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Jay Markwell, representing the Casey Liaison Steering Committee, presents Mayor Scott Elkins with a plaque from the Peace Corps Fellows Program commemorating the city, Casey Industries and the Casey Chamber of Commerce for their participation in the program and demonstrating their commitment to improving the community and economic development in rural Illinois. Photo by Marcy Shonk
Council continues cleanup efforts  Share
Casey City Council members are compiling lists of potential nuisance violations in their respective wards. Ordinance Committee Chairman Dave Coleman requested the lists at the Aug. 3 council meeting. The information will be collated into a master list and prioritized. This effort is an ongoing effort by the council to improve the quality of life and protect property values for Casey residents. Casey's nuisance ordinance covers a variety of acts and conditions, including debris, inoperable vehicles, obstructions, stagnant water, livestock, and all buildings or structures so old, dilapidated or out of repair as to be dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for human use. Once a nuisance is determined to exist, the city will serve the owner, occupier or person causing the nuisance with a written notice delivered by the chief of police or certified mail with return receipt requested, directing abatement of the nuisance in seven days. Failure to do so can result in the city itself causing the abatement or legal action. The ordinance in its entirety is available for viewing in the office of City Clerk Robin McClellan. Coleman advised his committee and the entire council to find ways to stop these nuisances before they start.
In related matters, the council is developing a process for construction permits and contractor registry. Permits to build will be issued by the city. Utilities Superintendent Shelby Biggs will inspect the site of proposed construction and deem whether or not a property survey is required. This should enable the city to monitor questionable construction when necessary, and ensure new construction is not in violation of property boundaries or easements. A current easement dispute has been referred to City Attorney Sarah Holsapple Miller. The contractor registry will require a surety bond and is being developed to protect citizens from disreputable companies and shoddy workmanship. The city's park committee, chaired by Donna Tutewiler, is looking at ways to renovate the 29-year-old swimming pool in Fairview Park. The pool's life expectancy of 25 years has been exceeded and it is anticipated that pool will need replaced in three to five years. Burbach Aquatics made a presentation to the committee, proposing a long-term solution for aquatics, beginning with a feasibility study. After discussion of additional phases of the proposal, as well as associated costs, it was decided to invite the firm to present to the council as a whole. Tutewiler also announced that Casey In Action's fall festival; planned for late October in Fairview Park was in the planning stages. The Casey fire department will also participate by sponsoring a chili cook-off with proceeds going to the new firehouse fund. CIA has decided to split net proceeds with the city. Additionally, it was noted that bicycles and skateboards will not be allowed in pedestrian areas of the park during the upcoming Popcorn Festival. The tennis courts are now sufficiently cleaned for filling of the cracks for the new skateboard park. City Park and Recreation Director Debbie Hutton was set to discuss her plans for a Christmas festival in the park with the committee on Aug. 4. She is also working with CIA for the fall festival and is assisting Popcorn Festival organizers. In other matters, the council: - Heard letters of thanks read by McClellan from the Rotary Golf Tourney and the National Road Festival. - Heard Bill Williams has proposed giving a rural water main (owned by Williams and LeRoy Staley) on Oak Leaf Road to the city. The utility committee will meet at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 to discuss the matter. - Heard installation of the new playground equipment was nearing completion. - Heard new water lines would be installed in the park campground. - Heard the park pond was being treated for moss for the fifth time this year, as opposed to twice in previous years. - Heard the last day for the pool would be Aug. 14 or 15 when a Back to School party is being planned, to include music, food and games. Mayor Scott Elkins questioned the feasibility of being open for the Labor Day weekend. Operational costs, including labor, would total $4,600 for the three-day weekend. - Heard Police Chief Mark Jenkins give the monthly activity report and relay he is applying for a $32,000 100% grant for purchase of mobile date computers and software. - Adopted a fee schedule, as recommended by Chief Jenkins, for selected police department services. - Heard Mayor Elkins report plans for the Aug. 22 City Customer Appreciation Day. The council meets next at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17. Marcy Shonk is a staff reporter for the Casey Reporter.
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