MENDOTA – Leaves are starting to fall and the city of Mendota is gearing up for its annual leaf vacuum program, it was announced at the Oct. 4 regular meeting of the Mendota City Council.

Alderman Jim Fitzpatrick reported that the leaf vacuum program will begin on Monday, Oct. 18. The schedule for leaf pickup is as follows: Monday – First Ward; Tuesday – Second Ward; Wednesday – Third Ward; Thursday – Fourth Ward; Friday – catch-up day. Leaves should be placed at the curb, not in the street, and must not contain sticks and branches.

Alderman Jay Miller presented two items for the council’s consideration. A request from The Chalet for the addition of six video gaming machines was approved by a 5-2 vote with one alderman absent.

Also, the council approved the issuance of a one-day liquor license for Main Street Station for a beer garden at the Re-Imagine Mendota Fall Festival to be held from 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 in the 700 block of Illinois Avenue.

Mayor David Boelk opened bids for several municipally-owned lots in the city. The council accepted the bid of $2,000 from Sylvia Varela for the lot at 1402 Lincoln Ave. and accepted the bid of $9,001.12 from Marilyn Hensley for the lot at 905 Sixth Ave. A bid of $25,000 from First Federal Savings Bank for property at 1209/1211 Washington St. was not accepted. The bids will become finalized subject to payment and passage of an ordinance by the city council.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, Oct. 18 at 5:30 p.m.