Tagged: Dean Torreson

A city memo said the Macomb Community Development Office and the City Attorney Office have provided aldermen with another list of private properties to consider for the “Fix or Flatten” program.

Under the program, the city acquires and demolishes dilapidated buildings unless the owners act to bring them up to code.

City Attorney Kristen Petrie told aldermen the initial “Fix or Flatten” program this year spurred some property owners into fixing or tearing down structures before the city stepped in.

Sixth Ward Alderman Tim Lobdell said he erred during an exchange with City Administrator Dean Torreson.  

The exchange during the June 18 City Council meeting concerned eight structures that are to be torn down as part of the city's Fix or Flatten program.

Torreson said he would ask contractors to submit a single bid for demolishing all eight. Lobdell contended that aldermen directed Torreson to seek bids on each individual structure. He said that direction was given the previous week during an executive session.

The city council voted in favor of a resolution of support for seeking $1.1 million in federal grant funding for the West Adams Street revitalization project.

“This project is the gateway to Western Illinois University,” said Eric Moe of McClure Engineering. “It's often the first impression for newcomers to our community.”

The city plans to lay out 100 new camp sites to the south and west of the existing campgrounds at Spring Lake Park.

City Administrator Dean Torreson told aldermen the development can be done in stages.

“Maybe 20 at a time or something like that, 25 at a time as we can afford it and as the market can absorb it,” Torreson said.

A city memo said once the project is completed, the city will rework some existing sites. That project will include installation of new utility lines.

Macomb city council members want more information about a proposal to refund money to those who live outside the city limits who paid for a hook-up to the city's water service.

Macomb estimates it charged an average of $3,000 to the 18 people in question. Aldermen appear willing to lower the fee from this point forward but they're not sold on the idea of giving refunds.