Kankakee Times

City of Gilman City Council met March 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

The regular meeting of the city council was called to order by Mayor Theesfeld. Council responding to roll call were: McGehee aye, Voigt aye, Elliott aye, Kraft aye, Eimen aye, and Fancher aye. City Clerk Morris and Treasurer Johnson were also present.

Moved by McGeheeSeconded by Voigt

to approve the minutes from the regular meeting held on February 12, 2018. All aye.

Moved by ElliottSeconded by Fancher

to transfer $15,000.00 from the general fund to the road & bridge fund, and to transfer $1,000.00 from the general fund to sanitary sewer. All aye.

Moved by EimenSeconded by McGehee

to approve the bid of Kankakee Valley Construction Co. Inc. for $289,500.00 for the sanitary sewer screw pump replacement project. All aye. A brief discussion was had about the possibility of purchasing more than one screw pump since the bid was lower than expected. No decision was made.

Mayor Theesfeld advised of a collapsed manhole(s) now full of mud on the south end of town (past Schroeder Welding). Work on that problem will commence on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 by Iroquois Paving Corporation and the City. A sinkhole by a manhole apparently caused the collapse of the manhole.

Mayor Theesfeld also reported that various manhole covers were stolen from the west shed. Chief Anderson will advise local recycling centers of the theft in the event that the items are brought there.

Mayor Theesfeld advised that meetings have been scheduled for Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. for the Water & Sewer Committee, and the Street & Alley Committee.

Attorney Frank J. Simutis has filed a Demolition Complaint against Betty Theofield, et al for the property at 311 N. Central Street. Since the State has a lien on the property, the State must be served with Summons as well and is allowed 60 days after the date of service of the Summons to respond, rather than the usual 30 days.

The council was advised that water shut-off notices are being sent monthly to customers who have past-due accounts with balances over $100.00, and a brief discussion was had regarding the sums owed to the City by Gilman Health Care.

Alderman Eimen discussed the Police Committee meeting held on February 21, 2018. At that meeting, the purchase of a Ford Interceptor for $28,400.00 from Watseka Ford was approved, but thereafter Chief Anderson was advised that the estimate/bid previously provided did not include the police package equipment, which will add to the cost. A police vehicle may be $32,000 - $35,000 with the police package, and a brief discussion was held regarding what is included in that package. That purchase is now on hold until State bids are received from other dealerships. Once that information is received, it will be provided to the council. Alderman Eimen advised the council that a candidate for a part-time police officer went on a ride along recently and may accept the position, which would be utilized as needed.

Moved by EimenSeconded by Kraft

to approve a raise of $1.00 per hour for Chief Jason Anderson, making his rate $22.50 per hour, and to approve a raise of $.50 per hour for Officer Brian Norton, making his rate $19.00 per hour, effective for the two-week pay period ending March 15, 2018, which is paid on March 21, 2018. The rate of $15.00 per hour for part-time officers will remain the same. All aye.

A discussion was had regarding the proposal of M & L Lawn Care Inc. for treatment of the City’s Ash trees with a drench and also an injection. If they are treated and survive this year, they will need to continue to be treated in the future. M & L’s bid for fertilizer and weed control on the former Kuipers’ Sales property was also discussed. It was decided not to proceed with further treatment of the Ash trees, but to have M & L fertilize the lawn on the former Kuipers’ Sales property owned by the City. Alderman Kraft also mentioned that the City should fertilize the trees on that property.

Alderman Voigt had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Elliott had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Fancher had nothing to discuss.

Alderman McGehee had nothing to discuss.

Alderman Kraft had nothing to discuss but mentioned there are several large potholes around town that need to be filled.

Alderman Eimen advised that he will contact Tholens about installing the water bags on the new trees planted last fall.

Moved by FancherSeconded by Voigt

to approve the bills as they were presented. All aye.

Moved by McGeheeSeconded by Voigt

to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:15 p.m. All aye.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RTNA4hS7P_4xHt_5AlSBWLgSWu-EtOE4