MINUTES TO THE

CITY OF WILMINGTON

WATER, SEWER, STREETS AND ALLIES

SEPTEMBER 13, 2006

CITY OF WILMINGTON ADMINISTRATION CENTER

1165 SOUTH WATER STREET

WILMINGTON, IL 60481

5:30 P.M.

Councilman Russ Gilmour opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Upon roll call, Councilwoman Sue Johnston, Councilwoman Helen Hoppe, Mayor Roy Strong, Councilman Joe Hermes, Councilman Orr, Councilwoman Hoppe, Councilman Gilmour AND Councilman Orr were present. Attorney Eric Hansen, Water & Sewer Superintendent Ken Jeffries, Streets Superintendent Gary Van Duyne and City Administrator John McIntyre was also present; Administrator McIntyre also served as Recording Secretary.

Councilwoman Johnston made a motion to approve the minutes to the previous meeting, seconded by Councilman Gilmour. The motion passed 4-0.

EXTENSION OF SEWER LINE

Mayor strong notified the committee that several homes by Evans Lawn and Garden were interested in receiving city sewer service. The City of Wilmington has an easement across the COMED property, and the cost of the extension would be paid for the homeowners who could be connected.

STATUS OF SEWER PLANT

Administrator McIntyre announced that the NPEDS application was going well and should be closed out on September 26 of this year. Rogina and Associates and Superintendent Jeffries had some loading issues to take care of. The early meetings with several environmental groups paid off since none of these groups had serious issues with the new plant once they understood the benefits of the project as a whole.

JAMES ISSUE

Administrator McIntyre directed the attention of the committee to a letter sent by the James’ at 505 Becky Lane. The James found an undocumented water line under their property. There is no easement, and the James want to build a fence over the line. The James want the City of Wilmington to record and easement and provide the James with compensation, or remove the line. Superintendent Jeffries suggested clamping and abandoning the line, allowing the James to remove the line at their own expense if they want to do so. It was agreed that Rogina will do some survey work to verify facts and locations prior to proceeding with the clamping and abandoning work.

EMBASSY CARE ISSUE

Embassy Care is very far behind in its water payments, and still claims that the city is overcharging him and that he is being billed for far more water than he is using. Mr. Draiman of Embassy Care asked if the city would pay half of a mutually agree-on consultant who would install a meter next to the existing meter. If the existing meter was found to be accurate, Mr. Draiman would be all outstanding water bills. If the meter existing was faulty, Wilmington would forgive Embassy Care for the excess charges. Because the existing meter is relatively new, the committee was not interested in Mr. Draiman’s suggestion, noting that every other water customer is expected to pay their water bills on time. Administrator McIntyre will contact the Department of Health to see if anything can be done to prompt timely water bill payment on the part of Embassy Care.

BOWLING ALLEY PARKING LOT

The owner of the Riverfront Lanes Bowling Alley and South Water Street is accepting bids to repave its parking lot. Part of his parking lot is owned by the city and the owner is hesitant to pay for the improvement of property he does not own. Administrator McIntyre noted that the city could vacate the property, adding it to the tax rolls, as long as an access easement was place on the subject property. Councilman Orr stated that he had no objection to this arrangement. Superintendent Van Duyne explained that he needed access through the subject property so that excess snow can be pushed into the mill race. Mayor Strong said that a path along the canal would be good for businesses and the city in general. Councilman Hermes suggested that Administrator McIntyre meet with Riverfront Lanes Bowling Alley owners to work out the agreement. Administrator McIntyre reminded the owner of Riverfront Lanes Bowling Alley that his project would be eligible for the Façade Improvement Grant Program.

TRUCK TRAFFIC BY ACME

Some trucks are mistakenly going into the alley by Acme (by the Post Office), causing traffic and other problems. Superintendent Van Duyne will check in to better signs to help prevent future problems.

EAST STREET (ZLOME ISSUE)

The Zlome’s are having problems getting out of their driveway since they live on a narrow street and their neighbor parks a large vehicle right behind the Zlome’s driveway. Superintendent Van Duyne explained to the Zlome’s that he couldn’t place a no parking sign there without committee approval. Mayor Strong noted that similar parking situations could be found throughout the city. Councilman Gilmour suggested amending the ordinance to reflect no parking within 10 or so feet of a driveway. Councilman Orr felt that no parking in city easements needs to be investigated as well. Administrator McIntyre will look into the ordinance covering parking regulations to see what changes could be made to address the problem.

GAS BIDS

The only bid for diesel was incomplete and was rejected – diesel will have to be re-bid, both off-road and regular diesel. Sippi Shell submitted the only bid for regular fuel. The need for 24 hour access was discussed. Bids are good for one year. Councilman Hermes made a motion to accept the bid for regular fuel, seconded by Councilwoman Johnston. The motion was approved 7-0.

OTHER PERTINENT ISSUES

Councilman Strong requested Superintendent Van Duyne remove large shrubs, trees and grass by hydrants along Route 53.

Administrator McIntyre received a call from a nonresident who travels through Wilmington along Route 53. He complained that ingress/egress along Route 53 near the Burger King was very dangerous. Administrator McIntyre advised him that the city does not control the roads in that area, but would present his concerns to the committee.

There being no further business, Councilwoman Johnson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Hermes. The motion passed 7-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Submitted by

John A. McIntyre

City Administrator