Rock Island Today

City of Colona Public Works Committee met July 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

Call to Order: 5:01 p.m.

Roll Call: Aldermen Feliksiak, Jones answered present. Alderman Swemline joined the meeting at 5:40 p.m.

Staff Present: R. Crew Public Works Director J. Nicewanner CSFP B. Winegar City Clerk

Also Present: Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, 618 Mineral Creek Drive

Public Comments: None

1. Public Works Director Crew informed the committee the residents of 618 and 622 Mineral Creek are interested in acquiring some of outlot E next to their properties. He also said that the lot is on the back side of the properties and is unbuildable. He checked with our Civil Engineer who would not recommend giving up property that contains City infrastructure. There is a storm sewer running through that area. He then asked Mr. and Mrs. Jackson for their comments. Mr. Jackson stated he and his neighbor are interested in taking over a 20 foot easement because they are afraid the lot will be filled in and sold. Mr. Crew responded that he does not see that happening because of the amount of fill and time it would take to make it so that someone could build on it. Mr. Jackson also stated that he was aware the City sold a portion of another outlot to a neighbor. Mr. Crew responded that he was sold a 30-45 foot wide, pie shaped portion which does not have infrastructure running through it. The storm sewer on that lot is all the way to the East. The committee told the Jackson’s that they and their neighbor can maintain the property as they wish. Mr. Jackson then informed the committee of a couple of dead trees he was concerned may fall and cause some damage. Mr. Crew will look at the trees.

2. Mr. Crew told the committee that several years ago the City and Mr. Ballegeer traded some land located at the end of 9th Street for the City to build some ball diamonds. The City could not build the diamonds and now Mr. Ballegeer would like to purchase the property back for $1K per acre. There is approximately 4.3 acres. Mr. Ballegeer wishes to use the property for pasture. Mr. Crew did some research and prime farmland is selling from $2k to $2.2K per acre. The committee agreed that this should be brought to council to pursue the issue.

3. Ms. Winegar addressed the issue of the multi-unit homes in the City that have only one water shut-off valve. Mrs. Palmer would like to revise the City ordinance to make the owner responsible for the water bill with no duplicate copies going to tenants. The committee agreed to Mrs. Palmer revising the ordinance including all multi-plex homes in the City. The revised ordinance will be brought back to the committee when completed.

4. Mr. Crew advised the committee that the East 1well pump was struck by lightning. Hoyle Well & Pump pulled the parts and found that pump was burned out. They ordered the new pump. In pulling the pump, they found that the pipe was broken. This will not be a cheap fix; however, it needs to be done and it will be completely new. The insurance has been notified and hopefully will cover the bulk of the cost. All the parts are in and Hoyle will be replacing them tomorrow.

5. Mr. Crew would like all the fence information put in one ordinance. Currently part of the information is in the code book and some in the zoning book. Since a number of residents go online to look for the information, he would like all of it in the code book. The committee is going to look over all the information and put together an ordinance.

6. Mr. Crew advised that there has not been an update since 1997 on the ordinance for bringing in a new mobile home into a park. We also would like to assess a $125.00 fee for moving a new home into a park. The building inspector needs to go out and make sure the home is installed securely. He is also concerned that currently the code says no home older than 1967 may be brought in to a park. He feels the date should be changed to a more current date.

7. The City still has not received the easement from 206 Briargate. The paving work is scheduled to begin September 25. Rick will be calling the resident again. Alderman Swemline instructed Rick to call the resident and give him until July 24th to reply. If he does not, this project will be cancelled for this year.

8. Rick will be on vacation July 17-21, 2017. Chris Lenth will be acting Public Works Director.

9. The City’s new red, Ford, F250 with plow has been delivered and is at the sewer treatment plant.

10. There have recently been questions about who owns the property in front of the Pizza Hut and Office Express. The City vacated 30 feet of property in the early 80’s to the building owner. Mr. Crew was approached one night at the gas station by a lady who said she fell into a hole in front of Pizza Hut. He informed the lady that it was not City property. He informed her that the building owner owned the property. He informed the property owner of the incident and explained to her that the City had filled the holes as a courtesy. She responded that if it was her property, she would take care of it. She has had barriers put up on the road.

Colona Scott Family Park

1. Janelle Nicewanner will become the new park manager effective July 10, 2017.

2. The sprinkler has been added to the pond. Cost was a little under what was estimated.

3. The park rangers have done a great job filling in during the period without a park manager.

Meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m.

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