Smoke-Free Ban, Spring Flowers On Busy Nokomis Council Agenda
The Nokomis City Council met on Monday evening facing a lengthy agenda and a room full of
visitors with various topics to discuss.
Hugh Satterlee, administrator of the Montgomery County Health Department, addressed the
council regarding the Smoke Free Illinois Act. While the smoke-free ban in public establishments
has become law, it is difficult to enforce.
He suggested that the city formulate an ordinance in support of the law and said he would
recommend changes to existing health department rules that would require all eating establishments
to be in compliance.
JoAnn Keele asked for city assistance with purchasing flowers for downtown planters and for the
installation of additional electrical service at Fred B. Johnson Park. She also requested that the city
place a sign outlining park rules specifically with regard to bicycle and skateboard bans in and
around the pagoda, and the proper disposal of pet waste.
Council members agreed to take her requests under advisement pending a closer review of the
budget; the current one ends on April 30.
Tony Hard said he received information during a recent conference regarding the national flood
insurance program. While it is not likely that anyone would build a home along a strip of land
designated as a flood plain in Nokomis, he said, it would be beneficial for the city to look into the
program.
He offered to assist in any way. Council members were receptive to his suggestion and asked
him to get in touch with Fire Chief Joe Gasparich, who has already made some effort to obtain
information about the program.
Mayor Keith Hancock presented bids for tree trimming and stump removal. Hoffman Machine won
both bids with an offer to trim/remove trees at a rate of $60 per hour and to remove stumps at a rate
of $1.50 per inch. Upon verification of insurability, the work will begin on May 1.
Water Superintendent Mike Finn said a resident removed a city water meter at a rental property
adjacent to his home without permission. While the water used is still being recorded, the city is
being denied water service revenues.
The council agreed that the property owner must reinstall the water meter at his expense or
disconnect service to the rental property.
Travis and Jessica Rhodes returned to the council and submitted an accident report for an
incident involving their vehicle. At the March 8 meeting, Rhodes indicated that his car had sustained
damage when he drove over a portion of South Spruce Street that had buckled.
At that time, he was told to submit a detailed estimate for possible reimbursement. In subsequent
conversations, Police Chief Michael School told him to complete an accident report as well.
Mayor Hancock accepted the accident report from Rhodes, but noted it was not properly
completed.
Following an 80-minute executive session, the council announced their intention to acquire a
vacant lot in the 200 block of East Front Street. The property is being sold for back taxes by the
Montgomery County Treasurer.
During the course of the meeting, the council noted and/or approved the following:
The city will participate in the electronic recycling days on April 22-23 at the Montgomery County
Recycling Center by contributing old computer and electronic equipment. Residents of Nokomis are
encouraged to do likewise.
The council discussed a plan to promote clean-up days beginning on May 17. The details of that
plan will be finalized when the council meets again on Monday, April 26, at 7 p.m.
A public hearing regarding the 2010-11 budget ordinance will be held at 6:45 p.m. prior to the
start of that meeting.
The Nokomis City Council met on Monday evening facing a lengthy agenda and a room full of
visitors with various topics to discuss.
Hugh Satterlee, administrator of the Montgomery County Health Department, addressed the
council regarding the Smoke Free Illinois Act. While the smoke-free ban in public establishments
has become law, it is difficult to enforce.
He suggested that the city formulate an ordinance in support of the law and said he would
recommend changes to existing health department rules that would require all eating establishments
to be in compliance.
JoAnn Keele asked for city assistance with purchasing flowers for downtown planters and for the
installation of additional electrical service at Fred B. Johnson Park. She also requested that the city
place a sign outlining park rules specifically with regard to bicycle and skateboard bans in and
around the pagoda, and the proper disposal of pet waste.
Council members agreed to take her requests under advisement pending a closer review of the
budget; the current one ends on April 30.
Tony Hard said he received information during a recent conference regarding the national flood
insurance program. While it is not likely that anyone would build a home along a strip of land
designated as a flood plain in Nokomis, he said, it would be beneficial for the city to look into the
program.
He offered to assist in any way. Council members were receptive to his suggestion and asked
him to get in touch with Fire Chief Joe Gasparich, who has already made some effort to obtain
information about the program.
Mayor Keith Hancock presented bids for tree trimming and stump removal. Hoffman Machine won
both bids with an offer to trim/remove trees at a rate of $60 per hour and to remove stumps at a rate
of $1.50 per inch. Upon verification of insurability, the work will begin on May 1.
Water Superintendent Mike Finn said a resident removed a city water meter at a rental property
adjacent to his home without permission. While the water used is still being recorded, the city is
being denied water service revenues.
The council agreed that the property owner must reinstall the water meter at his expense or
disconnect service to the rental property.
Travis and Jessica Rhodes returned to the council and submitted an accident report for an
incident involving their vehicle. At the March 8 meeting, Rhodes indicated that his car had sustained
damage when he drove over a portion of South Spruce Street that had buckled.
At that time, he was told to submit a detailed estimate for possible reimbursement. In subsequent
conversations, Police Chief Michael School told him to complete an accident report as well.
Mayor Hancock accepted the accident report from Rhodes, but noted it was not properly
completed.
Following an 80-minute executive session, the council announced their intention to acquire a
vacant lot in the 200 block of East Front Street. The property is being sold for back taxes by the
Montgomery County Treasurer.
During the course of the meeting, the council noted and/or approved the following:
- Revenues from personal property, $2,625; highway tax, $2,907; use tax, $3,345; sales tax,
$12,779; and utility tax, $14.647 - Monthly bills totaling $37,558
- The 2010-11 budget ordinance
- Two park permits for Shane Cole Park
- The 2010 Motor Fuel Tax resolution with an estimated cost of $90,686
The city will participate in the electronic recycling days on April 22-23 at the Montgomery County
Recycling Center by contributing old computer and electronic equipment. Residents of Nokomis are
encouraged to do likewise.
The council discussed a plan to promote clean-up days beginning on May 17. The details of that
plan will be finalized when the council meets again on Monday, April 26, at 7 p.m.
A public hearing regarding the 2010-11 budget ordinance will be held at 6:45 p.m. prior to the
start of that meeting.