The Pontiac City Council met on September 21, 2009, at 7:00pm, at Pontiac City Hall.

Here is a recap of the meeting and actions.

REGULAR AGENDA
A1.   Ordinance 2009-O-031 - Gabor Variance

PASSED

A2.   Ordinance 2009-O-032 - Wille Variance

PASSED

B.   Ordinance 2009-O-033 - TIF  Agreement for Dynamometer

PASSED
City authorized TIF funds for Dynamometer, a business which is relocating to Pontiac, of $5,000 per employee.

C.   Ordinance 2009-O-034 - Prairie View Lane Tap-on (Sewer Availability)

PASSED
The city passed an ordinance allowing residents on Prairie View Lane to "tap-on" to the city sewer at reduced rates, for a limited time.

D1.   T-Hangar Base Bid Award (Public Property & Utilities Committee)

PASSED
Awarded the base bid to P.J. Hoerr for T-Hangers at the Pontiac Municipal Airport.  The funds are 95% Federal and 5% city.  City funds from airport revenue will be used.  Several aldermen noted if the city doesn't utilize the federal program for the 95% of the funds, that those federal dollars will be lost.  The federal money can only be used for capitol improvement at the municipal airport.

The city is also planning to expand the T-hangers to allow higher and larger aircraft, to attract more commercial use.

E.   The city wants to remove the "parking island planter area" on the square, on Madison street, and completely redo it, including removing the trees and replacing them with trees more suited for the area.  This plan was approved.

F.   Tree Purchase Authorization

The Street Department requested "the usual expenditure" for tree replacement this year, of $10,000.  Street Superintendent Chris Brock noted with prices down, the city could plant 90 trees with year for the same funds the city spent last year for only 60-70 trees.  The council approved a reduced amount of $7,500, due to funding issues.

According to the Street Department, this year the city lost 67 trees so far.  15 trees were lost in the ice storm over the winter, with 9 in Chautauqua park alone.

G.   Deerfield Road Bid Award

PASSED
Stimulus money will be used for repairs and overlay of Deerfield road.  Road closures are not expected during this work.

H.   Community Services Committee Report

Committee reports it plans to continue with a "Walldog committee" to monitor, refreshen, and perhaps add to the downtown murals.  The committee also suggested looking into a kiosk near the Old Log Cabin to attract visitors from Old Route 66 into Pontiac.

OTHER ITEMS

LEAF COLLECTION
City leaf collection will begin October 19, 2009.  Leaves are to be placed at the curb, but NOT in the street.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
A resident asked the city council to look into displacement of the turkey vultures in the 300 block of Moulton street.  There are a reported 50+ birds in that immediate area, causing an unbearable stench.  The city will look into what can be done to address the issue.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Executive Session was held for Collective Negotiating Matters, Property Acquisition & Disposition.