Movement toward purchase of flood-prone property

The Harrisburg city council discussed the purchase of the Dragon Garden - formerly Smugglers - property and a new pickup for the water department Thursday.

The council unanimously voted to approve the purchase and appraisal of the Dragon Garden Restaurant located on the east side of the city. This property has been vacant for years due to flooding and the city is moving ahead with plans to acquire the site through the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood buy back program. The property comprises some 10.9 acres including the pond and is under a restrictive covenant which prohibits the building of another structure on the site.

The city plans to grade and level the property which will then remain grassland. The cost of purchase is $139,000 and the appraisal cost is $2,050 for a total of $141,050. The city received grants from both FEMA and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to assist with the cost of the purchase. Mayor Dale Fowler noted that the city was "very fortunate" to have received the grants.

The council also unanimously voted in favor of the purchase of a new pickup truck for the water department. The council heard from Kelly Hefner of the water department as to the particulars of the purchase. One bid for the truck had been received from the Jim Hayes auto dealership for a 2015 F-150 4X4 at the price of $24,380 with a license and title fee of $105 for a total of $24,485. Hefner also informed the council that the water department now has a Facebook page where boil water orders, street closures for repairs and similar information will be posted and citizens can message the department with questions or suggestions.

The council discussed and thanked the efforts of city workers in cleaning up the city cemetery for the upcoming Memorial Day. Mayor Fowler stated that the city is committed to having the cemetery in very good condition and "as pristine as it has ever been" for the holiday.

In his report to the council, Councilman John McPeek stated that the tree trimming program was proceeding and a number of citizens had expressed their appreciation of the cities work to him. McPeek further said that the city leaf vacuum was still available to the public and citizens should call the city hall if they wanted city workers to come by and vacuum leaves on their property. McPeek added, in a strongly worded statement, that contrary to statements a candidate for the city council had made on social media, the Motor Fuel Tax had been discussed at the council meetings.

"Just because a person doesn't come to all the meetings and they might not hear us discuss something, doesn't mean we didn't cover the topic," McPeek said.

Fire Chief John Gunning addressed the council on the subject of dangerous building demolition. Gunning said there are three properties that need immediate action and there had been no corrective measures taken by the owners. These properties are located at 109 W. South St., 110 W. Park St. and 113 W. Walnut St. Upon finding that the city budget had funds for the process, the council voted to begin the legal proceedings for demolition of the structures on these properties.

In other action the council:

Approved the city contract with Mediacom.

Approved the Mayor signing the contract with the Trade Union 773 for city workers. This union represents workers employed by the city and county.