Village of Arthur considers community center fee revisions
By Ariana R. Cherry
The Arthur Village Board continued the discussion regarding updates to the Community Center’s fee schedule, which has remained unchanged since 1999 at the Sept. 15 meeting. Proposed revisions include offering local non-profit organizations free use of the facility and a discounted rate for Arthur residents ($10 per hour or $75 per day), both without a deposit fee. Non-residents, however, would face charges up to $350 for profit-making events. While Board members considered the new schedule, they postponed a decision until the next meeting, where a resolution will be presented.
Public Works’ Grant Corum provided an update on the recent Community Clean-Up Days, reporting increased participation despite the hot weather. The event filled six dumpsters with various items, including mattresses, grills, and large appliances, with one dumpster dedicated solely to mattresses. Corum noted, “We even had at least over 20 smokers alone,” adding that the event proceeded smoothly with no complaints. The village will receive a bill from the landfill based on the weight of collected items. Thanks were extended to all trustees who assisted.
Other Board actions and updates:
• TIF Façade Grant Approved: $2,188.50 TIF Façade Grant was approved for property improvements at 107 South Vine Street.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: proposal from Prime Solution for a $13,844.40 conveyor addition at the Wastewater Treatment Plant was approved.
• Concrete Replacement: Herschberger Concrete’s $16,460 proposal for concrete replacement on the 100 block of Surrey Lane was approved.
• Sewer Main Replacement: approved bid from J.C. Oye for $9,873 to replace 110 feet of clay sewer main in the 800 block of Lincoln Place.
• Community Building Flooring: Two separate proposals were approved for flooring replacement in the Community Building: Countryside Flooring for materials ($19,457.87) and Helmwood Construction for removal and installation ($18,770).
• Tourism Grant Request: Angie Parsons representing Simply Arthur requested a $2,155 Local Tourism Grant to fund a three-month seasonal ad in Midwest Living magazine, aiming to generate leads for the village.
• Simply Arthur Report: Simply Arthur reported an increase to 52 active local investors and the launch of a new “Arthur Connection Box” for community newsletter email collection.
• Public Works Response: Public Works team swiftly repaired a water main break on September 5 and assisted with the tear down from the Cheese Festival.
• Financial Report: Treasurer Mike Hilgenberg reported $66,445.59. Comptroller Erica Carter reported a current bank balance of $959,415.21 and a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district value of $388,090,120.