on the system.
Other action items at the meeting included approval of a new roof on City Hall at a cost of $16,500. Only one bid by Full Spectrum was received, and work will include coating the front and back of the building to deal with leaky spots and get ahead of any mold issues. The last time the roof was replaced was estimated at over 25 years ago. The work will include a polyurea coating on the non-metal parts of the roof, with the total cost also including a 10-year warranty. The council also approved a $13,190 bid by Helm to pave the alley at 210 W. 3rd St., behind the library, with Public Works doing the prep and grade work and Helm doing the paving.
Items on the agenda tabled until the next meeting were action on the Halpin property that the council is negotiating for on the west side of the city, repairs to Walnut and Short Streets, and TIF District extension, though discussions are ongoing for these items.
The council also tabled a vote on purchasing a new software program for City Hill, though there was a 30-minute remote presentation by a representative of gWorks. The cloud-based integrated system would handle all village accounting, bill payments and financial reports, and offer a mass-text residential alert system. The system would be customized and formatted for Prophetstown, with a one-time implementation fee of $32,009 and an estimated $14,000 annual fee. “It’s something to think about between now and next month,” said Mayor Steve Swanson.
An ordinance to change the distance for food vendors to sell 100 feet from Main Street to 25 feet will be on the agenda next month, plus a Noise Ordinance currently in draft form. The council also needs to pass an investment policy, said City Attorney Tim Zollinger, since it was recommended after the last audit. The standard policy will determine the “control and use of funds and how to hold or invest,” which the city is required to have. It will also specify limitations, who makes decisions, reports, and filings.
The council approved a resolution to start the annexation process of the Rock River Grain facility on Lyndon Road. The matter will now go to the Planning Commission for further discussion.
Approval was given to change the ordinance relating to the routes for golf carts, UTVs, and side-by-sides. Operators will now be allowed to drive their vehicles on Third St. (Star Rd.) due to the reduction in the speed limit.
The council also heard from resident Linda Copeland regarding concerns for what she called a “commercial junkyard” in a residential neighborhood of Riverside Dr. and Lafayette St. She strongly urged the council to take action on the “all night noise” emanating from the property, with Alderman Greg Schmitt confirming the ongoing nightly disturbances. Police Chief Bruce Franks said the homeowner and renter have been given the allotted amount of time to remove junk items, with Zollinger adding that it’s been “filed and pursued,” though there was discussion on whether these are noise or zoning violations.
Department Reports
Strike was commended for being chosen for the board of the Illinois Rural Water Association (IRWA). A request to close Lafayette St. to the alley for a Vacation Bible School Walkathon at the Methodist Church was approved. Streetscape is planned for Friday, June 30, with W. Riverside Dr. in front of the high school to be closed during the annual activity and a 5K run will be held later that evening. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament will also be taking place in the high school parking lot on Saturday, July 1st.
Police Chief Bruce Franks, who’s set to retire in February 2024, said the department is still down two officers and he’d like to get the ball moving and hire two more. The council previously approved hiring two officers but both candidates were unable to meet the requirements. Franks will work with the newly formed Sauk Valley Police Academy.
Library Board Member, Beth Jacobs reported that the library has 15-20 kids regularly attending craft hours, and 60 participants are signed up for the Summer Reading Program. A local author will be at the library on July 6 at 3 p.m. to discuss his book. Bids on a new elevator are in the works. The board did find an elevator that fits the existing space and received a $10,000 ADA grant from the State of Illinois for the “continuing saga” of the non-working elevator.
Complete Dept. Reports
Swanson reported that he met with representatives of the Moore Foundation to seeking financial assistance with acquiring the Halpin property and asked for $30,000. Treasurer Eileen Detra said she’d just received documentation that the city will receive $35,000 to help with purchase and engineering costs. The Foundation also gave $10,000 to the City for their annual sidewalk fund contribution.
The council also noted a few trouble spots on Washington St. sidewalks and ramps and requested that Willett, Hofmann & Associates engineers look at those areas the next time they’re in town.
Approved Building Permits
Kyle Foster, 300 E 3rd St Deck/Steps – $3,500
Ah-ha Enterprises Inc., 911 Washington St, Deck/Roof – $15,000
Kim Meyers, 107 Birch St Roof – $5,500
Chad Gerlach, 321 East Ave Pool Deck – $4,999.95
The next council meeting will be on Tuesday, July 11 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
