At Your Service

"To Do List"

2009-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the "To Do List" in my office at city hall. I thought that you might find it interesting. Just click on the picture to see it larger.

It doesn't include everything we've accomplished since 2005 such as our emergency phone call system and it doesn't include everything we're presently working on such as our future North Church Street and 14th Street projects. But it gives a good idea of some of our community's past accomplishments and some future items we're looking at.

I am very interested in hearing what you would like to see happen in Gibson City in the near and long term. Please send me your ideas and I'll try to post as many of them as I can.

Mayor Dan

Winter Weather...

2008-12-29T15:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Anonymous,

No lame excuses here, only the facts.

I agree, roads, alleys and parking lots were terrible in Gibson City during and after the ice storm. Our city crews did a great job spreading salt (and sand), but salt doesn't work below 15 degrees and we had more than several days with below normal temperatures. Once it warmed up the rain washed much of the salt off of the ice and then the additional moisture would freeze making the ice even thicker, further compounding the problem.

I wish it was as simple as putting the blade down, but snow plows are not designed to scrape solid ice off of the roads. If we raised the gauge wheels on our plows and tried to remove solid ice it would not only damage our roads, but probably damage our equipment as well. Our roads are not level and the gauge wheels keep the blades from digging into the road. When there's solid ice like we had, the gauge wheels ride on top of the ice until it rains, melts or the ice is turned into slush by the salt so it can be removed. I hope this answers your question.

When road conditions deteriorate, please allow more time to get to where you're going and drive safely.

City crews are also beginning to remove tree limbs that are placed near the curb and hopefully will be able to complete the task within the next several weeks. Christmas trees will not be picked up. It is also my understanding that many of our damaged trees on city property will need to be trimmed.

As a side note, we have already used half as much salt as we normally use in an entire season and we still have at least several months to go. Superintendent Stauffer informed me that we are almost completely out of salt. He placed an order two weeks ago, but we still haven't received it yet. Hopefully it will arrive prior to our next round of Winter weather.

In the last two years the cost of salt has increased 40% and Superintendent Stauffer has started mixing the salt with sand to help maintain expenses. Many municipalities are considering the same. I believe that this is a wise use of our tax money and helps make our tax dollars go further.

I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas and I also hope we all have a great New Year.

Mayor Dan

I wrote in the summer complimenting the street crews. Today I'm writing to complain. What's the deal? Our crews are usually right on top of things but not this time. It's dangerous out there! Even the township roads are in better shape... please no lame excuses about salt. Put the plow blade down and scrape the ice off.

Anonymous

Leaf Burning...

2008-11-09T13:48:00.001-08:00

Anonymous said...
I appreciate the attention that this issue is being given. If a complete burn ban is not reasonable, a restriction on days and hours may be an attainable compromise. It really is a quality of life issue for the residents of Gibson City, IL. Those with respiratory difficulties will benefit and those who enjoy having their windows open on a lovely day will benefit as well. The free curbside leaf pickup is a wonderful service. I encourage the city to continue this and I encourage the residents of Gibson City to take advantage of this.

Anonymous said...
I also think the curbside leaf pick-up is a wonderful service. I just have one suggestion... go down the alleys to get those leaves in backyards. I always see my elderly neighbor hauling her leaves from her backyard to the front for pick up and she has tons of leaves. Personally I burn my leaves from the back because I am not hauling them to the front. Anyone else have this problem?

Anonymous said...
I would like to see the city revise its burn ordinance. I am the mother of a child with asthma. In the last few weeks, there have been few days that he could go outside due to people burning leaves. I applaud the city on its free leaf pick-up service. I wish more people would utlize the service. I appreciate the rights of citizens, whether to burn OR to breathe. Perhaps we could allow burning on certain days at certain times. Then, I would know when to keep my son indoors AND when he could safely play outside.

Anonymous said...
As the relative of an asthmatic and also a leaf burner, I agree. In my hometown, Monday was the only day you could burn leaves. It was a liveable deal and one I think people could abide by.

Arrowsmith Park Improvements

2008-10-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Anonymous,

WOW!

First, the Arrowsmith Park campground has nothing to do with the Sandtrap request earlier this year. As you mentioned, their request was denied. In fact camping has been allowed in Arrowsmith Park since the late 1960s (40+ years) and the current plans to improve the camp area have been on the drawing board for four years. Many improvements have been made to the camp area over the last forty years.

Second, camping is only allowed one week, per month, per camper. Long-term camping is not allowed.

Third, I checked with GCPD Chief Cushman and found that we have not had any citations or warnings issued to campers due to ordinance violations at Arrowsmith Park in at least the last several + years.

Fourth, the improved camping area will benefit many of our local businesses and is not designed to benefit any one particular business.

Many communities have campgrounds and encourage there use by locals and travelers alike. It's good for our quality of life and it's good for our local economy.

Hope this clears up any confusion.

Mayor Dan

Is this to ACCOMMODATE Sandtrap's plan for a camp and to funnel customers into that business? I thought that was defeated due to the concerns of the neighborhood AND NOW YOU ARE BUILDING A CAMPGROUND!!! Aren't there still the same concerns? I guess in the end, we are going to get stuck with a tent city down there aren't we?

Anonymous

Dear Friends,

I’m very excited about the current improvements at Arrowsmith (South) Park. Earlier this year we were given a $75,000.00 grant by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to be used for economic development. We decided to use the money to improve Arrowsmith Park further enhancing the additions and improvements that have been made to the park in the past, such as the public bathroom facility with showers.

We specifically targeted the existing camp area for these improvements. Up until now campers have been parking on the grass. The addition of asphalt camping sites will make it much more pleasurable for our family members and friends that come to visit. It will also make it more inviting to travelers passing through our community. In the future, minor improvements on the drawing board include the addition of picnic tables and fire pits.

It’s a well-established fact that campers spend money where they stay. My family and I have taken many camping vacations and can attest to this. There’s a reason Wal-Mart encourages free over-night camping in their parking lots; they know that money will be spent at their stores. Campers will stock-up at our local grocery store, buy supplies at our local hardware stores, purchase gas at our local gas stations and spend money at our restaurants. This is good for our local businesses and the jobs they provide. It’s also good for sales tax revenues.

This is the only public campground in Ford County that I’m aware of. We want people to know about this fantastic facility and feel welcome to visit our community. Therefore, we plan to advertise it in campground guidebooks and on highway signs outside of town. Our improved campground will give them another reason to stop instead of passing right through. They will support our local economy and they just might discover what we already know, Gibson City is a great place!

This project is another example of maintaining and improving our infrastructure and how it benefits our community.

As always, I am at your service. Please call me at 784-5872 or email me at mayor@gibsoncityilinois.com with any questions, suggestions or comments.

It is a pleasure to serve you.

Daniel Dickey
Mayor – Gibson City, Illinois

Gibson City Update

2008-09-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
It’s been a while since I last corresponded with you, but wanted to take this opportunity to bring you up to speed on some recent actions by the city council. I would also like to discuss some agenda items that will be coming up in the future.

First, I would like to thank the council for a very productive summer. We’ve been very busy. I would also like to thank our department heads and all city employees for their hard work and dedication.

The Melvin Street project is almost complete. Currently we’re waiting on Nicor Gas to lower a gas main on north Melvin so city crews can complete a couple driveways and install a retaining wall on the 1000 block of north Melvin. City crews will also begin to finish grading and sowing grass seed. Sidewalks will be poured and completed next spring as weather permits.
For over forty years, the Melvin Street project has been on the drawing board and it’s a pleasure to see it almost complete and within budget. It’s also the largest project in the history of Gibson City where money was not borrowed. When it is complete it will be totally paid for. Instead of borrowing we decided to save money to spend on the project. We literally saved thousands of dollars by not spending it on interest payments.

Last year we were fortunate to receive an economic development grant from the State of Illinois for $75,000.00 to improve our existing camping facility at Arrowsmith (South) Park. Total cost should be approx. $105,000.00 with the additional $30,000.00 required being paid out of our TIF fund. We plan to install an asphalt drive and nine asphalt campsites including one handicapped accessible site and also upgrade the existing electrical system. Future plans include upgrading the water system and installation of concrete pads, picnic tables and fire pits. Hopefully this will become an economic development tool as it has in other communities.

We recently finalized contract negotiations with the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police). The council approved a four year contract which includes a 3 ½% pay increase for our officers per year over the next four years. I believe that the final contract was fair to both our officers and Gibson City taxpayers. Other city employees were also given a 3 ½% pay increase for the current fiscal year.

Recently we received a study conducted by the independent firm of Berns, Clancy and Associates comparing water and sewage rates between 68 municipalities in east central Illinois. Our rating was 62 (68 being the best). Our rates are in the top 10% of least expensive combined water and sewage rates.
Our water department also just received an award from the Illinois Department of Public Health “in recognition of achieving the highest standard of compliance for at least five consecutive years in accordance with the Illinois Fluoridation Act”. Bottom line, we have some of the best water at one of the least expensive rates.

This year we also received a grant from the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity for $180,000.00 for the West 10th Street Project which will benefit us by helping to improve our storm water drainage. The project is almost complete and the cost should be very close to money that the council budgeted for the project.

We received several large rains so far this year. It was great to see that the drainage study and the resulting storm water drainage improvements implemented in the area north of 19th Street, including our newest sub-division, are working as planned. Three new homes are currently being built in Railside Estates and it will be exciting as future development proceeds. Development at Falcon Pointe has really taken off and that sub-division is ahead of the anticipated build schedule.

Over the years we have had drainage issues after larger rain events in the northwest quadrant of our community. I have asked our city engineers, Donahue and Associates to give us a cost analysis on what it would take to complete a drainage study for the area south of 19th Street, west of Sangamon Ave., east of the Bloomer Line railroad and north of 14th Street. Superintendent Stauffer and I spent several hours with our engineers last week walking the area and discussing possible remedies. Hopefully the engineers will give us a reasonable quote for the study that the council can approve at a later council meeting. If the study is approved, I will instruct our city engineers to give us a phased approach to remedy the situation. The council, the superintendent and I will work closely with the residents in the area. I will keep you posted as this proceeds.

I have been asked by many citizens if the council would consider and discuss the possibility of making our city a “golf cart community”. With energy prices increasing at an exponential rate I believe that we should consider the use of efficient, greener transportation alternatives with safety being the number one consideration. Please contact your Alderman and let them know what you think of the idea. All input and viewpoints are welcome.

Some of the other projects that we will be working on include repaving North Church Street from 15th Street to 19th Street. We’re also looking at repaving 14th Street from Sangamon Ave. to Melvin Street as money becomes available. Money from our TIF fund can be used for these projects and MFT (Motor Fuel Tax) and general funds can be used for infrastructure improvements in other non-TIF areas. TIF funds not only benefit TIF areas, they free-up other revenues that can be used in areas not included in TIF areas resulting in a benefit for the entire community. Another large project we will probably be looking at in the next couple years will be improving and increasing the capacity of our sewage plant.

It is very important to our future to maintain and improve our infrastructure.

Likewise, it is also very important for our community to keep our tax rates low by spending taxpayer money wisely. I believe that taxpayers should keep as much of their own hard-earned money as possible. Finance Chairman Nelda Jordan and I will be working very closely with department heads to present a budget to the council next spring that is based on projected revenues. We must live within our means.

Presently, the City of Gibson has a surplus and we plan to keep it that way.

Please call me at 784-5872 or email me at mayor@gibsoncityillinois.com with any comments, questions or suggestions. I will be happy to discuss your ideas with you.
It is a pleasure serving you.
Daniel Dickey

City Crews...

2008-07-27T15:52:00.001-07:00

Anonymous said...
I really appreciate the city crew picking up the brush and leaves. The boys do a nice job responding to these types of situations... plowing snow in the winter, picking up after storms, etc.
June 20, 2008 8:07 PM

Gibson City Emergency Notification System...

2008-07-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

When will there be another sign-up period for the emergency notification system?

Anonymous

Gibson City EMA Coordinator Bruce Hammitt and I would strongly urge all citizens to sign-up for the telephone emergency notification system if you haven't already. There's no cost to Gibson City residents and it will only be used in an emergency situations such as tornado or storm warnings, hazmat situations, boil orders, Amber Alerts, etc.

The system is not perfect, but it's a great tool and is definitely a step in the right direction. We strongly encourage everyone to also monitor local radio and TV and to have an emergency weather radio for all potential emergency situations. There may be instances when conditions change too rapidly to give a timely and sufficient warning over the emergency notification system, so please keep your eyes to the sky.

The deadline has passed for the initial sign-up, but we will periodically update the list with all changes and additions. Please submit your application to Gibson City Hall and we'll get you added the next time the list is updated.

Mayor Dan

Handicapped Accessible Swings...

2008-07-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

At one time, there were handicapped accessible swings in the park. Why are they no longer there? There still are children in Gibson City who would enjoy them.

Anonymous

I discussed your question with City of Gibson Superintendent Stauffer earlier today. I found that there were safety concerns for our younger children due to the choking hazards posed by the straps and buckles and that the swings should only be used with adult supervision. Many non-handicapped children were playing on the swings without supervision and the decision was made to remove them due to the potential danger. Our insurance carrier was also very concerned with the safety issues.

Unfortunately, we currently do not have a solution. Any ideas would be welcome.

Mayor Dan

Golf Carts...

2008-07-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Would Gibson City be open to the idea of a gold cart ordinance? Many other central Illinois towns have passed such ordinances. Most of these towns have certain requirements of the golf carts, such as headlights, turn signals and slow moving vehicle signs. Some cities have an annual permit with a fee in order to be "legal", and some require drivers to be a certain age. With our golf course, I can see there would be an interest, as well as it could be a source of income for the city, as well as letting Gibson City be a little greener.

Anonymous

Great question and comments. We have had many citizens in Gibson City ask the same question.

We are already in the process of gathering information from other communities that have passed ordinances concerning the use of golf carts on city streets. I intend to place it on the city council agenda for discussion and public input and comment in the next couple months.

I would support the use of golf carts on all or some city streets providing that the ordinance meets or exceeds all federal and state requirements and addresses any safety issues. I would also like the ordinance to address the use of other types of green and efficient transportation as well.

Mayor Dan

Sandtrap Beer Garden...

2008-07-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

I received a couple comments concerning the beer garden at the Sandtrap and wanted to clear up any confusion that might exist.

Illinois law states that smoking is only permitted outside and must be at least 15' from doorways and/or open windows. The beer garden at the Sandtrap extends approx. 21' from the doors allowing space in the beer garden for smokers according to the law.

The Sandtrap did not receive any TIF funds or taxpayer's money for construction of their new beer garden. However, last year they did receive TIF funds for only tuck-pointing and painting of the exterior of their building.

Smoking Ban...

2008-06-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

If there is a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants, bars, etc., why are some establishments in Gibson City still allowing smoking?

Signed Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

There is an Illinois ban on smoking effective January 1, 2008. There's some good information at www.idph.state.il.us/smokefree/index.htm.

I cannot answer questions for individual businesses but, here's some information (quoted) that I received from the above referenced web site.

How will the act be enforced?
The owner, manager or operator of an area open to the public covered by the act must make a reasonable effort to prevent smoking. The Illinois Department of Public Health, state-certified local public health departments and local law enforcement agencies will enforce the law.

Where can I file a complaint?
Complaints can be filed with the Illinois Department of Public Health on the Web at www.smoke-free.illinois.gov or by telephoning the Department's toll-free Complaint Line at 866-973-4646. Complaints also can be made to a state-certified local health department or a local law enforcement.

GCPD Chief Cushman emailed me with the following: "At this time, law enforcement has not received a clear cut method of enforcement for the smoking ban. This has been an area of confusion since the smoking ban was put into effect. However, the Gibson City Police will assist persons with smoking concerns in filing a complaint with the Ford Iroquois County Health Department."

Mayor Dan

Swimming Pools...

2008-06-21T09:07:00.001-07:00

So do those individuals have to pay a fine for not having a fence? Or does someone have to turn them in first and then they will be fined? How much is the fine? My guess is cheaper than putting up a fence....

Signed Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

I'm sure Chief Cushman could answer these questions better than I can, but I'll give it a go.

Remember, it's the depth of the water, not the height of the pool. We actually checked a couple pools and were surprised to find that the water level was less than 24". We have heard that there are larger pools in city limits that don't meet ordinance requirements and the GCPD will follow up in those situations as they find out about them.

If a nuisance violation is observed or a complaint is received and verified the GCPD would contact the individual in person or by letter asking the individual to correct the problem within a certain time period. We also try to work with individuals, especially in situations with extenuating circumstances. If the violation is not corrected within the time period a ticket could and probably would be issued, but compliance is always our main goal.

According to our ordinance, fines can range from $75.00 up to $750.00 for any one offense and multiple citations can be issued for a single violation if problem is not remedied in a timely manner. The amount of the fine is determined during court proceedings.

If you have any further questions concerning violations or enforcement, please contact the GCPD at 784-8666.

Mayor Dan

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Gibson City have an ordinance that states if a person has a body of water (i.e. pool, pond, etc.) at their property that has more than 2 feet of water they need to have a fence around that pool or pond? I have seen many pools around town lately that have no fencing and are 3-4 feet deep.

Signed Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous,

You are 99% correct. The only difference is that it only covers a body of water "which is used primarily for the purpose of swimming". The following ordinance was adopted a couple years ago because the Council was concerned with the safety of our community, especially the safety of our young children.

City of Gibson Revised Code Article V, Section 40-5-5, Paragraph H states: "Swimming pools, in all residential districts shall be located not less than twenty feet from any principal building on an adjacent lot and the pool or yard shall be fenced to a height of not less than five feet with the type and location of the fence approved by the City Superintendent. "Swimming pool" within the meaning of this sub paragraph, shall be a depression in the ground, either temporary or permanent, or a container of water either temporary or permanent and either above or below ground in which water of more than twenty-four inches is contained and which is used primarily for the purpose of swimming. (Ord. No. 06-15; 04-24-06)

Basically, No swimming pool should be closer than 20' to any neighbors home and the water in the pool should not contain more than 24" (depth) of water unless it is totally enclosed by at least a 5' fence. Hope this helps.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the GCPD at 784-8666.

Mayor Dan

Mexican Restaurant...

2008-06-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

I just received my first question: "Can you try to get a Mexican restaurant here in Gibson City?"

I too enjoy Mexican food, but I would not actively pursue getting a Mexican restaurant in Gibson City. We currently have 10+ eating establishments in our community and I'm not sure our population base could support many more. At the same time I would not discourage this type of business if it decided to locate here as I am a firm believer in the free-market system.

I do believe that we should continue to make our local environment favorable to new (and existing) business and residential development and as a result we will further increase our job prospects and population. This will help us attract new service type businesses such as restaurants. Who knows, maybe a Mexican restaurant is in our future.

I might suggest giving Percfection Coffee House a try on Friday nights. My family and I found their Mexican food to be authentic and very good. Give it a try.

Mayor Dan

Welcome...

2008-06-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog "At Your Service". I'm looking forward to answering your questions concerning issues involving Gibson City. Also, please feel free to share your ideas and to post comments that you may have concerning our community.

At times I will also post information relating to current events, council meetings and other news as it relates to our city.

I would like to thank WGCY for this opportunity. I believe that this type of forum is a great way to communicate with residents on issues that involve all of us.

Mayor Daniel Dickey