The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for the regular monthly meeting. The meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. President Jason Arrasmith called the meeting to order. The following trustees were present: Bickers, Gadeken, Harris, Schluter, and Laurent. Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart, and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were also present. Attorney Miller was absent.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The meeting was live streamed from the Village’s Facebook page and public comments were taken in person. Ryan and Brad Mumm approached the board to find out if the board would have a problem if they decided to have 11 ½ acres of their property subdivided in plots. The board advised them that they would have no problem with it as long as they come back and approach the board with the proper survey platted out. Brad and Ryan assured the board that they would.
Resident Cathy Thomas then approached the board to ask if political signs were allowed to be placed on the right of way on a public highway. The board stated that there is no ordinance prohibiting it.
PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the regular sessions of the August 3rd and August 19th, 2020 meetings; and the executive session of the August 3rd meeting. Trustee Schluter moved that the regular sessions of the board of trustees August 3rd and August 19th meetings and the executive session of August 3rd be approved. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith then made a motion for Donna Hooker to take over Trustee Catron’s term which expires in 2023. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. President Arrasmith then appointed Trustee Hooker to the Finance Chair position. Clerk Fish then swore in Trustee Hooker.
Robert and Colleen Tincher with Hillside Development Group were present to give an update on the new Village Hall project. Mr. Tincher stated that FBI had resealed the gutters last week, Integrity Concrete needs to put up handicap signs, the porta potty will be removed on September 15th, the parking lot lights were installed, cabinets will be black laminate, the countertops are scheduled to be put in September 15th, the plumber is scheduled to install the sink on September 16th, a final walkthrough of the building is scheduled for September 17th to address any further issues. Also the concrete people washed their truck off over one of the drains in the parking lot and filled it with bits of concrete that they will need to clean out. President Arrasmith then brought up the fact that the board needed to approve a change order of an additional $4, 153.36 for conduit for the new building. Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve the $4,153.36 change order. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. Trustee Bickers then voiced how frustrated he was with Hillside Development at all of the extra costs that have been added. Mr. Tincher then expressed that he has done quite a few things at his cost. The conversation became heated, and Mr. Tincher stormed out of the meeting.
Carson Willard then approached the board with an update on his Eagle Scout project. He is still fundraising and plans to complete the project on September 19th. He said he still needs $150 more. Trustee Harris made a motion for a contribution not to exceed $250 towards Carson’s Eagle Scout project. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith then addressed the contract for the sale of the old community building to the American Legion. The Legion members had caught a discrepancy in the contract of selling the building for $10 instead of $1. Trustee Schluter made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-10 “Approving a Contract to Sell the Old Village Hall Located at 221 South David Street, Sidney, Champaign County Illinois” as written. Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. Trustee Schluter then made a motion to approve the Sales Contract for the sale of the Old Village Hall with the following change: change paragraph 3 from $10 to $1 and also change the sale price on the last page from $10 to $1. Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Bill Hensch and Bill McLane from the American Legion then wanted to address some questions they had regarding the building to the board. They asked if a septic inspection had been completed yet, Trustee Harris stated that he will call to remind them. They also said they had someone to work on the roof of the building; Trustee Harris made a motion that the Legion could begin work on the roof at anytime (before they take full possession of the building). Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. Mr. Hensch and Mr. McLane also inquired about the removal of the ESDA tower, if the benches were included and if they could cover up the current community building and library sign; the answer to all being yes. The trustees also assured the Legion members that Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey will mow the property through the end of the season.
President Arrasmith then addressed the bids for landscaping at the new Village Hall building. F & W Lawncare and Landscaping out of Bloomington, IL bid $26,500 and Amity Landscaping Group, LLC out of Arthur, IL bid $11,325.60. Trustee Laurent made a motion to hire Amity Landscaping Group, LLC to provide the landscaping for the new Village Hall. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith then brought up the fact that one of his neighbors has chickens within the Village limits. Even though chickens are currently not allowed within Village limits, there is no ordinance stating that fact. Does the Village want to allow chickens and not roosters? How do they want to handle this situation? Does the Village not want to permit any “farm” animals? Further discussion of this topic will be on the agenda for the next board meeting.
President Arrasmith then approached the subject of the annual cost of living raise for Village employees. Trustee Gadeken made a motion to automatically increase Village employee’s pay every year by 3% starting on June 1st of each year. Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
Attorney Miller was absent.
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey reported that the oil and chipping of the roads went very well. He also spoke with Logan Jones, the Village’s summer help, and he stated that he would be willing to come in and work whenever Jarin needed his help due to their shortened school days due to COVID-19. Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey then stated that he will be taking October 1st, 2nd, and 5th off for vacation. He also stated that the mower at Witt Park needs to be replaced. He will look into pricing on those.
FINANCE REPORT
The financial reports were read by the new Finance Chair Trustee Hooker. Trustee Hooker made a motion to pay the bills with the additions of $597 to Royal Bookkeeping Services and $517.58 to Rogards Office Products. Trustee Harris seconded the motion. The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
STREETS AND ALLEY
Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-11 “Amending Chapter 224 Section 5 of the Code of Sidney to Provide for a Four Way Stop at the Intersection of Harrison and Byron and on Byron between Harrison and David.” Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Gadeken then made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-12 “Amending Chapter 224 Section 5 of the Code of Sidney to Provide for a Stop Sign at the Intersection of the Alley East of the Sidney Saloon and Byron.” Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Gadeken then stated that he had gotten a bid to mow the properties on Water Tower and Byron, but Clerk Fish forgot to add them to the agenda, so they will be added to next month’s agenda to be approved.
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
Trustee Harris reported that he had looked into the cost of purchasing a Vermeer machine for the Village. It would suck out the catch basins, jet drains, and can water flowers or grass around town at a cost of $116,000. It will be added to next month’s agenda for further discussion.
Trustee Harris then inquired if the grass ordinance can be enforced quicker? Do we need to wait until the grass is 8 inches in height? This will be further discussed on next month’s agenda.
Trustee Harris then began discussing the possibility of a golf cart ordinance since there has been increase in kids driving recklessly around town. Trustee Laurent also brought up the point that some residents in town would prefer their golfcarts to be permitted and legal. The Trustees discussed it at length and decided that there is no one to properly enforce a golf cart ordinance within the Village.
PUBLIC PROPERTY
Trustee Bickers made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-09 “Creating Chapter 237 “Stagnant Water” of the Code of Ordinances of the Village of Sidney. Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Bickers then made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-13 “Amending the Zoning Ordinance” with the following changes: Sheds and structures need to be 10 feet from the alley and 5 feet from the property line. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion was passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Bickers then said he had looked into a bagged leaf pickup this fall and stated it was too cost prohibitive at this time.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Trustee Laurent began discussing the possibility of adding a dog park to the Village because people are taking their dogs onto the fields at Witt Park and that is not allowed. Trustee Laurent will find out how much fencing would cost and discuss at the next board meeting.
Trustee Laurent then stated that the playground equipment at Victory Park has been installed, the border will be put in next week as well as 85 tons of pea gravel. The playground should be ready for use by the end of next week.
Trustee Laurent then stated that Frontier will not be able to handle the speeds that are required for the new Village Hall. He was able to receive a quote from Comcast for $213.45 per month for internet and phone lines. Trustee Bickers made a motion to switch our internet and telephone service from Frontier to Comcast. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote with Trustee Laurent abstaining from the vote since he is an employee of Comcast.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Trustee Schluter then reported that our GoDaddy domain had expired and that because of this, our website and email were temporarily down. He and Treasurer Reinhart were able to fix the problem and renewed our domain for another 10 years.
Trustee Schluter then made a motion to approve Dan Moisson’s contract for $1,000 to provide email service to the Village. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Schluter then stated that the Village has done well as far as the replies for the 2020 Census. The Village has an 82.8% response rate; that’s the second highest in the area.
President Arrasmith then went back to an item that was under him on the agenda. He asked if the Village would pay for ESDA’s furnishings in the new Village Hall. Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve $3,200 for ESDA’s furnishings in the new building. Trustee Hooker seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Gadeken made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15p.m. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
__________________________ __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk Date approved
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The meeting was live streamed from the Village’s Facebook page and public comments were taken in person. Ryan and Brad Mumm approached the board to find out if the board would have a problem if they decided to have 11 ½ acres of their property subdivided in plots. The board advised them that they would have no problem with it as long as they come back and approach the board with the proper survey platted out. Brad and Ryan assured the board that they would.
Resident Cathy Thomas then approached the board to ask if political signs were allowed to be placed on the right of way on a public highway. The board stated that there is no ordinance prohibiting it.
PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the regular sessions of the August 3rd and August 19th, 2020 meetings; and the executive session of the August 3rd meeting. Trustee Schluter moved that the regular sessions of the board of trustees August 3rd and August 19th meetings and the executive session of August 3rd be approved. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith then made a motion for Donna Hooker to take over Trustee Catron’s term which expires in 2023. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. President Arrasmith then appointed Trustee Hooker to the Finance Chair position. Clerk Fish then swore in Trustee Hooker.
Robert and Colleen Tincher with Hillside Development Group were present to give an update on the new Village Hall project. Mr. Tincher stated that FBI had resealed the gutters last week, Integrity Concrete needs to put up handicap signs, the porta potty will be removed on September 15th, the parking lot lights were installed, cabinets will be black laminate, the countertops are scheduled to be put in September 15th, the plumber is scheduled to install the sink on September 16th, a final walkthrough of the building is scheduled for September 17th to address any further issues. Also the concrete people washed their truck off over one of the drains in the parking lot and filled it with bits of concrete that they will need to clean out. President Arrasmith then brought up the fact that the board needed to approve a change order of an additional $4, 153.36 for conduit for the new building. Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve the $4,153.36 change order. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. Trustee Bickers then voiced how frustrated he was with Hillside Development at all of the extra costs that have been added. Mr. Tincher then expressed that he has done quite a few things at his cost. The conversation became heated, and Mr. Tincher stormed out of the meeting.
Carson Willard then approached the board with an update on his Eagle Scout project. He is still fundraising and plans to complete the project on September 19th. He said he still needs $150 more. Trustee Harris made a motion for a contribution not to exceed $250 towards Carson’s Eagle Scout project. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith then addressed the contract for the sale of the old community building to the American Legion. The Legion members had caught a discrepancy in the contract of selling the building for $10 instead of $1. Trustee Schluter made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-10 “Approving a Contract to Sell the Old Village Hall Located at 221 South David Street, Sidney, Champaign County Illinois” as written. Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. Trustee Schluter then made a motion to approve the Sales Contract for the sale of the Old Village Hall with the following change: change paragraph 3 from $10 to $1 and also change the sale price on the last page from $10 to $1. Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Bill Hensch and Bill McLane from the American Legion then wanted to address some questions they had regarding the building to the board. They asked if a septic inspection had been completed yet, Trustee Harris stated that he will call to remind them. They also said they had someone to work on the roof of the building; Trustee Harris made a motion that the Legion could begin work on the roof at anytime (before they take full possession of the building). Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. Mr. Hensch and Mr. McLane also inquired about the removal of the ESDA tower, if the benches were included and if they could cover up the current community building and library sign; the answer to all being yes. The trustees also assured the Legion members that Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey will mow the property through the end of the season.
President Arrasmith then addressed the bids for landscaping at the new Village Hall building. F & W Lawncare and Landscaping out of Bloomington, IL bid $26,500 and Amity Landscaping Group, LLC out of Arthur, IL bid $11,325.60. Trustee Laurent made a motion to hire Amity Landscaping Group, LLC to provide the landscaping for the new Village Hall. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith then brought up the fact that one of his neighbors has chickens within the Village limits. Even though chickens are currently not allowed within Village limits, there is no ordinance stating that fact. Does the Village want to allow chickens and not roosters? How do they want to handle this situation? Does the Village not want to permit any “farm” animals? Further discussion of this topic will be on the agenda for the next board meeting.
President Arrasmith then approached the subject of the annual cost of living raise for Village employees. Trustee Gadeken made a motion to automatically increase Village employee’s pay every year by 3% starting on June 1st of each year. Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
Attorney Miller was absent.
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey reported that the oil and chipping of the roads went very well. He also spoke with Logan Jones, the Village’s summer help, and he stated that he would be willing to come in and work whenever Jarin needed his help due to their shortened school days due to COVID-19. Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey then stated that he will be taking October 1st, 2nd, and 5th off for vacation. He also stated that the mower at Witt Park needs to be replaced. He will look into pricing on those.
FINANCE REPORT
The financial reports were read by the new Finance Chair Trustee Hooker. Trustee Hooker made a motion to pay the bills with the additions of $597 to Royal Bookkeeping Services and $517.58 to Rogards Office Products. Trustee Harris seconded the motion. The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
STREETS AND ALLEY
Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-11 “Amending Chapter 224 Section 5 of the Code of Sidney to Provide for a Four Way Stop at the Intersection of Harrison and Byron and on Byron between Harrison and David.” Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Gadeken then made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-12 “Amending Chapter 224 Section 5 of the Code of Sidney to Provide for a Stop Sign at the Intersection of the Alley East of the Sidney Saloon and Byron.” Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Gadeken then stated that he had gotten a bid to mow the properties on Water Tower and Byron, but Clerk Fish forgot to add them to the agenda, so they will be added to next month’s agenda to be approved.
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
Trustee Harris reported that he had looked into the cost of purchasing a Vermeer machine for the Village. It would suck out the catch basins, jet drains, and can water flowers or grass around town at a cost of $116,000. It will be added to next month’s agenda for further discussion.
Trustee Harris then inquired if the grass ordinance can be enforced quicker? Do we need to wait until the grass is 8 inches in height? This will be further discussed on next month’s agenda.
Trustee Harris then began discussing the possibility of a golf cart ordinance since there has been increase in kids driving recklessly around town. Trustee Laurent also brought up the point that some residents in town would prefer their golfcarts to be permitted and legal. The Trustees discussed it at length and decided that there is no one to properly enforce a golf cart ordinance within the Village.
PUBLIC PROPERTY
Trustee Bickers made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-09 “Creating Chapter 237 “Stagnant Water” of the Code of Ordinances of the Village of Sidney. Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Bickers then made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-13 “Amending the Zoning Ordinance” with the following changes: Sheds and structures need to be 10 feet from the alley and 5 feet from the property line. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion was passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Bickers then said he had looked into a bagged leaf pickup this fall and stated it was too cost prohibitive at this time.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Trustee Laurent began discussing the possibility of adding a dog park to the Village because people are taking their dogs onto the fields at Witt Park and that is not allowed. Trustee Laurent will find out how much fencing would cost and discuss at the next board meeting.
Trustee Laurent then stated that the playground equipment at Victory Park has been installed, the border will be put in next week as well as 85 tons of pea gravel. The playground should be ready for use by the end of next week.
Trustee Laurent then stated that Frontier will not be able to handle the speeds that are required for the new Village Hall. He was able to receive a quote from Comcast for $213.45 per month for internet and phone lines. Trustee Bickers made a motion to switch our internet and telephone service from Frontier to Comcast. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote with Trustee Laurent abstaining from the vote since he is an employee of Comcast.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Trustee Schluter then reported that our GoDaddy domain had expired and that because of this, our website and email were temporarily down. He and Treasurer Reinhart were able to fix the problem and renewed our domain for another 10 years.
Trustee Schluter then made a motion to approve Dan Moisson’s contract for $1,000 to provide email service to the Village. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Schluter then stated that the Village has done well as far as the replies for the 2020 Census. The Village has an 82.8% response rate; that’s the second highest in the area.
President Arrasmith then went back to an item that was under him on the agenda. He asked if the Village would pay for ESDA’s furnishings in the new Village Hall. Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve $3,200 for ESDA’s furnishings in the new building. Trustee Hooker seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Gadeken made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15p.m. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
__________________________ __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk Date approved
RSS Feed