Nokomis council greenlights loan for sewer project

NOKOMIS — The Nokomis City Council met for its rescheduled regular session on Monday, Jan. 29. The initial meeting was set for one week prior, but was postponed due to severe winter weather.

In public comments, Alex Siefert expressed concerns about the city’s pending fees for low-speed electric-powered and gas-powered bicycles. He felt that the fees would pose a hardship for many senior citizens in the community.

The ordinance in question, Ordinance 2112, would regulate such bicycles, somewhat similar to existing regulations on golf carts in the city. The city did not take action on the ordinance and tabled it until the next meeting. The council assured Siefert that his concerns would be taken into consideration.

Tabled discussion on funds transfer

Another resolution is under discussion relating to the transfer of funds from the Business District tax fund. The ordinance would allow for funds, for an amount not yet specified, to be transferred to a certificate of deposit.

After some discussion, it was later determined that the resolution was no longer necessary. A motion to approve the transfer is all that is required to establish the CD at First National Bank of Nokomis or Land of Lincoln Credit Union. The approval of the motion will need to be in writing in the minutes in order to enable the transaction.

Further discussion of the matter and final action on the subject will occur at the next meeting.

The city may need to temporarily borrow from the fund due to a problem with a filter at the water treatment plant. Depending on the severity, the city may need to borrow from the fund in order to perform the repairs. When the city receives funds from the EPA loan, they will repay the fund.

Additional business district action

The council tabled discussion and action on proposed revisions to the business district grant application and the vacant structure ordinance.

The council approved the following business district grants:

• Shear Revolution, 118 N. Spruce St.: $2,600 to cover half the cost of repairing the foundation of the building.
• 114 E. State St.: $1,451.50 to cover half the cost of repairing a chimney leak. No current ownership information was known as of publication, except that existing records state that Montgomery County is the trustee of the building.

Financials report

Revenues received for the month to date were $135,681.77 comprising of the following:

• Illinois Department of Revenue – Local share of sales tax: $20,266.70
• Illinois Department of Revenue – Business district tax: $10,196.59
• Illinois Department of Revenue – Telecommunications tax: $1,776.41
• Illinois Department of Revenue – Cannabis use tax: $270.27
• Illinois Department of Revenue – Video gaming tax: $4,555.73
• Illinois Department of Revenue – State use tax: $7,324.00
• Illinois Department of Revenue – Income tax: $34,163.67
• Ameren Illinois – Utility tax: $9,855.52
• Other revenues: $47,272.88

Bills for $23,233.22 were approved. Included in the bills is a portable generator. However, since it is something they have yet to receive, payment will be withheld until after it arrives.

Progress on the Nokomis wastewater plant project

Ordinance 2113 was approved to grant clearance for a loan agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for nearly $9.5 million. Simultaneously, it also allows for issuing sewage revenue bonds for a similar amount to defray the costs of extending and improving the sewage system in the city.

The council awarded the contract for the wastewater plant project to Kamadulski Excavating and Grading of Granite City. The actual quote of the project by Kamadulski was not made public at the time.

The council also approved the change order for the filter repairs at the current plant to All Service for $83,773.00.

Additional Nokomis council business

Mayor Dylan Goldsmith noted that he will be attending the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs Conference on February 28-29.

Discussion on repairs on the roof of the city complex would occur, but no action was taken on the matter. Before taking further action, they will confer with local businesses for estimates.

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Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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