The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for the regular monthly meeting. President White called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. The following trustees were present: Arrasmith, McCloud, Catron, Cokley, Roberts, and Osterbur. Village Clerk Moore, Supervisor of Operations Bennett, and Attorney Hendren were also present.
A motion was made by Trustee Arrasmith and seconded by Trustee Roberts to approve the minutes of the July 7, 2014, regular meeting. The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. Trustee Roberts moved that the minutes of the July 14 special meeting be approved. Trustee Osterbur seconded the motion. Motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Tara McCauley from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District was present to tell of the District's initiative for smoke-free parks for Champaign County, to give statistics on second-hand smoking, and to pass out brochures. Supervisor Bennett said that the Village has posted signs that no smoking within 25 feet of the ballfield and 25 feet from the concession stand. Ms McCauley said that she was always glad to hear how communities are implementing smoking limits. President White told her that the Village Board will discuss the matter in the winter when there is not so much business for the Board.
Keith Kropp, Sidney Improvement Group, reported on the outcome of the Sidney Fun Daze on July 25-26. It was a success and the committee was meeting the next week to assess the event. The meeting's assessment will be posted on Facebook. The only complaint that was made was about the carnival shutting down early on Saturday evening because of the rain.
Marcia Clifford, General Code, made a presentation on codification services that her company offers. They would make an initial review of the Village ordinances and then organize, analyze, and systematize the content. The end product would be both manuscript and electronic publishing of the codes of the Village. The project would take 12-18 months to complete and the price could be spread out over two or three years. The basic charge is $7,826 with $1,195, $995, or $695 paid annually. Trustee Catron said that the Board should look at other companies for comparison, and Ms Clifford said that she is an attorney licensed in Wisconsin and she would give personal service, which is what sets her company apart from others. Trustee McCloud will follow up on this.
PRESIDENT WHITE'S COMMENTS
President White said that Sidney Township is considering building a new building on the school lots with the Village and the fire department included. They are having a preliminary building draft drawn up. He will continue to attend their meetings.
A letter was sent to a resident who was letting his dogs run free. The animal ordinance is old and needs to be revisited.
Two letters were sent to people whose lawns needed mowed. The site on Victory was mowed.
Tow letters were sent for abandoned vehicles, and both have been removed. That ordinance also need to be updated.
President White filled out the paperwork for the IMLRMA, the insurance for the Village. Clerk Moore has replaced former treasurer Mary Riley has the contact person. Clerk Moore will check on the coverage because we have new equipment and we will be renting storage.
President White has had calls about trains blocking the crossing, but there is little the Village can do. It was noted that the David Street crossing needs to be redone.
The yard at the house on Water Tower Place is overgrown and full of junk. Clerk Moore was directed to write a letter to the owner.
ATTORNEY HENDREN'S COMMENTS:
No further action is need on the annexation proposal as the developer has not pursued the matter.
Attorney Hendren presented an resolution for the treasurer's duties.
Philo passed a new dog ordinance in April. The Village might like to look at it for ideas.
If changes are to be made to the ordinance for trustees' pay, it needs to be voted on at the September meeting to be effective in April when new trustees are elected. Only the trustees elected in April would be affected. The other option is to make it effective in April 2017, and then all trustees and the President would be paid the same way. This will be on the agenda for September.
EARL BENNETT'S REPORT
Nothing is in the lean-to now so it is free for the library to tear down.
Supervisor Bennett reported on the status of the water tower project. The advertisement for bids is going to be in this week's paper. The bid will be for repairing and repainting the inside of the water tower. The bid opening will be at the Community Building on August 28 at 10 a.m. The bids will be presented at the September 2 Board of Trustees meeting and will be awarded that night after being sure the bid meets the specifications. The bids are valid for sixty days. If the work begins right away after the September meeting, the water tower should be back in service by Christmas. The water pressure is affected when the tower is not used, and the water department will work to try to keep the pressure constant.
The sidewalks, approved at the last meeting, are all done.
The village business sign on the west side of town and some trees went down in the storm and have been repaired or removed.
The property at Byron and White is being demolished. What will be done with the property and what are the rules for rebuilding? This will be researched.
FINANCE REPORT
Trustee Osterbur read the balances in all the accounts and then moved that the bills be paid with the additions of $425 for Redneck Apparel, $350 for Bryant Trucking, and $10,200 for Randy Frick. Trustee Roberts seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Osterbur said that he had been given a Quick Report by Royal Bookkeeping for the debit card. He has to code all the entries and asked for Supervisor's Bennett's input.
The resolution for the treasurer's was presented. Trustee Catron had some concerns about what duties were not spelled out in the resolution. Trustee Arrasmith said that the Village could add to the duties when advertising the position and interviewing candidates to take care of Trustee Catron's concerns. Trustee Arrasmith moved that the Board pass Resolution 2014-R-1, Resolution of Job Description for Sidney Village Treasurer. Trustee McCloud seconded the motion. The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
STREETS AND ALLEY
All the streets that were designated to be tarred and chipped have been done. This is the third year of a four-year plan.
Trustee Catron brought up the basketball court idea in order to move ahead with it or drop it. The bid was $8,200 from Randy Frick to pour and finish the court. The base would be $600 extra and two goals at $1,000 apiece would bring the total to $10,800. Other trustees suggested that we add fences and a bicycle rack, bringing the cost to $16,000 estimated. Trustee McCloud said that the Village might get some volunteer help from residents who would like this to happen. The Township is interested in helping. Trustee Catron will go to the next Township meeting on Wednesday, August 13, to see how much they would be willing to donate.
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
2,762,144 gallons of water were pumped in July with a daily average of 89,100 gallons.
$34,973.03 was received in June with $10,378.50 in sewer planning money. 100 penalty bills were sent and there were 16 shutoffs.
Discussion followed on water rate increases. It was decided to increase the water charge by five percent for both the minimum and the overage. Trustee Roberts moved that Attorney Hendren be directed to prepare an ordinance for the September 2 meeting with these increases. Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
PUBLIC PROPERTY
One permit was issued in July: permit #676, fence, $50.
There have been complaints about the property at 512 S. Scarborough with high grass and weeds. It looks as if it has been abandoned. Trustee McCloud will check on the property to see what action, if any, the Village should take.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Trustee Cokley reported that 429 tickets had been sold for the gun raffle for a total of $8,420. Sixty dollars was donated, printing costs were $77, for a total of $7,902.92 profit. Dennis Pruitt was the winner of the drawing and took the $500 cash instead of a gun.
Trustee Cokley presented the figures for the ball season:
$3,500 uniforms
$3,400 umpires
$3,007 field equipment (includes drag and chalker)
$4,380 sign up fees
$900 sponsors
$1,385 outfield signs
$1,375 Pony C paid in tournament fees
$750 tournament fees paid out
$1,377 tournament trophies
$750 concession stand lease fee
The concession stand went well and parents are appreciative of not having to work so that they can see their children play ball. Trustee Cokely had not talked to the concession stand lessee to see if he was happy with his profit. The number of children participating in the ball programs is going down.
Trustee Cokley said he had taken complaints about the trails not being kept up. Supervisor Bennett said that all the trails had now been mowed.
Trustee McCloud asked if the Village would pay the $30 registration fee for the Sidney children signing up for the Tolono Park District's soccer program because Sidney does not offer soccer. Registration is open now for soccer. After some discussion, Trustee McCloud moved that the Village of Sidney cover the out-of-town fees Tolono Park District soccer fees for all children with a Sidney address. Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Cokley had a copy of the rules for use of the Community Building and read the ones that he would like to see as part of a park/pavilion use policy. He would like to implement a $50 deposit on the bathroom key for Witt Park so that Supervisor Bennett would not be responsible for unlocking and locking the bathrooms. The person reserving the park would get the key and return it for the return of the deposit. Also, there would be a $25 charge for non-residents. Trustee Cokley will draw up these rules to be voted on at the September 2 meeting.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Trustee Arrasmith reported that ESDA had not had the siren test yet.
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
The Village has contacted Quentin McCarrey about the use of his building for storage of Village materials, and he has agreed. Trustee Osterbur moved that the Village pay Mr. McCarrey $300 for six months for storage. Trustee McCloud seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Arrasmith moved that the meeting be adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Trustee Roberts seconded the motion. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Arrasmith and seconded by Trustee Roberts to approve the minutes of the July 7, 2014, regular meeting. The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. Trustee Roberts moved that the minutes of the July 14 special meeting be approved. Trustee Osterbur seconded the motion. Motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Tara McCauley from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District was present to tell of the District's initiative for smoke-free parks for Champaign County, to give statistics on second-hand smoking, and to pass out brochures. Supervisor Bennett said that the Village has posted signs that no smoking within 25 feet of the ballfield and 25 feet from the concession stand. Ms McCauley said that she was always glad to hear how communities are implementing smoking limits. President White told her that the Village Board will discuss the matter in the winter when there is not so much business for the Board.
Keith Kropp, Sidney Improvement Group, reported on the outcome of the Sidney Fun Daze on July 25-26. It was a success and the committee was meeting the next week to assess the event. The meeting's assessment will be posted on Facebook. The only complaint that was made was about the carnival shutting down early on Saturday evening because of the rain.
Marcia Clifford, General Code, made a presentation on codification services that her company offers. They would make an initial review of the Village ordinances and then organize, analyze, and systematize the content. The end product would be both manuscript and electronic publishing of the codes of the Village. The project would take 12-18 months to complete and the price could be spread out over two or three years. The basic charge is $7,826 with $1,195, $995, or $695 paid annually. Trustee Catron said that the Board should look at other companies for comparison, and Ms Clifford said that she is an attorney licensed in Wisconsin and she would give personal service, which is what sets her company apart from others. Trustee McCloud will follow up on this.
PRESIDENT WHITE'S COMMENTS
President White said that Sidney Township is considering building a new building on the school lots with the Village and the fire department included. They are having a preliminary building draft drawn up. He will continue to attend their meetings.
A letter was sent to a resident who was letting his dogs run free. The animal ordinance is old and needs to be revisited.
Two letters were sent to people whose lawns needed mowed. The site on Victory was mowed.
Tow letters were sent for abandoned vehicles, and both have been removed. That ordinance also need to be updated.
President White filled out the paperwork for the IMLRMA, the insurance for the Village. Clerk Moore has replaced former treasurer Mary Riley has the contact person. Clerk Moore will check on the coverage because we have new equipment and we will be renting storage.
President White has had calls about trains blocking the crossing, but there is little the Village can do. It was noted that the David Street crossing needs to be redone.
The yard at the house on Water Tower Place is overgrown and full of junk. Clerk Moore was directed to write a letter to the owner.
ATTORNEY HENDREN'S COMMENTS:
No further action is need on the annexation proposal as the developer has not pursued the matter.
Attorney Hendren presented an resolution for the treasurer's duties.
Philo passed a new dog ordinance in April. The Village might like to look at it for ideas.
If changes are to be made to the ordinance for trustees' pay, it needs to be voted on at the September meeting to be effective in April when new trustees are elected. Only the trustees elected in April would be affected. The other option is to make it effective in April 2017, and then all trustees and the President would be paid the same way. This will be on the agenda for September.
EARL BENNETT'S REPORT
Nothing is in the lean-to now so it is free for the library to tear down.
Supervisor Bennett reported on the status of the water tower project. The advertisement for bids is going to be in this week's paper. The bid will be for repairing and repainting the inside of the water tower. The bid opening will be at the Community Building on August 28 at 10 a.m. The bids will be presented at the September 2 Board of Trustees meeting and will be awarded that night after being sure the bid meets the specifications. The bids are valid for sixty days. If the work begins right away after the September meeting, the water tower should be back in service by Christmas. The water pressure is affected when the tower is not used, and the water department will work to try to keep the pressure constant.
The sidewalks, approved at the last meeting, are all done.
The village business sign on the west side of town and some trees went down in the storm and have been repaired or removed.
The property at Byron and White is being demolished. What will be done with the property and what are the rules for rebuilding? This will be researched.
FINANCE REPORT
Trustee Osterbur read the balances in all the accounts and then moved that the bills be paid with the additions of $425 for Redneck Apparel, $350 for Bryant Trucking, and $10,200 for Randy Frick. Trustee Roberts seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Osterbur said that he had been given a Quick Report by Royal Bookkeeping for the debit card. He has to code all the entries and asked for Supervisor's Bennett's input.
The resolution for the treasurer's was presented. Trustee Catron had some concerns about what duties were not spelled out in the resolution. Trustee Arrasmith said that the Village could add to the duties when advertising the position and interviewing candidates to take care of Trustee Catron's concerns. Trustee Arrasmith moved that the Board pass Resolution 2014-R-1, Resolution of Job Description for Sidney Village Treasurer. Trustee McCloud seconded the motion. The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
STREETS AND ALLEY
All the streets that were designated to be tarred and chipped have been done. This is the third year of a four-year plan.
Trustee Catron brought up the basketball court idea in order to move ahead with it or drop it. The bid was $8,200 from Randy Frick to pour and finish the court. The base would be $600 extra and two goals at $1,000 apiece would bring the total to $10,800. Other trustees suggested that we add fences and a bicycle rack, bringing the cost to $16,000 estimated. Trustee McCloud said that the Village might get some volunteer help from residents who would like this to happen. The Township is interested in helping. Trustee Catron will go to the next Township meeting on Wednesday, August 13, to see how much they would be willing to donate.
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
2,762,144 gallons of water were pumped in July with a daily average of 89,100 gallons.
$34,973.03 was received in June with $10,378.50 in sewer planning money. 100 penalty bills were sent and there were 16 shutoffs.
Discussion followed on water rate increases. It was decided to increase the water charge by five percent for both the minimum and the overage. Trustee Roberts moved that Attorney Hendren be directed to prepare an ordinance for the September 2 meeting with these increases. Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
PUBLIC PROPERTY
One permit was issued in July: permit #676, fence, $50.
There have been complaints about the property at 512 S. Scarborough with high grass and weeds. It looks as if it has been abandoned. Trustee McCloud will check on the property to see what action, if any, the Village should take.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Trustee Cokley reported that 429 tickets had been sold for the gun raffle for a total of $8,420. Sixty dollars was donated, printing costs were $77, for a total of $7,902.92 profit. Dennis Pruitt was the winner of the drawing and took the $500 cash instead of a gun.
Trustee Cokley presented the figures for the ball season:
$3,500 uniforms
$3,400 umpires
$3,007 field equipment (includes drag and chalker)
$4,380 sign up fees
$900 sponsors
$1,385 outfield signs
$1,375 Pony C paid in tournament fees
$750 tournament fees paid out
$1,377 tournament trophies
$750 concession stand lease fee
The concession stand went well and parents are appreciative of not having to work so that they can see their children play ball. Trustee Cokely had not talked to the concession stand lessee to see if he was happy with his profit. The number of children participating in the ball programs is going down.
Trustee Cokley said he had taken complaints about the trails not being kept up. Supervisor Bennett said that all the trails had now been mowed.
Trustee McCloud asked if the Village would pay the $30 registration fee for the Sidney children signing up for the Tolono Park District's soccer program because Sidney does not offer soccer. Registration is open now for soccer. After some discussion, Trustee McCloud moved that the Village of Sidney cover the out-of-town fees Tolono Park District soccer fees for all children with a Sidney address. Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Cokley had a copy of the rules for use of the Community Building and read the ones that he would like to see as part of a park/pavilion use policy. He would like to implement a $50 deposit on the bathroom key for Witt Park so that Supervisor Bennett would not be responsible for unlocking and locking the bathrooms. The person reserving the park would get the key and return it for the return of the deposit. Also, there would be a $25 charge for non-residents. Trustee Cokley will draw up these rules to be voted on at the September 2 meeting.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Trustee Arrasmith reported that ESDA had not had the siren test yet.
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
The Village has contacted Quentin McCarrey about the use of his building for storage of Village materials, and he has agreed. Trustee Osterbur moved that the Village pay Mr. McCarrey $300 for six months for storage. Trustee McCloud seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Arrasmith moved that the meeting be adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Trustee Roberts seconded the motion. Motion carried.
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