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, McCloud, Bickers, Schluter, and Finn. Supervisor of Operations Bennett, Treasurer Reinhart, and Clerk Moore were also present. Trustee Roberts and Attorney Miller were absent.
Trustee Finn moved that the minutes of the July 2, 2018, regular meeting 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:
Representatives from the Sidney American Legion Post 433 were present. Commander Bill Hensch asked if the Legion could put up a decal on the glass door into the rooms the Legion will be using and a sign on the front of the building. The Board agreed that they could do that. They will need keys to the building and room, and Clerk Moore will see to that. The Legion will request to reserve the Community Building meeting room anytime they need it for larger functions. The rooms to be leased to the Post will need to be cleaned out, and President White will contact the township officials about moving the office furniture and materials from the room.
Sidney resident Cathy Thomas asked if the Village could remove some branches from a Village tree that were touching the roof on her house. Trustee Arrasmith will look at the tree and ask the contractor who will be taking down the designated Village trees if he would do the job.
Trustee Schluter thanked the Board for the cards and flower arrangement sent on the death of his brother. He also appreciated all the cards and expressions of sympathy that he received from others.
PRESIDENT WHITE'S COMMENTS
Ameren sent a letter to the Village stating that they will be doing gas line installation for the elevator.
Copies of a letter from C J Thomas expressing concern for some downtown property maintenance were distributed. 201/203 South David are in a state of disrepair with glass falling on the sidewalk beneath and wood hanging and weeds on the back side. 214 also has weeds in the back and is dirty with an old sign. President White will ask our attorney to send a letter about the public's safety. The Village can mow the property and send the property owners a bill. Another letter will be sent to the owner of 408 West Main about the lawn being mowed.
There is an abandoned property next to the railroad tracks at 301 Water Tower Place. There is some question as to owns the property. President White will talk to the attorney about what can be done.
There will be another County Zoning Committee meeting August 9, and President White plans to attend.
President White said he had a call from Nutrien (formerly Crop Production Services) about their plans to buy more land. As long as it stays agricultural, there is no problem as it is zoned agriculture.
There is a possibility that the State will offer to pay 50% of the costs of a truck route.
President White talked to Reg Ankrom about the rates Homefield Energy is charging. The agreement is that if Ameren rates go down, Homefield Energy's would match Ameren's. Instead, they are giving a credit of $3.50 per month. Residents should cancel their participation in Homefield Energy's plan and go back to Ameren's, especially if the resident is a big electricity user.
The filing fee for the ownership for the vacant flood-plain lot on the north side of town has been paid. The Village has been mowing this lot for many years.
There was some discussion about the President and Trustees being paid monthly instead of every six months. Trustee McCloud moved that the Village pay the higher fees in order to be paid every month. Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
ATTORNEY MILLER'S COMMENTS:
Attorney Miller was absent.
EARL BENNETT'S REPORT
Supervisor Bennett said that what he had to report would be under Public Property.
FINANCE REPORT
The financial reports were read by Trustee McCloud. Trustee McCloud moved that the bills be paid with the addition of $11.71 to Fertilizer Dealer Supply and $408.73 to Locis. Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
The Library audit cost $1,400, considerably less than quoted if they had done it on their own instead of being combined with the Village
Trustee McCloud had heard from General Code and they had a few question to be answered. She went through each of them with the other trustees:
STREETS AND ALLEY
Trustee Finn will be meeting with Engineer Friend and a Farnsworth architect to talk about a new building on August 7. This first meeting will be at no charge. The building is anticipated to be about 10,000 square feet. Engineer Friend said that he knew sewage was a problem before and they would be addressing that.
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
2,625,759 gallons of water were pumped in July with a daily average of 84,701 gallons.
$35,263.02 was received in July. 104 penalty bills were sent.
The bill to give water companies incentives for buying small water companies is still on the governor's desk.
Clerk Moore reported that Visa can now be used for e-pay and also e-checks. That information is on the Village web site.
PUBLIC PROPERTY
One building permit was issued in July: Mike Schum, #16 James Court, addition, #710, $150.
Nothing on ESDA
Many cars have been moved or licensed. Some owners have asked for more time.
Several sidewalks have been repaired.
There have been complaints about garbage being burned. If a resident sees this, he/she should call 911, and the fire department will be sent to put the fire out. The first time it is a warning, the second time a fine. There was some discussion if 911 should be called for a non-emergency. Supervisor Bennett, who is also the fire chief, said that the fire department needs to be sent out by a 911 call in order for their insurance to cover.
There were two bids for the tree removal and stump grinding. J.T.'s Tree Service bid $13,300 for the removal of the 23 trees and $3,925 for the stump grinding. Leaf It to Us bid $20,200 for tree removal and $2,770 for stump grinding. Last year the bid was split between the two companies, taking the lower for each. Trustee Arrasmith will see if that is possible this time. Trustee Arrasmith moved that an amount up to $19,000 be authorized for the tree removal and stump grinding. Trustee Finn seconded the motion; the motion carried on a roll call vote. The extra money beyond the bid was for extra work that might be needed.
PARKS AND RECREATION
$13,500 was raised in the fund raiser. It will be divided between the Philo and Sidney ball programs.
Fall ball will have its games in St. Joe. Practices will be held at the ball park until it gets too cold.
It was a fairly good year. Trustee Bickers is stepping down as ball commissioner. So far, there is no one to replace him.
President White said that he would like to see more equipment bought for Victory Park using up the money in its account so it can be closed out.. The other parks in town need some maintenance and new equipment also.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Trustee Schluter is planning to go to the Illinois Municipal League conference in Chicago September 20-22, but he is willing to give his spot up to anyone else who wants to go as he has been before. President White is planning to go unless something comes up.
NEW BUSINESS
President White announced that a volunteer was hurt lining up vehicles for the parade during Fun Daze. The village insurance does not cover volunteers, just employees. The volunteer is planning to ask the vehicle driver to file under his insurance.
Trustee Arrasmith moved that the Board go into executive session to discuss personnel with Supervisor Bennett attending. Trustee Finn seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
After coming out of closed session, Supervisor Bennett announced that the maintenance department is planning on keeping the Ford truck for the winter to plow snow but that it needed to be replaced in the spring. The shock/springs are loose, which happened because it is used to plow snow.
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 8:25 p.m.
Trustee Finn moved that the minutes of the July 2, 2018, regular meeting 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:
Representatives from the Sidney American Legion Post 433 were present. Commander Bill Hensch asked if the Legion could put up a decal on the glass door into the rooms the Legion will be using and a sign on the front of the building. The Board agreed that they could do that. They will need keys to the building and room, and Clerk Moore will see to that. The Legion will request to reserve the Community Building meeting room anytime they need it for larger functions. The rooms to be leased to the Post will need to be cleaned out, and President White will contact the township officials about moving the office furniture and materials from the room.
Sidney resident Cathy Thomas asked if the Village could remove some branches from a Village tree that were touching the roof on her house. Trustee Arrasmith will look at the tree and ask the contractor who will be taking down the designated Village trees if he would do the job.
Trustee Schluter thanked the Board for the cards and flower arrangement sent on the death of his brother. He also appreciated all the cards and expressions of sympathy that he received from others.
PRESIDENT WHITE'S COMMENTS
Ameren sent a letter to the Village stating that they will be doing gas line installation for the elevator.
Copies of a letter from C J Thomas expressing concern for some downtown property maintenance were distributed. 201/203 South David are in a state of disrepair with glass falling on the sidewalk beneath and wood hanging and weeds on the back side. 214 also has weeds in the back and is dirty with an old sign. President White will ask our attorney to send a letter about the public's safety. The Village can mow the property and send the property owners a bill. Another letter will be sent to the owner of 408 West Main about the lawn being mowed.
There is an abandoned property next to the railroad tracks at 301 Water Tower Place. There is some question as to owns the property. President White will talk to the attorney about what can be done.
There will be another County Zoning Committee meeting August 9, and President White plans to attend.
President White said he had a call from Nutrien (formerly Crop Production Services) about their plans to buy more land. As long as it stays agricultural, there is no problem as it is zoned agriculture.
There is a possibility that the State will offer to pay 50% of the costs of a truck route.
President White talked to Reg Ankrom about the rates Homefield Energy is charging. The agreement is that if Ameren rates go down, Homefield Energy's would match Ameren's. Instead, they are giving a credit of $3.50 per month. Residents should cancel their participation in Homefield Energy's plan and go back to Ameren's, especially if the resident is a big electricity user.
The filing fee for the ownership for the vacant flood-plain lot on the north side of town has been paid. The Village has been mowing this lot for many years.
There was some discussion about the President and Trustees being paid monthly instead of every six months. Trustee McCloud moved that the Village pay the higher fees in order to be paid every month. Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
ATTORNEY MILLER'S COMMENTS:
Attorney Miller was absent.
EARL BENNETT'S REPORT
Supervisor Bennett said that what he had to report would be under Public Property.
FINANCE REPORT
The financial reports were read by Trustee McCloud. Trustee McCloud moved that the bills be paid with the addition of $11.71 to Fertilizer Dealer Supply and $408.73 to Locis. Trustee Arrasmith seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
The Library audit cost $1,400, considerably less than quoted if they had done it on their own instead of being combined with the Village
Trustee McCloud had heard from General Code and they had a few question to be answered. She went through each of them with the other trustees:
- Motorized vehicles. Accept General Code's suggested definition.
- Use state law on raffles.
- Trees – make fine $750/day.
- Revision to make clearer what is meant by leakage reduction.
- Weeds – change poison ivy to poison sumac.
- 5-member Board of Appeals – change to 3 members needed to pass.
- Zoning permit – add exists? Supervisor Bennett will check the ordinance.
STREETS AND ALLEY
Trustee Finn will be meeting with Engineer Friend and a Farnsworth architect to talk about a new building on August 7. This first meeting will be at no charge. The building is anticipated to be about 10,000 square feet. Engineer Friend said that he knew sewage was a problem before and they would be addressing that.
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
2,625,759 gallons of water were pumped in July with a daily average of 84,701 gallons.
$35,263.02 was received in July. 104 penalty bills were sent.
The bill to give water companies incentives for buying small water companies is still on the governor's desk.
Clerk Moore reported that Visa can now be used for e-pay and also e-checks. That information is on the Village web site.
PUBLIC PROPERTY
One building permit was issued in July: Mike Schum, #16 James Court, addition, #710, $150.
Nothing on ESDA
Many cars have been moved or licensed. Some owners have asked for more time.
Several sidewalks have been repaired.
There have been complaints about garbage being burned. If a resident sees this, he/she should call 911, and the fire department will be sent to put the fire out. The first time it is a warning, the second time a fine. There was some discussion if 911 should be called for a non-emergency. Supervisor Bennett, who is also the fire chief, said that the fire department needs to be sent out by a 911 call in order for their insurance to cover.
There were two bids for the tree removal and stump grinding. J.T.'s Tree Service bid $13,300 for the removal of the 23 trees and $3,925 for the stump grinding. Leaf It to Us bid $20,200 for tree removal and $2,770 for stump grinding. Last year the bid was split between the two companies, taking the lower for each. Trustee Arrasmith will see if that is possible this time. Trustee Arrasmith moved that an amount up to $19,000 be authorized for the tree removal and stump grinding. Trustee Finn seconded the motion; the motion carried on a roll call vote. The extra money beyond the bid was for extra work that might be needed.
PARKS AND RECREATION
$13,500 was raised in the fund raiser. It will be divided between the Philo and Sidney ball programs.
Fall ball will have its games in St. Joe. Practices will be held at the ball park until it gets too cold.
It was a fairly good year. Trustee Bickers is stepping down as ball commissioner. So far, there is no one to replace him.
President White said that he would like to see more equipment bought for Victory Park using up the money in its account so it can be closed out.. The other parks in town need some maintenance and new equipment also.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Trustee Schluter is planning to go to the Illinois Municipal League conference in Chicago September 20-22, but he is willing to give his spot up to anyone else who wants to go as he has been before. President White is planning to go unless something comes up.
NEW BUSINESS
President White announced that a volunteer was hurt lining up vehicles for the parade during Fun Daze. The village insurance does not cover volunteers, just employees. The volunteer is planning to ask the vehicle driver to file under his insurance.
Trustee Arrasmith moved that the Board go into executive session to discuss personnel with Supervisor Bennett attending. Trustee Finn seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
After coming out of closed session, Supervisor Bennett announced that the maintenance department is planning on keeping the Ford truck for the winter to plow snow but that it needed to be replaced in the spring. The shock/springs are loose, which happened because it is used to plow snow.
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 8:25 p.m.
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