Published: June 02, 2009 11:54 pm      

Vandals damage Hoopeston park

HOOPESTON — The city council learned Tuesday night that vandals are once again damaging property at McFerren Park. This latest incident involves damage to the inside of the civic center by juveniles.

On previous occasions, according to Alderman Carl Ankenbrand, the public restroom had entire stalls torn out, sinks have been broken, fighting in the park and trees in the park destroyed.

"People in the community are asking what can we do about it?" said Ankenbrand. "We have a list of names of the juveniles involved, two of which were involved in one of the early incidents."

Possible solutions may involve the state's attorney's office, juvenile petitions sworn for the offenders, community service for the criminal conduct, said Paul Manion, city attorney. Solutions will be decided by Ankenbrand, Chief Mark Drollinger, and Manion to solve the park vandalism.

In other business: aldermen:

-- Learned that Jackson Quality Construction was approved to reroof the Girl Scout House in McFerren Park. The bid was $5,830.

-- Approved rezoning Jake Mott's residence at 503 N. 10th Ave. from R3 (residential) to B1 (commercial) to allow Jim Pajor to expand his lumber business.

-- Learned that the city still has a 50/50 paint program so that residents can paint homes and garages. The stipulation is that the owner or renter with permission would buy the paint, turn receipts in to the City, and would be reimbursed up to $250.

-- Learned that the no remediation letter for the motel property site on Illinois routes 1 and 9 should arrive by the end of the week or first of next. It would clear the way for the construction of the new motel.

-- Learned a public hearing will be at 6:30 p.m. June 16 to discuss the Community Development Assistance Program grant for Vermilion Iron to replace a furnace and for renovation.

-- Learned that a public meeting will be from 4-6 p.m. Thursday to discuss infrastructure and what the residents feel needs to be done to improve it.

-- Set a cemetery committee meeting for 5:30 p.m. Thursday to discuss problems and rules at Floral HIll Cemetery.

-- Learned that a request was made for "Children at Play" signs on Front Street.



WHAT’S NEXT

The Hoopeston City Council will meet at 7 p.m. June 16 at the Hoopeston Municipal Building, 301 W. Main St.