Webb takes oath of office as new member of Anna City Council
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Anna City Council packed a lot of discussion into a regular meeting held Tuesday evening.
The meeting, attended by a standing room audience of about 60 to 70 people, was at Anna City Hall.
New council member takes office
Tuesday's meeting opened with Martha Ann Webb taking the oath of office as the council's newest member.
Webb was appointed to fill a vacancy on the council. She will serve through April 30, 2011.
The oath of office was administered by city clerk Chris Jones.
After the oath was completed, Webb was given a round of applause by those who had gathered for the meeting.
She thanked everyone for the show of support. "I want to give God the glory," she said.
A reception was held in Webb's honor following the meeting, which lasted about an hour.
During that hour, the city council covered a wide range of concerns.
Mayoral appointments
Mayor Steve Hartline appointed council members to departments they will head for the coming year:
Martha Ann Webb, city hall. Ron Stamp, public safety (police and fire departments). Cindy Swope, city garage. David Isom, park and cemetery.
The mayor also appointed Dave Tellor as zoning administrator.
Business park projects
City administrator Steve Guined shared updates on several projects at the Anna Business Park. The park is located in east Anna.
Plans are moving forward for Jo-Co Pools to relocated from downtown Anna to the business park.
Guined also reported that plans are moving forward quickly on development of a bowling center at the business park by David Prater. The plans currently call for the bowling center to open by Jan. 1, 2010.
Tree trimming budget concerns
The city administrator shared concerns about unanticipated high costs for tree trimming and removal work.
Guined said there currently are more trees that need to be addressed than there is money in the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 budget.
Bad weather over the past several years has created more problems than usual.
The city had $1,000 in the budget for tree work. However, it is estimated that another $3,000 to $5,000 is needed to do the work.
The council decided to reallocate $2,500 which had been earmarked for the purchase of Christmas decorations. The funds will be combined with money already in the budget.
Safety concerns were cited as a reason to move forward with the tree work.
Emergency alert system
Council member Swope gave an update on plans to implement the AlertNow rapid emergency communication service in the community.
Swope has initiated several meetings with leaders from throughout Union County in an effort to implement the system.
The Union County Board of Commissioners this week gave its support for the program.
Funding sources may become available to help with implementation of the program.
The system would allow for instant notification of emergencies for such situations as storms and other matters.
Street projects
The city administrator reported that delays have developed in the ongoing Market Street improvement project.
Efforts are underway to resolve several issues and then get the project to start moving forward again.
The city administrator also reported that plans for resurfacing of Illinois Route 146 from east Anna to the Jonesboro Square are on hold. The Illinois Department of Transportation reported that a lone bid for the project came in significantly over the anticipated cost.
Reception planned
The city is planning to host a reception in honor of longtime employee Greg Plott, who retired June 30.
The reception is set for noon Friday, July 10, at the Anna police and fire station on market street.
Trash collection bids
The city is reviewing bids for trash collection. Five bids were submitted for the service.
A committee has been created to review the bids. Committee members include council member Cindy Swope and several city staff members.
The council expects to act on the bids at its next meeting, which is Tuesday, July 21.