The city was investigating the possiblity of purchasing some land immediatley
south of the water works on West Fourth Street. The plan included putting in an access road
to a farm field adjacent to the property. Larry Stith, who lives next to the proposed site
voiced his objection to having a farm road put in next to his property.
Public Works Supervisor Charlie McGuire voiced his opinion that the Westside Park would be
the best location since it is closest to the water works and would have fewer utility lines
to contend with when running a line to the water works. McGuire said going south to
the lot on West Fourth Street would require more work to run water lines. McGuire said if
the park is not chosen, the city could also purchase a lot at the corner of Fifth and
Jefferson for the new well.
Joe Limbaugh, a member of the Minonk 4th of July Committee, asked the city council
for permission to move the annual July 4th celebration to Sutton Park. He said
that Sutton Park would be an ideal spot for the celebration. Sutton Park is the strip of land than runs north from Seventh Street on the
east side of Chestnut Street all the way to the curve at the north edge of town.
Limbaugh indicated that the annual event has outgrowned its current location at Veterans
Park at the northeast edge of town. He said that the car show continues to grow and the carnival
needs more space to put up the new rides that are now available. In addition, the number of people
who come to see the fireworks continues to grow.
The 4th of July committee has begun planning for 2002 and needs to have the city's approval fairly
soon since the infrastructure needs to be in place in order for the event to move forward. The committee
meets bi-monthly until the end of the year and then every month until July. Limbaugh indicated that
more parking would be available at the new site and public safety will be easier to accommodate. In
addition, there could be additional revenues for local businesses that choose to stay open downtown
during the 4th of July events.
Limbaugh said that the beer tent would be placed in the city parking lot across from
city hall. The ground north of the medical building on Seventh Street could be used for
parking. In addition, plans are to close Chestnut Street periodically at night in order to
have the car show and teen dances, etc.
To plan for the event, Limbaugh requested the city to provide six picnic tables, a drinking fountain, a flag pole,
and a power supply from one of the utlity poles. In addition, he asked the city to consider leveling the gravel
at the city parking lot or even tar and chip the lot so that cleanup can be facilitated after the 4th
of July events.
Limbaugh said that 2002 will be the best 4th of July event yet and said that the city has played an
important role in helping with event and it is appreciated by the committee.
Mayor Mark Spencer asked Limbaugh to provide some costs estimates for the improvements so that the
council could then make a decision on the request.
The city council approved the purchase of a new base radio used by the city workers as well
as the ambulance squad, police and fire department. The current radio is not functioning properly
and the ambulance squad can sometimes not be reached by the dispatch office in Eureka. The new radio
costs $1973 and will give immdediate relief to the problem. However, the council may allocate more money
in next year's budget to purchase a repeater for the radio that will eliminate the need for a telephone
line that is costing the city $200 a month. The $7843 system will also eliminate the danger of a cut telephone line.
The council will take up in an executive session a City Liability Policy that will spell out guidelines
for determining liability for water or sewer backup in residential property. The policy specifies that all
liability claims are to go directly to the city administrator who will then forward the claims to the insurance
company who then makes the final decision on the liabilty claims. The city council will no longer be involved
in the decision-making process. Also, the city adminstrator said that he was advised by the city's attorney that
the city council can override or change any ruling made by the zoning board if that board's decison
is appealed by a resident.
City Administrator Trent Smith said that the city is adopting a new health insurance policy for
city employees that will result in a 6% increase in premiums. The old insurance policy premiums were to increase
by 38% and prompted a review of the insurance policies. The new policy eliminates the $200 deductable for
office calls to a doctor and is replaced with a $20 payment for each call by the patient.
Alderperson Sherry Stalter requested the council to approve a transfer of $3000 from the dirt and lime fund to
a fund for purchasing new playground equipment to be placed in the west side of Veterans Park. The total cost
of the equipment is estimated around $12,000. The council approved the request.
Alderman Bill Koos recommended that the city officially give a name to Sutton Park so that it can
be referenced when applying for grants. Mayor Spencer said he would contact the city attorney to
determine the procedure for naming the park.
Ridgeview improved its record to 3-0 by defeating Fieldcrest 44-12 Friday night. Ridgeview outgained
the Knights in total yards 416-182. Fieldcrest's Drew Glowacki ran for 65 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries
while Shaun Manning completed 8 of 18 passes for 82 yards and one touchdown. Andy Swenson had a touchdown
on a 33 yard reception for the Knights.
Next month