Dean Torreson

Macomb Ready for Round Two of Fix or Flatten

Rich Egger — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:17:34 +0000

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.

Macomb Alderman Retracts Remarks

Rich Egger — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:54:19 +0000

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.

Macomb Ready to Roll on West Adams

Rich Egger — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 04:08:46 +0000

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.”

Changes Coming to Macomb's Spring Lake Park

Rich Egger — Thu, 31 May 2012 23:51:01 +0000

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 Aldermen Balk at Paying Water Refund

Rich Egger — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:07:46 +0000

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.

More Lighting for Macomb's Chandler Park

Rich Egger — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:48:46 +0000

It took some sorting out, but Macomb aldermen eventually agreed to have more lights installed at Chandler Park before next month's Heritage Days celebration.

Eleven electrical bollards will be added to the north side of the park. Bollards were installed in the southern portion of the park last year.

In addition, floodlights will be installed at the Chandler monument and the Civil War monument.

Macomb Aldermen Hesitate Before Approving Raises

Rich Egger — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:34:51 +0000

Macomb City Council members approved a 2.25% pay raise for many city workers but not without some debate over the city's matrix pay system.

The raises go into effect May 1 for all non-union employees, firefighters union personnel, and Teamsters union personnel.

City Administrator Dean Torreson said the matrix must be adjusted as part of the raises. Alderman At Large Dennis Moon disagreed.

Street Repairs Part of Macomb's Next Budget

Rich Egger — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 23:12:01 +0000

Macomb City Administrator Dean Torreson this week gave aldermen an overview of the city's proposed new budget, which will go into effect May 1.

He said the budget includes money for fixing several streets. The money comes from a one-cent sales tax. Voters agreed in February 2011 to increase that tax from half-a-cent to a full cent.

"Our sales tax revenue has been coming it at the projected rate," Torreson said. "It did double so we're right on target there."