Annual Town Meeting

April 12, 2011

Open To All Groveland Township Residents

The meeting was called to order by Town Clerk David J. LaHood at 7:00 P.M. An opening prayer was offered by Pastor Mike Turner. Clerk LaHood led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Clerk LaHood then read the legal notice published in the Pekin Times dated March 23, 2011.

Clerk LaHood asked for nominations for the meeting moderator.  Dave Risinger nominated Dan McCormick, seconded by John Arnold.  All in attendance voted aye and Dan McCormick was elected moderator. Mr. McCormick was then administered the oath of office and was seated as moderator. Mr. McCormick then declined any salary for being moderator.

 Brian Manual made motion to use Roberts’ Rules of Order for the meeting, seconded by Dave Risinger.                       The motion carried by all voting in favor.

Minutes were distributed from the 2010 Annual Town Meeting. Jean Ward made motion to approve minutes of the April 13, 2010 Annual Town Meeting, seconded by John Arnold. The motion carried by all voting in favor.

A motion was made to set the 2012 Annual Town meeting as prescribed by law for the second Tuesday in April 2012 by Mrs. McCormick, seconded by Ross Hovind . The motion carried by all voting in favor.

Mr. McCormick asked the audience to review the Supervisor’s and the Treasurer’s report.  Crystal Shaw made motion to accept both reports, seconded by Stephanie Stecken . The motion carried by all voting in favor of.

Township Discussion

Supervisor’s Report:  Mr. McCormick stated that fund balances increased. Also for 30+ years, taxes remained virtually the same. We have the 2^nd lowest tax rate of all townships in Tazewell County. We have a new building also with no tax increase.

Road Commissioners Report: Mr. Risinger spoke on the process of rebuilding roads in the township. On the 15^th of the month, the Tazewell county engineers will be working with Mr. Risinger. Mr. Hovind stated that this year the road crew did a great job of keeping the roads plowed. Everyone agreed with applause. Mr. Hovind also inquired about the road budget pertaining to  a 3%tax increase for gas.

Assessor’s Report: Mr. Hiller spoke on the Territory of Groveland Township. There are 36 square miles of territory and over 10000 parcels of property. For the last 2 years, Springfield recognized the accuracy of Groveland Assessments.

Progress on Fire Service: Mr. McCormick stated that 5 out of 6 Fire trustees were present from Groveland and Central Groveland Fire Districts. Terry Cunefare, Ross Hovind, Joe Hranka, Les Knollenberg, and Mike O’Brien were in attendance. Mr. Cunefare and Mr. Hovind spoke in length about current issues concerning fire protection. Audience members Claude Milam and Brian Manual had several questions about manpower and money collected thru taxes for Mr. Cunefare and Mr. Hovind. There were also several questions about homeowner’s insurance ratings and Mr. Hranka spoke about 911 calls. Bobby Zimmerman, Firefighters Union President for East Peoria, was also in attendance. He spoke in length on the firehouse in East Peoria getting involved and what it takes to do this. There were numerous questions for Mr. Zimmerman to answer about getting East Peoria Fire Department to be a first responder for residents in Groveland. He stated he would keep Mr. McCormick and both fire Protection Boards updated on progress of this concern.

Permission to sell excess Road Division equipment: Brian Manual made motion to sell excess Road Division equipment, seconded by Mrs. Hranka. Motion carried by all voting in favor of.

Accomplishments: Mr. McCormick spoke briefly on the list of accomplishments include in the distributed packets.

 John Arnold made motion to adjourn, seconded by Ross Hovind. Motion carried and meeting was adjourned at 8:20 P.M. Mr. McCormick thanked all who attended.

Respectively submitted by David J. LaHood Groveland Township Clerk