Village
of Palestine Patricia Schofield, Mayor |
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From the |
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Highlights
of July Board of Trustees Meeting The Condemnation of derelict properties in the Village of Palestine continues to be a major concern for the Board of Trustees. In the pursuit of clarifying the basis for properties that fall beneath the Illinois Housing Standards, the Board authorized Mayor Schofield to seek a Fair Housing Ordinance, as well as an Ordinance that would reflect the Housing Standards for the Village. It was agreed that, although our Housing Standards are already dictated by the State of Illinois, if we endorse our own Ordinance, it will more clearly identify the basis for compliance and maintenance of the properties in the Village of Palestine. Of the five (5) properties that are currently being considered for condemnation, only one has shown any determined effort to comply. One other has made some effort, but some of the major areas of improvement has not been completed. The others will be monitored until the given dates for completion. The appliance pickup that was completed on June 28th was very successful, and Dennis Salvage reported they picked up even more this year than last year. This event will probably become a bi-annual event. Further notice will be given. This pickup was strictly for appliances, etc. Several alleys were discussed, in that people are driving down the alleys as if they were on a proper road. Some residents have complained about the use of the alleys and the Chairman of the Streets and Alleys will be making some observations to determine what should be done to eliminate the use of alleys expect for what they were designed for. This matter will be further discussed at the next meeting. The AmerenCIPS contract was brought to the table for discussion, since the electric company has requested a 20-year contract extension and have asked to change the contractual payment. After a study of the past 10 years, reflecting the rate experience, the Board was unanimously in agreement that we would not be very good stewards if we passed an extension for 20 years. Mayor Schofield was authorized to pursue options that may be available before we enter into any extension. After a community assessment meeting, the Village has been approached to pursue the annexation of areas West of Palestine, which would include the ethanol plant. It was felt that due to the urging of the community leaders, as well as the possibility of other interests in the ethanol plant, it would behoove the Board to make this matter of immediate importance. The Board adopted the Resolution to approve the Labor Day Parade and will submit it to IDOT for their approval, as well. The Board was apprised of the notice that the DCEO Grants, that were initially requested by Roger Eddy, were approved, and the fully executed copies of each agreement has been received. We were fortunate to receive two grants, one for the Police Department, and one for the Village, to use for the completion of the Main Street Park. The Village also received a grant from the Mary Heath Foundation, which will also be used for the Main Street Park. Randy Rich, the Mayor of Oblong, advised that they would be considering the use of our staff to spray their town for mosquitoes. Since we were fortunate to receive a grant from the Mary Heath Foundation to purchase a new mosquito sprayer, we will be in position to spray for them, the same as we do for the Village of Hutsonville, for a fee based on only labor and material. Chief Clark reported that his department is continuing to be very busy in pursuing ordinance violations, speeders, and other causes for concern for the Village. He also requested that we amend our Noise Pollution ordinance to include no jake brakes for the big trucks coming into town. Walt Fritchie, one of the Trustees, remarked that many smaller towns, such as Palestine, have adopted an ordinance to stop use of the jake brakes, and they post signs at each entrance, notifying them of the ordinance. It probably will not eliminate it, but it will discourage truckers from using them, and will definitely give notice that they will receive a citation if caught using them. Spring
Planting Reminders Every year during the
Spring season, and in observation of Earth
Day, several people like
to plant bushes and trees to enhance our environmental. The new plantings
not only provides the much needed oxygen for our planet, but it also
adds to the beauty of our Village. Farmers'
Market Receives Grant The Palestine Farmers’ Market, opening this growing season, has received an Advertising Grant from the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The purpose of this grant will assist Palestine in publicizing the Farmers’ Market, helping to establish its availability. Several local gardeners, as well as an organic gardener, have expressed interest in participating in the market. There will be seasonal produce as the harvests begin, including fresh vegetables, fruit, and herbs, as well as baked goods, and possibly an assortment of preserved foods. The grant will serve to give public notice to those who not only will provide the products offered for sale, but to the consumers, as well. An area on the Main Street in Palestine is being prepared for the Farmers’ Market, which will be held on Saturday mornings. Watch for an announcement for the first available date. The University of Illinois Extension Service has assisted the Village of
Palestine in securing this grant. Village Recognized Posted: March 29, 2008 By: Patricia J. Schofield, Mayor |
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