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 Finn called the meeting to order. The following trustees were present:  Arrasmith, Harris, Catron, Gadeken, Bickers and Schluter.  Attorney Miller, Clerk Fish, Treasurer Reinhart and Maintenance Assistant Jarin Wilsey (representing Supervisor of Operations Bennett) were also present.
            Trustee Catron moved that the minutes of the May 6th, 2019, regular meeting of the Board of Trustees be approved.  Trustee Schluter seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
           
            PUBLIC COMMENTS:
 
            There were no public comments.
 
            PRESIDENT FINN'S COMMENTS
 
            Robert Tincher of Hillside Development discussed his proposal for the new Village Hall building.  He expressed his concerns with the current floor plan that Farnsworth had mocked up for us.  He can mock up a floor plan at no charge for us and will also work with Farnsworth.  He did not like the current plan with plumbing all over the place within the building.  He would also make the mechanical room smaller and make the kitchen bigger, as well as add a centrally located entryway.  Mark Catron expressed that he would possibly like to add a second entrance off of the meeting room.  Hillside Development would like the opportunity to build the Village Hall and would be able to complete the project for less than Farnsworth would charge us. Village President John Finn stated that we are still in the early stages of shopping around for bids and that we are not currently on any sort of time frame.  Trustees Catron and Arrasmith have been assigned to look over the preliminary blueprints and make adjustments.  
            The yard at 311 S. Harrison will be mowed by the Village or hired out and the cost of said mowing will be billed to the homeowner.  If they do not pay that bill, the Village can put a lien on the property. 
            The house at 111 Eldorado is in disrepair, however, the yard is mowed so the Village does not have a case against them.
            A letter needs to be sent to 203 S. David about mowing the lot behind their property.  Clerk Fish will take care of this.
            President Finn will take pictures of the property at 108 W. Byron and forward them to Attorney Miller so he can take the next step in the process of moving forward with the litigation. 
            President Finn stated that he though even though the property located at 406 E. Byron has lots of junk in the back of the house and the alley, that it will be an uphill battle to prosecute them since they keep their yard mowed.  President Finn said that he will talk to the homeowners regarding cleaning up their property.
            President Finn also wanted to make sure that the board was aware that the American Legion is requesting that the new village hall building will have a flag pole and places for the placards to be hung.
            The Stipp family put hanging flower baskets around Sidney to decorate for Our Town Sidney.   President Finn asked the board if the village would reimburse them $351.29 for their expenses.  The board approved unanimously to reimburse out of the general fund. 
            President Finn then asked the board for their opinions regarding Sidney Improvement Group serving mixed drinks in the beer tent at Fun Daze.  After a brief discussion, the board agreed to allow it and see how it goes this year.
           
           
             ATTORNEY MILLER'S COMMENTS:
 
            Attorney Miller asked for the approval of Ordinance # 19-05 for Annual Appropriations.  Trustee Catron wanted to create a Parks Capital Projects fund.  It was decided to take $30,000 from the Building and Elevated Tank Repair appropriation (bringing it down to $120,000.00) and creating the Park Capital Projects fund ($30,000.00).  It was decided to eliminate the annual appropriations meeting since they were voting on it during this meeting.  Trustee Arrasmith motioned to approve the ordinance as presented with changes.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion was approved with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
             EARL BENNETT'S REPORT
 
            President Finn reported on Supervisor Bennett's behalf.   Residents have been taking advantage of limb and branch pickup to dispose of entire trees.  It was stated that limb and branch pickup must be limited to limbs over 6 inches and up to 6 feet in diameter which will be picked up twice per year and after storms. 
            It was also reported that the brand new truck that was purchased is making a clunking noise and will be taken to the dealership to be repaired since it's under warranty. 
           
            FINANCE REPORT
 
            The financial reports were read by Trustee Catron.  Trustee Catron moved that the bills be paid with the addition of  $351.29 to reimburse the Stipp family.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            Treasurer Reinhart reported that the Village audit will take place on June 5th.  Treasurer Reinhart also requested approval to pay $299.60 to Casey's General Store.  Trustee Bickers approved the motion and Trustee Gadeken seconded.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
           
 
           
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
            Trustee Gadeken reported on the agenda item to remove the designated truck route signs along 900 and Sunset roads.  It was decided to get proper I.D.O.T. signage stating no thru trucks allowed, 5 ton weight limit.  Village Engineer Mike Friend from Farnsworth Group reported that they were going through the bidding process for MFT road and oil chipping. 
 
            WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
            Trustee Harris read the water reports. 2,804,793 gallons of water were pumped in May with a daily average of 90,477 gallons.
            $31,756.34 was received in May.  115 penalty bills were sent.  $31,756.34 was billed in June to 535 customers.
           
            PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
            Trustee Arrasmith reported that he is still acquiring the list of trees that need removed or trimmed.  There were also no permits issued, nor a report for ESDA.
           
            PARKS AND RECREATION
 
            Trustee Bickers reported that the raffle and dinner fundraiser for the ball program will be held Saturday, June 8th.  The “No Pets” and “No one is allowed on the fields after it has been lined” signs arrived and will need to be hung at Witt Park.  Other maintenance issues include reattaching the rubber mat behind home plate at the Big Diamond. Trustee Bickers also reported that he is in contact with Illini Fencing regarding fixing fencing and gates out at Witt Park and also at Lyons Club Park.  The handicap swing will be replaced at Victory Park and he will also look into placing handicap swings at Lyons Club Park and also at Witt Park.  Additional items to be considered: a play structure for the older kids at Victory Park and a t-ball field at the Old School Lot. 
 
           
            COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
            Trustee Schluter motioned that the Village Board approve a new annual contract for Dan Moisson, the village's webmaster, at $1,000 for a 12 month period beginning 8/1/2019 and ending 7/31/2020.  Trustee Catron seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
            Trustee Bickers moved that the meeting be adjourned.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

​            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 Finn called the meeting to order. The following trustees were present:  Arrasmith, Harris, Catron, Gadeken, and Schluter.  Attorney Miller, Clerk Fish, Supervisor of Operations Bennett and Treasurer Reinhart were also present.
            Trustee Schluter moved that the minutes of the April 1, 2019, regular meeting of the Board of Trustees be approved.  Trustee Catron seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  Clerk Fish administered the Oaths of Office to Leroy Schluter, Bret Harris, Mark Catron, and Daniel Gadeken as new or returning trustees.   Jarin Wilsey and Logan Jones were introduced as new hires for the maintenance department for the Village.  President Finn then dictated the Commitee members for the next term as follows:
            Water/Sewer/Utility                           *Bret Harris
            Streets and Alleys                               *Dan Gadeken
            Public Property                                   *Jason Arrasmith
            Community Development                  *Leroy Schluter
            Finance and Awards                            *Mark Catron
           
            PUBLIC COMMENTS:
 
            Resident Kurt Foster inquired about street tile maintenance; he's having a septic system installed and asked if the village was going to fix the storm tile at that location.  Supervisor Bennett responded by telling him he could not answer that question at that time because it wasn't known whether or not there was storm tile located at the residence.   Resident Matthew Laurent asked about updating or installing new playground equipment at Victory Park.  Resident Mike Roy announced that the Sidney Improvement Group received an award for outstanding dedication to public education for their involvement with Unity East Elementary School's rocket pack program.  They were presented with a plaque to be hung in the Village hall.
 
            PRESIDENT FINN'S COMMENTS
 
            Attorney Miller said a letter had been sent to the owner of the abandoned property, as well as the property owner who has garbage stacked in her yard but had received no response.  The Trustees told him to take the next step.  Attorney Miller advised he will be sending a letter to both property owners stating the Village is authorizing him to proceed with taking them to court.  Earl Bennet will get additional pictures of the property with garbage stacked in the yard. 
            President Finn announced that acquiring a bounce house from 4-7 on Friday July 19th for the WCIA Our Town event will cost $450.  Casey's will also be there with activities for the kids, Lou Dibello will be performing, and the Sidney Saloon will be providing a cookout.  Mark Catron brought up the idea of having an outdoor movie night that evening; Rosemarry McCarrey said the library has a licensing permit the village can use to show the movie. Board member Catron asked for a motion not to exceed $1,000 for activities for this event, Board member Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            Board member Catron suggested the village provide the new maintenance employees with some sort of uniform or shirt that identifies them as village employees.
            The tree in the alley issue was discussed and was decided that it was not on village property and that it needed to be resolved as a private issue between the residents.
            There have been complaints of excessive noise coming from On the Go Autobody regarding music being played too loudly.  It was decided that it was a mute point since he will be relocating to Champaign in the near future.
            How to enforce the leash law was discussed.  There has been an increase in the number of dogs running at large.  As it stands, if residents call the sheriff, the sheriff calls animal control, then animal control calls Earl.  If it's an emergency they will come out, if it's not, they won't.  If residents call Earl Bennet or John Finn, they will call animal control and animal control will come out right away.   Board member Schluter will post this information on the village website.
           
             ATTORNEY MILLER'S COMMENTS:
 
            Attorney Miller reported that the contracts for the sale of the Village of Sidney water system had been signed by Illinois American Water Company and that he will provide and update when there is more to report.  
 
             EARL BENNETT'S REPORT
 
            Supervisor Bennett reported that Dumpster Day was a huge success and it was the biggest one they've ever had.  President Finn asked that we send thank you cards to Jim Nonman and Aaron Fenter as well as the township for their assistance with that.
            Clerk Fish advised that she will call Triad Shredding in Rantoul to get an estimate for shredding old documents. 
            Supervisor Bennett asked for a motion to approve the cost of $1500 of  having Farnsworth Group take care of getting the US EPA Consumer Confidence Report completed.  Trustee Schluter made the motion to approve; trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
           
            FINANCE REPORT
 
            The financial reports were read by Trustee Catron.  Trustee Catron moved that the bills be paid with the addition of  $5,500 to Miller and Hendren, Hartman Consultants for $323 and Caseys for $188.78 for fuel.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            Trustee Catron stated that the town cleanup before the July 19 WCIA visit to Sidney is taken care of.
            Garett Kerr from Martin, Hood and Associates will be coming in and doing the Village audit on June 5th, 2019. 
            Trustee Catron also asked if he could speak with Village Treasurer Ashley Reinhart about simplifying the finance sheets supplied to the board.  Board members and President Finn said that was fine.
           
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
            Trustee Catron reported for Dan Gadeken since it was Dan's first meeting.  Trustee Catron reported that there is nothing new going on with new village hall building.  He also stated that the MFT meeting took place.  Trustee Catron made a motion to approve $33,500 in additional funding to repair a 600 ft section at Sunset and Prairie, and also 160 ft section on David street by the stop sign.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  President Finn inquired if the grain elevator could help with some of the cost of repairs since their trucks are a major factor in the cause of the deterioration of these roadways.  Converting Prairie and Sunset into a “No Truck Route” will be added to next month's agenda to be discussed.  Trustee Schluter asked if road filler could be added in front of a resident's mailbox and Supervisor Bennett stated that the village does not do that. 
            Trustee Catron motioned to approved the engineering contract with Farnsworth Group for the MFT program for the Resolution for Maintenance of the Highway Code at a cost of $32, 700; and an estimated maintenance cost which lists the total amount for construction at $29, 729.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  It was assigned as 2019-R-01.  
 
            WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
            Trustee Harris read the water reports. 2,809,108 gallons of water were pumped in April with a daily average of 87,976 gallons.
            $27,403.94 was received in April.  96 penalty bills were sent.  $28,965.75 was billed in May to 537 customers.
           
            PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
            One permit was issued in April for a shed, #713, $50.00.  Trustee Arrasmith stated there was no report for ESDA and that he was holding off on vehicles for now.  He also wanted any reports of any dead or dying trees on village property for removal. 
           
            PARKS AND RECREATION
 
            Trustee Bickers was not in attendance at the meeting.  Trustee Harris reported that the “No dogs Allowed” and “Rules of the Park” signs have been purchased.  Trustee Harris would also like signs posted to stay off the ball fields once they have been lined for games.  
 
           
            COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
            Trustee Schluter said that he updated the village website with the current board members and their contact information.  He asked the board members for their permission to post their cell phone numbers and it was granted.  Trustee Catron asked if it can be posted on the website as to who is in charge of what committee; Trustee Schluter said he would include that.  He also stated that the Facebook page that he created for the Village was going well and that commenting was not allowed on those posts. 
            Trustee Schluter also reported that Simplified Computers had been sold, but that they were keeping all employees and things would stay the same.  He also stated that the Village's webmaster's contract will need to be renewed as of 8/1/2019 and that he would like that added to next month's agenda. 
 
            Trustee Catron moved that the meeting be adjourned.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

​            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. The following trustees were present:  Arrasmith, McCloud, Catron, Bickers, Roberts, and Schluter.  Attorney Miller, Clerk Moore, and new hire Margaret Fish were also present.  Supervisor of Operations Bennett and Treasurer Reinhart were absent.
            Trustee Catron moved that the minutes of the March 4, 2019, regular meeting and the March 20 and 27 special and closed meetings of the Board of Trustees be approved.  Trustee Schluter seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
           
            PUBLIC COMMENTS:
 
            Resident Mallory Seidlitz asked the Board if they had any objections to having town-wide garage sales the first weekend of May (2,3,4).  She would like to start having spring and fall sales, the fall one possibly being the first weekend of October.  She would be making maps of all the participants, charging a $5 fee.  Salt and Light Ministry would bring a truck to pick up all leftovers that people could take to the truck that would be parked in the parking area next to the railroad track on South David.  There were no objections, and President Finn said that they could advertise on the Village sign.
 
            Rosemary McCarrey, Sidney Community Library director, reported that the budget will be ready a little later.  She wanted to know who would get the budget.  Attorney Miller said she could turn it in to the Village.
 
            PRESIDENT FINN'S COMMENTS
 
            Attorney Miller said a letter had been sent to the owner of the abandoned property but had received no response.  The Trustees told him to take the next step.  He said the cost could be $1,000-3,000 if it goes all the way through the court.  He would turn it over to an attorney who specializes in this area.  The owner of the property who has garbage stacked in her yard was also sent a letter from the attorney and again no response.  The Board, by consensus, said to go ahead with the next step, the same as the abandoned property.
            President Finn announced that Jarin Wilsey had been hired for the Maintenance Assistant position and Margaret Fish as the Village Clerk. It had been reported to him that the information about the clerk's hiring had been on Twitter before 9:00 p.m.  The trustees responded that that was incorrect, that the meeting was not over until 9:15 and Trustee McCloud notified all the applicants after that. Trustee Schluter reported that he put it on Twitter at 9:47 p.m. when he received word from Trustee McCloud that all applicants had been notified.  Trustee Schluter thought that the setting might be wrong on Ann Rhoton's phone and volunteered to check it out after the meeting.
           
             ATTORNEY MILLER'S COMMENTS:
 
            Attorney Miller reported that the ordinances were not ready of the water sale and asked that the Board move to continue the meeting to another night to adopt the three ordinances.  The meeting continuation was set for April 4, 2019, at 6:30 p.m.  Trustee Catron suggested that the new members of the Board (to take office May 6) be invited to the meeting.
            Engineer Mike Friend gave an update on the water report.  There are three different areas covered in the report passed out previously to all Board members:  water distribution system, size of the elevated tank, and operating recommendations including upgrading of the hydrants.  This includes the tank recirculation system, flushing of the hydrants on a 2-year cycle, valve mains, watching for chlorine residuals, and monitoring lead and copper. 
            Trustee Catron had some concerns, first to replace any main smaller than four inches., also that there be no fees to the residents for upgrades.  He wanted to know what the engineering work contained.  Engineer Friend said it was an evaluation, not specifications.  Who would let people know of a boil order.  The company owns the system so Illinois American Water would be responsible for that.  There were also questions about damages during construction, state laws, IEPA.  Attorney Miller said that Supervisor Bennett would be an employee of the Village halftime and Illinois American Water halftime for three years.
 
             EARL BENNETT'S REPORT
 
            President Finn read Supervisor Bennett's report. Dumpster Day is planned for April 27 from 8-11 a.m. at Witt Park.  There will be six dumpsters at a cost of $515 a dumpster.  Several people volunteered to help Supervisor including Jim Nonman and Township Supervisor Tim Osterbur, who said he would bring a backhoe and loader.  Limb pickup will be the following week.  The two new hires, Jarin Wilsey and Logan Jones, will be there to help.  Trustee Bickers will ask Aaron Fenter for his backhoe and trailer for the metal.
           
            FINANCE REPORT
 
            The financial reports were read by Trustee McCloud.  There was a question about the Avast charge.  It is the anti-virus that Supervisor Bennett has on his computer.  It was suggested that Dan Moisson of Simplified Computers set up that computer with the ffice computer so that they use the same anti-virus. Trustee McCloud moved that the bills be paid with the addition of  $9,056.25 to Miller and Hendren.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            It was suggested that the money in the Victory Park account be spent on Victory Park and then have that account closed, the ball park/concession account just be for anything to do with ball, and an appropriations be made for the parks.
            Trustee McCloud moved that there be a town cleanup before the July 19 WCIA visit to Sidney.  It should also be put on the message board.  The Board will talk to Supervisor Bennett about a cleanup and set expectations.   
            Trustee McCloud brought a cake in celebration of Clerk Moore's retirement.  Clerk Moore has worked for the Village for 10 years, first part-time and then full-time since May 2013.  Trustee McCloud also read other people's length of service:  Supervisor Bennett, almost 30 years; President Finn, 14 years; Trustee Roberts, 10 years; Trustee Catron, 8 years previously; Trustee Arrasmith, 6 years; Trustee McCloud, almost 5 years; Treasurer Reinhart, 5 years; Trustee Schluter, 4 years, and Trustee Bickers, 2 years.
           
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
            Trustee Catron reported the MFT meeting had been put off and that he is waiting on direction before anything more is done with a new community building.
 
            WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
            Trustee Roberts read the water reports. 2,727,257 gallons of water were pumped in March with a daily average of 87,976 gallons.
            $30,165.94 was received in March.  101 penalty bills were sent. $27,102.12 was billed in April to 533 customers.
           
            PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
            One permit was issued in March:  207 Wilsey, fence, #712, $50.00
           
            PARKS AND RECREATION
 
            Trustee Bickers said that numbers were down for the ball teams, and that this is a trend because other communities are experiencing the same thing.  The small ball diamond is being used as a dog park/bathroom and the Village needs to get signs put up.
 
            COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
            Trustee Schluter said that he would add the dumpster day and limb pickup to the calendar on the web page.  He will also advertise it on social media. 
            Mike Roy will be the contact person for the Our Town WCIA event.
 
            Trustee Arrasmith moved that the Board continue tonight's meeting until 6:30 p.m. on April 4, 2019.  Trustee McCloud seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  Time was 8:40 p.m.
 
            The Board reconvened on April 4, 2019, at 6:30 p.m.  All the same people were in attendance. 
           
            Attorney Miller had given all the Trustees copies of the three ordinances to be considered but he had one change.  In the prior version Supervisor Bennett was to be hired by Illinois American Water half-time and the Village half-time.  The new version has Supervisor Bennett being employed full-time by the Village and Illinois American Water would reimburse his salary for two years.  Attorney Miller answered some questions about when the final sale would take place and what would the utility tax mean.  He said that the sale would have to go through the Illinois Commerce Commission, which might take 3-6 months, perhaps up to 11 months.  The sale cannot be finalized until the ICC's approval.  As for the tax, Illinois American Water would collect the tax and then give it back to the Village.  The tax is proposed to be 3% of the customer's bill, but the bills are expected to be lower than they are now.
            There were some questions about the maintenance supervisor position.  Trustee Roberts moved that the Board enter into Executive Session for the limited purposes of discussing the employment, performance, discipline and or compensation of one or more Village employees pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2 (c) (1).  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  Bret Harris, Engineer Friend, and Margaret Fish were asked to stay.  The Board went into closed session at 6:45 p.m.
 
            The Board came out of the closed session at 7:15 p.m.
 
            Trustee McCloud moved that Ordinance 2019-02, an Ordinance Approving an Agreement to Sell and Convey Real Property, Tangible and Intangible Assets, Accounts and All Other Items Relating to Water System in a Sale to Illinois American Water, be approved. Trustee Roberts seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            Trustee Roberts moved that Ordinance 2019-03, An Ordinance for the Village of Sidney Code of Ordinances to Provide for a Utility Tax on Water, be approved.  Trustee McCloud seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            Trustee Schluter moved that Ordinance 2019-04, An Ordinance Authorizing Execution of a Franchise Agreement with Illinois American Water Comp[any, be approved.  Trustee Roberts seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
            Attorney Miller said that it was a pleasure to work with a Board that looks at and questions proposals and ideas.  He said that it makes his job easier.
            The Trustees asked Illinois Water Representative Dave Farrar questions about what happens next.  Trustee Schluter wanted to be sure that the water company would repair anything that they break.  Trustee Catron wanted to be sure that residents will not have additional costs because of any changes or upgrades.  Mr. Farrar said that Illinois American Water takes care of any problems, such as leaks from new pressure.  The company has a public relations group and works with the Salvation Army to help people pay their bills.  There was a question about a new tank because the engineering study data showed that the tank needs to be repaired or replaced.  Mr. Farrar said that the company would do a study to see if and where the new tank should be built.
 
            Trustee Arrasmith moved that the meeting be adjourned.  Trustee McCloud seconded the motion; motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

            The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for a special meeting.  President Finn called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.  The following trustees were present:   Arrasmith, McCloud, and Bickers. Village Clerk Moore and Supervisor Bennett were also present.  Trustees Roberts, Catron, and Schluter were absent.
 
            PUBLIC COMMENTS:      Ann Rhoton asked how many candidates were going to be interviewed.  The answer was six.
 
            Trustee McCloud moved that the Board go into closed session for the limited purposes of discussing the employment, performance, discipline and/or compensation of one or more Village employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1).   Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion.   The motion was approved on a roll call vote with all ayes, and the Board went into closed session at 5:33 p.m.
 
            The Board came out of the closed session at 8:15 p.m.  Trustee McCloud moved that the Board of Trustees offer the Village Maintenance Assistant position to Jarin Wilsey. Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a roll call vote with all ayes.
 
            Trustee Arrasmith moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:17 p.m.  Trustee McCloud seconded the motion.  The motion carried on a roll call vote with all ayes.

​            The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for a special meeting.  President Finn called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.  The following trustees were present:   Arrasmith, McCloud, Bickers, and Schluter.  Trustee Catron came in at 9:00 p.m. Village Clerk Moore was also present.  Trustee Roberts was absent.
 
            PUBLIC COMMENTS:      None
 
            Trustee McCloud moved that the Board go into closed session for the limited purposes of discussing the employment, performance, discipline and/or compensation of one or more Village employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1).   Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion.   The motion was approved on a roll call vote with all ayes, and the Board went into closed session at 5:18 p.m.
 
            The Board came out of the closed session at 9:05 p.m.  Trustee Schluter moved that the Board of Trustees offer the Village Clerk position to Margaret Fish. Trustee McCloud seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a roll call vote with all ayes.
 
            Trustee Arrasmith moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:15 p.m.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion carried on a roll call vote with all ayes.

​            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. The following trustees were present:  Arrasmith, McCloud, Catron, and Schluter.  Supervisor of Operations Bennett,  Treasurer Reinhart, Attorney Miller, and Clerk Moore were also present.  Trustees Roberts and Bickers were absent.
            Trustee Schluter moved that the minutes of the February 4, 2019, regular meeting   and the February 9 and 13 public meetings of the Board of Trustees be approved.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
           
            PUBLIC COMMENTS:
 
            Brad  Holbrook, Sidney's state representative, was present to introduce himself and to tell a little about himself.  He is from Shelbyville and serves on the Counties and Townships and the Cities and Villages committees.  He said so far this session only the $15 minimum wage bill had been passed.  He has a program for fifth and sixth grades called page for a day.  If interested, the student just has to contact his office.  He has a joint office with the district's state senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet.  There are also internships available and the sign-ups end March 31.  He had handouts available and also a chance to sign up to receive his e-mails.
 
            President Finn then presented Charles White a plaque for serving as President of the Board of Trustees as appreciation for his service.
 
            David Pistorius, First Midstate, Inc., presented information on ways to finance the new village hall.  His company underwrites bond sales.  They hire bond attorneys and take care of audits and legal papers and guide the customer through the process.  The Village is required to go the voters if we choose General Obligation Bonds.  There are other options outlined in the folders that he passed out to all the trustees.  The costs are between 3-4%, which can be built into the bonds.  His firm has many local clients including Sidney Township, Unity School District, and Parkland College.
 
            PRESIDENT FINN'S COMMENTS
 
            President Finn asked about the letters being sent to the owners of the abandoned property and the owner of the house with garbage bags all over the property.  Attorney Miller said that he had not written the letters yet but would do so.
            President Finn had an e-mail from the Village of St. Joseph asking Sidney to join with them in protesting solar farms.  Everyone seemed to think that that fight for Sidney was over and that they had no power to change anything because the 1 ½  mile limit had been changed to ½ mile.
            The job applications will be dealt with in closed session.
            Champaign County had asked if the Village wanted to participate in the bi-annual residential electronics collection.  Everyone thought that the residents appreciated being a part of the collection and had participated.  Trustee Schluter moved that the Village of Sidney participate in the residential electronics collection at a cost of $180.00.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried on a roll call vote.
           
             ATTORNEY MILLER'S COMMENTS:
 
            Attorney Miller will present the RFPs during the closed session at the end of the meeting.
           
             EARL BENNETT'S REPORT
 
            Supervisor Bennett presented tow bids for a snow plow for the new truck.  After some discussion about the need for a new snow plow, Trustee Arrasmith moved that the Village purchase the snow plow from Chambana Sales Company for $6,360.  Trustee McCloud seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            There had been a leak at 101 S. Scarborough that has been repaired.
            Dumpster Day is planned for April 27.  Last year there were six dumpsters at a cost of $515 a dumpster.  Supervisor Bennett will get prices for next month's meeting.
            Supervisor Bennett reported that he and Clerk Moore needed to have papers shredded on a major basis, more than the office shredders can handle.  Clerk Moore had checked with UPS and they have a big shredder.  The cost is $1 a pound.  Other suggestions were made, and Attorney Miller said his office uses a company that will come to you.  He will get that information to Clerk Moore.
           
            FINANCE REPORT
 
            The financial reports were read by Trustee McCloud.  Trustee McCloud moved that the bills be paid with the addition of  $8,093.75 to Miller and Hendren, $183.06 to Premier Cooperative, and $1,188 to Locis. Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
           
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
            Trustee Catron said he had received the drawing of the proposed village hall.  He asked about the rotation of streets for resurfacing.  Supervisor Bennett said there is a 5-year rotation.
           
            WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
            Supervisor Bennett read the reports in the absence of Trustee Roberts. 2,535,959 gallons of water were pumped in February with a daily average of 90,569 gallons.
            $32,167.01 was received in February.  102 penalty bills were sent. $20,055.78 was billed in March to 535 customers.
            A discussion was held on the effect of the public meetings on the sale of the water system. Trustee Schluter expressed his disappointment at the turnout (38 altogether) when the Board had gone to the trouble of having the meetings for the public.  All the trustees were present at the one meeting, four plus the President at the other, plus Attorney Miller, Engineer Friend, and Supervisor Bennett at both.  The people who did attend were responsive and asked good questions, and everyone was given the opportunity to participate in the discussion.
           
            PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
            Trustee Arrasmith is preparing a tree list for bid.
            No permits issued for February.
           
            PARKS AND RECREATION
 
            Trustee Bickers was absent.  Ball sign-ups had been held.
 
            COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
            Trustee Schluter reported that he has been trying to get a Facebook page established for the Village.
            The community committee for the WCIA Hometown Sidney project had met with WCIA, and Trustee Schluter is the contact person for WCIA.  The Village will be featured the week of July 14-19 on the WCIA, and it will culminate  on Friday evening from 4-7  p.m.
 
            Trustee Arrasmith moved that the Board enter into Executive Session for the limited purpose of discussing the setting of a price for the sale of property owned by the Village of Sidney related to the Village water system pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (6) and to discuss the appointment, employment, and /or compensation of one or more Village employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1). Trustee McCloud  seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  The Board went into closed session at 8:20 p.m.
 
            The Board came out of the closed session at 10:20 p.m.
 
            Trustee Arrasmith made the motion to select Illinois American Water Company as the preferred bidder on the sale of the Village Water System pursuant to the previously adopted Request of Proposals.  Trustee Catron seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  Attorney asked if the Trustees support a franchise fee.  It would be a steady stream of income for the Village.  All trustees said that they would.  A 3% fee would be fine.
 
            Trustee Arrasmith moved that the meeting be adjourned.  Trustee McCloud seconded the motion; motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. Meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.

            The Sidney Village Board held a public meeting on February 13, 2019, at the Sidney Fire Department for the purpose of explaining the possible sale of the municipal water system.  Present were Supervisor Bennett, Attorney Miller, Engineer Friend, Clerk Moore, President Finn, and Trustees Arrasmith, Catron, McCloud, Schluter, Roberts, and Bickers.
 
            Attorney Miller opened the meeting with a presentation about the water system, and handouts were passed out to the 17 residents in attendance.
 
            The water system was created in the 1940s, which includes the water tower, the stations, and many of the mains.  The water system is breaking even, covering costs of water, repairs, salaries, and engineering costs.  To make major upgrades the Village will either have to borrow money or sell the system.  In 2017 engineers recommended work in four areas:  water tower, vaults, water mains, and a new meter reading system.  It will cost $1,000.000 to fix all areas.  Another consultant hired to assess the situation came to the same conclusion. 
 
            The Village had a major increase in the water rates in the fall to have money to start these improvements.  To be able to make all these improvements, the Village will have to borrow money, but they are in a good position to so so because they do not owe any money now, and the interest rate would be in the 3% range.
 
            The State of Illinois passed a statute to help out small water systems by awarding water companies that buy small town water systems in trouble.  A large company can spread its costs out over all its customers it serves.  Also, it is able to buy in bulk so that a fire hydrant that costs the village $2,500-3,000 can be bought by a big company for $700.  The same with piping.  They buy in bulk and then store the material in warehouses until needed. The Village Board has put out a Request for Proposals for the sale of the water system, and those proposals are due the end of February.  The Village can the negotiate the details of the contract, such as requiring that something be fixed by a date.  The Board voted to do this at an open meeting.  The Village is testing the waters by RFPs to see if a sale would be advantageous to us.
 
            One of the questions frequently asked is:  what will this do to my water bill?  Pricing from last fall for 4,200 gallons of usage:  Sidney, $69.40; Aqua, $56.54; Illinois American, $49.07.                         
           
            There followed a time for questions.
 

1. If the Village borrowed money, would this affect our rates?

A.  No, the raise last fall would take care of the payments.  The study is on the Village web site, and it tells how the Village will service the debt.  Rates will probably go up 3% a year for inflation no matter who owns the system.
 

1. If it is sold, will we share other towns' expenditures for upgrades?  Champaign is getting new subdivisions all the time.

A.  Yes, but the systems the companies own are in good shape so they will not require the upgrades that the ones being bought will have to have.  Also, companies have routine replacement and maintenance.  They have more resources and do not have to delay maintenance.  To raise their rates, they have to go to the Illinois Commerce Commission for approval and the Commission will compare their costs with their income.
 

1. In Champaign-Urbana, the developer pays for the water and sewer costs for the development.

 

1. Is the Village breaking even or not on the water?  It looks as if we will pay a 3% increase no matter if we sell or don't.

A.  The Village was subsidizing the system for many years.  Recent increases got the system up to breaking even and, with the latest increase, accumulating some but not enough to maintain without borrowing. There will be ongoing rate increases either way.    The water tower was built in 1940.  The wood was replaced with metal in 1967, but the legs are the same ones installed in 1940.  This is all in the report.
 

1. After paying off the loan in 20 years, what will be next, more expenses?

A.  The system will be in pretty good shape except that the water tower will have to be repainted about every 25 years and that is very expensive. The last bid to do this was $400,000.  The Village would probably have to take out another loan.
 

1. What about the vaults?

A.  The meter vault outside Urbana was installed in 1991 and it is now rusted clear through the bottom and has to be replaced.
 

1. This sounds like a unique opportunity.  How many towns are selling?

A.  The State act puts towns wanting or needing to sell their systems in a beneficial position.  The companies are guaranteed an 8% return.
 

1. If we didn't sell now, would we have an opportunity to do in the future?

A.  Hard to predict.  The financial incentives to buy bad systems are right now.
 

1. We are band-aiding the system now.  What happens in a catastrophic situation?

A.  Let's say the tower was damaged.  You would have to bring in tanks and pay prime dollars to contractors to install.  This would be a gigantic expense.  The Village could provide water but its use would probably be restricted.  You can wait too long to fix a system or a component.  The water tower has to have something done.
 

1. How much water does the Village use?

A.  2.7 million gallons a month
 

1. The rate for out-of-town, will that change?  Will the water tower be moved?  How often would we be billed? 

A.  The company that buys the system will decided the rates.  It is possible to move the water tower but not probable.  The company will be buying the property where the tower sits.  Probably still be billed once a month
 

1. If we sold, how would that affect having a sewer system?

A.  We have a turn-key plan.  We asked if we could sell those plans but the ICC doesn't recognize those plans.  A sewer system is completely separate from the water system.
 

1. Will the company take care of the needed projects.

A.  Absolutely.  All that is put into the contract., and they would be obligated to do so.  In turn, the company will do its own in-house assessment.  All projects will be done by contractors, not in-house.
 

1. Looking into the process, what do you think will happen?

A.  It all depends on the bids.  If we do not sell, we will continue to borrow to fix the system on our own.
 

1. What will the Village do with the money from the sale?

A.  There are different options:  new community building, upgrading the parks, streets, etc. Fisher used its sale money to pay off its debt (Sidney has none) and is still studying what to do with the rest.  Sadorus made $240,00 on its sale and hasn't spent the money yet.  All small towns are taking their time with spending the money.
 

1. Is there a certain amount of time that a repair would be made, for example, a major water leak?

A.  No guarantees.  The ICC formula rewards companies for fixing problems on a timely basis.  Also, the company is losing money when water is being used that they don't make money on.
 

1. The water mains are in front of the downtown businesses.  If they have to fix a main, how would the company repair the street?  How about private homes?

A. Sidney's ordinance states that the driveway is replaced with rock.  The companies' policy is that they replace what they took out.  As far as moving the downtown mains, the company will assess whether to move them or not.
 

1. How will the salaries of the employees who do water work now be paid?

A.  If the company wants to or if we put that in the contract, the company would pay to the Village, a percentage of the salary that is dedicated to water work.
 

1. Is the audit report on the web page complete?

A.  Yes
 

1. What would a sewer system cost?

A.  $10,000,000 when we did the study.  There are more regulations now.  The map will never need updating except for new construction or changes like that.  The other half of the study was for a treatment plant, and the new regulations (nutrient control) mean it would need to be updated. 

            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. The following trustees were present:  Arrasmith, McCloud, Bickers, Schluter, and Finn.  Supervisor of Operations Bennett,  Treasurer Reinhart, Attorney Miller, and Clerk Moore were also present.  Trustee Roberts was absent.
            Clerk Moore administered the Oath of Office to John Finn, who was elected to fill out the remainder of  President White's term at the January 23 special meeting.  President Finn then called the meeting to order.
            Trustee Arrasmith moved that the minutes of the January 7, 2019, regular meeting,   the closed session of January 7, 2019, and the special meeting of January 23, 2019, of the Board of Trustees be approved.  Trustee McCloud seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
           
            PUBLIC COMMENTS:
 
            Resident and Reporter Ann Rhoton thanked President Finn for accepting the office of President.
 
            PRESIDENT WHITE'S COMMENTS
 
            President Finn then appointed Mark Catron to the unexpired term of Trustee Finn.  Trustee Schluter moved to approve the appointment of Mark Catron.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            President Finn said he had not had time to familiarize himself with the county zoning issue so had no report at this time.  Supervisor Bennett asked  Attorney Miller if he had sent a letter to the owners of the abandoned property.  He had not but will do so before the next meeting.
            The hiring of new employees was moved to the end of the meeting.
           
             ATTORNEY MILLER'S COMMENTS:
 
            Attorney Miller reported that the RFPs had been sent to the two water companies.  He will be at the February 9 public informational meeting but not at the February 13 meeting unless it is critical that he be there. Engineer Friend said that he would have handouts at both meetings.  Trustee Schluter said that he had been asked if people could see the financials for the last ten years.  Engineer Friend that that information is in the report that is on the Village web site.  Another question asked is will the water rates go up or down?  Engineer Friend said that information will be on the fact sheet handout.  Attorney Miller said that in his experience people have two questions:  what will the rates be and how will capital improvements impact the rate.
           
           
             EARL BENNETT'S REPORT
 
            Supervisor Bennett reported that he will receive the new truck the first of March.  He will have some quotes on the cost of a new snow plow at the March meeting.
            There had been a leak at the corner of Main and Harrison that has been repaired.
            The bridge by the Lion Park on Main Street had been damaged by a truck.  The County had been notified.
           
            FINANCE REPORT
 
            The financial reports were read by Trustee McCloud.  Trustee McCloud moved that the bills be paid with the addition of $175.00 to IMCO and $7,464.00 to Farnsworth Group. Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            Trustee McCloud had talked to Longview State Bank for information on financing a new community building.  For a 30-year loan at % down at 4 ½ %, the monthly payment would be $5,77.55 for $1,160,000 borrowed.  The interest rate would be adjusted every five years.  25% down is usually required for a commercial loan.  Built into the loan amount is a $90,000 contingency fee.  Trustee McCloud will have more information at the March meeting.
           
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
            New Trustee Catron will be in charge of this category.  Supervisor Bennett and Engineer Cummins will be meeting soon about MFT work.  There was some discussion about the truck route. The truck route match grant is not for purchase of property, just for surfacing.
           
            WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
            Supervisor read the reports in the absence of Trustee Roberts. 2,632,891 gallons of water were pumped in January with a daily average of 84,831 gallons.
            $28,673.33 was received in January.  109 penalty bills were sent. $32,284.26 was billed in February to 539 customers.
           
            PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
            Nothing to report
           
            PARKS AND RECREATION
 
            Trustee Bickers reported that he had set up ball signups for two Wednesdays, February 6 and 13 from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday, February 16, from 9-11 a.m.  at the Community Building.  Philo will be taking the lead on a fundraiser, which will be dinner and a raffle. Trustee Bickers is the commissioner but he has a board.  Supervisor Bennett said that he wanted one contact, and Trustee Bickers will be that contact for now.
 
            COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
            Trustee Schluter reported that President Finn and Trustee Catron have their web mail sites set up.  They are posted on the Village web site and Clerk Moore will post them on the Community Building bulletin board. Also posted on the web site are the public meetings scheduled on the water system, all the agendas and minutes, the water study, and the 2018 audit.  He will post the ball schedules when he receives them.  He has posted the job openings but had to take down the Peace Meal to do so because the web site is full at five pages.  Trustee McCloud asked what the cost of upping the pages.  Trustee Schluter said that he could find out.  There was discussion about having a Facebook page instead of upping the pages.  Trustee Schluter will look into that also.
 
            NEW BUSINESS
 
            Clerk Moore asked that Supervisor Bennett, Trustee Bickers, and Treasurer Reinhart go to the Longview State Bank to sign new account cards.
            Clerk Moore also reported that she had applied for a Village fuel Casey's charge card.
 
            Trustee Catron moved that the Board enter into Executive Session for the limited purposes of discussing the employment, performance, discipline, and /or compensation of one or more Village employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1). Trustee Schluter seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
            The Board came out of the closed session at 8:25 p.m.
 
            Trustee McCloud moved that the Board of Trustees offer the position of Village Clerk to Ashley Reinhart.  Trustee Schluter seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  Treasurer Reinhart accepted the position.  Trustee McCloud moved that the Village post the Treasurer's job.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
            Trustee Arrasmith moved that the meeting be adjourned.  Trustee McCloud seconded the motion; motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

            The Sidney Village Board met at 6:30 p.m. on the above date for a special meeting.  President White and Trustees Arrasmith, Bickers, Finn, McCloud, Roberts, and Schluter and Supervisor Bennett and Clerk Moore were present.  President White called the meeting to order shortly after 6:30 p.m.
 
            The first order of business was choosing a replacement for President White, whose last day will be January 31, 2019.  Trustee Schluter nominated John Finn to fill the unexpired term of President White, which will be up May 2021.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  Trustee Finn will be sworn in as President at the February 4, 2019, meeting.
 
            Trustee McCloud brought the application for a Casey's gas card.  The card will be kept at the store and will be for fuel only.  Trustee McCloud moved that the Village complete the application for a Casey's gas card.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried on a roll call vote.  Clerk Moore will fill out and send in the application.
 
            There had been a question of how to record vacation and sick time for the Supervisor of Operations and Maintenance Assistant.  Royal Bookkeeping will now keep track of sick and vacation time as it is in the program they use and will give a report to the employee with each paycheck.
 
            There followed a review of all Village jobs and the job descriptions.  As Clerk Moore's last day will be March 31, 2019, the Board needed to also write an advertisement for hiring a Village Clerk.  After much discussion, Trustee McCloud moved that the position be advertised as a 45-hour a month minimum position with office hours 8-noon Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, salary at $1,200 a month with qualifications of  high school education or GED, good English skills, ability to learn software, basic math skills, good organizational skills, good communication skills, and good problem solving skills.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  Trustee Arrasmith then moved that the position be posted internally for ten calendar days before posting it to the general public.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
            Supervisor Bennett said that his job description has not changed, and the Board accepted it as presented except that Clerk Moore had discovered that the change in holidays given to the Supervisor of Operations had been changed at the October 7, 2002, Board meeting but no vote in open session had been taken, according to the minutes; therefore, the change was not valid.  Trustee McCloud moved that the official holidays for the Village employees be all federal holidays plus the the day after Thanksgiving.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
            The Maintenance Assistant position also needs to be filled as Brett Bennett had resigned his position as of December 14, 2018.  Trustee McCloud moved that the job description be updated with these changes:  2.  Live within the Village of Sidney within six months and maintain a residence in the Village and 5. h. and i. add as needed, and delete 5. m.  and that the pay be $16.50 an hour with a $1.00 an hour raise after the 90-day probationary period, and a $2.00 an hour raise upon completion of a Class C water license if needed with the possibility of an annual merit raise.  Benefits and vacation/sick time will follow Village policy.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  Trustee Bickers moved that the position be advertised on the web site and two times in the newspapers and that applications be accepted for 30 days.  Trustee Finn seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
            Trustee McCloud moved that the Village Treasurer job description remain the same except changing the salary to $400.00 a month.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
            Trustee McCloud moved that the Board accept the current job description and current pay for the cleaning position.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
            Trustee McCloud moved that the job description remain the same for summer help with the pay at $10.00 an hour and that the job start when school is out for Unit 7 in May and conclude in August when school resumes and that the job be posted now.  Trustee Finn seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
            It was decided that when an employee is hired, that he/she read the job description and then sign off on it and that that paper be kept in his/her file.
 
            Trustee McCloud moved that the meeting be adjourned.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes.  Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

            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 White called the meeting to order.   The following trustees were present:  Arrasmith, Roberts,  McCloud, Bickers, Schluter, and Finn.  Supervisor of Operations Bennett,  Treasurer Reinhart, Attorney Miller, and Clerk Moore were also present. 
            Trustee Schluter moved that the minutes of the December 3 and 4, 2018, regular   meetings and the closed sessions of December 3 and 4, 2018, of the Board of Trustees be approved.  Trustee McCloud seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
           
            PUBLIC COMMENTS:
 
            None
 
            PRESIDENT WHITE'S COMMENTS
 
            There was nothing more to report on County Zoning or the Truck Route Match Program.
            President White said that Attorney Miller will be sending a letter to the owners of the abandoned property next month as the Village has had no response to its letter.
            There are four candidates for the four open seats for Trustee in the municipal elections will be April 2, 2019:  Mark Catron, Leroy Schluter, Bret Harris, and Daniel Gadeken.
            President had received a thank you letter from Risk Management on renewing the Village's insurance policy.
            The resident who is letting garbage accumulate on her property had not done much.  Attorney was directed to send her a letter.
            President White read two letters of resignation:  Brett Bennett and Carol Moore.  Some discussion was held about replacing both and it was decide to have a special meeting January 23 at 6:30 p,m, to discuss various employment issues. Clerk Moore was thanked for her service; she has worked for ten years as deputy clerk and then as clerk.           Supervisor Bennett suggested hiring Jim Nonman on a contract basis to help with snow removal and any other problems that might arise.  This was acceptable to the Board.
            President White will be gone for a week starting January 8.
           
             ATTORNEY MILLER'S COMMENTS:
 
            Attorney Miller presented an ordinance for proposals for the sale of the Village water system.  The timeline is bids due by February 26, 2019, and then at the March 4 meeting, a consultant, Jerry Hartman, would attend to explain the offers/bids. The Board could meet in closed session to discuss the bids but the formal contract would be voted on in open session. At the same meeting or a meeting after March 4, the Board will decide to sell or not.  There  is one correction, a typo, in the ordinance, RFT should be RFP.
            The Board decided there would be public meetings to tell the residents of the condition of the water system and the costs to fix and maintain it.  Engineer Friend was aked if he could prepare a report that gives this information in an easily understood way.  He emphasized that he has to be objective and would make no recommendations because his firm does work with at least one entity involved.  He cannot influence the process because of professional integrity.  He can present an objective review of enineering facts and costs.  Attorney Miller suggested that Engineer Friend provide a short bullet king of report and be present to answer questions.   Two public meetings were set:  Saturday, February 9, at 10:00 a.m. and Wednesday, February 13, at 7:00 p.m., both at the fire house.
            Trustee Roberts moved that the Board of Trustees approve Ordinance 2019-01, an Ordinance Authorizing a Request for proposal for Sale of Village Water System with the correction of RFT to RFP.  Trustee Finn seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
           
             EARL BENNETT'S REPORT
 
            Supervisor Bennett reported that the riser pipe at the water tower had been insulated at a cost of $1,234.
            Supervisor Bennett had bids for a new truck.  Vermilion Chevrolet bid $23,221.94 for a 2019 2500 Silverado DBL; Worden-Martin bid $23,321.94 for a 2019 2500 Sierra DBL; and Champaign Ford City bid $26,171.94 for a 2019 F250 Supercab.  There would be an 8-12 week deliver time.  Trustee Arrasmith moved that the Village accept the bid of Vermilion Chevrolet for $23,221.94for a new truck with the money coming one half out of the general fund and one half from the water fund.  Trustee Finn seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
           
            FINANCE REPORT
 
            Trustee McCloud brought up the subject of golf carts. She had had some residents asking that the Village allow golf carts.  There was much discussion on the subject.  Trustee Schluter said that an ordinance would be unenforceable because the Village does not have a police department.  It is against state law for golf carts to be driven on public roads.  Trustee Finn said he does not want golf carts to be legal in the Village because he wants protection for people who might be in an accident with a golf cart.  Some public comments were against golf carts also.   Trustee Arrasmith suggested that a straw poll be taken, and it was with five against and one for.
            The financial reports were read by Trustee McCloud.  Trustee McCloud moved that the bills be paid with the addition of $1,234 for Sprenkman Insulation and $9,977.39 to Illinois American Water.  Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
            The subject of Recording of Vacation and Sick Time that was listed on the agenda will be on the agenda for the January 23 meeting.
           
           
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
            Engineer Mike Friend presented architects Scott Burge and Patricia McKissack, who have been working on plans for a Village Community Building.  They presented a Sidney Village Hall Study, which included a site plan, proposed floor plan, building elevations, cost opinions, and a design overview.  This is just a beginning but was met favorably by the Board.  Changes can be made, but the next step is securing financing now that the cost for a new building is established. Trustee McCloud will be talking to banks and financial institutions for prices and quotes.
           
            WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
            2,451,402 gallons of water were pumped in December with a daily average of 79,077 gallons.
            $27,489.50 was received in December.  108 penalty bills were sent. $27,692.39 was billed in January to 539 customers.
           
            PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
            Nothing to report
           
            PARKS AND RECREATION
 
            Trustee Bickers reported that he had a meeting with interested parties on the future of the ball leagues.  It was decided to have a board, not just one commissioner, with people having different responsibilities.  He thanked Trustee Schluter for taking care of umpires for the baseball teams.  Signups will be held in February.  He will be talking to the Library Board about operating the concession stand again and about ways to make it more profitable for them.
 
            COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
            Trustee Schluter reported about what is on the web site.  The 2018 audit had not been posted yet.  Treasurer Reinhart said that she would have Royal Bookkeeping send a PDF report to him so that it could be put on the site.  Clerk Moore reported that the receipts from e-pay continue to go up.
 
            NEW BUSINESS
 
            President White submitted his resignation effective January 31 as he will be moving to Colorado.  It was decided to name his replacement at the January 23 meeting.  He was thanked for his service to the community.
 
            Trustee McCloud moved that the Board enter into Executive Session for the limited purposes of discussing the employment, performance, discipline, and /or compensation of one or more Village employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1). Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
            The Board came out of the closed session at 8:55 p.m.
 
            Trustee Bickers moved that the meeting be adjourned.  Trustee McCloud seconded the motion; motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.