Tuscola city council to pay of MFT bond two years early

By Kendra Hennis 
The meeting of the Tuscola city council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on September 14. The meeting began with the council’s approval of the consent agenda. There were many events approved in the consent agenda. Including, a Tuscola school’s spirit week bicycle parade on Monday, September 28 from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m, a craft market on Festival Corner on October 3, Christie Clinic’s drive-thru flu shot clinic on October 10, and Tuscola Area Mineasteal Alliance’s drive-thru Nativity at Ervin Park on December 6. 

The council then approved MFT Obligation Retirement Resolution – 2021 debt service on series 2012 bonds and MFT Obligation Retirement Resolution – 2022 debt service on series 2012 bonds. These obligation approvals are necessary because they allow the city to ask the Illinois Department of Transportation for access to their motor fuel tax fund money to use to pay off the Motor Fuel Tax bonds from 2012. The fund balance is sufficient to pay the 2021 and 2022 debt service payments and still cover ongoing expenses. Early payoff will yield some savings of anticipated interest expense. 

In his Mayor’s report, Mayor Kleiss asked the city for their patience with Advanced Disposal as they work to replace the trash cans in Tuscola. They began with placing new totes on the north end of town last week, will complete the southern portion this week, and the central part of town the following week. 

In his Administrator’s report, Drew Hoel said that the city crews have been tearing out the old tennis courts at Ervin Park. The remaining sub-base of the north tennis court appears to be sufficient for grading and compaction in preparation for the new asphalt. However, the south tennis courts had very little sub-base and the soil beneath is very soft. Crews will likely need to over-excavate the area, place a layer of large rock on the soil, and then put new rock to create a suitable sub-base. The city will be conducting density testing to confirm observations before proceeding with bids from contractors. Hoel also said that the approved Ironhorse Special Service Area is delayed beyond this construction season. He will be discussing options with the project engineer and the bond counsel, and will report back to the council on some recommendations on how to proceed. 

Finally, the council approved the COVID-19 Personnel and Payroll Policy Memorandum. In order to comply with requirements related to state and federal funding programs that was discussed at the previous meeting. The written policy discusses paid leave, administrative leave, and other personnel policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The council unanimously approved the policy. 

The council also:

* Approved the minutes of the August 24 board meeting. 

* Approved the payment of bills in the amount of $241,229.91.

* Adjourned at 7:48 p.m. until the September 28 meeting.