City of Keithsburg City Council met July 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Henshaw opened the Meeting at 6:30 PM
Pledge of Allegiance
Alderman Physically Present: Bill Pinger, Jan Occhi, Donnie Cox, Tom Litwiler, Ronnie Brock, and Don Truitt
Others present: Cindy Diehl, Treasurer; Kelly Parker, Clerk; and Thomas Bennett, Police.
MSA Grant Project Updates: None
Public Comments: Roy Lenover addressed the council on harassment and stalking from the campground host. John Lenover addressed the council on harassment of campground host. John has moved campsites to distance himself from the host and it has not helped. Becky Tippie has been contacted over the same issues at the campground. Charlie Brown addressed the council regarding the campers set up on individual lots in town and inquired about who with the city tracks the 14 days a year limit.
Shaun Tippie addressed the council on the OSLAD project. They are ready to start next week on the project. Ameren will set transformer in two weeks. He also inquired about the mowing on the north side of Jackson Street. Allen said H & H is responsible for the area for the duration of the contract, they will be contacted. He brought up the 4th Street issue again and Allen said this is being reviewed by the engineers.
Melonie McLaughlin asked the council about the maintenance of trees on the front levy and who is responsible for Pope Creek. Allen informed her the city is responsible for the trees and either DNR or the Corp of Engineers would be responsible for Pope Creek. He will contact DNR about the debris in the creek.
1. Minutes from last month’s meeting: Bill made a motion to approve minutes, Donnie seconded. Motion carried with all “Yes” votes.
2. Cash Receipts: Jan made a motion to approve, Bill seconded. Motion carried with all “Yes” votes.
3. Cash Disbursements: Ronnie made a motion to approve, Jan seconded. Motion carried with all “Yes” votes.
4. Water and Sewer
• Total gallons pumped 1,890,000 with an average of 63,000
• Billy Pinger has been working on the outside of the building. Power washing has been done as well as one coat of paint. He will be doing another coat of paint and addressing issues on the inside of building. Drywall may need to be replaced and floor will need attention.
• There have been no issues with wastewater. During high usage of water in summer months can cause more brown water for areas of the city.
• A leak was found on Jackson Street and will be fixed. Area has been located and will be started next week.
5. Streets and Sidewalks
• Kilgan Property Solution submitted a bid for $9,500 to remove two trees and trim and clean up all overgrowth.
The project will take 4-5 days. Jan made a motion to accept the estimate of $9,500, Bill seconded. Motion carried with all “Yes” votes. Donnie will contact company.
6. Fire Department
• Repairs on primer pump for the new firetruck were completed by Logan Hudson. Ambulance has an air conditioner leak that will need to be repaired, and truck 2 is being repaired at this time. Members need to check trucks over regularly to avoid costly repairs.
• Supplies are all expiring that are on the ambulance. These will all need to be replaced. The picnic tables need to be sealed. The city will buy the sealer and members of the fire department will apply seal. Air packs that were approved previously will not be purchased due to issue with the mask portion. Jeremy is looking into other options.
• Fish and Chicken Fundraiser has been cancelled.
7. Police
• Thomas Bennet was introduced as a new officer.
8. Campground
• Ronnie made a motion to pay camp host $100 to do mowing and weed eating, Donnie seconded. Motion carried
with all “Yes” votes. Camp host did not accept the amount and suggested at least $150 monthly. Jan made a motion to resend the $100 motion, Ronnie seconded. Motion carried with 5 “Yes” and 1 “No”. Jan made a motion to pay host an additional $150 monthly for mowing and weed eating, Ronnie seconded. Motion carried with 5 “Yes” and 1 “No” vote.
• Kenny Tharp asked if the city would allow him to place an ice machine at campground. Ronnie made a motion to allow ice machine and charge $150 per year, Jan seconded. Motion carried with all “Yes” votes.
• Nila addressed the issue of campers being placed being parked too far back against the bluff. Tom Litwiler accompanied her when asking them to be moved. Campers were moved back to the correct area. Nila also addressed issues with Lenover’s. Children are constantly on the playground equipment which was closed due to COVID-19. Several issues were addressed for fireworks, loud music, and cursing at her. Law Enforcement had been called for loud music and Mercer County Sherriff’s Office responded.
Thomas Bennett was the officer dispatched and reported he talked to campers involved and one admitted to calling her a fowl name. He spoke to other campers and they told him that the music was not that loud. After speaking with Allen, Thomas told the campers that they would be given one more chance and if officers had to return for another complaint they would be asked to leave.
9. Zoning
• Information from the attorney given to all members on procedures to have property condemned. Jan made a motion to work with the City Attorney to get the trailer on Main Street Condemned and removed, Bill seconded.
Motion carried with all “Yes” votes.
• Properties with high weeds and inoperable vehicles was discussed. Individual that owns property has been called
if no action is taken a letter will be sent and tickets can be issued.
10. Resolutions and Ordinances
• None
11. Other Business
• Mark Bieri addressed the council on the idea of having a county sticker for utility vehicles. This would bring revenue to the county and cities. He is asking for support to present to the Mercer County Board at their next meeting.
• Bill made a motion to go into closed session, Ronnie seconded. Motion carried with all “Yes” votes.
• Bill made a motion to hire Skyler Flowers as the full-time maintenance employee at $17 per hour with a 90-day probationary period, Ronnie seconded. Motion carried with all “Yes” votes.
• Council discussed campground host only going to sites during daylight hours. If issues arise law enforcement will be called. Evidence (video, pictures, etc.) is important to have for complaints. Nila was asked if she was willing to stay on as Host. She informed Allen that she would get back to him as soon as possible on the issue.
12. Donnie made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Ronnie seconded. Motion carried with all “Yes” votes.
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