AT&T to build tower in Arthur

Halloween trick or treat hours set

By ARIANA R. CHERRY
Staff Writer

A representative from AT&T was present at the Tuesday, September 5. Village Board meeting, as members discussed the approval and setting of fees for a new cell phone tower.

AT&T has leased private property to the southwest of the grain elevator off Industrial Parkway behind and just west of Coach House Garages.

The leased area is 100 x 100 feet but the actual fenced portion in is 75 x 75 feet. The cell tower will be taller than the water tower which could possibly require a light, pending the FAA being contacted. Construction costs have been estimated at $250,000 and is set to begin in December pending weather. It could take anywhere from six to nine months. After discussion and a vote, it was approved for construction and the building permit fee was set at $2,000.

Members of the board discussed upcoming Halloween trick or treat hours. Arthur Park District Trunk or Treat will be held Saturday, October 28 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. The Village has set trick or treating for this year on Tuesday, October 31 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.

Other items discussed/voted upon included:

– Approval of expenditures $79,924.22

– Construction engineering on the clarifier and demolition at the wastewater treatment plant in the amount of $40,000.00 was approved. The Farnsworth Group will be completing the project which was pre-approved in the Capital Improvement Plan.

-The Farnsworth Group was approved for administration on the IEPA lead service line inventory. They will be surveying for lead piping which is required by state law. The cost will be $4,000, and will be paid by a grant that the village received.

-A vacant lot adjacent west of the Village Water tower on East Progress Street was declared as surplus property according to Ordinance 09-04A-2023.

-The sale of 223 North Walnut Street was approved for building duplexes for rental properties to M & L Builders.

-Sign restrictions were waived temporarily for the All Around-Town Garage sales event on September 8 and 9, 2023.

-Village Board President Rod Randall thanks everyone for their help during the Cheese Festival and the Sesquicentennial Celebration. “Everyone did a great job,” he said, expressing his thanks. Many of the other trustees echoed Randall’s thoughts.

“It was a great evening, everyone enjoyed themselves and walked away learning some history about Arthur,” Matt Bernius said as he spoke about the recent Foundation Dinner that was held at Penn Station.

“It was a wonderful weekend, thanks to everyone that played a part and Rod did a wonderful job as well. It was a great weekend to be in Arthur and to be a part of Arthur,” noted Christy Miller.

Trustee Jim Fleming also gave his thanks to all the staff and Stephanie Wierman. “It was a good festival and the dinner was great,” he said.