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The City of Keithsburg was founded in 1837 by Robert Keith, a Scotchman, who emigrated to America in 1834. Keithsburg is also known as Middle Yellowbanks, being situated in the Yellowbanks Territory, a name given by the Sac and Fox Indians for the sandy yellow clay soil in the riverbanks. The Yellowbanks Territory, consisting of Keithsburg, New Boston and Oquawka became part of the Military Tract which entitled veterans of the War of 1812 to parcels of land as military bounty
Alderman Present: Davina Logsdon, Linda O'Brien, Maxine Henry, Neil Nylin, George Askew, and Arnold Askew.Minutes of March Meeting: Linda made a motion to accept; Neil seconded, and accepted by all.Cash Receipts: Maxine made a motion to accept; Davina seconded, and accepted by all.Cash Disbursements: George made a motion to accept; Davina seconded, and accepted by all.
Streets and Sidewalks: George and Jim suggested replacing approximately 1,000-1,200 feet of culverts @ $9.80 ft. Maxine made a motion to spend up to $1,200.00 and pay out of general fund checking until motor fuel tax is approved then reimburse general fund, Arnold seconded, and accepted by all.
Fire Department: Judy Brown explained they are having some inside improvements done at the fire station.
Police Department: Maxine explained the light bar on the squad car had blown a fuse recently and they may want to consider replacing it. The council will discuss this issue again next month.
Campground: George discovered the containers they were considering for the fish offals at the campground are not really a good option and he is still looking at the possibility of building one.
Campground: Jim mentioned the campground is looking very nice, George has been hauling dirt and leveling the campsites and he will be seeding everything soon. The poles are on site for the security lights in the back row; however, Jim explained we need to purchase enough conduits to lay the wires. Arnold made a motion to spend up to 1,000.00 to purchase the materials necessary to install the security lights; Neil seconded, and accepted by all.
Revolving Loan Fund: The city acquired the computerized scanner system from the New Boston Grocery store's revolving loan fund that went in default. Roger Raines recently purchased the store and has offered to pay $1,000.00 for the system, contingent upon the compatibility. Arnold made a motion to accept; George seconded, and accepted by all.
Doss Mfg. Revolving Loan Fund in the amount of $15,000.00: Ed Doss would like to put up a building for his saw mill operation and 6 storage units. Maxine made a motion to accept; Davina seconded, and accepted by all.
Boy Scout Duck Drop: April 19th at 12:00PM and Tammy Adams would like permission for the scouts to camp on the back lots the night of April 18th. Neil made a motion to accept; George seconded, and accepted by all.
Ballpark Lights: Arnold suggested renting a bucket truck to put up the lights at the ballpark. Arnold tried to contact Kevin Shaw and he never returned his phone call. Jim has spoken with Kenny Tharp and he also would bring his bucket truck to help.
Tennis Court: Arnold mentioned the tennis court was approved 2 years ago and he would like to get it started. The council agreed and Jim suggested sending a letter to Monte Shell who is with a local concrete union and they would possibly use the project for their apprentice program.
Keith's Landing Addition Sign: George suggested removing the sign because it is looking pretty weathered along with the fact it still has the project now program listed on it. The council agreed to remove the existing sign and put up a smaller sign. George Lyle offered to make a sign.
Audit for Year 2007-2008: Terri had called to get a couple estimates but only received one. The council tabled till next month.
Zoning: Approve a variance to Michael and Shirley Anderson to move an older trailer in town to make improvements to Lots 3 & 4, Blk. 2, in Sheriff & Cabeen's Addition. Boyd explained the trailer is solid and in good shape and simply needs painted. The zoning board approved the variance. Neil made a motion to accept; Davina seconded, and accepted by all.
Welcome to Keithsburg Sign located at 4th & Jackson: Jim suggests moving the sign between the train and the road instead of it sitting down in a hole where the visibility is poor. The sign would be attached to a platform to make it mobile in case it ever needed moved. Jim also suggested running power from the lift station and putting lights on the sign and the train. Jim explained the city would need to purchase enough wire and conduit for the project, plus set a pole on the levee. Maxine made a motion to spend up to $700.00; Davina seconded, and accepted by all.
Barricades along the Levee Road: Jim suggested putting a 6X6 every 15-20 feet and run cable between them for safety. Maxine suggested putting reflectors on them. Linda made a motion to spend up to $400.00 paid out of general fund checking; Neil seconded, and accepted by all.
Maxine questioned the possible conflict of interest with the mayor's new job. Maxine explained Jim is working for a person that holds (2) two liquor licenses and as mayor he is the liquor commissioner. Attorney Robert Rillie is the city's ethic officer and he explained it is a conflict of interest and the situation will not work unless Jim's boss surrenders his liquor licenses. Jim explained his boss would be surrendering his licenses. Maxine asked how long it was going to be before his boss surrendered the licenses. Jim replied "soon". Attorney Rillie also explained the conflict could be resolved if the properties were leased to another individual with a legitimate lease and the liquor licenses were no longer in Jim's boss name. Maxine asked if Jim would be able to participate in executive session if Guy was part of the issue or discussion. Maxine explained that Attorney Rillie had mentioned to her in a prior discussion that Davina could not be present in executive session if Guy were part of the issue for discussion because she also works for Guy. Attorney Robert Rillie explained it would depend on the subject and/or if property were to be sold. |
