​  A special meeting of the Sidney Village Board of Trustees was held on June 28th, 2021 at 6pm the Community Building.


President Arrasmith, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with the following trustees present: Bickers, Hooker, and Gadeken. Trustees Laurent, Schluter and Harris were absent. Clerk Fish was also present.


Village President Arrasmith asked if there were any public comments and there were none.


Trustee Bickers made a motion at 6:02pm to go into executive session for the limited purposes of discussing the employment, performance and/or compensation of one or more village employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1). Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.


The board came out of executive session at 7:30pm. Trustee Bickers made a motion to hire Jeff Wyant as Village Maintenance Supervisor. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.


Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried on a roll call vote with all ayes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 pm.










_______________________________ _________________________________
Approved, Village Clerk Date Approved

​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, Hooker, Gadeken, Laurent, and Schluter. Trustee Harris and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were absent. Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart and Attorney Miller were also present.


PUBLIC COMMENTS:


Former Village Clerk Janet Akers asked the Trustees if there was anything they could do about the abandoned houses around the Village. Attorney Miller stated that there was not much the Village could do about them. The Village can mainly only enforce that they keep their yards maintained. If they fail to do that, then the Village can take additional steps but it’s a very long drawn out process.


PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS


President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the May 3rd, 2021 Board of Trustees open and closed sessions and the May 19th, 2021 Special Meeting.  Trustee Schluter moved that the minutes of the May 19th, 2021 Board of Trustees special meeting be approved. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. Trustee Bickers moved that the minutes for the open and closed sessions on May 3rd be approved. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith then asked the board members to review the Appropriations Ordinance #2021-03 and asked for approval. Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve Ordinance #2021-03. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith then had Clerk Fish discuss why she is asking for an increase in hours. Clerk Fish asked for an additional 6 hours per week so that she could keep up properly with all of her work and her filing. Trustee Bickers made a motion to approve the additional hours; Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion. The motion passed with ayes from Trustees Bickers, Gadeken, Hooker, and Laurent. Trustee Schluter voted Nay. The motion passed.




ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS


Attorney Miller did not have any comments.






JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS


Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey was absent, however, Trustee Laurent stated that Mr. Wilsey had purchase 7 bags of infield conditioner so far and is looking purchasing it in bulk.


FINANCE REPORT


The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker. Trustee Bickers moved that the bills be paid with the additions of Caseys for $171.76, RBS for $1,692, Orkin for $94, and Essence Chemical Company for $494.75. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Hooker then stated that a resident had approached her and asked if the Village could put up speed bumps in Dunlap Woods due to the fact that several children play around there and cars speed through the area. Trustee Laurent stated that speed bumps are more of a headache then they are helpful because the Village can be sued for car damage from them. The other board members agreed that speed bumps would not be a good fit for the community.


STREETS AND ALLEY


Trustee Gadeken reported on the radar sign that was installed by the Dairy Barn. 56,155 cars came through Sidney last month with 69% of those caught speeding by the radar. Trustee Gadeken also reported that the new radar sign had just been installed on the East side of town along Main street.
Trustee Gadeken then asked Mike Friend from Farnsworth Group to report on the MFT oil and chipping. Mr. Friend reported that the Department of Transportation is collecting bids from June 3rd-June 10th and the actual bids will be received and reviewed here at the Village on June 14th at 10am.


WATER/SEWER/UTILITY


Trustee Harris was absent.


PUBLIC PROPERTY


Trustee Bickers reported that permit #736 was issued for a garage at 212 West Byron in the amount of $150.
Trustee Bickers then reported that they would like to do another 4th of July parade again this year and extend the route a little bit. He thinks that the Village will only need to close off Bryan Street South of the railroad.
Trustee Bickers then reported that he purchased ten 2 foot bows, 7 big LED snowflakes for the light poles downtown, and a light up snowman family for Christmas Decorations for the Village. He still has some money left over so he would like to purchase a couple of wreaths and a light up tree for the Community building and he would also like to replace the Christmas lights that hang across the road downtown.
Trustee Bickers also reported that Trustee Hooker and his wife, Erin, had purchased hanging flower baskets and flowerpots for the downtown.


PARKS AND RECREATION


Trustee Laurent had nothing to report.


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT


Trustee Schluter stated that he had Dan Moisson completely bring the Village Website up to date and also post the job description for Village Maintenance Supervisor.
Trustee Schluter also stated that he gone out to Mt. Hope Cemetery on Memorial Day and livestreamed the ceremony on the Village’s Facebook page.


Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:36pm.








__________________________ __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk Date approved

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, Hooker, Gadeken, Laurent, and Harris. Trustee Schluter was absent. Clerk Fish, Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey, Treasurer Reinhart and Attorney Miller were also present.


PUBLIC COMMENTS:


Mike Roy, President of the Sidney Improvement Group, began by stating the extremely restrictive guidelines that the Champaign County Public Health Department has imposed in order for us to hold Sidney Fun Daze this year. He stated that it would be impossible for us to follow the guidelines since we do not have the volunteers to man everything. Attorney Marc Miller stated that SIG is under the Village so we have to be careful to follow the guidelines established by the County so that our insurance will cover us in case something happens. Mike Roy stated that he will discuss our options with the rest of the SIG members.


PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS


President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the April 5th, 2021 Board of Trustees meeting and the April 19th, 2021 Special Meeting.  Trustee Harris moved that the minutes of the April 5th and April 19th, 2021 Board of Trustees meetings be approved with the addition of adding in the cost of $95,000 to repair the curve on Sunset and Maple.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith then asked the board members to review the proposed Appropriations Ordinance and make changes as necessary to be approved at the next Village board meeting.




ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS


Attorney Miller did not have any comments.


JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS


Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey reported that the Village filled 7 dumpsters on Dumpster Day for a cost of $3,605.
Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey then stated that he had spoken to the ball commissioner Jessica VanSickle and that we needed to purchase infield conditioner for the Big Field. He calculated that he would need 170 bags at a cost of $10.93 per bag for a total cost of $1,858. The Trustees advised that both of the ball fields needed to have clay added to them. They suggested looking into Prairie Central, the Fairmount Rock Quarry, Aaron Fenter etc. They stated that they would like him to look into bulk pricing this summer so that they can implement it at the end of this ball season.


FINANCE REPORT


The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker. There were no additions to the bills. Trustee Hooker moved that the bills be paid. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.


STREETS AND ALLEY


Trustee Gadeken reported on the radar sign that was installed by the Dairy Barn. 55,074 cars came through Sidney last month with 70% of those caught speeding by the radar.
Trustee Gadeken then made a motion for the board to approve $48,000 to do the tarring and chipping of roads in the Village this summer. Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.


WATER/SEWER/UTILITY


Trustee Harris reported that there are still 3 residents in Dunlap Woods complaining about standing water in their yards. Trustee Harris stated that he spoke with Aaron Fenter and he could drop a pipe and connect to the culvert to solve this problem. Trustee Harris made a motion to spend up to $3,000 to put a pipe in to connect to the culvert. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.


PUBLIC PROPERTY


Trustee Bickers reported that permit #734 was issued for a fence at 302 East Main Street and that permit #735 was issued for a deck at 204 Linda Lane.


PARKS AND RECREATION


Trustee Laurent received bids to have business signs made the board on Main Street. He stated that they would cost $30 each and that we would need 3 more of them to fill the board.


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT


Trustee Schluter was absent.


Trustee Harris made a motion at 8:00pm to enter into executive session for the limited purposes of discussing the employment, performance and/or compensation of one or more Village employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1). Trustee Bickers seconded the motion. The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.


The meeting went back into open session at 8:53pm.


Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:54pm.








__________________________ __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk Date approved  ​

​            A special meeting of the Sidney Village Board of Trustees was held on April 19th, 2021 at the Community Building.


President Arrasmith, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following
 trustees present: Bickers, Laurent, Gadeken, Hooker and Harris.  Trustee Schluter was absent. Attorney Miller, Clerk Fish and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were also present.   


Village President Arrasmith asked if there were any public comments and there were none.


President Arrasmith then asked Jeff Green from Premier Cooperative and the Trustees to review Ordinance #2021-02 regarding a contract to repair roads between the Village and Premier Cooperative.  Jeff Green had a few changes to make to the agreement such as adding a 2 year notice to terminate said contract.  Mr. Green also had an issue with locking the 20% of the total cost of future road repairs and patches; the Trustees assured him that they will mutually decide on a fair cost.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve Ordinance #2021-02 “An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Maintenance Agreement between the Village of Sidney and Premier Cooperative Inc.” with changes as read by Attorney Miller.  Trustee Bicker seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 


Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve Ordinance #2021-01, “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances of the Village of Sidney, Illinois to Amend Class “A” Liquor License as it Relates to Outdoor Seating.”  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.


Trustee Gadeken made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Trustee Laurent seconded the motion. The motion carried on a roll call vote with all ayes.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm.










_______________________________                               _________________________________
Approved, Village Clerk                                                        Date Approved

​          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, Hooker, Gadeken, Laurent, Harris, and Schluter.  Clerk Fish, Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey, Treasurer Reinhart and Attorney Miller were also present. 
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          Dennis Austin approached the board inquiring if he and his neighbor, Nick Laurent, could purchase a piece of property that is owned by the Village of Sidney and located behind their properties.  They would like to clean up the timber on it to help reduce the flooding behind their homes.  Matt Laurent stated that before the Village sells the property that they should look into different uses for the land.  The board decided to table the discussion for now.  President Arrasmith asked Attorney Miller for advice on the sale of the land.  Attorney Miller stated that the board would have to declare the land as surplus real estate, get it appraised, post it the newspaper, then sell it at a price no less than 80% of its’ value. 
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the March 1st, 2021 Board of Trustees meeting.  Trustee Schluter moved that the minutes of the March 1st, 2021 Board of Trustees meetings be approved.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked Tony Bamert of Winston’s Old Bank to approach the board with his plan for an outdoor patio area behind their building.  Attorney Miller stated that the board will need to enact an ordinance to allow outdoor alcohol consumption there.  The board advised Attorney Miller to draft up an ordinance and to include that they must have a minimum of a five foot privacy fence around the area.     
          President Arrasmith then asked Brian Weimers of Illinois American Water to give the board an update on some of their projects.  Mr. Weimers stated that they have been talking to property owners regarding a new location for the water tower.  He plans to begin construction of the new water tower in summer of 2022.
          President Arrasmith then asked Mike Roy, president of the Sidney Improvement Group, to give an update on Fun Daze.  Mr. Roy stated that Fun Daze 2021 was a “go”.  He also reported that he had a citizen request that SIG started a farmer’s market in the parking lot of the community building for the summer.  He stated that there are simply not enough volunteers to pull something like this off.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board to approve the annual contract with ESDA.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve the contract with ESDA.  Trusteee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board to approve the Village of Sidney Board of Trustees meeting dates for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.  Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the meeting dates for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          President Arrasmith then asked the board to approve the cost of the rental for the dumpsters for Dumpster Days on April 24th.  Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey stated that we would need 8 dumpsters at $515 each, for a total of $4,120.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve $4,120 to be spent on the rental of the dumpsters.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          President Arrasmith then asked to board to consider approving the purchase of a new copier for the Village Clerk’s office.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve $899 for a new copier as well as $300 for the annual maintenance contract with DTI Office Solutions.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board to consider approving the Village’s $90 contribution to participate in Champaign County’s annual electronic recycling event.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to donate $90 for our annual contribution toward the recycling event.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked to board to approve the annual contract with Champaign County Animal Control at a cost of $3,045.51.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve the annual contract with CCAC at a cost of $3,045.51.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes with Trustee Hooker abstaining from the vote.    
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller did not have any comments.
 
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey approached the board to get approval to purchase a new lawn mower for $11,173.16 which would include them giving us a trade in allowance of $2,145 for our current mower.  He also stated that the Village’s other mower is getting close to the end of it’s life span as well.  He said that Falcon’s out of Ogden can give us a deal for 2 new mowers for around $20,000.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve up to $20,000 to purchase 2 new lawn mowers for the Village.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Hooker moved that the bills be paid with the additions of Protection Associates for $135, Schulte Supply for $287.04, and Martin Equipment for $1,153.45.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported on the radar sign that was installed by the Dairy Barn.  55,4174 cars came through Sidney last month with 70% of those caught speeding by the radar.  He also reported that the speed radar sign for the East side of town has been ordered and that it should be installed by the end of the month.
 
          WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
Trustee Harris reported that Aaron Fenter shaved down the catch basin in Dunlap Woods, however, it was discovered that there is a sump pump buried that is draining into the ditch causing flooding problems for neighbors.  We will need to talk to the resident about not draining into the ditch before we try to re-dig the drainage ditch and put in tile. 
 
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that there were no permits issued.   
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent would like to purchase garbage can for the downtown business area and also for the outside the Community Building.  Trustee Hooker made a motion to spend up to $1,000 for the garbage cans.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Trustee Laurent then reported that all the new playground equipment is in place at Witt Park and that the signs that businesses have paid for at the ballfield are installed.
          Trustee Laurent then reported that he and Clerk Fish are going to apply for a grant through Birkey’s Farm Store to install sidewalks along a portion of South Bryan Street and North Witt Park Road. 
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter reported that the website is up to date and that residents can vote here tomorrow in the new Community Building. 
 
 
 
 
 
Trustee Laurent made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15pm; Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
         
 
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved

​          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, Hooker,and Schluter.  Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart, Attorney Miller and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were also present.   Trustees Harris and Laurent were absent. 
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          There were no public comments.
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the February 1st, 2021 Board of Trustees meeting.  Trustee Schluter moved that the minutes of the February 1st, 2021 Board of Trustees meetings be approved.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board to approve the annual contract with Martin Hood Associates to perform the Village’s audit.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to approve the contract with Martin Hood Associates for our annual audit.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board if Saturday, April 24th was okay for this year’s Dumpster Day.  The board agreed that was fine; Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey will get prices for dumpsters.  
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller stated that we should be able to close with the American Legion on Thursday, March 4th at 2pm regarding the sale of the old village hall to them.
 
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey approached the board to get approval to purchase a snow blower to clear off the sidewalks downtown, at the community building and also to clear bus stops.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve up to $2,500 to purchase a snow blower.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
 
 
          FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Gadeken moved that the bills be paid with the additions of Miller and Hendren for $400 and Progressive Chemical and Lighting for $420.63.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
          Trustee Hooker then made a motion to put $1 million from the general fund account into a 6 month cd and to also move $300,000 from the water fund to a 6 month cd.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported on the radar sign that was installed by the Dairy Barn.  49,738 cars came through Sidney last month with 66% of those caught speeding by the radar.
 
          WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
Trustee Harris was absent.
 
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that there were no permits issued. 
          Trustee Bickers then made a motion to approve up to $2,000 to purchase planters for the light poles downtown.  Trustee Hooker seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent was absent.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter reported that he had added the expiration terms for the trustees to the Village’s website and that he also updated the Village’s information with the county clerk’s office.  He also stated that Township Commissioner Tim Osterbur put in a request with the county to change the polling place to the new community building but he wasn’t sure if it would be in effect for the upcoming April 6th election.
 
 
 
 
 
Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:24pm; Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
         
 
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved

​          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, Hooker, Harris, Schluter, and Laurent.  Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart, Attorney Miller and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were also present.   
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          There were no public comments.
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the January 4th, 2021 Board of Trustees meeting.  Trustee Harris moved that the minutes of the January 4th, 2021 Board of Trustees meetings be approved.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then stated that we need an outside power source at the new community building to be able to power the carnival rides for Fun Daze, etc.  Trustee Gadekan made a motion to approve $800 to have John Finn install a power source on the grounds of the community building.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Sidney Improvement Group President Mike Roy then spoke about the fact that we have lost our carnival rides for Fun Daze.  Clay County Amusements struggled because of COVID last summer and had to accept a higher offer from someone else.  SIG is trying to get bouncy houses and inflatables to try to still offer something for the kids to do. 
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller stated that we should be able to close with the American Legion soon regarding the sale of the old village hall to them.
 
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey had no comments. 
 
          FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Gadeken moved that the bills be paid with the additions of Caseys for $255.11, Miller and Hendren for $1,100 and Chemical Maintenance in the amount of $686.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported on the radar sign that was installed by the Dairy Barn.  54,304 cars came through Sidney last month with 64% of those caught speeding by the radar.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to purchase another speed radar sign for the East side of the Village on Main Street for up to $3,500.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
          WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
Trustee Harris reported that Clerk Fish had looked into what Trustees were paid in similar villages and said that our Trustee pay was right on target with them.
Trustee Harris then reported on the Sidney Summer Recreational Ball League.  He stated that Sidney will be part of a different league this year and that will allow us to have many more games with more teams to play against.  He also stated that there were COVID guidelines that we need to follow such as: each team must have its’ own balls and hand sanitizer, each catcher has to have their own gear, facemasks must be worn, and kids will have to sit outside the dugouts.  The season will start the week of April 26th-May 3rd with the tournament starting June 18th.  April 1st will be the start of practice.
 
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that permit #729 was issued for a fence at 512 South Scarborough and that permit #730 was issued for Premier to erect a grain silo.
          Trustee Bickers then stated that the Village needs to purchase new Christmas decorations or look into renting some every year.
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent reported that the picnic table, bench and handicap swing had been ordered for Victory Park; we should receive them in about a month or so.  He then stated that they need to be paid for out of the Victory Park Fund first.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter reported that the backup of the website is up and running and Dan Moisson also made an additional copy of the website.
 
 
          NEW BUSINESS
 
          Trustee Harris reported that Blaze was donated a pallet of chalk from Nutrien to use at Witt Park.
 
         
Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:37pm; Trustee Harris seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
         
 
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved        

​          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, Hooker, Harris, Schluter, and Laurent.  Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart, Attorney Miller and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were also present.   
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          There were no public comments.
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the December 7th, 2020 Board of Trustees meeting.  Trustee Schluter moved that the minutes of the December 7th, 2020 Board of Trustees meetings be approved.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then said there had been concern raised over having public access to the lights at the Witt Park ball diamonds.  He asked the board’s opinion as to whether or not there should be a lock put on the lights.  Trustee Schluter did not think it was fair that outside organizations should be able to use them for free.  Trustee Bickers stated that Sidney teams always get priority.  The board members decided to leave it alone.   
          President Arrasmith then brought up the fact that we can no longer use the old community building to plug in the Village’s Christmas decorations downtown.  He said the library was willing to let us plug them in there which works perfectly since the Village pays the library’s electric bills anyway.
          President Arrasmith then brought up the fact that we need an enclosed bulletin board outside of the new community building so the village clerk can post notices, minutes, ordinances and agendas.  Trustee Bickers made a motion not to exceed $300 to purchase a bulletin board.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller stated that he had the paperwork completed for the sale of the old village hall to the American Legion.  Susan McLane from the American Legion stated that they had not received any title work yet and would also like to see the deed.  Attorney Miller stated that he would get that information to them and that it was okay for President Arrasmith to go ahead and sign the paperwork tonight. 
 
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey reminded residents to put out their Christmas trees this week for limb pickup. 
 
          FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Laurent moved that the bills be paid with the additions of 4 bills from Illinois American Water totaling $159.17, Orkin for $92.28, IPWMA for $100, and Royal Bookkeeping Services for $492.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported on the radar sign that was installed by the Dairy Barn.  48,731 cars came through Sidney last month with 32,696 caught speeding by the radar. 
 
         
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
Trustee Harris then had Trustee Bickers report on how much it would cost to replace the light bulbs at Witt Park lights.  Trustee Bickers stated it would cost $19,500 to replace the bulbs head for head.  He then stated that to replace everything (lights, scoreboard, getting power to the shed, and purchasing camera software) with LED lights would cost around $30,000.  The trustees will think about it and it will be on next month’s agenda.
Trustee Harris then stated that the trustees have not had a raise since 2012.  Attorney Miller advised that raises for trustees need to be done per term and cannot be done annually.  Trustee Bickers stated that no one becomes a trustee for the money, however, it is very time consuming and a lot of time is spent away from the family.  Trustee Harris stated that he would check with similar small towns and find out what their trustees make; it will be added to next month’s agenda.
Trustee Harris also reported that Aaron Fenter is still going to be repairing the catch basin.     
 
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that permit #728 was issued for a portable shed at 208 North White Street.
 
 
. 
 
          PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent stated that three vehicles had gone to Witt Park over the weekend and did doughnuts all over the park.  The culprits were caught on camera and charges will be pressed against them. 
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter recommended that that the Village pays for website backup per Dan Moisson.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to spend $81.58 for three years of website backup.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
          Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:36pm; Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
         
 
__________________________             __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved                              

​          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, Hooker, Schluter, and Laurent.  Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart, and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were also present.  Trustee Harris was absent from the meeting.
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          Resident Kurt Foster began by stating that the Sidney Saloon needs to do better regarding garbage around their property. He saw Kamerer Veterinary Clinic cleaning out the flower pot in front of their business and it was full of litter from Saloon patrons.  He also stated that regarding Ordinance 2020-17 regarding Chickens, that the second whereas should be struck through and that it should be located under Chapter 111. 
          Next resident Lisa Foster had a question regarding square footage requirements for chicken coops.  She also asked who is going to be doing the inspections?  The Trustees were still not sure about that.
          Resident Emily Miller spoke next regarding her rooster that she has had for 4 years.  Why does she have to get rid of him?  Trustee Laurent informed her that the board will be discussing grandfathering restricted animals and the requirements for that later in the meeting.  She then accused Trustee Hooker of being the instigator for trying to get rid of chickens within the village.  Trustee Schluter assured her that was not the case; Trustee Hooker was appointed after that was brought about.  She was brought on the board because she has a finance background and was appointed the Finance Chair.
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the November 2nd, 2020 Board of Trustees meeting.  Trustee Schluter moved that the minutes of the November 2nd, 2020 Board of Trustees meetings be approved.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board to approve Resolution # 2020-03 “A Resolution Adopting the Champaign County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.”  Trustee Schluter made a motion to approve Resolution #2020-03.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          President Arrasmith then began discussing the survey of the old community building with the board members.  He stated that 5 feet of our property is in Winston’s Old Bank.  He stated that we could do a quick claim to them and just give that 5 feet to them.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to authorize President Arrasmith to sign the quick claim deed.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller did not have any comments.
 
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey stated that he got the stop signs on Victory and White, Byron and White, and Washington and Victory installed.  He repaired a brick wall along the creek and that he dug out the ditch at 314 South David to improve drainage. 
 
          FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Laurent moved that the bills be paid with the additions of $143.25 to Farnsworth, $15.10 to Premier Cooperative, $156.60 to Depke, $135 to Protection Associates, and $282 to Royal Bookkeeping Services.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken then began discussing the proposed Ordinance # 2020-17 “An Ordinance Amending Article V Section 175 or the Code of Ordinances of the Village of Sidney Illinois in connection with the Regulation of Domestic Chicken Hens within the Village of Sidney.”  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-17 with the following changes: scratch out barn fowl, eliminate the $25 fee per coop, change it from section 175 to section 111 of the code of ordinances, and add a clause allowing grandfathered animals in with certain requirements.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          Trustee Gadeken then reported on the radar sign that was installed by the Dairy Barn.  47,972 cars came through Sidney last month with 32,692 caught speeding by the radar. 
 
         
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
Trustee Harris was absent.
 
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that permit #727 was issued for a fence at 102 South David Street. 
          Trustee Bickers then began discussing how to adjust the parking lot lights for the new community building.  We got the brightest lights that we could at 150 watts and 80 watts is the lowest that we could get.  He stated that it’s $800 to swap the driver out in each light head and that would bring it down to 50% less light.  The only drawback to this would be that it would void the warranty.  Trustee Bickers made a motion not to exceed $2,000 to fix the parking lot lights.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          Trustee Bickers then made a motion to spend up to $6,000 to install a fence enclosure around the dumpster and a movable enclosure with a bench for the kids to wait for the bus at the community building.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
          PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent had nothing to report.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter recommended that that the Village pays $2.27 per month for website backup per Dan Moisson.  It will be added to next month’s agenda to be voted on.
 
          Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10pm; Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.  

​          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, Laurent, and Hooker.  Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart, and Attorney Miller were also present.  
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          The meeting was live streamed from the Village’s Facebook page and public comments were taken in person.  Resident Scott Rhoton began the public comment section with a discussion regarding having a dog park in town.  The Village was possibly looking at an area North of David Street close to his residence.  He brought up the fact that people would be parking on the street and that it could obstruct garbage trucks and other utility vehicles, ambulances, etc.  If the Village erected a fence in these areas for a dog park, they would have restricted access for creek maintenance and also for removing dead trees in the Village.  He also stated that it could create a problem with garbage that people leave in the area.  He was also very concerned with how it might adversely affect property values in the neighborhood.
          Carson Willard then approached the board with an update on his Eagle Scout project.  He stated that it was completed and thanked the Village for allowing him to do his project.  The board thanked him for the great work he did on the Village sign.
          Residents John Finn and Trent Bennett then approached the board regarding Trent’s boat being parked in an “abandoned alley” in the Village.  A neighbor had complained that his boat was blocking access to an alley and illegally parked.  After much discussion, the board decided that it was a “dead” alleyway, no longer maintained by or used by the Village and that it was fine as long as he was willing to accept the fact that there may be damage to his boat if there were some kind of emergency and the utility companies needed to get back there. 
          Haley McConaha then approached the board regarding either fixing or removing the wheelchair swing at Victory Park.  It’s always broken and kids play on it incorrectly causing more damage.  Trustee Laurent assured her the board would look into the best option.
         
           
PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the regular session of the September 8, 2020 meeting.  Trustee Bickers moved that the minutes of the regular session of the September 8th meeting be approved.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            President Arrasmith then asked Brad and Ryan Mumm to approach the board with the survey they had completed showing how their property would be divided up.  Attorney Miller advised the board that if they allowed the property to be divided up, the Village would be waiving the right to force them to annex into the Village or be subjected to the subdivision ordinance to create streets and sidewalks in the new development.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to approve the plat of survey as presented, waive the application of the Village subdivision ordinance, waive the Village’s extraterritorial jurisdiction over the property division, and authorize the Village Board President to provide a letter confirming same.  Trustee Schluter seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith then asked for a discussion regarding the proposed ordinance allowing chickens within the Village limits.  Resident Haley McConaha approached the board (as part of public comments) to advise the board that it would not be a good idea to allow chickens within Village limits.  She has a neighbor who currently has chickens and they crow at all hours of the night and day.  She stated that roosters are not the only ones who crow, but hens also crow when they are laying eggs.  She also stated that Champaign currently allows a limit of six chickens and that each chicken should have four square feet in a coop; so that would mean people’s coops would need to be at least twenty four square feet in area to accommodate them.  How would the Village make sure the coops are big enough, and that they are being properly cleaned and maintained?  President Arrasmith did inform Ms. McConaha that Champaign County Animal Control would be the ones in charge of that.  She also stated that chickens attract raccoons and coyotes.  Ms. McConaha left and the board began discussing whether or not to allow chickens within Village limits.
          Trustee Schluter stated that he has had about 6-10 residents contact him asking him not to pass the chicken ordinance but has heard from zero residents in favor of having chickens; he thinks the board should vote how the majority of residents want.  Trustee Hooker stated that she has had neighbors that have had chickens before and they were dirty and loud.  Trustee Harris stated that he was concerned how it would affect property values in the Village; would people want to buy a house if their neighbors had chickens?  After much discussion, the board was ready for a vote.  Trustee Harris made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-14 Amending Article V Section 175 of the Code of Ordinances of the Village of Sidney Illinois in Connection with the Regulation of Domestic Chicken Hens within the Village of Sidney.  This ordinance would PROHIBIT allowing chickens within the Village limits.  Trustee Schluter seconded the motion.  The votes were as follows: Trustees Harris, Schluter and Hooker voted aye to prohibit chickens while Trustees Bickers, Gadeken, and Harris voted nay.  President Arrasmith broke the tie vote with an aye vote.   Chickens will NOT be allowed within Village limits. 
          President Arrasmith then stated that he received prices for a few different blind designs for the new Village hall from The Blind Man and had the board members review them to decide which ones they want to purchase.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to purchase the roll up cloth blinds at a cost of $2,020.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          President Arrasmith then brought up that we need to hire a fire alarm monitoring company for the new Village hall.  We received a quote from Protection Associates for $45 per month which is the company that installed it.  We also received a quote from FE Moran for a fee of $275 to install their own box and then $55 per month monitoring fee.  Trustee Harris made a motion to hire Protection Associates at a cost of $45 per month.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Clerk Fish then asked the board if we could purchase an Ipad for the Village’s use to stream the meetings on Facebook Live and a square reader to be able to take credit card payments for the rental space for the new Village hall.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve up to $1,000 to purchase an Ipad and a Square reader for the Village. 
          President Arrasmith then said that the Village needs to set Halloween Trick or Treating hours for this year.  The board decided that Trick or Treating hours would be from 5-8pm on Halloween.  Trustee Laurent also made a motion to make the Trick or Treating hours from 5-8pm for every Halloween moving forward.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
 
 ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller did not have any comments.
 
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey was absent.
         
          FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Hooker made a motion to pay the bills with the addition of $14.59 to Illini Contractor Supply.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Trustee Hooker then began discussing the 7 day CD that the Village currently has with Longview Bank.  She stated that the board would get a better interest rate with a longer term.  She went through the different options.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to transfer the 7 day CD into a 1 year CD.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
          
 STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported that he had received two bids to mow the abandoned properties in the village on Byron and Water Tower Place.  The first bid was from Outdoor Services in the amount of $3,300.  The second bid was from Top Notch for $3,900.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to hire Outdoor Services to mow the properties for $3,300.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion;  the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          Trustee Gadeken then stated that he would like to make the intersection of White and Victory and also the intersection of Byron and White 4 way stops.  Attorney Miller will create ordinances for these to be voted on at the next Village Board meeting.
 
 
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris reported that he had gotten bids to repair the drain by the new Village Hall building.  He received a bid from Davis-Houk for $7,148.66 and one from Fenter Machinery for $3,700.  Trustee Harris made a motion to hire Fenter Machinery at a cost of $3,700 to repair the drain.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Trustee Harris then began discussing purchasing a Vermeer machine for the Village.  It would do everything that we hire other companies out to do for us so it would pay for itself in a few years time.  Trustee Laurent had a question regarding cost of maintenance for the Vermeer machine; he had heard it was very expensive.  Trustee Harris did not know how much maintenance for it would be.  Trustee Bickers wondered if Sidney Township would be interested in going in with the Village to purchase one.  Trustee Harris stated he would talk to Tim Ostebur about it. 
                   
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that there were no permits issued.  He had also received a request from two members of the Sweet Adeline singing group to see if they could use the new Village Hall to practice in every other Tuesday evening.  The board discussed it and said that would be fine. 
 
          PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent stated that he doesn’t believe enough residents are truly interested in having a dog park to assume the cost and liability of having one, but he will continue to look into the possibility of having one.  He did have a resident ask if she could allow her dog on the Witt Park ball fields in the off baseball season, however, the board members stated that it still not allowed.
          Trustee Laurent then stated that he has footage of kids doing doughnuts on golf carts out at Witt Park.  The board members advised contacting the sheriff if this continues.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter reported that he was able to save the Village $1,541.89 by getting the tables and chairs for the banquet room at different places.  He was able to purchase 160 chairs, 20 tables, carts to store them in and 4 eight foot long tables for $7,613.07.  Trustee Schluter then thanked Trustees Gadeken, Bickers, and President Arrasmith for helping him put the carts together for the tables and chairs. 
          Trustee Schluter then stated that the website is current with Trustee Hookers information.
 
Trustee Harris stated that Fenter Machinery was able to fix four drains for the Village at a lower cost of $35,000 under New Business.
 
Trustee Laurent made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:37p.m. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.