The Minonk City Council was given a first reading on two ordinances to make amendments to the city code. The first amendment would bring the City into compliance with the latest changes to the Family Medical Leave Act(FMLA) policies. Most of the changes involve updates to benefits for service personnel. The other ordinance would correct for typos and clerical errors in the city code.
Public Comments
Minonk resident Larry Hill asked why the ordinances discussed in the council meetings are not read so the public would know what was in the ordinances. Mayor Bil Koos said the ordinances can be published in the media if the media so chooses. Also, residents can contact the Mayor or council members to get a full description of the ordinances being discussed.
City Council Comments
Alderman Corey Ruestman asked if the city is being reimbursed for mowing the lawns of the condemned houses torn down this summer. City Administrator Doug Elder said the City is not being reimbursed for mowing the lawns but wanted to keep the properties from being unkempt until they can be sold. Ruestman wanted to know if the city can increase its lien on the property in order to recover the cost of the mowing to which the City Administrator said it would cost more to increase the lien than what it would cost to mow the lawns. Ruestman felt that the tax payers shouldn't be paying for mowing the lawn of condemned property.
Alderman Larry Fortner thanked the volunteers who put on the Fourth of July celebration.
Alderwoman Julie Redenius said the owner of the property on Walnut Street which has the huge dead elm tree got a bid of $700 to remove the tree. The owners can't afford to take it down now but may do it later.
City Administrator Comments
City Administrator Doug Elder said this was his first Minonk Fourth of July celebration and said it takes a tremendous effort to conduct such an event. He thanked the Fourth of July Committee for their efforts and gave a special thanks to the City Public Works Department personnel for their help in the celebration.
An estimate of $30,000 was made for the wind storm damage done to the roof of the Public Works building. Bids will be advertised for the repair work and the council will determine the winning bid.
A grant for $57,512 to improve the City's street shed on 10th street with new windows, installation, and other energy saving improvements has received preliminary approval. Final approval has to be made by the Department of Energy(DOE).
Minonk will host the monthly meeting of the I-39 Group on July 13th between 9 and 11 a.m. at City Hall. City officials are invited to attend. The topics to be discussed are broadband coverage and rail transportation.
Mayor's Comments
Mayor Bill Koos said the ground display of fireworks at Sutton's Park was spectacular and he envisions the display becoming a standard event at future firework displays.