MENDOTA – The Mendota City Council approved several license requests and rejected bids for a city project at its Aug. 20 regular meeting. Alderman Bill Hunt served as mayor pro-tem in David Boelk’s absence.

In action from alderman Randy Morris’s report, the council approved a request from the Mendota Tri-County Fair for a liquor license to hold a beer garden during this year’s fair. Also, the council approved a raffle license for A.B.A.T.E., a motorcycle awareness program.

Alderman John Pierson gave a reminder of a public hearing regarding an Escatel annexation request to be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30. Following that will be a Plan Commission hearing to consider a request for a solar farm ordinance and subdivision of 309 W. Seventh Ave.

During alderman Jim Fitzpatrick’s report, the council agreed to reject all bids for the water tower repainting project.

Fitzpatrick said bids will be opened for the ADM project lift station on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

If all goes well, Fitzpatrick said the First Avenue bridge replacement project should be completed and the street open for traffic on Friday, Aug. 24.

Also during Fitzpatrick’s report, the council approved a request to allow Mendota High School band students to sell candy bars door-to-door on Saturday, Sept. 15.

City clerk Emily McConville said the new garbage and recycling totes are being dropped in Mendota this week. All residents will be required to use the new bigger totes for a minimum of 60 days. If after that time a resident wants to go back to the smaller tote, they should call the city clerk’s office with that request. However, all residents are encouraged to use the new totes.

Hunt thanked all city employees for their hard work during this year’s Sweet Corn Festival.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m.