City to take bids for real estate

During the city council meeting on Monday night, the first reading was given of an ordi- nance that declares a parcel of land as surplus property and authorizes the city to sell the land and all structures that are on it. The property is adjacent to residential properties on Walnut Street.

It is now up for bid with the bid opening on Monday, Feb 13, at 7 p.m. The minimum bid is $10,000. The property is being sold as-is. The successful bidder will be responsible for all costs incurred by the city for publication notices, closing costs and deed preparation costs.

In other business, an email was received from Tim Seelbach on behalf of the Zion Lutheran Church Men’s Club, requesting to make streets around the school one way on Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for their annual sausage supper. The request was approved.

City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier announced that the city has three licensed residential trash haulers – DC Waste & Recycling, Republic Services, Inc, and SPS Waste, LLC. Waste Management will no longer be providing trash service.

In Finance and Claims, the council agreed to pay an in- voice from Sandberg Phoenix in the amount of $1,785.90 for professional services rendered regarding special projects.

In Streets and Sewer, the purchase of a 3-horsepower lagoon aerator from VaraCorp Aerators for $8,250 plus shipping was approved.

The council voted to proceed with engineering on the West Frontage Road sewer extension project.

A quote from Nu Way Concrete Forms for a concrete saw and plate compactor was ap- proved for $6,888.55.

The council approved two resolutions in support of the Community Block Grant Pro- gram. One is a housing grant, and one is a water grant.

The collector’s report included the following:

State of Illinois - Cannabis Use Tax $615.82; Telecommunications Tax $5,028.95; Video Gaming Tax $12,079.44; Income Tax $46,319.56; State Use Tax $18,123.48; Personal Property Replacement Tax $8,753.46;

Utility Tax - Ameren Illinois $16,752.78; Southwestern Electric $666.94; M.J.M. Electric $228.10;

Staunton Police Department - Ordinance Violations $300; Fingerprinting $10; Staunton Super 8 Motel - Hotel/Motel Tax $1,780.75; Illinois Public Risk Fund - Safety Grant Award $7,116; M&M Service Co. - Sievers Farm Income $11,341; TDS Transport - Police Department donation $500.

Business licenses were issued to Vintage Village Antiques and Staunton Auto Body, LLC.

Trash hauling licenses were issued to DC Waste & Recycling,Republic Services, SPS Waste, LLC.

A meat shoot license was issued to Concordia Hall, Inc.

Those present for the meeting were Mayor Craig Neuhaus, City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier, City Treasurer Cindy Pirok, Public Works Director Mike Kuethe, City Attorney Phil Lading, aldermen Ryan Machota, John Moore, David Manning, David Dias, Terry Tipler, and Kristy Berg. Police Chief Jeff Doerr was absent. The next city council meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m.