Elgin City Council to Meet Monday Night

The future of the Grothe Grain building will be discussed Monday night when the Elgin City Council convenes for its’ December meeting.

Dave and Fran Baum, who were unable to attend the November meeting, are expected to appear at Monday night’s meeting to answer questions regarding the status of the building.

The structure has been a source of concern for the city council for quite some time as they would like to see the property cleaned up.

With that in mind, city officials are hoping to learn what future plans the Baums may have towards improving the appearance of the property.

Two other items are listed on the agenda under ‘old business.’ The first is action on Ordinance #618 dealing with water and sewer rate increases. Tabled at last month’s meeting, the ordinance calls for an increase in the water rate from $16 to $20 per quarter and a hike in the usage fee to $1.50 per 1,000 gallons; increasing the sewer rate from $16 per quarter to $25 per quarter while leaving the usage fee at 75 cents per 1,000 gallons; and raising the garbage fee by $1 per month per household, all due to increased costs.

The other item under old business is Ordinance #619 dealing with the vacating of an alley along Bowen Street.

Much of the remainder of the night will serve as a reorganizational meeting whereby a vote on the president of the council will take place as well as approving a resolution setting appointments and committees.

One item on the agenda which may generate discussion is action on elections at large or by wards to fill the council seats.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.