Galesburg Reporter

City of Monmouth City Council met March 18. 

Here is the agenda as provided by the council:

1– Presentations Or Citizen Inquiries

Central Intermediate’s 6th Grade class has been working on a Playspace program in conjunction with Monmouth College. Council heard a number of ideas from the students relating to economic development and the potential businesses which they would like to see in Monmouth.

      • Introduction of a movie theatre. The students felt that this would bring great value to the community as families currently have to travel to other towns for this form of entertainment.

      • Large scale road repair. The students talked to Council about the benefits of having a smooth road and the safety issues that are involved when roads are in disrepair.

      • Repair and renovate the North Park. One suggestion was to introduce a sand volleyball court which would diversify the number of sports that are currently available at the location.

      • Introduction of a new park at 512 West Harlem by the YMCA. The students discussed the benefits with Council which include additional convenience and lifestyle improvements to the surrounding area residents.

Monmouth resident Hewy Stegall spoke about the current initiative to revitalize downtown. Mr. Stegall presented Council with documentation for further review which included potential alternatives to the consultants that presented at the last meeting.

2- MFD Monthly Report – Chief Rexroat

      • For monthly training staff conducted a review of various medical terminology that is used during medical reporting. Firefighters also conducted blackout drills to practice equipment usage during heavy smoke environment.

      • Chief Rexroat attended a training session that covered responses to emergencies involving underground pipelines. The training covered procedures, resources, and notifications that need to be made when responding to pipelines that have been hit or have otherwise ruptured.

      • Firefighters conducted a presentation to the students at the Regional Alternative School informing the students about careers in firefighting. The department also hosted two students from the Monmouth-Roseville High School during their annual career shadowing event.

      • Chief Rexroat spoke to Council regarding the professionalism, dedication and confidence that the firefighters demonstrated during the fatal house fire that occurred last month.

      The department had 108 calls for service during the month of February.

3- MPD Monthly Report – Chief Switzer

      • The department hosted 3 students from the Monmouth-Roseville High School during their annual career shadowing event.

      • The department had no major incidents during the numerous winter weather events that occurred in February.

      • Chief Switzer gave a presentation to students at Monmouth College on drug abuse and addiction.

      • MPD hosted a Sexual Assault Informed Response class as part of the distance learning network with the local mobile training unit.

      • The department continues to host interns from Western Illinois University’s Criminal Justice program.

      The department had 1293 calls for service in February.

4- Woodard and Curran Monthly Report – Director Jackson

      • The public works department did not experience any major failures during the polar vortex event that saw temperatures with wind chills as low as -50.

      • A large water main break in the area of West Harlem and North Main Street has been causing issues after the main was repaired. Due to the size of the excavation that was needed, the ground continues to settle which requires material to be added as the soil warms and settles. The road will be permanently repaired after the surrounding soil has thawed completely.

      • The street department has begun large-scale road patching this week.

      • Director Jackson has been working on a road resurfacing program which will be released to Council momentarily. The program is estimated to be in the $700,000 range.

5- Approval of Bids for CDBG Southeast Quadrant Water Main Replacement

Nearly two years ago the City was awarded a grant to allow for limited water main replacement in an area of the southern part of town. A bid solicitation was advertised after the State Of Illinois released funding to us last month.

      • Six bids were received ranging from $567,593.00 to $747,151.00.

      • The project's engineer, IMEG Corporation is recommending the bid be awarded to Laverdiere Construction for $567,593.00.

      • Director Jackson spoke to the former experiences that he has had with Laverdiere and made a recommendation to Council for the company.

      • Construction will start in the coming weeks

A motion was made to award the construction bid to Laverdiere Construction and was approved.

6- Ordinances

A. 19-006 - Two Hour Parking to Residential Parking Only – 100 Block of West 2nd Avenue

      Residents of the area have asked City Council to convert the two-hour parking in the 100 block of west 2nd avenue to residential parking only. A number of residents of the area are forced to park in the street due to parking shortages in the area.

      Police Chief Switzer has reviewed the proposal and did not express any objections.

      A motion for approval was made and was approved.

7- Executive Session

No executive session was held.

8- Other business

No other business was discussed.

http://www.cityofmonmouth.com/attachments/article/620/Council_Meeting_Summary_03182019.pdf