Rock Island Today

City of Mt. Sterling Council met Aug. 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Mayor Charles “Skip” Lee called a meeting of the Sterling City Council to order at 6:30 pm on Monday, August 7, 2017. Roll call. Present: Aldermen Bob Conklin, Retha Elston, John Stauter, and Jim Wise. Absent: Aldermen Joe Martin and Christine Wilen.

Also present were City Attorney Tim Zollinger, City Management Intern Madison Hans, Finance Director Cindy Von Holten, Superintendent of Building and Zoning Amanda Schmidt, Superintendent of Public Works Brad Schrader, Fire Chief Gary Cook, Police Deputy Chief Alex Chavira, and City Clerk Marie Rombouts.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

There were no communications from Visitors.

Alderman Elston made a motion to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:

A) Minutes from July 17, 2017

B) Bills and Payroll totaling $1,328,114.37

C) Partial Pay Request #3 for the 2016/2017 Street Project in the amount of $65,587.65 to Civil Constructors Inc.

D) Partial Pay Request #4 for ADA Intersections at First Avenue/Third Street, First Avenue/Fourth Street and Locust/Sixth Street in the amount of $20,754.44 to Civil Constructors Inc.

E) Partial Pay Request #1 for East 16th Street to Twin City Construction in the amount of $22,959.53

F) Resolution #2017-7-13 to Close Streets for the Bridge the Community Run and Fiesta Parade (revised)

G) Resolution #R2017-07-14 to Close Fourth Street for Taste of Fiesta (revised)

H) Resolution #R2017-08-16 Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Police Department Property

I) Resolution #R2017-08-17 Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Public Works Property

J) Petition from Sterling Fire Department to hold a bucket brigade on August 26, 2017 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association

K) Final Pay Request/Retainage Release – Riverfront IGIG work in the amount of $31,495.76 to Martin & Company Excavating The motion was seconded by Alderman Stauter. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Stauter, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.

Alderman Elston made a motion to approve Mayor Lee’s recommendation to appoint Craig Froeter to the Sterling Industrial Development Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2022; seconded by Alderman Conklin. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Stauter, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.

Alderman Stauter made a motion to approve Mayor Lee’s recommendation to appoint Jamie Schwingle and Richard Linville to the Plan Commission with terms to expire August 7, 2020; seconded by Alderman Elston. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Stauter, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.

Alderman Elston made a motion to award the bid for ADA Sidewalk Improvements at Route 40/Third Street, Route 40/Fourth Street, and Route 40/Fifth Street and the alley in the Route 40 right-of-way on Second Street, between Locust and First Avenue; seconded by Alderman Conklin. Alderman Stauter asked if the contractor can refrain from tearing up all four corners of an intersection at one time. Voting: Ayes – Aldermen Conklin, Elston, Stauter, and Wise. Nayes – None. Motion carried.

Superintendent Schmidt reported that demolition bids are due this week and work will begin soon.

Director Von Holten reported the bond issue rate is 3.33%, which is lower than expected. We will be closing on the bonds Thursday.

Alderman Stauter complimented the City on their hot dog day on Friday. Stauter asked how many mowing contracts the City has. Superintendent Schmidt stated that Gaumer was awarded the bid for mowing City properties and overgrown properties; Dirks does the parks and medians; and Distinctive Gardens does Library Plaza.

Alderman Elston expressed condolences to the Mayor on the loss of his mother and wished Chris Wilen a speedy recovery following her hip replacement. Elston encouraged everyone to enjoy the last movie Tuesday night and the last concert on Wednesday night. Elston indicated she has a local resident that has kept her informed on happenings in her neighborhood. She recently donated money for the gazebo to be re-stained. Elston would love to see more citizens like this.

Alderman Conklin was happy to see progress to the south of the Coliseum. The foundations are coming out. Conklin asked if quarterly meetings could be arranged with the Greater Sterling Development Corporation and Main Street to brainstorm. Mayor Lee stated those organizations would be very open to that.

Mayor Lee wished Chris Wilen a speedy recovery. Lee stated he will be presenting a certificate to Diane Ausman at the Wednesday concert for the years that she has served on the Band Commission. Lee wished Manager Shumard luck with his camping adventures and his seven year old daughter. Lee reported that hot dog day was well received. Lee reported a good meeting with the 911 board. The new dispatch center is running smoothly. Lee thanked the Council and staff for their well wishes upon the loss of his mother.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 6:47 pm.

http://www.sterling-il.gov/docs/meetings/minutes/cc080717.pdf