A special meeting of the Sidney Village Board of Trustees was held on August 19th, 2020 in the Community Building.


            President Arrasmith, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the following
 Trustees present: Bickers, Gadeken, Schluter, and Harris.  Clerk Fish was also present.  Trustee Laurent was absent.


            There were no public comments.


            President Arrasmith began the meeting by starting the discussion regarding changing the current shed ordinance.  Trustee Gadeken stated that he would like the requirements changed to 3 feet off an alley to the property line and 5ft off the property line to a structure.  Trustee Gadeken would also like the definition of an easement, roadway and alley to be further clarified.  It was decided to hold a public hearing before the next board meeting at 6:30pm on Tuesday, September 8th, 2020 in order to vote on this ordinance at the next board meeting. 


            President Arrasmith then started the discussion regarding purchasing tables and chairs for the new banquet area at the new Village Hall.  Trustee Schluter then stated that the banquet area could accommodate 150 chairs as well tables.  He would like to purchase white tables from the Lifetime brand.  He stated that the carts that can hold 32 chairs are $244.98 each and that carts for either 10 round tables or 11 rectangular tables cost $229.99 directly from Lifetime.  He also said that he looked at Sams Club for Lifetime tables and chairs and that they had a special deal of 12 commercial grade tables and 96 chairs for $4,599.99.   If we want to do non-commercial tables, they are $100 each.  He also added that chairs cost $35.99 each through Lifetime if you purchase between 32-159 chairs.


            President Arrasmith then advised the Trustees to look over some paperwork regarding costs for appliances for the kitchen at the new Village Hall.  Trustee Gadeken calculated an estimated cost of $18,500 for all the appliance and tables and chairs for the banquet room and conference room at the new Village Hall.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve up to $25,000 for the appliances, and tables and chairs for the banquet hall and conference room.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.


            Trustee Gadeken then referred to a packet that he had Clerk Fish print out regarding a bid for janitorial supplies for the bathrooms and kitchen at the new Village Hall from Chemical Maintenance Incorporated.  He stated that they will give you the dispensers but you have to use their product.  He also stated that they hands free paper towel dispensers but no hands free soap dispensers right now due to Covid-19.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve $1,500 for janitorial supplies for the new Village Hall provided by CMI.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.


            Trustee Bickers then stated that he had received an email from Hillside Development Group and the counter tops will be delayed up to 6-8 weeks now.  He and Hillside will look for other companies besides T & T Construction to see if they can do it.


            President Arrasmith then began the discussion of fees for renting out the banquet hall at the new Village Hall.   After much discussion, the trustees decided to rent the banquet hall for $100 to residents and $150 to non-residents per day; rental will be limited to only one event per day.  There will also be a $100 deposit for any damage and return of the key for the building.  There will be a $100 charge to set up tables and chairs if the renter chooses that option.  The Village will allow alcohol as long as the renter provides Dram Shop Insurance.  The Village will also allow non for profits that operate within village limits to use the facility free of charge as long as they are responsible for any damages.


            Bill McLane and Bill Hensch from the American Legion then asked the Trustees if they had planned to get the septic system inspected at the current Community Building.  The downspout gutter is also totally clogged and needs cleaned out.  They then asked if ESDA will be taking their tower to the new building; yes they will.  Mr. McLane and Mr. Hensch also had a problem with line 18B on the sales contract that refers to “customary and no other use”.  They will have their attorney look it over. 


            President Arrasmith then began discussing getting cameras and internet set up at the new Village hall.  He got a bid from Brian Curtis at Computer Solutions for $7,227.03 to set up all the offices and have four cameras facing the entrances inside the building and four cameras outside.  He also said it would cost an additional $800 to get cameras set up at the Maintenance Shed.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to approve up to $10,000 for all Village owned properties to have cameras, internet and data installed.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.


            President Arrasmith then invited Terry Carrell to speak about dividing his plots 163 and 164 of the Carrell Subdivision to avoid any potential purchasers of the properties of having to acquire flood insurance.  Mr. Carrell stated that his attorney had said that a document stating that the house and garage properties would not ever be sold separately was not necessary as our Village Attorney had previously told him it was.   Attorney Miller was not present at the meeting, however, he stated in a text message that he would feel more comfortable looking over the document and having the Board approve the division of the plots at the next regular board meeting on Tuesday, September 8th.   Mr. Carrell was not happy with this decision as he had been to a meeting previously to get this taken care of but had dropped it because he lost his buyer.  The Trustees decided to do whatever they could to get this process completed as quickly as possible for Mr. Carrell.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to authorize the Village Board President to approve the replat of lots 163 and 164 of the Carrell Subdivision as presented with revisions by the Village Attorney.  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 Harris seconded the motion. The motion carried on a roll call vote with all ayes.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:53pm.


_________________________________                                       ______________________________
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, 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        

            A public hearing by the Sidney Village Board of Trustees was held on Tuesday, September 8th, 2020 at 6:30pm in the Community Building for the purpose of amending the current zoning ordinance regarding structures and sheds. 


President Arrasmith, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the following
 trustees present: Bickers, Laurent, Gadeken, Schluter and Harris.  Attorney Miller was absent.  


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


President Arrasmith then began the discussion regarding zoning for structures and sheds.  Trustee Gadeken stated that he would like for shed setbacks to be 5 feet from a shared property line and 10 feet from the center of an alley.  It was decided to include this in Ordinance #2020-13 Ammending Chapter 250 Section 4 of the Zoning Code of Sidney to Provide for Definitions.  Also included in the amendment are the added definitions of “alley, easement, roadway, and shed”.


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 6:50 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, Gadeken, Schluter, and Laurent.  Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart, Village Attorney Miller and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were also present.  Trustees Harris and Catron were absent.
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          The meeting was live streamed from the Village’s Facebook page and public comments were taken in person.  There were no public comments.
           
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the regular and executive sessions of the July 6th and July 23rd, 2020 meetings. Trustee Schluter moved that the regular and executive sessions of the board of trustees July 6th and July 23rd meeting minutes be approved with the amendment of taking out the bid price for the land the Village is bidding on from the open session of the July 23rd meeting.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then read Trustee Catron’s resignation letter.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve Trustee Catron’s resignation.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board what they would like to do with the plaques from the businesses on the Welcome to Sidney sign that Carson Willard is replacing for his Eagle Scout project.  The board decided they will consolidate them into one sign.  Carson Willard was not able to attend the meeting, but President Arrasmith received an update from him that he’s in the fundraising stage of his project.
          President Arrasmith told the board that he met with the American Legion and that they would like to purchase the old community building for $1.  They would like to acquire ownership when we move into the new Village Hall.  They would like the Village to continue paying for the utilities until their lease is officially up in May of 2021.  The board agreed as long as the utility costs are not over 25% above the normal monthly bills.  Attorney Miller will write up a contract also stating that if the American Legion decides to sell the building within the first five years of ownership, then the Village will have first dibs to buy back the building for $1.  The board also decided that they will receive the contents of the building as well except for the contents of Clerk Fish’s and the ESDA office.   
          President Arrasmith then asked the board what address they would like to use for the new Village Hall.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to use 211 East Main Street as the address for the new Village Hall.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then stated that he had spoken with a representative from Adams Memorial regarding the War Memorial at the new Village Hall and they will do a mock up design for it. 
          Bob Tincher from Hillside Development Group then reported on the progress of the new Village Hall.  He stated that Integrity had started pouring the concrete today, the doors are on, attic insulation is done, the inside has been painted, flooring in kitchen and bathrooms are done.  President Arrasmith said he will also speak with Pete Mantell with ESDA about getting a tower at the building.  
 
           ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller did not have any comments.
 
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey then reported that he had gone to Fertilizer Dealer Supply to get pricing for a 100 gallon fertilizer tank at $2,700 and a 500 gallon water tank with a trailer for $5,757.  The board would like him to get more quotes.  They felt that we could use our own trailer and get cheaper prices at Farm and Fleet or somewhere similar. 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey then stated that this will be Logan Jones’s last week working for the Village this summer.
         
          FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by President Arrasmith since Trustee Catron resigned.  Trustee Schluter moved that the bills be paid with three additions; $8.80 to Southern Champaign County Today, $162.84 to Progressive Chemical and Lighting, and $2,200 to Miller and Hendren. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
          Treasurer Reinhart then reviewed the audit with the Trustees and reported that there were no errors and that everything went well.
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken stated that he would like the yield sign on the corner of Byron and Harrison to be changed to a four way stop.  He has witnessed cars going fast down Byron and is afraid that someone will get hurt.  He would also like the temporary stop sign that was placed in the alleyway behind the Sidney Saloon to be a permanent one also.  Attorney Miller advised that we will need an ordinance in order to change the intersection from a yield to a four way stop and will need to be added to next month’s agenda. 
          Trustee Gadeken then reported that the radar sign that will be put over by the Dairy Barn has been ordered and that we will get one year of data for free.
          Trustee Gadeken also reported that Top Notch is still doing the creek beds and had just finished doing Victory Street.
          Trustee Gadeken reported that Jeff Wyant would like to come back and work for the Village again on an as needed basis this winter. Trustee Gadeken would also like the Village to have one or two extra people on the books that could also help out when needed. 
           
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris was absent from the meeting.  President Arrasmith went over the grass ordinance stating that it was very similar to Urbana’s and didn’t think anything needed to be changed.  Clerk Fish was then instructed to send a mowing letter to 301 Water Tower Place and an abandoned vehicle and mowing letter to 313 East Byron. 
                   
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers felt that there needs to be a stagnant water ordinance for the Village to get rid of any unused swimming pools, etc.  Attorney Miller stated that he would look into it and draft up an ordinance if necessary.
          Trustee Bickers also stated the we will need to purchase the appliances for the kitchen at the new Village Hall and instructed Clerk Fish to look into it.  Trustee Gadeken also pointed out that we will also need to order the tables and chairs for the community room.
          Trustee Bickers then reported that there were three permits issued this past month; fence permit #723 at 201 Witt Park Rd for $50, fence permit #725 at 204 East Byron for $50, and finally garage permit #724 at 201 East Main for $150.
          Trustee Bickers then stated that he has not heard back from any of the places he had contacted regarding a leaf pickup in the fall.  Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey suggested contacting St. Joseph to see if we could piggyback  onto their leaf incinerating day.  Trustee Bickers said he will check into it.
 
          PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent stated that fall boys baseball and t-ball was back on, however, there will be no concession stand.  He also stated that all the doors at Witt Park have been rekeyed. 
          Trustee Laurent also stated that he will install the cameras in Witt Park once the temperature cools down.  The board members stated that they would like cameras to be put up at the new Village Hall and possible some at the Village Maintenance Shed to prevent any thievery of equipment.   
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter then reported that he had gotten the website cleaned up.  He removed the application for water service and the audit is already posted as well.  He also got rid of the e-pay link to pay your water bill online.   
 
Trustee Gadeken then made a motion to go into Executive Session for the limited purpose to discuss the performance and compensation of one or more village employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) at 8:10pm.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion. 
 
            Trustee Bickers made a motion to enter back into open session at 9:02pm.  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 9:03p.m. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
         
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                     Date approved

            A special meeting of the Sidney Village Board of Trustees was held on July 23rd, 2020 in the Community Building.


            President Arrasmith, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the following
 Trustees present: Bickers, Gadeken, Schluter, Laurent, and Harris.  Clerk Fish and Attorney Miller were also present.  Trustee Catron was absent.


            There were no public comments.


            Trustee Schluter then made a motion to enter into executive session for the limited purpose of discussing the purchase of real estate pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(5).  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.


            Trustee Bickers made a motion at 6:35pm to return to open session.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.


            Trustee Schluter made a motion to bid on the purchase of the plot of land that the Village uses to burn and store rock on.  Trustee Bickers 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 6:37pm.
_________________________________                                       ______________________________
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: Harris, Bickers, Gadeken, Schluter, Catron, and Laurent.  Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart, Village Attorney Miller and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were also present. 
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          The meeting was live streamed from the Village’s Facebook page and public comments were taken in person.  Jessica Guiles, representing the Sidney Saloon, asked the board if they could put a temporary roof on their outdoor seating area.  She said that not many people are using it since it is so hot out.  They have invested around $7,000 for the temporary seating arrangements due to COVID-19 and they would like the area to be used.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to allow the Sidney Saloon to put on a temporary roof onto their outdoor seating area.  Trustee Schluter seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Carson Willard approached the board of trustees next with his idea for his Eagle Scout project.  He would like to revamp the current Welcome to Sidney sign on the West side of the village.   He would like to remove the sign with the outdated businesses listed on it and repaint and add landscaping, rocks and lighting to the Welcome to Sidney sign.  He will have it completed by the end of August.  The board said they will reuse the business nameplates that were listed on the other sign in another part of town.  Trustee Bickers stated that by the next Village Board meeting, he would like to see how much Carson has raised toward his $800 goal and a completed final plan for the project.  The board stated that it would be okay for him to begin his project.
           
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the regular and executive sessions of the June 1st, 2020 meeting. Trustee Gadeken moved that the regular and executive sessions of the board of trustees June 1st meeting minutes be approved.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then invited Ron and Cyndi McCloud to approach the board with a request for their fence located at 109 North White Street to be grandfathered into the zoning regulations.  Apparently when it was originally built in 1998, it was not built to correct zoning requirements.  They recently repaired their fence and the zoning infringement was caught at that time.  They did not change anything to the original fence line.  The board decided that their fence was okay to stay as it is. 
          President Arrasmith then asked the board if the Village could either sell or give Little Bear Hauling the current Village sign when we get our new sign at the new Village hall.  Trustee Catron made a motion to just give the current sign to Little Bear Hauling along with the letters for it.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked Dennis Cummins with Farnsworth Group to present the bids for the MFT Project.  Mr. Cummins stated that we only received one bid and that was from Illiana Construction for $36,887.   Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve the bid from Illiana Construction for $36,887.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board if they would approve a property and septic inspection for the current Village hall building.  Trustee Harris made a motion to approve hiring someone to do an inspection of the current Village hall building.  Trustee Catron seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then approached the board with the bids for the annual tree and stump removal in the Village.  The only bid the Village received for the tree removal was from JT’s Tree Service.  They bid $22,175 to remove 31 trees and $1,575 for a possible extra tree at 106 West Byron for a total of $23,750.  Dirtworks Trucking and Excavation Company bid $5,750 and Little Bear Hauling bid $5,250 for the removal and backfill of 32 stumps.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to approve JT’s Tree Service for the tree removal and Little Bear Hauling for the stump removal.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then approached the board with how they wanted to handle the landscaping at the new building.  Do they want to do it in-house or hire a landscaping company to plot out a plan?  Trustee Bickers stated he would look into getting estimates from a few companies and it will be on next month’s agenda.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board how they want the war memorial display to look at the new Village hall.  He stated that the American Legion is in possession of some granite memorial stones that are being stored at the township.  Trustee Bickers stated that he would call Adams Memorial to find out about setting them up the new Village hall.  It will be on next month’s agenda.
            President Arrasmith then asked the board to approve the annual cost of living rise for Village employees.  The board members believed that they had implemented an automatic cost of living increase for Village employees last year.  The Village Clerk or Treasurer will look into this.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board for discussion regarding zoning requirements for sheds in the Village.  Trustee Bickers stated that basically none of the sheds that are currently erected in the Village do not meet the zoning requirements of 25 feet from the center of the street and 10 feet from the sides and back of the property.  Trustee Bickers stated that the board needed to revise the requirements/restrictions regarding zoning.  President Arrasmith decided that a zoning committee needed to be formed and nominated Trustees Harris and Laurent to be on the committee.  Discussion of zoning requirements will be on next month’s agenda.
          President Arrasmith then advised the board that they needed to be thinking about how much they want to rent out the new community space in the new Village hall for.  He had Clerk Fish gather information from nearby communities for comparison.  The board decided that they will also allow alcohol in the new space and that they will hold a special meeting sometime to discuss the details.
 
 
           ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller presented the board with the Emergency Powers of the Code of Ordinances of the Village of Sidney Ordinance #2020-08. Attorney Miller explained that this ordinance regulates the dispensing of gasoline, instilling a town wide curfew and the ability to continue to pay the Village’s bills in case of an emergency.  Trustee Catron motioned that Ordinance #2020-08 be approved.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey approached the board to see if he could hire Gulliford Sewer Services to clean out the Village’s catch basins annually.  He stated that Gulliford would like the board to give them an annual budget and they will do whatever amount of work they can within that budget.  Trustee Harris suggested that the Village purchase a portable pothole machine to suck out the catch basins.  Trustee Gadeken agreed that they need to be maintained annually. 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey then asked the board if he could purchase a portable water tank to keep the new seed that he spreads watered.  Trustee Catron suggested that he purchase a 250 gallon water tank and also a 50 gallon weed sprayer.  Trustee Catron also suggested that Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey look into continuing education to become licensed to spray the weeds around the creek areas.  Village Maintenance Employee will check on prices, etc. for sprayers and present it at the next board meeting.
         
          FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Catron.  Trustee Catron moved that the bills be paid; Trustee Harris seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
Trustee Catron stated that Martin-Hood was in the final week of the audit. 
          Trustee Catron then stated that with the new social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19, that the desk that he is having built for the trustees to sit at during the board meetings will be too big for the meeting room in the new village hall.  Trustee Bickers suggested that we will have to use it in the big room instead of the meeting room.  Trustee Catron stated that he will have the desk slightly altered and made into 3 separate movable units. 
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported that he had not gotten any bids for the repairs to the sidewalks in the Village, however, Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey was able to spread some dirt by the cracks to smooth them out a bit.  He reported that he is having Dennis Cummins with Farnsworth Group get bids to work on the corner of Sunset Street.  He stated that he will have Clerk Fish order the radar speed sign to be put by the Dairy Barn.  He also reported that Top Notch had done most of the clearing around the creeks but was not quite finished yet. 
           
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris reported that the Savanah Day Memorial Run is cancelled this year due to COVID-19.  He then stated that he will talk to Longview Bank about cleaning up the drainage pond behind the bank.  He has been receiving complaints about the smell and bugs.
                   
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that there was 1 fence permit issued at 406 East Byron.  He then reported that he had dropped the ball about finding out about doing a bagged leaf pickup in the fall and it will be put back on next month’s agenda.  He also reported that the problem with the placement of the leach field at the new village hall has been corrected and will be placed in the outfield of the new T-ball field. 
          Trustee Bickers then addressed the issue of allowing golf carts in the Village.  He stated that most small towns allow them and that the town issues a permit sticker for a fee.  The Village of Sidney has no one to enforce the rules and regulations of golf carts once the permit would be issued.  He also stated that golf carts are going to be used by residents with or without a permit.  Trustee Harris stated that he thinks this discussion is a waste of time.  The board considers this a dead issue. 
 
          PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent stated that the internet for Witt Park will be installed next Monday.  That will allow remote viewing of the security cameras and also the ability to take debit/credit cards at the concession stand.  He also reported that the new steel doors have been installed in the bathrooms out at Witt Park.  He stated that the baseball season will start on August 3rd.  Trustee Laurent reported that the Sidney Improvement Group did work to clean up the trails out at Witt Park and will be posting directional signage for the trails soon.  He also stated that he ordered the playground equipment for the parks and they are about 6 weeks out from being able to install them; however, the swing set and other equipment is in Indianapolis waiting to be picked up.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter had no report. 
 
 
             Trustee Harris then made a motion to go into Executive Session for the limited purpose to discuss the performance and compensation of one or more village employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) at 8:52pm.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion. 
 
            Trustee Bickers made a motion to enter back into open session at 9:12pm.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:13p.m. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  The motion carried 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: Harris, Bickers, Gadeken, Schluter, Catron, and Laurent.  Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart, Village Attorney Miller and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were also present. 
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          The meeting was live streamed from the Village’s Facebook page and public comments were taken online and in person.  Bill McLane with Sidney Post American Legion Post 433 addressed the board by beginning with stating that the American Legion’s primary function is to honor veterans in Sidney.  He then read aloud item #11 in the lease agreement between the Village and the American Legion Post 433 that “the Village will provide adequate and similar space in the new building”.  He states that the Village is voiding their lease by not providing them adequate display or storage space in the new building; only a meeting space.  He does not think that the Village needs to sell the current community building yet also.  He was also wondering if they could put up some sort of movable display panels in the new Village hall.
          Mike Roy, President of Sidney Improvement Group, stated that Sidney Fun Daze is officially canceled because Champaign Urbana Public Health District is not issuing any permits this year due to Covid-19.  He also approached the board with doing some trail cleanup out at Witt Park for SIG to do. 
          Sidney resident Jim Rector then approached the board with a sidewalk issue in front of 406 East Main Street.  The tree stump has pushed the sidewalk up and it’s a tripping hazard and also difficult for wheelchairs and strollers to get past.  He also stated that on the corner of East Main and White street, there is always a bunch of mud on the sidewalk that makes it difficult to get through as well.  The board assured him they would take care of these. 
          Matt White with Illinois American Water was in attendance to address the board and the public to please let him know about any issues with the water changeover. 
          Village Clerk Maggie Fish then read resident Scott Rhoton’s public comment regarding putting signage up to keep golf carts off private property.  The board considered this a moot point since golf carts are not allowed in the Village.  The board decided to add “discuss allowing golf carts in the Village” on the next agenda.  
           
 
         
PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the regular session of the May 4th meeting. Trustee Catron moved that the regular session of the board of trustees May 4th meeting minutes be approved.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked for discussion and approval of Resolution #2020-R-01-Authorizing a Temporary Outside Café License for the Sidney Saloon due to Covid-19 restrictions.  Trustee Gadeken motioned that Resolution #2020-R-01 be approved.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            President Arrasmith then asked for approval of Ordinance #2020-07 Annual Contract with Champaign County to provide Animal Control Services.  Trustee Catron moved that Ordinance #2020-07 be approved.  Trusteee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
         
           ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller presented the board with the Annual Appropriations Ordinance #2020-06. The board reviewed the ordinance.  Trustee Catron motioned that Ordinance #2020-06 be approved with the following changes, Park Capital Projects raised to $70,000 from $30,000 and Waterworks and Sewage Fund Appropriations reduced to $100,000 from $496,700.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey began by introducing Logan Jones.  He worked for the Village as summer help last year and would like to work this summer for the Village as well.  He then reported that 12 stumps have been ground down, he put rock in the alley at Railroad and Byron, and he's been patching South David Street and South Scarborough Street with tar also.  He also reported that Rick Sloane with JLS Auction House wants to dig a french drain going out to the creek behind his building.  The board agreed that this was okay as long as the alleyway behind his building was only blocked off for no more than three days total.  
 
          FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Catron.  Trustee Catron moved that the bills be paid with the additions of $1,050 to Miller and Hendren; $142.89 and $136.68 to Caseys; Trustee Harris seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
         
     Trustee Catron then asked the board if the Village wanted to implement a permit fee to allow food trucks downtown.  He stated that Champaign and Urbana both charge an annual fee of $250.  The board decided that they may implement a permit fee in the future, but not this summer due to Covid-19.     
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported that he had checked with Top Notch Enterprises and they would charge the Village $4,100 to mow and clean up around the creeks.  It would cost the Village $7,500 to rent a mower attachment and attach it to our loader if we did it ourselves.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to spend up to $5,000 to have Top Notch clean up around the creeks in the Village.  Trustee Catron seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
           
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris did not have any comments.
                    
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that there were 2 shed permits issued; one at 411 West Main and one at 607 Folsom Court; and one fence permit issued at 105 South Harrison.  He would like to see some changes regarding shed permits and requested that it be added to next month's agenda. 
            Trustee Bickers then reported that the floor of the new village hall is poured and that the rock base would be added this week in the parking lot.
             Trustee Bickers then stated that he looked into how much the Landscape Recycling Center charges for bagged leaves.  He said they charged $9 per cubic yard.  He will also look into having a disposal company possibly come and do a bagged leaf pickup in the Spring and Fall. 
            Trustee Catron then stated that he had looked into LED signs for the new village hall building.  He said that Watchfire Signs out of Danville has two different sizes that will display on both sides of the sign, is wireless and digital, and comes with a five year parts and labor warranty.   They offer a  3 x 7 sign for $23,756 or a 4 x 8 for $29,897.  He also has a call out to Daktronics in Mattoon but has not heard back from them.  He is also looking into having a three winged desk made for the board of trustees for the new building for approximately $5,000.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to spend up to $40,000 to purchase a 4 x 8 sign and the new desk.  Trustee Catron seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
          PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent asked the board members to look at some paperwork that he had passed out regarding new playground equipment for the Village parks.  Trustee Laurent then made a motion to spend up to $55,000 to purchase and install Topanga Canyon, a teeter totter and a swing set for Victory Park.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  Trustees Harris, Bickers, Gadeken, Laurent and Schluter voted ayes on a roll call vote; Trustee Catron voted nay.  The motion passed.
            Trustee Laurent then made a motion to spend $3,765 to install new steel doors at Witt Park for the restrooms.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            Trustee Laurent then made a motion to open the Village parks back up.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.   
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter reported that he had gone out to Mt. Hope Cemetery on Memorial Day to livestream the Veteren's tribute on the Village's Facebook page. 
 
          NEW & OLD BUSINESS
 
          Trustee Harris stated that the board needs to name the new T-ball field. 
          
             The board then agreed that the Village needs to have some sort of emergency siren if things get out of hand in Sidney with looters, etc... like it did in Champaign.  It should sound different then the tornado siren.  President Arrasmith with speak with Pete Mantell of ESDA regarding this.  Attorney Miller stated that for a curfew to be put into place, an Emergency Ordinance needs to be approved by the board.  It will be added to next month's agenda. 
 
            President Arrasmith then made a motion to go into Executive Session for the limited purpose of discussing the price for the sale of the current village hall pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) and to discuss the performance and compensation of one or more village employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) at 9:08pm.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion. 
 
            Trustee Catron made a motion to enter back into open session at 9:40pm.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
             Trustee Bickers made a motion to hire Logan Jones for summer help for the Village.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
              The board also decided to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, June 10th at 5:30pm.
 
Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:43p.m. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  The motion carried 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: Harris, Bickers, Gadeken, Schluter, Catron, and Laurent.  Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart, Village Attorney Miller and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were also present. 
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          The meeting was live streamed from the Village’s Facebook page and public comments were taken online and in person.  Bill Hensch with Sidney Post American Legion Post 433 addressed the board by beginning with how long he has been a resident of Sidney and how many different local groups he is a member of and volunteers for.  Mr. Hensch then proceeded to tell the board that he feels that the Township and Village should work together on building a new village hall.  He also suggested that the board wait until the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted to design the building so that the public can provide input into what they would like to see because he feels that the public was not asked.  Mr. Hensch went on to say that he feels that the Village Board should be more transparent about what they are doing. 
          Sidney Improvement Group President Mike Roy then addressed the board in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic and Sidney Fun Daze.  Mr. Roy stated that he is waiting on direction from the C-U Public Health Department on whether or not we can proceed with Fun Daze this year on July 24th and 25th.   As of right now, it is still in a holding pattern.
          Village Clerk Maggie Fish then read resident Cory Willard’s Facebook comment to the board.  He stated, “Please do not borrow any money for the new hall; pay it in full”.
          Village Clerk Maggie Fish then read resident Kurt Foster’s public comment (sent via email before the meeting) regarding an invasive species of plant known as garlic mustard.  He is asking fellow Sidney residents to get of the rid of the plant if they have it in their yard so it doesn’t spread throughout the Village.  He also stated that he is willing to eradicate the plant from village owned property with help from volunteers. 
          Trustees Harris and Schluter then stated under public comment that they didn’t know what resident Bill Hensch was talking about in regards to there being “tension” between the Village and Township.  Trustee Schluter also stated that all Village of Sidney agendas and board meeting minutes are posted to the Village’s website each month for any resident to view and that they are also on display at the current community building so he did not feel that the board was not being transparent.  He also stated that the Village was also keeping residents informed via the village’s Facebook page now as well.
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the regular and executive sessions of the April 6th Board of Trustees meeting and the April 16th special meeting. Trustee Schluter moved that the regular and executive session minutes of the April 6th meeting be approved and that the minutes from the April 16th special meeting also be approved.  Trustee Catron seconded the motion; the motion carried 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 reported that Dumpster Days was another success.   Eight dumpsters were filled and the Village collected $30 for extra loads.  Clerk Fish put the $30 in the Village’s petty cash.  Mr. Wilsey thanked Mayor Arrasmith, Trustee Laurent, and Sidney Township for their help.  He also reported that Illinois American Water was almost finished with switching out the meters, they have about 80 or so left.  Employee Wilsey also stated that he received information from Tim Osterbur regarding a culvert on North Scarborough Street that is clogged with corn husks. 
 
          FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Catron.  Trustee Catron moved that the bills be paid with the additions of $12,950 and $400 to Miller and Hendren; $36, $636, $51, and $351 to Royal Bookkeeping Services; $172.59 and $176.04 to Caseys; $806.40 and $270 to Aaron Fenter for rock and services provided; and $815 and $345 to Gulliford Septic and Sewer.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Trustee Catron then stated that the board has been spending a lot of money lately and was wondering if they could space it out a bit. 
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported that Dennis Cummins with Farnsworth Group had sent him the MFT agreement for the next financial year.  Trustee Gadeken then made a motion to spend up to $50,000 to tar and chip the roads for the MFT Project. Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Gadeken also stated that he had looked into different options for setting up a speed radar sign to be placed over by the Dairy Barn.  Trustee Catron stated that he felt there also needed to be a radar sign placed on the East side of Main street as well.  Trustee Laurent suggested that we start with one, see how it goes, then maybe add the second in the future.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to spend up to $3,200 for a radar sign to be placed on West Main street to help control traffic speed through town.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Trustee Gadeken then stated that the creek by Freese Funeral Home needs to be cleaned up; it will be put on the next month’s agenda for discussion.  Trustee Gadeken also stated that the work in the alley between Scarborough and David needs to be done due to constant flooding. 
 
         
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris reported that he was not ready to discuss or approve putting a gate up at Witt Park as he was still getting prices for them.  He asked it to be put on the next month’s agenda. 
                   
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that the Village will need a place to put the backfill of dirt coming from the new village hall construction site.  It was decided to store it at Witt Park or to ask if we could store it at the Village Township’s site. 
          Trustee Bickers then asked for discussion of what to do regarding the American Legion’s lease with the Village to be provided with a space to hold their meetings.  It was decided to terminate their lease with the Village.  The Village is required to give them one year’s notice.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to mail the legion, as well as posting it on their door, a first class letter terminating their lease with the Village of Sidney.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          Trustee Bickers then reported that there was a problem with permit #718 being issued for a new outbuilding at 107 South Scarborough.  The permit was issued in error with regards to the Village’s zoning requirements.  Trustee Bickers stated that he would speak with the property owner. 
          Trustee Bickers stated that he would like the Village to begin doing a monthly limb pickup between the months of March-November.  The first limb pickup will be June 1st-June 5th.   
          Trustee Bickers then asked Village Clerk Fish to send thank you letters to Cory Willard and his boyscout troop for doing creek maintenance and also to the Township for their help with Dumpster Days.  He also stated that Suits Lawncare had contacted him about the Village possibly purchasing 35 trees from them for $4,000; it will be added to next month’s agenda.
          Trustee Catron then made a motion to pay for the new Village Hall in full with no financing required.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
          PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent reported that he had contacted Frontier and Comcast for prices on getting internet out at Witt Park for the new security cameras.   Trustee Laurent then stated that Frontier never got back to him and that Comcast was $99 for installation and $90 per month for service with a 24 month contract.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve having Comcast as the provider for internet out at Witt Park.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          Trustee Laurent then stated that there are 3 half dead trees at Victory Park that need to be removed; President Arrasmith suggested waiting and adding them to the Village’s yearly tree removal list. 
          Trustee Laurent then discussed some improvements for the Village parks; such as, playground equipment for Victory Park, nets between the ball fields at Witt Park, more picnic tables at Witt Park and installing new doors and locks out at Witt Park.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter reported Winston’s at the Old Bank and Casey’s General Store had both renewed their liquor licenses for the new fiscal year.  Trustee Schluter also added that all agendas and meeting minutes are posted to the Village’s website for anyone to view at any time. 
 
          NEW & OLD BUSINESS
 
          Trustee Catron stated that he would like the siding on the Village Maintenance Shed to be repaired and repainted.   Trustee Catron also inquired as to whether or not we know if Longview Bank would be able to take Illinois American Water Payments.  Clerk Fish advised that they were able to with a $1.50 convenience charge added.
          Clerk Fish asked to change her vacation days to June 10-15th; her original plans were cancelled due to COVID-19.  The new dates were approved by the board.
 
Trustee Catron made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:27p.m. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion carried 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: Harris, Bickers, Gadeken, Catron, and Laurent.  Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart, and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were also present.  Trustee Schluter was absent from the meeting.
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          There were no public comments due to the fact that they public was not invited to this meeting due to COVID-19.  The meeting was, however, live streamed from the Village of Sidney’s Facebook page so the public could watch.
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the regular and special sessions of the March 2nd, March 16th, March 23rd, and March 26th meetings.  Trustee Catron moved that the minutes of the March 2nd, March 16th, March 23rd and March 26th 2020 regular and special sessions of the 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 directed resident Terry Carrell to explain why he would like to have his properties at 408 East Victory and 308 South White Streets replotted.  Mr. Carrell then explained that since he purchased his property, FEMA now considers part of his properties in a flood plain.  He would like the houses and garages to be considered as two separate parcels.  The houses are not in the flood plain but the garages are, so the banks would require the purchaser to acquire extra flood insurance before financing a mortgage.  He would like to subdivide each property into two lots; separating the houses from the garages so that the banks would not have a problem just financing the houses since they are not in the flood plain.  Ted Hartke, with Hartke Engineering and Surveying, did the survey to replot the land and was present at the meeting to answer questions.  Attorney Miller advised Mr. Carrell and Mr. Hartke that there would have to be some kind of wording in the title deed stating that one plot could not be sold without the other.  Attorney Miller will look into the proper wording for the documentation and the board can vote on it at the next regular monthly board meeting.   
          Trustee Bickers then made a motion to approve the May 2020-April 2021 meeting dates for the Village of Sidney Board of Trustees.  Trustee Harris 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 tile laid from Washington to Harrison and that the culvert at 15 Southview had been fixed.   He also stated that he had called different places to get quotes on dumpsters for Dumpster Days and that Captain Hook was the cheapest at $515 per dumpster; the Village will need about 7 dumpsters.  Trustee Catron made a motion not to exceed $4,000 for the cost of the dumpsters; Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey then stated that Logan Jones, last years summer’s help, was interested in working for the Village again this summer and was available now to help if needed since school is out for the rest of the year.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to go ahead and hire Logan Jones at a rate of $10.50 per hour; Trustee Laurent seconded the motion.  The motion passed with Trustees Bickers, Laurent, Gadeken, and Catron voting aye and Trustee Harris voting nay. 
 
          FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Catron.  Trustee Catron moved that the bills be paid.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Trustee Catron then stated that investment rates at Longview Bank had increased and asked the board if it might be beneficial to look into transferring the 7 day cd that the Village has invested with Longview Bank into something more long term so the Village could get a better rate.  He stated that he would look into it and discuss it further at next month’s meeting. 
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported that Dennis Cummins with Farnsworth Group had sent him the MFT agreement for the next financial year but he had found some discrepancies with it and wanted to double check with him before going over the project with the board; it will be on next month’s agenda.  Trustee Gadeken also stated that he looked into some different radar signs to be placed possibly at each end of town, but definitely putting one before the Dairy Barn.  The board liked the idea and it will be put to a vote at next month’s board meeting.   Trustee Gadeken also stated that the alleyway behind Tanner’s garage to Washington needed to have the soil regraded where the tile was put in.
 
         
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
Trustee Harris was not able to read the monthly usage reports since we have no one who is licensed to do so.  $27,639.90 was received in March.  101 penalty bills were sent.  $30,037.68 was billed in March to 531 customers.
          Trustee Harris then reported that 2 new catch basins will need to be put in at the alleyway between Scarborough and David Street.  It is a safety hazard in the winter time when the standing water freezes.  208 N. White will need a catch basin on either side since the water drains into their driveway.  In front of 4, 5, and 6 Dunlap Woods Rd there is also constant standing water; we could bury a tile, cover it with dirt and make it flat.  Harrison Street also needs to have a catch basin put it.  Trustee Davis received a quote from Davis-Houk for $88,000 and a quote from Aaron Fenter for $41,000 to fix all 4 drains.  Trustee Harris made a motion to have Aaron Fenter fix all 4 drains at a cost of $41,000; Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The vote passed with all ayes on a roll call vote, with Trustee Catron abstaining due to a conflict of interest, as part of the repair will cross his property. 
          Trustee Harris then began by stating that there needs to be a gate put up at Witt Park to keep people from entering after hours.  He stated that people drive back by the playground and tear up the property.  Trustee Gadeken stated that he will look into getting some prices for power gates with automatic locks. 
                   
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that there was one permit issued for a fence at 106 South Washington Street. 
          Trustee Bickers then started the discussion of what to do with the current community building once the new village hall is built.  The Village had made a 20 year lease with the American Legion to hold their meetings in the old library space at the current community building.  The board would like to gift or sell the entire building to the American Legion, but are not sure if the Legion would accept it due to their limited funds for repairs towards the building.  The Village is required by this lease to provide them a space to hold their meetings, however, it does not state that they must have a storage/display area.  Attorney Miller will review the lease for further discussion at the next Village board meeting.
          Trustee Bickers then stated that with the current COVID-19 crisis occurring that it might be best to pay off the new village hall outright rather than to finance a portion of it.  He advised the board members to think about it and be prepared to discuss and vote on it at the next Village board meeting.
          Trustee Catron then stated that this was Public Property’s department, but he had recently gone around the Village and found approximately 20 cars that would be considered “abandoned” via our Village ordinance on resident’s properties.  Trustee Bickers stated he would get the address for those as soon as he could but he is very busy right now dealing with the new Village hall.  Trustee Catron also suggested having the Village sponsor some kind of trade in day of some sort maybe with Mack’s recycling to make it easier for people to junk their cars. 
 
          PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent reported that he has been looking into putting new cameras out at Witt Park to keep an eye out for trespassers.  He stated that the ones that are currently out there are outdated and very grainy.  He said he found one that he liked at Sam’s Club for $399.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to spend up to $500 for security cameras for Witt Park; Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter was absent.
 
          NEW & OLD BUSINESS
 
          Clerk Fish brought up that one of the residents had contacted her about closing the Village parks due to COVID-19.  The board agreed and decided that all parks in the Village of Sidney would be closed off with caution tape the next day and that she should make a post about it on the Village’s Facebook page. 
 
Trustee Gadeken motioned at 8:35p.m. that the board move into executive session for the limited purposes of discussing the employment, performance and/or compensation of a village employee pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1).  Trustee Catron seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
 
          The board came out of executive session at 9:11pm.  The board advised Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey to purchase a power washer.
 
          Trustee Gadeken made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:14pm; Trustee Harris seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
         
 
__________________________             __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved                              

            A special meeting of the Sidney Village Board of Trustees was held on March 26th, 2020 in the Community Building.
President Arrasmith, called the meeting to order at 5:55 p.m. with the following trustees present: Bickers, Laurent, Gadeken, and Catron.  Trustees Schluter and Harris were absent.  Attorney Miller was also absent.   
            Trustee Bickers began the meeting by making a motion to approve and sign the FBI contract with the included addendums from Attorney Miller.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
            Trustee Catron then made a motion to allow Trustees Gadeken and Bickers to have executive power to vote on behalf of the board to make changes to the village hall project with Attorney Miller’s reviewing it beforehand and to allow President Arrasmith to sign the contracts without full board approval.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
            Trustee Bickers made a motion to approve Ordinance #2020-3 implementing emergency meeting procedures to allow for electronic meetings.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
Trustee Bickers 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 6:05pm.


_______________________________                               _________________________________
Approved, Village Clerk                                                        Date Approved