Toulon awaiting word on sewer project

 Published Date: January 16, 2024

By JOHN A. BALLENTINE
For The Prairie News

TOULON – The Toulon City Council heard that almost all of the unfinished business agenda items are in progress during a meeting on Jan. 8.

Giffin Engineering Representative Justin Reeise provided an update on the unsewered community planning report grant. The city is waiting for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to complete its process for construction and a start date. Reeise said the project, impacting northwest residents of Toulon, will likely be done in the spring or early summer.

There was no update about engineering plans for Toulon’s water mains.

Two local contractors are expected to bid on a railing at the baseball field once dimensions are finalized by Councilman Michael Schott and city employee Jake Streitmatter.

The city received a quote to purchase caustic chemicals for the water plant. The city needs a permit to purchase the chemical to correct the pH of the water. It will replace lime, which is hard to obtain.

The council discussed a contract for Streitmatter to become the sewer operator. Mayor Larry Hollis said a city employee can’t also be a contractor. Details of this are still being finalized.

The council approved a $1,250 donation to the Stark County Parents’ Club for its auction, up from the last donation of $1,000.

Tabled was an ordinance to change how the mayor, the council members, the city treasurer and the city clerk are paid for attending council meetings. Currently the mayor receives $125 per meeting, the council members $75 per meeting and the city clerk and city treasurer receive $66.67 per meeting.

Also tabled were employee job descriptions, expectations and goals. Councilman Brandon Simpson wants to establish a legal framework for this and Councilman Ryan Kelly wants documentation of employees entered into their personnel files.

The council set 2024 meeting dates for the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Toulon Fire House/Station. The exception to these dates is Oct. 14, which is Columbus Day. The city will announce an alternate date later.

Finally, the council passed an ordinance to allow the sale of excess property, such as tools, at an auction.