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CIty Approves Section SIx Plat
- Posted 8:26:40 PM
The Minonk City Council approved the final plat for the Studer Subdivision at its normal Monday night meeting. The 600 acre plot north of the city limits was sold last month subdivided into 8 parcels. However, the land was in the Minonk city limits and the subdivision was not approved by the zoning board prior to its sale. The Minonk Zoning reviewed and approved the preliminary plat of the subdivision and also approved a waiver on the final plat. The Council then approved the final plat which gave the owner of the subdivision legal use of the land. For a copy of the final plant, click here.
Audit ReportBen Smith of Striegel Knobloch & Company presented the findings of the audit of the City's financial status at the end of the fiscal year ending May 2011. Smith said the City was in good financial standing with $2,953,488 in cash on hand which was an increase of $13,798 from the previous year. The City had total assets of $10,428,153 which was an increase of over $140,000. The City's debt load is relatively light and has ample borrowing capacity. The City's debt limit is $1,643,462.
The auditor noted two areas of concern in that the library needs to reconcile its finances each month for the City and the ambulance insurance exceeded the budgeted amount.
Striping of Parking AreasAlderman Russell Ruestman wanted to know how contracts were awarded for the paint striping project. He noted that there were two bids, one of which was from a local contractor whose bid was higher and did not receive the bid. Ruestman wanted to know what the City's policy was on bids involving local contractors. He said even though a local contractor may have a higher bid, their track record may be better and there may be more confidence in using a local contractor.
Mayor Bill Koos responded that the City made the decision to award bids to the lowest bidder and does not want to get into the process of deciding when a local contractor with a higher bid should receive the bid. Koos said by settling on the lowest bid, it makes the bids competitive and gives the taxpayer better value for their money. Also, the Mayor added if contracts are usually awarded to local bidders, out of town bidders will no longer submit bids which may result in higher bids by local contractors.
Ruestman said he felt the Council should have the final say on awarding bids and wants to put that on the agenda at a future council meeting.
TIF Money Awarded to Local BusinessesThe Council approved a TIF 2 award of $4,000 to Minonk Lanes for improvements to the building at 450-454 N. Chesntut. The planned project is to sand blast and paint the upper story on the front; install windows, siding, and a door at the back of the building; and replace windows in the back. The estimated cost of the project is $12,000. The awarded amount of $4000 is 1/3 of the project cost and is payable over two years upon completion of the project.
A TIF 2 award of $2,700 was approved to Jay Hurd, the new owner of Pop's Sweet Shop, for the replacement of the current boiler that heats the main floor of the building at 570 N. Chestnut Street. The estimated cost of the project is $8,000.
City Administrator CommentsCity Administrator Doug Elder said good progress is being made on the storm water drainage project. Elder said a sidewalk crew and a landscaping crew is following the sewer line crew. He said Hein Construction will soon start blacktopping the roads that were torn up during the construction.
Council CommentsAlderman Justin Faulk said the building at 214 W. Eighth Street is a mess and needs to be cleaned up. The building formerly housed the Bradbury Grocery Store and a church. City Adminstrator Doug Elder said the building will be added to the list of problem properties in the city.
Alderwoman Julie Redenius said the annual Pumpkin Patch in the Park event will be held Sunday, October 9, at Suttons Park from 11 to 5.
Alderman Nick Fiorini said the MidState All Stars soccer team will be playing at the New Millennia Park on October 16 and will be conducting a clinic for young soccer players.
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