Dieterich residents who want to spruce up their homes could qualify for money from the village.
Tax Increment Financing revenue could offer up to $5,000 to homeowners through a residential improvement effort. That money could be used for fixing porches, roofs, windows, improving landscapes and removing dead trees. Dieterich Village board discussed the use of TIF revenues, derived from property tax money set aside in the community’s TIF districts, to help homeowners and improve the overall look of the village.
There are some proposed limitations. Homes must be 25 years or older to qualify for financial support. And the TIF money would not be spent on luxury features like swimming pools or Jacuzzis.
Board members discussed different aspects of how the project would work. For example, would the $5,000 be granted only once? And would residents be required to buy materials from businesses in Dieterich? Regarding the latter question, it was agreed the village could not require buying only from local vendors. But it might be suggested to support the local businesses if possible.
“We have to give people an option,” said Mayor Brad Hardiek about their choice of vendors.
Dieterich Economic Development Coordinator Brittny Gipson noted applicants for the TIF money would have to provide proof they have paid their property taxes and do not owe money to the village.
Trustees agreed to have the village attorney review a draft of an ordinance for starting the Residential Exterior Improvement Program.
Wright Family Center Director Traci Bruns offered her monthly report to the board. She said some high school students will be using the fitness center during the day, starting this fall.
In addition, she confirmed the new Wall of Giving recognizing donors to the Family Center is completed. Each sign (see photo) represents at least $500 donated to the facility, which shows how well-supported the Family Center, located across the street from Dieterich school. The school district has also supported the WFC.
In other business, Village Foreman Mike Campbell reviewed the project to reline sanitary sewers in the village after smoking and camera surveying of old lines. He also noted work at the cemetery on a family mausoleum and on gravestone concrete runners.
Sealing of cracks along some streets was mentioned, Campbell said that work must be completed during dry weather. He added that work on some renovations to the maintenance building is on the backburner for now.
The board agreed to move ahead with a new lift station in Hartke Phase II with the soil boring ahead with Midwest and Testing Inc. The total cost is set by contract at $3,500 for the boring.
There was discussion about switching to LED lights at the ballpark after halogen lights overheated during a recent game.
Gipson, who also serves as village clerk, mentioned her concerns about Freedom of Information Act inquiries getting under the radar through social media. State law requires public entities to respond within a certain number of days or face legal action. That issue is becoming a problem as FOIA applications have increased in recent years for municipalities and law enforcement agencies across Illinois.
What is frustrating is some entities are trying to capitalize on the FOIA process by overwhelming public entities with freedom of information requests leading to litigation, Gipson said.