“We’re no longer in a society where the honor system works.”
Those the words from Mayor Travis Thompson Monday night at the Grayville City Council meeting. The water meters show he’s on the money. The bulk water operation is on an honor system currently and many folks are taking advantage according to leaders. Commissioner Chris James himself says he’s seen plenty of tank trunks taking advantage. The city is working to get a quote on an automated code based account meter that the council hopes to save the municipality some money.
Other time intensive matters at the meeting included consideration on applying for an ITEP Grant for the North Street sidewalks and an audit presentation by Arlynne Stroman of Botsch & Associates. The investment could cost up to $3,500 and there’s no guarantee Grayville will get the funding, but the city also has Rebuild Illinois funds that have to be used by 2025 in the event it doesn’t work out. Vice President of HLR Engineering in Mt. Carmel, Austin Ridgley was in attendance to walk council members through the process. While initially discouraging, Ridgely eventually acquiesced and agreed the engineering firm could work on the effort. Council unanimously agreed to move forward with the grant application deadline looming the 1st of November.
Stroman presented the city’s audit from May of 2019 to April of this year, finding no major issues. The city did run a deficit of more than $157,000 for the 12 month period however.
The city will be flushing hydrants this week beginning at 5am Tuesday. Additionally, the city says they expect some oil and chip work to begin this week.
Commissioner David Jordan reported oil income for the period of $137.04 and also motioned to move Trick or Treat in Grayville from Friday to Saturday on October 31st itself after community members expressed their preference.
Seventeen masked individuals occupied Grayville city hall Monday night. A police committee meeting was to be held at 6pm. Without a quorum however, the meeting never occurred on record. Regular session got underway at 7pm and adjourned just before the clock struck 8pm.
