City of Keithsburg Council met July 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
Pledge of Allegiance
Alderman Physically Present: Gary Fues, Bill Pinger, Ronnie Brock, and Don Truitt. Donnie Cox and Lisa Wessels were absent. Also Present: Treasurer-Cindy Diehl, Clerk-Terri Gibson, Streets-George Lyle, City Attorney-Marcum Spears, Campground Host-Carolyn Wuerzburger; WS Operator-William Pinger, Jr and Dave Maynard.
MSA Grant Updates: Steve Haring was present and gave the following updates
Wetland Mitigation: High water has postponed the project at this time.
Storm Sewer: Valley Construction will start at the end of this month. Still waiting on one permit, but it will not stop the project there. If the permit is not acquired, we may have to make some changes.
• Water Tower: The transfer switch has been added, but the generator is not grant eligible. Steve will find out what size generator is needed. Painters will be here anytime. The welds on the water tower have been tested and are all good. Ronnie asked that they repair the sidewalk they tore up.
Old Business:
• Water and Sewer Ordinances: Marcum had reviewed both ordinances. George had suggested revising Section 9 of the water ordinance pertaining to new connections. Marcum suggested adding “the applicant should be responsible from curb stop/shut off valve to the main”. Gary made motion to accept with the revision; Ronnie seconded. Motion carried with all “yes” votes.
• Nuisance and Dangerous Building Issues: Marcum explained the following procedures on how to clean up some ongoing issues. Don asked, “what we could do to cleanup several neglected properties that need to be demolished”? Marcum explained we must first determine by ordinance or state statute that the building is unsafe, then post it on the property, serve the owner giving them 15 days to rectify or we would file a lawsuit for demolition. It is a matter of cost if they do not rectify the situation. If the city would have a property demolished, we would file a lien on the property. We would go out for bids on the demolition which is very expensive. The city would then foreclose on the lien, which will cost about $4,000 and sometimes the taxes don’t get paid and the county puts the property up for bid and the city would not receive any of funds from the lien. He also explained that when that situation happens in the City of Monmouth they normally bid on the property, so they can acquire the property. The entire process is a real pain and can cost anywhere from $10,000-$15,000. In Monmouth they have a list called zombie houses and they budget to demolish 4 a year. Ronnie asked, “how to force residents to clean up their yards and mow”? Marcum explained we must issue them a letter explaining the problem and give them seven (7) days to abate or they will be issued a citation, if they don’t pay then we file a complaint for them not paying the fine. The judge would give the city authorization to clean it up. Unless it is an emergency we cannot enter their property. He also explained someone must take on the responsibility to follow through with the ordinance. He also suggested taking pictures at the time we give notice and in (7) seven days take pictures again, then issue a citation. Ronnie explained that they are moving stuff around. Marcum suggested notifying residents that they are junking is not a permitted use in the residential district, therefore they are in violation of the zoning ordinance ($750 fine). He suggested following through with a few of them even though it is frustrating and filing a lien on the properties. Ronnie suggested contacting Jackson’s and get a dumpster, then go around town and help people clean up their properties versus lawyer fees. Gary agreed but the problem would be for every item we remove they will bring back more. Marcum explained we cannot give a citation without giving them a warning. We also must have an itemized list of the items that need abated along with pictures. Bill asked, “who has the authority to declare a building dangerous”? Marcum explained the city would designate someone such as the zoning officer, mayor, or police officer. He also explained that tax buyers don’t ask for a deed certificate in error, and if there is an issue the property defaults back to the county trustee and they take minimum bids. If someone is issued a citation and doesn’t pay by the due date Marcum suggested sending them a certified letter explaining if the citation isn’t paid with 14 days, it will be turned over to the city attorney.
• Zoning Ordinance Violation Ticket: Last month the council wanted a ticket issued for violating the recreational trailers in residential district. Terri explained the ticket was issued and the owner was fined $750.00 in which the due date is July 11, 2018. The homeowner has removed the additional campers from his property, therefore he is now in compliance. In the past the city council has forgiven the citation if they comply prior to the due date of the fine. The purpose in writing citations is to make everyone comply with the ordinances, not to make money from fines. The council agreed to forgive the first citation if they comply prior to the due date, however there are no second chances if a second violation is ever issued they must pay the fine.
• Police Contract with New Boston: Mayor Henshaw explained he has been talking with the Mayor of the City of New Boston and they would like the council to give them jurisdictional rights for now at no charge. After one month we would reevaluate how many hours our police officers are available to work and determine whether to sign a contract with the City of New Boston for police protection. However, until a paid contract is signed they will not be answering calls. Gary made a motion to approve signing a contract giving them jurisdictional rights, Bill seconded. Motion carried with all “yes” votes.
Public Comments:
• Bubby Tippie was present and explained after listening to the city attorney he agreed with Ronnie that we should offer to help the residents cleanup their properties, due to the costs of the other options. Gary mentioned after we help clean up the properties they will probably just haul more back in.
1. Motion to accept the minutes from prior meeting: Gary made motion to accept; Bill seconded. Motion carried with all “yes” votes.
2. Motion to accept the cash receipts: Bill made motion to accept; Gary seconded. Motion carried with all “yes”
votes.
3. Motion to accept the cash disbursements: Gary made motion to accept; Ronnie seconded. Motion carried with all “yes” votes.
4. Water and Sewer
5. Streets and Sidewalks
6. Fire Department
Clarence Howard explained they had a benefit this year and it was very productive. He also explained a few more people have joined the department, but they would like to have a few more. The fire department would like permission to start a Junior Fire Department which is a 2-year program for 16-18 years old’s who could go on first responders and fire calls but can’t do anything, they must stay with the vehicle. They would not be allowed to enter any homes or drive any vehicles. They have rules to follow, Hal Jern from the Oquawka fire department has started the program to help get younger individuals interested. Ronnie was concerned whether our insurance company would allow this. Terri will follow up with the insurance company.
7. Police
8. Campground
• Golf Cart and push mower up for bid. The golf cart is inoperable. Marcum explained we could simply post it on the city website and at city hall. Bill made motion to put them up for bid “as is”; Ronnie seconded. Motion carried with all “yes” votes. Bids will be due by noon on August 9, 2018.
• Looser-Flake Foundation Funds - Jan Occhi has been attending the meetings with Mercer County Better Together and has put the city in for developing the new campground area on the north side of 4th & Jefferson (on top of the hill). She needs an estimate of costs prior to August 2, 2018.
• Carolyn asked if the Fire Department would come and clean off the road before they open the gates. Jeremy explained they will try.
9. Zoning
10. Resolutions and Ordinances
11. Other Business
• Animal Control Contract $200.97 per month (population of 609 @.33 each) Gary made motion to accept; Bill seconded. Motion carried with all “yes” votes.
Gary made motion to adjourn, Bill seconded, accepted by all.
Time: 8:42 pm
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