By KIP CHEEK

Staff writer

MENDOTA – A major roadway in Mendota is getting a makeover and a new police officer in training will soon join the force, it was learned at the June 7 regular meeting of the Mendota City Council.

Alderman Jim Fitzpatrick presented several resolutions in regard to street maintenance in Mendota. The council approved a resolution to fund appropriation for the motor fuel tax street maintenance program in the amount of $300,000 and approved a resolution for Rebuild Illinois funds in the amount of $102,000.

The council also approved the non-motor fuel tax street maintenance program bidding process, which will begin on June 21. Fitzpatrick said the Illinois Department of Transportation will resurface Illinois Route 251 this summer. Work will likely commence in August or September and the roadway will be redone from near the cemeteries at the north end to one-quarter mile past the railroad viaduct on the south end. The city will be responsible for replacement of some curbs and gutters along the way.

In other items from Fitzpatrick’s report, the council approved a request from the Mendota Elks Lodge to use Veterans Park in downtown Mendota for its Flag Day ceremony at 7 p.m. Monday, June 14. A request from Manning Miracles/ALS was also approved to hold a Tag Day on Saturday, June 12 at the intersection of Main and Meriden streets.

Finally, the council authorized Mayor David Boelk to sign the Certification of Community Water System Risk and Resilience Assessment.

The only other action from the aldermen was from John Hessenberger, who presented an ordinance updating adopted codes, which was approved.

Police Chief Greg Kellen informed the council that Officer Josh Sarver is currently in a four-week training in Iowa with the department’s newest member, K-9 Johnny, a German Shepherd, who will be on duty after the training period is completed.

Kellen and Officer Seth Martin gave a brief presentation on a new device to help detain people who have committed a criminal act or that are a possible risk to the safety of a police officer. The BolaWrap® remote restraint is a hand-held device that discharges a Kevlar® tether to temporarily restrain from a safe distance. The intent of utilizing the BolaWrap is that it is an effective tool to safely detain persons without injury.

Also from Chief Kellen, he said people using Strouss Park for the basketball court or other activities are not properly disposing of garbage. He asked that those individuals please be respectful of the park and dispose of their garbage in the trash cans that are located in the park.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m.