The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for the regular monthly meeting. The meeting was opened at 7:00pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. President Arrasmith called the meeting to order. The following Trustees were present: Dan Gadeken, Tyler Bickers, Donna Hooker, Leroy Schluter, Matt Laurent, and Brett Harris. Also present were Clerk Ashley Reinhart, Supervisor of Operations Jeff Wyant and Attorney Marc Miller.
Public Comments:Several residents were present to voice concerns about a dog that has bitten several individuals, children included, in the Village over the last few years. Amy McIntosh, present, apologized for calling President Arrasmith so early in the morning and her Facebook post that followed accusing him of hanging up on her. Her daughter had been bitten by an unvaccinated animal and she had concerns that when the dog returned it would put someone else in danger. The dog has already bitten four (4) people, but not all have reported it to the police, deeming it vicious, but not removable. In lieu of the recent bite, the dog has been placed on a ten (10) day hold with Animal Control but is expected to return to the community. President Arrasmith apologized for the dropped call as his office is in the basement and some calls are occasionally dropped. He added that although he and the Trustees agree that the dog needs to be removed, the Village cannot do more than what the County has already done. Residents are advised to report immediately to the police if the dog or owner is in violation of the order from Champaign County Animal Control upon returning to the community. Attorney Marc Miller also advised residents to attend the County Board meeting to voice their concerns as this issue is at the County level and being present at their meeting would be more effective. He added the Village could pass a resolution to get the County's attention regarding the matter, but resident attendance, voicing the same concerns that were voiced this evening, is still the more effective method.
Resident Jim Rector was present to inquire about zoning requirements for the Village as his neighbor has built an outdoor kitchen, patio and fence he believes to be in violation.
Supervisor of Operations, Jeff Wyant stated he has measured, and the resident is not in violation and has followed all applicable zoning laws the Village has. Mr. Rector would like to see where it is in the zoning ordinance and the project be remeasured to ensure it is within the required parameters. President Arrasmith stated he would go with Jeff to remeasure, Jeff added if he was wrong, he would be willing to admit it. Trustee Bickers closed the matter by stating if the resident is within the ordinance, then there is nothing the Village can do.
Approve Minutes:
Trustee Donna Hooker made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from the April 1, 2024, monthly Board meeting. Trustee Tyler Bickers seconded the motion and the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith's Comments:President Arrasmith would like to thank all that helped with dumpster day.
Attorney's Comments:
Nothing to report.
Jeff Wyant's Comments:
Jeff reported the AED's have arrived; he would like to know where the Board would like them placed. Changing tables have been installed. Dumpster Day was good; thirteen (13) dumpsters were filled; numerous residents with mattresses. After inspecting the tree in the flood plain where the memorial is to be located, Jeff is unsure he can remove the tree himself and needs professional help. He has reached out to Baxter's Utility Service for an estimate on removal cost; estimate is $1750.00. Tree removal will be added to next month's meeting. Jeff also reported several portable sheds that have arrived but have not had a permit submitted. President Arrasmith advised letters to be sent and if there is no action taken the matter will be handed to the attorney.
Finance:
Trustee Donna Hooker read the finance reports, with no additions. Trustee Hooker made a motion to approve the monthly bills with no additions, Trustee Bickers seconded the motion and the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Streets and Alleys:
Joesph Grimm with Farnsworth group was present to discuss the bid from llliana Construction for the oil and chip project. The project was estimated to cost upwards of
$83,000 but was bid at $75,345.00. Trustee Dan Gadeken made a motion to approve the bid from llliana Construction in the amount of $75,345.00, Trustee Bickers seconded, and the motion was carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Water and Drainage:Nothing to report.
Public Property:
Trustee Bickers read the permits:
#784 outdoor kitchen and shed. #785 portable shed
#786 portable shed
Trustee Bickers also discussed the lighting at the ballpark. $150,000 to replace the power poles with all new steel poles and lights, wood would need to be replaced within a 30-40- year time frame in addition, fixing the lighting may attract more attention to the ball fields. The cost to include electricity in the maintenance shed within the replacement of the power pole project is $250,000. Further discussion will be added to next month's meeting.
Parks and Recreation:Trustee Laurent discussed the purchase of a new batting cage for the ballpark, further discussion will happen after the ball season has ended.
Baxter's Utility Service removed and replaced light poles at the ballpark, removal and replacement cost was $1675.00. Trustee Matt Laurent made a motion to pay the amount owed of $1675.00 to Baxter's Utility Service, Trustee Brett Harris seconded, and the motion was carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Community Development:Trustee Schluter inquired about the progress on the vehicles downtown along the railroad, some have been removed, but there are still some left. Attorney Marc Miller stated if we have permission from the railroad, we can remove them ourselves. The Village will contact the railroad for permission to remove.
New and Old Business:Nothing to report.
Adjourn:Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Trustee Laurent seconded, and the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:47pm Monday May 6, 2024.
Public Comments:Several residents were present to voice concerns about a dog that has bitten several individuals, children included, in the Village over the last few years. Amy McIntosh, present, apologized for calling President Arrasmith so early in the morning and her Facebook post that followed accusing him of hanging up on her. Her daughter had been bitten by an unvaccinated animal and she had concerns that when the dog returned it would put someone else in danger. The dog has already bitten four (4) people, but not all have reported it to the police, deeming it vicious, but not removable. In lieu of the recent bite, the dog has been placed on a ten (10) day hold with Animal Control but is expected to return to the community. President Arrasmith apologized for the dropped call as his office is in the basement and some calls are occasionally dropped. He added that although he and the Trustees agree that the dog needs to be removed, the Village cannot do more than what the County has already done. Residents are advised to report immediately to the police if the dog or owner is in violation of the order from Champaign County Animal Control upon returning to the community. Attorney Marc Miller also advised residents to attend the County Board meeting to voice their concerns as this issue is at the County level and being present at their meeting would be more effective. He added the Village could pass a resolution to get the County's attention regarding the matter, but resident attendance, voicing the same concerns that were voiced this evening, is still the more effective method.
Resident Jim Rector was present to inquire about zoning requirements for the Village as his neighbor has built an outdoor kitchen, patio and fence he believes to be in violation.
Supervisor of Operations, Jeff Wyant stated he has measured, and the resident is not in violation and has followed all applicable zoning laws the Village has. Mr. Rector would like to see where it is in the zoning ordinance and the project be remeasured to ensure it is within the required parameters. President Arrasmith stated he would go with Jeff to remeasure, Jeff added if he was wrong, he would be willing to admit it. Trustee Bickers closed the matter by stating if the resident is within the ordinance, then there is nothing the Village can do.
Approve Minutes:
Trustee Donna Hooker made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from the April 1, 2024, monthly Board meeting. Trustee Tyler Bickers seconded the motion and the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith's Comments:President Arrasmith would like to thank all that helped with dumpster day.
Attorney's Comments:
Nothing to report.
Jeff Wyant's Comments:
Jeff reported the AED's have arrived; he would like to know where the Board would like them placed. Changing tables have been installed. Dumpster Day was good; thirteen (13) dumpsters were filled; numerous residents with mattresses. After inspecting the tree in the flood plain where the memorial is to be located, Jeff is unsure he can remove the tree himself and needs professional help. He has reached out to Baxter's Utility Service for an estimate on removal cost; estimate is $1750.00. Tree removal will be added to next month's meeting. Jeff also reported several portable sheds that have arrived but have not had a permit submitted. President Arrasmith advised letters to be sent and if there is no action taken the matter will be handed to the attorney.
Finance:
Trustee Donna Hooker read the finance reports, with no additions. Trustee Hooker made a motion to approve the monthly bills with no additions, Trustee Bickers seconded the motion and the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Streets and Alleys:
Joesph Grimm with Farnsworth group was present to discuss the bid from llliana Construction for the oil and chip project. The project was estimated to cost upwards of
$83,000 but was bid at $75,345.00. Trustee Dan Gadeken made a motion to approve the bid from llliana Construction in the amount of $75,345.00, Trustee Bickers seconded, and the motion was carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Water and Drainage:Nothing to report.
Public Property:
Trustee Bickers read the permits:
#784 outdoor kitchen and shed. #785 portable shed
#786 portable shed
Trustee Bickers also discussed the lighting at the ballpark. $150,000 to replace the power poles with all new steel poles and lights, wood would need to be replaced within a 30-40- year time frame in addition, fixing the lighting may attract more attention to the ball fields. The cost to include electricity in the maintenance shed within the replacement of the power pole project is $250,000. Further discussion will be added to next month's meeting.
Parks and Recreation:Trustee Laurent discussed the purchase of a new batting cage for the ballpark, further discussion will happen after the ball season has ended.
Baxter's Utility Service removed and replaced light poles at the ballpark, removal and replacement cost was $1675.00. Trustee Matt Laurent made a motion to pay the amount owed of $1675.00 to Baxter's Utility Service, Trustee Brett Harris seconded, and the motion was carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Community Development:Trustee Schluter inquired about the progress on the vehicles downtown along the railroad, some have been removed, but there are still some left. Attorney Marc Miller stated if we have permission from the railroad, we can remove them ourselves. The Village will contact the railroad for permission to remove.
New and Old Business:Nothing to report.
Adjourn:Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Trustee Laurent seconded, and the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:47pm Monday May 6, 2024.
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