Hamilton sets rental rates for new center

The Hamilton city council approved the rental prices and rules to use the new senior/community center.

The new center has rental rates for interested parties from $25 an hour, with a minimum of three hours, up to $125. Rentals include use of the kitchen. A $75 deposit is required and is due when the keys are picked up at city hall. An inspection is held after rental use to make sure things are okay. If so, the deposit is returned.

No loud music is allowed after midnight on Friday and Saturday, or after 10 p.m. on Sunday.

The Center is holding its open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8.

Finance Committee Chairman M. Dale Richardson said the city has received confirmation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that they would reimburse Hamilton $23,099 for expenses incurred during the flood this summer. It is not known when the city will receive the money.

The annual Christmas decorating contest is being held again this year. The five categories are: business, lighting, religious, theme, and mayor's choice. Judging is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 13.

The Kiwanis Club is decorating the city park beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29. Anyone wishing to volunteer is invited to help.

In other winter news, Streets Committee Chairman Dave Bierbaum reported that salt is still selling for $125 per ton, much higher than in previous years.

“They're paying more than that north of us,” said Bierbaum. “The state is conducting an investigation into possible price gouging. Depending on how things go with that, we may see a bit of a break.”

Bierbaum warned council members that money from motor fuel tax is likely to be lower this year.

The council approved $74,266.36 for the city's liability insurance through the Illinois Municipal League. A second bidder decided not to submit a bid, leaving the Illinois Municipal League as the only bidder.

The council approved a variance for DDI Media to install an advertising sign between Pat's Pit Stop and the car wash. The sign is a two-face sign similar to the one located behind Kelley Motor Company.

Brent Reneau and Chris Mott were authorized to attend a sewer license review.

The council approved three other expense items, including $2,468.74 for boiler insurance, $518.40 to McClure Engineering, and $2,000 to Chat, Ltd. for inspecting and making repairs to the water plant's intake system.