PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Resident Kurk Foster was present to thank maintenance staff for the cleaning of the ditches and to alert them to the invasive ragweed’s that would soon be spreading their pollen. He brought examples to show. Mr. Foster would also like to see the speed sign placed back into the ground, there are children at play and not all drivers are paying attention. Jeff is going to replace the sign. Mr. Foster would also like to see the loose gravel swept after the oil and chip is done. Trustee Schluter advised the loose gravel helps fill in areas that may become hot and seep tar.
Bill McLane and his wife were present to discuss the Veterans Memorial that they would like to see built here at the Village Hall. Years ago, this location was discussed and agreed upon, but at that time more information was needed. Mr. McLane has collected numerous names from many sources since, approximately 529, of Veterans who were Village residents at their time of service. He has suggested adding the request to our website so any current/past residents may add their names or a family members name(s). Many names are already on bronze and granite tablets, located at the Auxiliary or Adams Memorial, which would be included in the new design. Mr. McLane was commended for his efforts and advised by the Board to get estimates and design ideas from Adams Memorial as well as Veterans so they can further discuss the future project.
PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS:
President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the July 12th, 2023, Board of Trustee’s Regular meeting and the July 12th, 2023, Executive session. Trustee Bicker’s moved that the minutes for both the Regular session and the Executive session meeting minutes be approved. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith again thanked the Village staff and residents for their cleanup efforts after the storm and their preparation for the upcoming annual Fun Daze.
The insurance claim related to the storm damage 6-30-2023 was moved to next month’s meeting.
The Clerk position was discussed. Posting was made July 28th and is to run August 1-15 in the News Gazette and August 2nd/9th in the Southern Champaign Couty Today papers.
The rate of pay for Interim/Deputy Clerk was discussed. President Arrasmith suggested a rate of $17.00 per hour to be paid to Treasurer Reinhart for covering the position. Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve the amount of $17.00 per hour be paid to the Interim/Deputy Clerk. The motion was seconded by trustee Hooker and carried on a roll call vote with all ayes.
Terry Woodworth, the maintenance man, has left and accepted a position elsewhere. President Arrasmith would like the job posted immediately. The applicant must live within 10 miles of the Village, and possess the skills needed for the job. A rate of $18-$22 per hour was discussed and will be awarded based on experience. Applicants will be accepted until the end of August and should turn in their resumes to the Village Hall no later than August 31st. Treasurer Reinhart will post the ad in both the News Gazette as well as the Southern Champaign County Today papers.
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS:
Attorney Marc Miller was not present.
JEFF WYANT’S COMMENTS:
Dumpsters for the fall dumpster day have been ordered. The date has been set for October 14th, 2023.
Oil and chip were completed on August 3rd, 2023. Tags were awesome, but more were needed as they ran out quickly; 200 more were ordered. Trustee Bicker’s mentioned a property that could use extra attention where the post man drives; in future tar and chip’s can this be done better? Jeff will investigate the issue.
FINANCE REPORT:
Finance reports were read by Trustee Hooker. There were no additions. Trustee Hooker moved that the bills be paid. Trustee Bicker’s seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Hooker mentioned the 6-month CD with Longview Bank would be maturing at the time of the next Board meeting, September 5th, 2023, and suggested we renew it now for another 6 months at the new rate. Trustee Hooker made a motion to renew the 6-month CD at the new rate; Trustee Gadeken seconded; the motion was carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Carnival rides for Fun Daze were discussed. In the past Clay County Amusements was used, but the contract fell through post COVID. Conner Family Amusements was suggested; if Donna “likes” his Facebook page he may be available. Trustee Bicker’s brought up the idea of moving the event to the fall and there may be better availability for rides, Trustee Hooker said this was tried in the past and it did not work out as well. The idea of rides was left to discuss another time.
STREETS AND ALLEYS:
Trustee Gadeken asked that the speed sign be put back up; Jeff will address.
WATER AND DRAINAGE:
Nothing to discuss.
PUBLIC PROPERTY:
Two permits were issued. #769 at 206 E. Main for a fence and #770 at 208 N. Scarborough for a fence.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
Trustee Schluter to update information on the Village website.
Trustee Bickers made a motion to enter Executive Session at 7:47pm for the limited purpose of discussing the employment, discipline, performance, or dismissal of a specific Village employee pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2 (c) (1). The motion was seconded by Trustee Laurent and followed by all ayes on a roll call vote.
The Board returned to open session at 8:01pm. A motion was made by Trustee Gadeken to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Trustee Laurent. All ayes were followed on a roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:03pm