Demo progress; approve TIF grant
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By Ariana R. Cherry
Preparations for the Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond High School demolition project continue to move forward, with demolition expected to begin June 8.
During the most recent Arthur Village Board meeting, Public Works Director Grant Corum provided an update on the project and several other developments taking place throughout the community. Corum said a fire hydrant will be installed in front of the high school to provide water for demolition activities. A fence will also be placed around the property from County Highway to Spruce and Vine streets as crews prepare the site. Residents can expect to see increased activity around the school in the coming weeks as demolition equipment arrives and work gets underway.
Board members also received an update on a new Tool Plus facility planned along County Highway. Corum said the company is constructing a new 46,000-square-foot building across from its current location. The project has received the necessary state flood permits and continues to move through the approval process.
The board also approved a $2,500 TIF grant request for Golden Drizzle Popcorn, a new business that plans to open at 118 S. Vine Street in the former Tanning and Treats and Dick’s Pharmacy location. The request was approved unanimously. Village trustee Christy Bernius, who was unable to attend the meeting, provided documentation outlining the proposed improvements associated with the request.
Village officials also noted that while approved TIF grant requests have slightly exceeded the original funding allocation for the program, several recipients have not used their full grant amounts. Because of that, officials expect the program to remain within budget.
OTHER ITEMS DISCUSSED:
• Corum reported that fiber optic installation work in the southwest section of town is nearing completion, with only one replacement remaining in the Meadowview area. Cross-connection surveys and annual consumer confidence reports will soon be mailed to residents.
• Additional technology upgrades have also been completed at village facilities. Fiber-optic service has been installed at the water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, and village office. Firewalls have also been installed at all three locations.
• Corum noted that water meter installations continue throughout the community. Public Works crews have also been busy with weed spraying and general cleanup efforts around town.
• Expenses were reported at $105,850.51. The major expenses included an annual payment toward the village’s street sweeper purchase and a payment on an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan for sewer lining improvements.
• During general discussion trustees discussed the possibility of adding additional handicap parking spaces in the downtown business district, replacing some yield signs with stop signs, and installing a “Children Playing” sign in a neighborhood area.
• Following the regular meeting, trustees entered executive session to discuss possible property acquisitions. No action was taken following the closed session.