Sangamon Sun

City of Athens City Council met Dec. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Chris Reichert. Roll call was performed by Clerk Rhonda Ethell. All the Aldermen were present.

Mayor Reichert asked for the police report which was given by Chief Becker.

All vehicle maintenance is up to date. To continue our existing fleet rotation plan I’d like approval to order a new squad car for 2022. As it took 10 months to receive the last new squad, I’d prefer to order as early in the year as possible. The 2021 Dodge Durango has been well received by the officers and will most likely be the choice of squads for 2022. The new squad will replace either the F150 squad or the oldest Ford Explorer in our fleet. The car will be paid for from the Police Mobilization (LESO) fund.

Mason County Deputy Sean Kelly has accepted a full-time position with the Athens Police Department and will begin work January 1, 2022. With the addition of Officer Kelly, the police department is fully staffed and will commence 24/7 patrols in 2022.

One ordinance warning was issued during the month of November.

During the month of November, Athens officers responded to 152 calls for service, conducted 60 traffic stops, issued 7 citations and 57 verbal warnings. There was one traffic crashes during the month.

Next Mayor Reichert asked for the Treasurer's Report and Public works report.

Treasurer’s report and public works report was presented by Treasurer and Public Works Superintendent Derek Fritz.

The $378,128.00 bond payment for the water treatment plant was made in November. That money was transferred from the Alternate Bond Fund. There was also $35,000.00 transferred to the ABF for the water payment and $20,200.00 for the wastewater plant. There was $6,331.22 in revenue for the Motor Fuel Fund. The Video Gaming Fund saw a total of $3,523.70 deposited for the month. After the Low Prairie payment was made a total of $170.00 was transferred to the Streets fund. The $71,128.00 that was donated by the Stahl Foundation was transferred from the Streets Fund and to the General fund for payment to AYSA for the new concession stand.

Streets: Finished up brush pickup for 2021 with 3 dates in November. We will make exceptions for storms and plan to pick up Christmas trees on Monday, January 10th (weather permitting). This info has been added to the website. The guys have finished up mowing for the season and put equipment away that won’t be needed until spring. They have also had the snow removal equipment out and everything is currently in working order. Ditches were cleaned on Adams Street. We have been making repairs to the vac truck. We purchased jetter nozzles and vacuum pipe sections, along with safety equipment that was needed. We started using this equipment to clean culverts last week. Brush was cleared and trees mulched at the old park. 110 Julie locates were completed. Christmas decorations were installed.

Water: New water service installed in Walnut Hills. We changed out 55 meter bases in Country Lake Estates and Knolls Meadows. Those meters were sent off for testing to attempt to combat our water loss issue. I hope to have a report on those soon. The last of the touch read transponders were changed out and are now on the drive route. We have also started sanding the piping in the water plant to prep for painting. I have included a copy of a bid from S4 Water to rehab filter’s 1 &2. They did a great job on the rehab of filter 3 in July.

Wastewater: Operations at the wastewater plant are going as they should. Robbie has had his hands full keeping phosphorus levels in check while we wait for our sludge permit to be renewed to allow for sludge removal.

Vehicle Maintenance: All vehicle maintenance is up to date.

Mayor Reichert then asked Michelle Becker to give the Office Manager's Report. No December shuts for December. Unsure what caused the duplicate water bills, but they are still working on it. Mayor Reichert then thanked Michelle for stepping up and filling in during a time of need.

Next the Library report was given by Ginger Newingham. Thank you was given for the assistance with the Christmas tree event, it had a large turnout.

New Business

A donation in the amount of $1,000.00 to be donated to Toys for Tots in the Name of Larry Burh. Tax levy will remain the same.

Water bill adjustments will be tabled until next month and adjustments stopped until voted on. Discussion of proposal for rehab filters 1&2 tabled until more bids are received. Discussion of MFT start up for 2022 to be $28,000

Old Business

Neighborhood Watch update a candidate Chief Becker spoke with was passed on to Jon Dorsey with things moving forward.

Garbage trash recycling letters going out soon.

Mayor Reichert asked if anyone had comments none were made.

Meeting adjourned 7:58

https://www.athensil.com/documents/75/Athens_City_Council_December_13th_meeting.pdf