The snowstorms, blizzard, and wind chill warnings brought school, business, and church closures, impacted travel with slick roads, delayed garbage pick-up and mail deliveries, and postponed a sesquicentennial planning meeting. The winter weather also brought neighbors together to shovel sidewalks, plow driveways, share information, and ensure everyone made it through the worst of the storms safely.
Public Works Superintendent Tyler Chriest reported “a few struggles” after two consecutive snowstorms dumped over a foot of snow, followed by strong winds that caused major drifting. Some of the trucks struggled to keep up with the heavy snow, and there were some mechanical issues with the tractor. Chriest said he contacted Martin & Company to help with the issues and after it’s repaired, crews will be able to haul off more snow piles from around town.
The council commended the public works crew for doing a great job with the plowing, especially in the sub-zero temperatures. Chriest credited Mayor Bruce Peltier, Rick Dean, and Public Works employees Steve and Kelly for getting the streets cleared as fast as possible. He said the new salt shed worked well and helped saved a lot of time. Crews were able to use the new diesel barrel for fuel, but the gas barrel hasn’t been filled yet.
Village Clerk Jamie McIntire said garbage pick-up would take place Saturday, January 20 due to issues with the weather and cold temperatures. Residents were notified that they could put out extra garbage they’ve accumulated during this time.
Blizzard-like conditions on Saturday, January 13.
New Business
The council approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of a 2011 Crown Vic Police Squad in “as is” condition. Open bids can be turned into Village Hall by Friday, February 16. McIntire said the vehicle can’t be sold to a village employee or elected/appointed member of the village, but it can be sold to a family member, if they have the highest bid.
Commissioners reviewed and approved the contract with Whiteside County Animal Control. McIntire said there’s a price increase after many years of the same rate. The contract is for three years, per usual, but instead of an annual payment of $1,500, the rate will now be $1,650 for the first year, $1,800 for the second, and $1,950 for the third.
The council next reviewed and approved a permit to Jeff and Dee Hinton for installation of a high tunnel/ greenhouse structure at Lots 10-11 on N. Washington St. and Lot 12 on W. Second St. Village Attorney Bill Shirk said agriculture is permitted in residential areas, so rezoning is unnecessary. The Hintons said the greenhouse will be removed during the winter season and stored off-site, then put back up in the spring.
Next the council reviewed the “List of Persons Required to File a Statement of Economic Interest” that will be provided to all those running for public office. McIntire said it’s mandatory to fill out and turn in, and the Whiteside County Clerk will be mailing them out. The council also approved a resolution regarding “Confidentiality or Release of Closed Meeting Minutes from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023” and voted to keep those minutes confidential.
Peltier said he was asked if there’s a way for residents to receive notices without using the internet. McIntire said there’s a text alert program through Sauk Valley that residents can sign up for, and information and instructions are available in the office for anyone who wants to sign up. Residents can also call Village Hall during office hours with any questions.
McIntire also reported that budget sheets will be distributed to the mayor and council at the next meeting so they can start the process and get the appropriation ordinance completed sooner than usual, per the auditor’s instructions. She reminded the council that the village employee holiday party was rescheduled to Friday, January 19 at Harvest Bakery in Erie.
Remarks from Guests
Bill Leftwich, a recreation manager from Sterling, asked about possibly renting the Reagan Community Center gym for basketball leagues. He’s been running leagues for the past 44 years and is looking for a new facility after changes to their prior location.
Leftwich said that in addition to the full court gym, he would bring in portable baskets for side courts so more teams can play at once. The league would take place on Sundays either from 2:30-7 p.m. or 1-7 p.m. He typically has 3 – 8 team leagues, with fall leagues held between Halloween and Christmas, winter leagues February through April, and a summer league in early June to mid-August.
Peltier said the council will need to discuss the proposal further since the community uses the gym for birthday and holiday parties. Leftwich said he’d be open to whatever rent they propose, since the league is funded by charging each player a certain price.
Jennifer Butts, owner of Sweet Butts Cotton Candy with a location on Main Street in the works, inquired about a possible TIF District for Tampico. Butts said it would be very beneficial for businesses and she’d be willing to help with the process. Peltier said he’d reach out to the County Enterprise Zone since they speak about TIF Districts at their quarterly meetings, and there’s a meeting coming up soon.
The next regular meeting of the Tampico Village Council is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6 at 7 p.m. in the Reagan Community Center, 202 W. Second Street.
Snow is piled high at Prophetstown High School.
