Harrisburg City Council met Thursday, Dec. 1.
Harrisburg’s City Council is the Legislative Branch of city government. The City Council consists of seven members who are elected at large. The City Council President is elected by the Council members and presides over the Council meetings. In the event of illness or absence, the Vice-President presides over the meetings.
Here are the minutes as provided by Harrisburg:
Harrisburg City Council Meeting Council Room, City Hall Harrisburg, Illinois Regular Meeting December 1, 2016 6:00 PM
The Harrisburg City Council met on December 1, 2016 at 6:00 pm in the Council Room of City Hall Harrisburg, Illinois.
Mayor Pro-Tem John McPeek presided over the meeting with Commissioners Natalie Miller, Beth Montfort and Richard Harper answering roll call. Mayor Dale Fowler was absent.
Pastor Biff Moore from the First Christian Church led the group in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Montfort made a motion to approve the following items under Consent Agenda:
1. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of November 17, 2016. 2. Check Register and Warrant Report for the month of November 2016. 3. Bill from Brown & Roberts for West Harrisburg Pumping Station Grating Work C & I in the amount of $6,507.75. Approved 11/17/16, approved now for DRA grant. 4. Bill from Brown & Roberts for 2016 MFT Engineering in the amount of $10,589.20 to be taken out of MFT. 5. Bill from Brown & Roberts for Skuta Construction for the Dorrisville Watermain in the amount of $18,841.83 to be taken out of IEPA loan. 6. Bill from Compass Minerals for salt in the amount of $18,888.57 to be taken out of MFT. Commissioner Harper seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried.
Jim Brown of Brown & Roberts referred to the November 18 letter in the packets from IEMA regarding the potential dry impoundment project east of Harrisburg on the Hart property. He explained that the City had received a 100% grant for the design and environmental signoffs which is substantially complete. The next portion is the actual construction of the over $1 million project. Originally, FEMA was going to put in 75% of the project and the State was going to put in 25% with a universal grant. As of now, the State has suspended those funds because of the lack of a budget. Brown suggested proceeding with the project by making application until “D-Day” comes before deciding whether or not to back out. Commissioner Harper moved to proceed with the application. Commissioner Miller seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPeek stated that Attorney Todd Bittle was not present but Commissioner Harper had information regarding the municipal liens and there would not be an Executive Session. Commissioner Harper stated there were 37 pieces of property with about 400 liens totaling around $85,000.00. Some of properties have been sold and some have been sold by the County for taxes which meant the City had lost that money. He was asking Council to give him and Commissioner Miller the authority to work with Attorney Bittle to determine which liens could be pursued and clean up the list. Commissioner Montfort moved to give Commissioners Harper and Miller the authority to work with Attorney Bittle to review and proceed, where possible, with outstanding liens. Commissioner Miller seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried. Commissioner Harper stated the hope was to get things lined out before the mowing season began.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPeek asked Treasurer Linda George to address the proposed Tax Levy Estimate. Treasurer George stated she had given each member a copy of the 2017/2018 Estimate Tax Levy that would be filed with the County Clerk before the last Tuesday of December. She stated the levy was in compliance with the Truth in Taxation law and it did not exceed the previous levy by more than 105%. It was an estimated amount for each category because she had not yet received the actuarial information for the Police and Fire pension funds from the Department of Insurance. She stated the exact amount for those items must be an accurate figure but the others could be adjusted so the total to be levied is $1,757,722.00. Mayor Pro-Tem McPeek moved to approve the 2017/2018 Estimated Tax Levy in the amount of $1,757,622.00. Commissioner Harper seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPeek stated the Estimated Tax Levy would be available for viewing in the City Clerk’s office.
Someone from the audience asked what last year’s levy was and Treasurer George stated it was $1,673,926.00.
Treasurer George stated she had met with Jack Abbott and had received good news in regards to the City’s medical insurance. The changes were going from 38 singles to 35 singles and some new additions had added dependents. The change from last year to this year was an increase on 1/2%
Commissioner Montfort stated there would be a Merit Board meeting on Monday at 4:00.
Commissioner Montfort reminded everyone of the Lights Parade on December 8 with the Chamber providing caroling, hot chocolate and light bracelets prior to the parade at the City courtyard. At the end of the Parade, the Lions Club will have gifts, treats and pictures with Santa. There will be a decorating contest along the parade route for residences and businesses. The Lions Club is working on providing a live nativity.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPeek reminded the public about the Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas tree at the Museum on December 6 at 6:00 pm and the Country Christmas in the City Hall Auditorium on December 16.
Commissioner Harper thanked Child of Mine for providing, at no charge, the bow for the Christmas tree in the auditorium.
Mayor Miller moved to adjourn. Commissioner Montfort seconded. By roll call vote, all voted yes. Motion carried.
Adjourned: 6:14 pm
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