The Taylorville City Council met in regular session on Monday night, and Alderman Bruce Jones was absent. A discussion occurred regarding the Owaneco water rates. It was back on December that the Taylorville Water Committee met regarding the Village of Owaneco’s water rate to the maximum allowable rate of $3.7387838 per 1,000 gallons, which is a decrease over the current rate of $5.0021328. A motion was tabled at the last City Council meeting for further research. Aldermen Ernie Dorchinecz says Water Superintendent Dave Speagle met with the auditors and confirmed the numbers are accurate.
Alderman Rob Heberling stated he would vote against it, and that they need to find a way to break the contract.
City Attorney Rocci Romano told the Council to keep the rate as it is, and table the motion to take a closer look at the contract and the formula. A motion to table was passed 7-0.
In other Taylorville City Council action, a motion was approved to direct the City Attorney to prepare a contract with First National Bank of Taylorville for the exchange of the City owned parking lot located at the corner of Webster and West Main Cross Streets for lots used for parking located directly north of First National Bank of Taylorville on West Main Cross and for a sum of money yet to be determined. Mr. Jim Beavers and Ms. Linda Crawford approached the Finance Committee back on January 21st about the Bank’s desire to expand the size of its current facility. They stated that in order to complete the project they would like to acquire the City owned parking lot located on the corner of Webster and West Main Cross streets by purchasing and/or trading lots. Beavers also stated parking areas on the southeast corner of the block will be cleaned up. Mayor Greg Brotherton told Regional Radio News following the meeting they are still in negotiations with the Bank.
The council voted 7-0 to approve the motion. Another motion was passed for the City Attorney to advise Consolidated Communications that the City will not sign the revised agreement they provided and that they will need to sign the agreement sent to them by the City Attorney.
In other Taylorville City Council action, City Attorney Rocci Romano raised the question whether or not the City can borrow motor fuel tax funds, following a motion to waive the bidding process and approving Bodine Electric doing signal light upgrades and borrow $70,000 from and reimburse the MFT Fund for the project.
Superintendent Dick Wiseman replied back saying a $400,000 resolution was approved through the State for overall use for the City. Wiseman added they are going to take $70,000 out of the $400,000 and put in the general fund to pay for the project. Mayor Greg Brotherton said they will check for clarification to see if everything is in order.
The council approved to accept the low quote of some $5,000 from Goodman Fencing for installation of a fence for the Market Street Lift Station. Another motion was approved for the Fire Department Personnel to acquire the necessary fixtures and complete the Ladies Bathroom in the Emergency Shelter at the Firehouse at a cost not to exceed $5,000. The Council approved the payment of bills totaling some $383,000 and the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
