Story courtesy of Ella Tinsley for WROY/WRUL News…
Maintenance at local ball fields and parks was a central topic. Board member Wayne McKenzie said the grounds are in notably unkempt condition, describing the complex as having “dead grass all over everything,” and urged the village to act quickly, saying it needs various attributes of lawn care to get the field back in shape, such as mowing and weed eating along the fenceline. It was noted by the mayor that seasonal help is leaving, but McKenzie assured that he knew volunteers are willing to step in if the board approves. However, no official action was taken by the board.
Sidewalk safety also came up after a community member was injured during a funeral procession. Mayor Land noted the curb in the area is high and explained that the village previously applied for federal grants to address the problem, but the requests were turned down. The board discussed potential solutions such as curb modifications and improved markings for ADA-accessible areas.
Following this, the board also considered ways to honor veterans during funeral processions. As proposed by Wayne McKenzie, placing American flags along the street near the funeral home, “from old city hall to the insurance office and then from the post office back down to the old Lions Club. In other words, line both sides of the street there at the funeral home with flags.” The mayor expressed enthusiasm and the board seemed spirited to continue discussing it.
During the mayor’s comments and presentations section of the meeting, Mayor Land welcomed Rob Wielt to discuss electricity; the discussion centered on bids and contract terms affecting rates going forward. Rob Wielt, representing Portable Gas and Electric, told the board that the current contract expires in November and that the existing contract rate will remain in effect until the Ameren meter read date in November. Wilt recommended a 48-month agreement with Direct Energy, stating, “That would lock you in at just over 10 cents per kilowatt hour through November of 2030, which we think that’s a great value.” The board voted to approve the 48-month plan for both streetlights and other electricity classifications.
Other agenda items included a special meeting scheduled for August 24, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. as a public hearing notice. Members also discussed a proposal to section the town for oil-and-chip resurfacing, described as providing coverage so that “every street in Norris City would get oil and chipped every 4 years” according to Mayor Land. Plans for the annual Dairy Day festival included a village clean-up week immediately afterward, with the city expected to acquire 3-5 dumpsters.
Code enforcement concerns were also reviewed, including how the village will address properties with uncut grass and abandoned vehicles. Mayor Land said crews have been cutting and weeding problem properties and then billing owners, adding that collections have not yet started but several houses are already being worked on. Finally, animal control concerns, especially skunks, were discussed following complaints on social media. Mayor Land explained that the ordinance options are limited, and they’re doing all they can.