Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-18-1963 Council Meeting Minutes E 8.9 June 18, 1963 Canton City Council held a regular meeting on June 18, 1963 in the City Council Cham'ger. Mayor Cook called the meeting to order at 7s10 P.M. Present for roll call; Aldermen Sebree, Wright, Duncan, Hurst, Whitehead, Long, Abbott, Gibbons, Horton, Jennings, Bender, and George. Absent: Aldermen Howard and Skinner. Pledge of Allegiance was followed by Prayer by Alderman Long. Alderman Long moves and Alderman George seconds a motion to accept the min- uted of the previous meeting as presented and place same on file. Roll call vote. AYE: Unanimous. Mayor Cook called for reports of Standing Committees. Alderman Hurst reported that specifications would be ready and bids accepted for the next Council meeting. Alderman Long, reporting for the Building and Grounds Committee, stated that an estimate of cost for removing' the wall between the Council Chamber and the Hall would be about $500.00 and enclosing the east side of the hall would cost about $350.00. Alderman Wright inquired if the same type of woodwork would be used in the remodeling, Alderman Long reported that paneling and ' ti glass would be used. Alderman George stated that the City should concentrate on the purchase of a garage first. Alderman Bender reported that another parking area had been made at Canton Beach and inquired if a car would be allowed to drive down in the beach area -- carrying a child that has had polio. Alderman Wright recommended that the car be driven into this restricted area, leave the child out, and then drive to the parking lot. Alderman Bender stated that the mother was worried about leaving the child,'who uses crutches, alone'while she was parking the car. Alderman Jennings reported that the old building on White Court has been torn dawn and the Traffic Committee is waiting for the City Engineer to give grades. More consideration was asked by Alderman Wright for the removing the middle wall in the Council Chamber and, at a later date, enclose the east side and stated that Alderman Long should be allowed to make further inquiry -- and report to the next meeting. Alderman B nder reported that signs disappear from the lake -- more "No Trespassing" signs to be placed and "NoSwimming" signs to be erected this week, and inquired about fishing at the dam. Alderman Wright stated that the City has tried many times to police the lake area and signs have been posted many times and same have been destroyed -- even to signs regulating boating.. and that he would not vote for someone to stand on the levy to keep people away -- parents should know where their children are. A motion by Alderman Long, referring to the polio patient, that the Water and Sewer Committee take whatever action they gee fit regarding the parking of a car. Alderman Duncan seconded this motion. Voice vote. AYE: Unanimous. Alderman Bender reported that he had a stencil "No Swimming" to paint on the tower. Alderman Wright inquired of City Attorney Senift 'if..an Ordinance pro- hibiting swimming or fishing -- with signs posted was the proper thing to do. Mr. Senift stated that 'he recommended the placing of signs. Alderman Jennings moves and Alderman Long seconds a motion that the Chairman of the Water and Sewer Committee be instructed to place a sign on the water tower and use his own discretion. Roll call vote. AYE: Unanimous. Mayor Cook called for reports of Special Committees. Alderman Hurst inquired if the Street Superintendent had a report on the construction of a bridge on West Walnut Street -- no report as yet. Alderman Bender reported that no bids had been received relative to the ad for cleaning the main trunk sewerage line and moves that the City advertise again, using a "block" ad. Alderman Horton seconds this motion. Roll call vote. AYE: Unanimous. I i i 190 June 18, 1963, Cont. (2) Mayor Cook called for Communications to the Council. Invitation to the members of the City Council to attend the "ribbon-cutting" -- opening day of the new tempo store (June 26, 1963, 9:30 A.M.) . Proclamation by Governor Otto Kerner regarding July 4 -- "Let Freedom Ring" on Independence Day throughout Illinois. Mayor Cook called for Unfinished Business. Alderman Jennings, on behalf of the Traffic Committee, requested a five-minute recess. Mayor Cook stated that same would be granted later in the meeting. An article from the Illinois Municipal Review regarding the reading of Ordinances was read by Alderman Long. First reading of the Appropriation Ordinance. First reading of a Traffic Ordinance regarding stop signs on E. Maple St. and E. Walnut St. Alderman Hurst moves and Alderman Long seconds a motion to suspend the rules. Roll call vote. AYE: Unanimous. Alderman Hurst moves and Alderman Bender seconds a motion to place the Ordinance oh its passage. Roll call vote. AYES Unanimous. This being Ordinance No. 80. First reading of ah Ordinance pertaining to Parking meters on VanBuren Court from Elm St. to alley on VanBuren Court. Alderman Long moves and Alderman Horton seconds a motion to suspend the rules. Roll call vote. AYE: Unanimous. Alder- man Long moves and Alderman Horton seconds a motion to place the Ordinance on its passage. Roll call vote. AYES Unanimous. This being Ordinance No. 81. Bonds with the American Surety Co. in the amount of $1,000.00 each, approved by the Finance Committee, for Eldon Myers, Street Superintendent and Charles D. Weed, Zoning Enforcing Officer. Alderman Long moves and Alderman Horton seconds ,a motion to accept same and place on file. Roll call vote. AYE: Unanimous. Alderman Jennings inquired about the purchase of a garage. Alderman Duncan re- ported that the Bishop building, mentioned several months ago, was priced at $12,000.00 at this time. Alderman Gibbons moves that the members of the Council make an inspection of the building following adjournment of the meeting. Alder- man Wright pointed out that a study should be made' to obtain adequate space and that the Federal Grant on the Sewerage Disposal work was available for a City garage. Alderman Jennings moves and Alderman Abbott seconds a motion to purchase the Ritz- Henry building on East Pine Street. Mayor Cook said that the adjacent vacant .lot should be included in the motion. Alderman Jennings withdrew his motion and Al- derman Abbott withdrew his second of same. Alderman Hurst recommended that the departments using equipment should make a study and report the amount of space required. Alderman Whitehead reported many calls regarding dead elm trees on W. Chestnut, W. Walnut St., and Robinson Court. General discussion regarding removal of dead trees. Alderman Hurst suggested that the Mayor write or call the telephone co. to see when their men could cooperate with the tree trimmers by lowering the telephone lines. Street Superintendent Myers said this work could be done the second week in July. Alderman Jennings requested a five-4dnute recess. Granted by the Mayor at 8=50 PM. Mayor Cook called the meeting to order again at 9:06 P. M. Plans for Jones Park and the lethting of bids up for discussion. Alderman Wright., requested by Alderman Jennings, explained what had gone on at previous meetings of the former Traffic Committee. Alderman Wright stated that to modify and beautify Jones Park, the Chamber of Commerce took the leadership in informing the people what was to be done and were to instruct the Council what was to be done now; The Chamber of Commerce Traffic Committee should provide the City Coundil with a copy of the plans as the Chamber of Commerce thought the Park should be modified -- the City will need plans in order to aftertise for bids. It was reported that City Engineer Gibbons should be able to carry on with the engineering work. Alderman Hurst stated that the City of Canton Traffic Com- mittee should work out the flaw of traffic on the square. Alderman Jennings to call eW engineer who designed the changes to be made. f I 191 t June 18, 1963, Cont. (3) Inquiry about dead elms in Jones Park. Alderman Jennings stated that the Street Superintendent said trees can be removed by that department. Alderman Jennings moves and Alderman Wright seconds a motion that the Street Superin- tendent be allowed to remove large elm trees in Jones Park, beginning work on June 19, 1963. Alderman Hurst stated that the Street Superintendent should not be taken from his street work and that the pay for tree work in the park should be taken from the revenue to be received from additional parking meters to be installed. After discussion, Mayor Cook called for Roll Call vote. AYE: Unanimous. The Illinois Bell Telephone Co. has made inquiry regarding the placing of the phone booths on the north and south ends of Jones Park, and stated same could be moved at any time the City wished. If the Council decides to have these two booths replaced in another location it will be allright, otherwise same will be removed -- just so the cable for these booths can be saved. Alder- men Jennings moves that the telephone company be requested to remove the north and south booths in Jones Park -- same to be replaced at Council's discretion. Alderman George seconds this motion. Roll Call Vote. AYE: Unanimous. C\3 Mayor Cook reminded Alderman Jennings to make the telephone call to Mr. Baerwald and suggested that the Chairman of the Water and Sewer Ccmmittee secure another man to help with the City Engineer's work, in order that Mr. Gibbons would have time to work on the Jones Park assignment. It was reported that, at the Traffic Committee meeting held recently, that a 55 degree angle parking was more desirable than the proposed 90 degree angle. A sanitation problem exists on Keeling Court gnd Alderman Wright said he would report same to the Health Officer. Alderman Hurst reported that he had received a call regarding the C. B. & Q RR. leaving engines running and unattended. City Attorney Senift reported he had received no answer to the letter to the Western Waterproofing Co. Alderman Duncan moves to adjourn. Alderman Wright seconds the motion. Voice vote. AYE: Unanimous. Canton City Council adjourns at 9:50 P. M. City Cleric I