Story provided courtesy of TOC News by Jeremy Smith
The Grayville City Council met in regular session Tuesday night. The meeting had originally been scheduled for Monday, February 8th, but had to be postponed due to equipment issues at City Hall.
The treasurer reports one million, one hundred sixty thousand, four hundred seventy-four dollars and twenty-three cents in the restricted account; nine hundred sixteen thousand, eight hundred seventy-one dollars and forty-nine cents in the investment account, and one hundred forty thousand, three hundred seventy-four dollars and six cents in cash available for operations; for a total of two million, two hundred seventeen thousand, seven hundred nineteen dollars and seventy-eight cents.
During recognition of visitors, Mayor Thompson reported the city had received a letter from Dillan DiMaggio concerning the golf cart ordinance after its second reading. The ordinance as currently worded merges ATV’s and golf carts into a single definition, causing Mr. DiMaggio do have safety concerns. The City Attorney says the ordinance has baseline protection in place, stating that regardless of the potential speed abilities, these vehicles will be restricted to 20 MPH. Concluding that if the city police properly enforce the “Faster Protection,” this would be a non-issue. The council decided to form a committee to meet with Mr. DiMaggio and discuss his other concerns, before making further changes.
In Commissioner’s Reports, Commissioner Jordan reports that he will begin working on the budget in the next couple of weeks, and needs all receipts turned in, and Commissioner Baldwin reported his dislike of snow.
The Mayor extended his thanks to the salt and road crews for their tireless effort during Monday night’s winter storm, and the council voted unanimously to extend temporary executive powers and disaster declaration before entering executive session. In executive session action the council has decided to explore new potential locations for the police department.
In old business: The council is still working on the liquor ordinance amendment; it was tabled for the next meeting, and the council is still waiting for a second bid for the electric upgrade for the campground.
Regarding zoning considerations for 209 S. Court Street – McPherson Outdoors has submitted for reconsideration with the state. The city will be submitting for a resolution, pending public hearing, requesting IDOT change the zoning map from North St. and Commerce St. on the east side of Court St. right-of-way, based on current construction, to avoid “spot zoning” and allow those areas to be developed as-well.
The 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 908 Amending Zoning Code to add Special Use to R-2 District was set for a public hearing to be held at the next city council meeting.
In swimming pool news, the council reports having placed posts on Facebook, the Community Calendar, and the city’s page along with contacting the school about lifeguards. At this time there are 14 people interested in training to become lifeguards. After considering holding training at the city pool, it was decided training should be held at the Evansville YMCA. Holding training locally would require opening the pool early, putting training dates in question due to weather conditions. The city will be looking to hire a pool manager, who would also need to be lifeguard certified, within the next month.
Also in old business was the first reading of Ordinance No. 909 Planting Trees, Shrubbery or other Flora on Public Right of Way. Concerns were raised about the current wording of the ordinance. It has been drafted in a way that addresses new planting, but fails to address already planted trees and shrubbery, and the issue of who would bare responsibility for removal. There were questions on the enforceability given a scenario where someone buys a home with an existing tree, and whether the city can legally require the homeowner to “foot the bill” for removal. City Attorney Jay Walden says, “It’s not the answer to everything, but it will take care of moving forward.” Commissioner Jordan was the only vote against the current wording stating, section 94.30 as currently written needs to be reviewed. The ordinance is set for second reading during the next city council meeting.
In new business: review of sick leave policy regarding COVID-19 the council will move forward with review next meeting citing that the CARES Act no longer requires the city to pay if someone contracts COVID. Mayor Thompson says the city has done a good job of not attracting COVID and have able to keep known cases to single cases in the workforce. The council also voted to approve TIFF #1 funds for 111 E. North St. for construction of a pet crematorium. The estimated cost of finance and air duct work totals $8,500.00, with other building repairs estimated to cost $7,566.00, for a total of $16,066. The city’s portion at 50% will be $8,033.00.
The Grayville City Council is scheduled to meet in regular session on Monday, February 22nd.
