Community News
Gillespie City Council Meeting Summary
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night approved a $116,000 motor fuel tax appropriation for this year”s street maintenance program and approved a series of ordinances to increase fees charged to delinquent water users.
The council also accepted a letter of resignation from City Treasurer Jim Alderson, who will be seated as an alderman next month. The Mayor will be required to appoint a new Treasurer to finish the final two years of Alderson’s term.
Curt Westrich, of Heneghan and Associates Engineers, told council members that the motor fuel tax program approved Monday night is fairly conservative, accounting for the higher cost of materials, and consistently shrinking motor fuel tax allotments from the state.
The program calls for repairing and resurfacing specific streets on the north side of the city. He said,
“In the past, we would have done every one of those roads,” Westrich said. “Oil was cheaper, rock was cheaper.”
He said “he and Street Department employees drove each street on the north side of the city and selected the ones that were broken up and that you were going to lose if they weren’t resurfaced.
He said the city may get some complaints from residents because their will be instances where the city will oil and chip a block that has deteriorated, then skip a block that is in better shape.
The 2011 motor fuel tax proposal presented by Westrich includes expenditures of $13,907 for snow and ice removal, $28,369.50 for patching (labor and materials), $2,106 for mowing labor, $6,300 for sidewalk replacement, $4,420 for culvert replacement and repair, and $45,000 for the oil and chip program on the north side of the city.
Estimated expenditures total $114,603.77.
In a related matter, the council approved final documents to close out the 2010 motor fuel tax maintenance program. Westrich reported the city had appropriated $104,000 in motor fuel tax funds last year, and spent $88,120.47.
Those expenditures included $4,051 for ice and snow removal, $25,832 for patching work, $2,236 for sidewalk replacement and $56,001.75 for oiling and chipping streets in the southwest section of the city.
Westrich said last year’s expenditures were $16,570 below the appropriation. There is about $3,615 in outstanding bills yet to be paid, meaning about $13,000 of last year’s motor fuel tax funds will carry over to 2011.
Council members unanimously approved three ordinance amendments to beef up collection procedures against water users who are delinquent on their bills.
The approved changes include:
– Increasing the amount of the deposit required from renters from $150 to $200.
– Increasing the reconnection fee for users whose service has been disconnected from $25 to $50. Water service will be terminate when a bill has been delinquent for 30 days.
– Increasing late fees for bills paid after the due date from 10 percent of the bill to 30 percent of the bill.
No action followed a 30-minute executive session convened for the purpose of discussing personnel issues, including ongoing contract negotiations.
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The Gillespie Public Library is having a promotional giveaway during the month of December. The “December Spin Giveaway” will allow patrons to spin for prizes each time books are checked out during the month of December.
The prizes are to Gillespie businesses.
Although December is a hectic month with the holidays, take time to relax with a “good book” and visit the library.
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Limited Spots Available, Register By December 20
This winter, Blackburn College invites children ages 6-12 to participate in an exciting All-Sports Camp from December 30-31, 2024 and January 2-3, 2025. The camp will be held at the newly opened Blackburn Athletic Center and newly redesigned M.C. Court in the historic Dawes Gymnasium. The four-day camp runs from 9 am to 12 pm each day, offering young athletes the chance to stay active during the holiday season while exploring a variety of sports. With limited spots available, early registration is encouraged. The registration fee is $100, and the sign-up deadline is December 20, 2024.
Participants will engage in baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball activities designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and inspire a love for sports in a fun and supportive environment. They will spend part of the day developing essential skills and putting those techniques into action by playing games. Most equipment will be provided, but attendees should come dressed in athletic clothing and ready to play.
“This camp is a fantastic opportunity for kids to stay active during their winter break, make new friends, and experience the thrill of learning skills taught by NCAA coaches and players,” said Kim Camara-Harvey, Blackburn College’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Our brand-new Blackburn Athletic Center, with its 200-by-120-foot turf field and retractable batting cages, and our revitalized basketball and volleyball court will be the perfect setting for fun and growth.”
In addition to the camp activities, all participants will receive two (2) tickets to watch the Blackburn Men’s Basketball Team take on the University of Dubuque on Monday, December 30, at 3:00 pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a memorable winter break experience! To register or for more information, visit blackburn.edu/recreation or contact Heather Heater, Blackburn College Recreation Coordinator, at athletics@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5719.
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Madison Communications sponsored the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again this year. The new and unwrapped toys for girls and boys ages 0-12 were collected from the middle of October through the first week of December.
Madison was overjoyed with the outcome of the Toy Drive and wants to thank anyone who took the time to donate. The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to the local communities.
