By MOLLY RICHESON
For The Weekly Post
YATES CITY – A neighborhood dispute was the main topic of the Yates City Village Board meeting on Sept. 10.
In the area south of West Fulton Street and blocked by South Marietta and South Kent streets is a plotted alley, previously believed to be a utility road until this matter required the status of the roadway to be investigated.
The dispute centers around a juvenile operating an off-road dirt bike in and around the alleyway, and some neighbors who have complained about their peace being disturbed by the noise.
The police have been contacted several times, as has the Village Board. The juvenile’s parents have also been contacted, but, according to complaints received, have not been cooperative.
Village President Mark Hostetler said, “No one is cooperating. We’re doing the best we can,” before taking the matter to executive session.
Police Chief Randy Benson also commented, “I’m trying to resolve this, but I have to follow the boundaries of the law. I’m not as concerned about happiness as I am about the laws.”
Upon adjourning from executive session, the board divulged that two options were discussed. Initially, the board debated closing the alley and making residents who have property along that alley move their items behind their own property lines, including a line of trees. That would cost an estimated $2,500 for a survey, which the board declined.
“If this escalates, the trees and things are going to have to be moved,” Hostetler said.
Eventually, the council decided to mark the alley’s location more clearly, barricade it and inform residents that they could mow their grass to the center of the alley and no farther. Furthermore, non-licensed vehicles or motorcycles will be cited if operated on the alley and Yates City noise ordinances will be enforced if vehicles are operated in an unreasonably loud manner.
The board approved the restriction of the alley for public use, with Board Member Dave Mahr voting against the measure.
Chris Bewley, Salem Township supervisor, attended the meeting to discuss Dumpster Days, during which residents can bring heavy trash items to dispose of in dumpsters provided by the township and the village.
Bewley said the township is willing to do Dumpster Day on a Saturday, not on the village’s planned Thursday date, and will have the highway commissioner and two trustees there to keep an eye on it. No date is yet official.
“I don’t think having it during the day on a Thursday is fair to working people,” Bewley said.
Additionally, the township would like the village to pay for half of the expenses and advertising.
During the spring Dumpster Day earlier this year, illegal materials were left in and around the dumpsters
“The village had to spend six months disposing of illegal stuff that was dumped,” Hostetler said. “Our employees had to enter the dumpster to remove things and put themselves in danger.”
He stressed that it is unknown where the offenders were from.
“They could be from anywhere, not necessarily Yates City or the township. But cameras will be in place this year, and if illegal items are dumped, they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he said.
A public hearing was held for citizens to address the board regarding concerns about the proposed ground tank to be funded by an IEPA loan. This is a routine procedure in the loan process.
In addition to the hearing, the IEPA, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and four Native American tribes were contacted and given a chance to voice any concerns they may have with the project.
With no criticism from any of the aforementioned agencies and no citizens present at the hearing, the planning report can now be finalized, the next step in the process. After planning is approved, a loan-approval letter will be sent and the village can put the project out for bids.
Once bids are received by the IEPA, the village will be sent a loan agreement and then the bid can be awarded and construction can begin.
9-18-25
9-19-25
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