The Minonk City Council agreed to eliminate the current residency requirements for all city employees except department heads. The decision on whether to hire someone who doesn't live in the city will be up to the department head. However, if an employee becomes a department head, that person must become a resident if they aren't already a resident.
The council decided not to grant TIF funds of $4580 to the Filger Library to help pay for a $9000 increase in the cost to repair the library roof. City Treasurer Steve O'Reilly said the library has $60,000 available now to pay for the $9000 overage on the $24,000 bill. Mayor Bill Koos said the best way to handle this is to take into consideration the amount of funds needed for the library's operations in the budget process next year. In addition, the work on the roof has already been completed and TIF funds are supposed to be awarded prior to construction.
Mayor Koos said the city has spent $1800 so far in installing electrical lines along the east side of Chestnut street to provide power for the wireless speakers that will be installed later this month. The Mayor said the project also enables the city to increase its electrical voltage for future events in the downtown area.
The council discussed the problem of a shed that was moved in a lot in the trailer park at the north end of Oak street. Alderman John Marcoline said the owner of the shed was given permission by the City Administrator to tear down the trailer the owner had on the lot. However, Mayor Koos said the city did not give the person permission to move a shed on skids onto the property as it is not considered a living dwelling. Mayor Koos said the shed will be removed as it violates the city ordinance and is subject to a $200 a day fine.
Mayor Koos said the trees along Chestnut street will be decorated with lights this holiday season as soon as the city can get other projects finished.