The Momence City Council on Nov. 2 unanimously approved a $7 increase on water bills throughout the city to help repay a loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency that the city used for water main repairs.
The council also approved $168,000 worth of economic development on Mechanic Street. The city will be responsible for $98,000 of that, and the remainder will be covered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The improvements are expected to include taking the mushroom cap off of Mechanic Street, widening the curbs and sidewalks, and improving the stormwater drains.
The city's aggressive patrolling for unused vehicles also came under scrutiny from citizens and aldermen alike. Michael Plein spoke up during the citizen forum and wanted to know why authorities had towed a trailer that was parked on his property. Alderman Jack Metz reported the trailer and police promptly served Plein a notice before towing his trailer. Later, in the council's executive session, Alderman Chuck Steele reported a similar incident that happened to his neighbor, who was given a $75 ticket instead of a warning, which Steele felt would have been more justified. Steele added he thought the ticketing and towing of vehicles left on private property was not a good way for the city to raise revenue.
In their executive session, council members approved pay increases for Superintendent Scott Behrends and City Collector Tina Demack.
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