Anna Council reviews park improvements
Plans for continued park improvements and concerns about the costs of streetlights were on the agenda at last week's regular meeting of the Anna City Council.
The meeting was Tuesday night, Dec. 21, at Anna City Hall.
Park Projects
City administrator Steve Guined reported that an application has been submitted to the State of Illinois for a $670,000 grant.
If the grant funds are received, they would be used for the construction of a new swimming pool and concession stand at the Anna City Park.
Guined said the city should know by early March if the grant application is successful.
The city also is seeking federal grant money which would fund installation of additional energy efficient street lights at the park.
In related business, the city council last week accepted a bid for installation of new poles and lights at Denny Field at the park.
The city received four bids for the project. A bid in the amount of $42,377 from Barton Electric in Trenton was accepted. Installation of the new poles and lights is planned in January or February. The city has received a $50,000 state grant for the Denny Field project. The grant will cover the cost of the new equipment and engineering work on the project.
The latest projects join an ongoing series of improvements which have been undertaken at the park since 1995. During that time, the city has spent about $1.2 million for park improvements. Much of that funding has been in the form of grants.
In other business at the Dec. 21 meeting:
Street Lights
Concerns about the cost of street lights in Anna were the focus of discussion at last week's meeting.
The issue was discussed as the result of a request for a street light in one of the city's residential areas.
The city administrator reported that the costs of operating street lights have risen dramatically in recent years, going from $30,000 a year to $61,000.
City officials agreed that a policy should be drafted to set guidelines for street lights.
City administrator Guined reported leaf removal work in Anna would be continuing.
The work had to be delayed due to the earlier than expected arrival of cold weather.
Guined said the city usually ends leaf pick up work by Jan. 1. However, due to the delay, work will continue into January.
City officials said they continue to consider action which can be taken regarding concerns about pit bull dogs.
The city council agreed to look into seeking support from the community to spruce up Christmas decorations which are displayed in Anna. The matter was presented by city council member Martha Ann Webb.