April 5, 2021

Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Knoup

Members answering roll call, President Knoup, Bob Asche, Mat Diehl, Dave Dixon, Kirk Knoup, Tim Martens, Cheryl Liebenstein and Jamie Melville.

The minutes from the March meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent by Bob. Second by Dave. Motion Carried.

The committee made a motion to pay all bills as presented. Second by Bob.  Motion carried.

Mat made a motion to approve the treasurer report as presented. Second by Kirk. Motion carried.

No transfer of funds needed.

Maintenance Report

Visitor

Adam from Fehr Graham noted that the Well #3 project is under contract with Nicam and should be completed by November 1, 2021.

Adam will also initiate the start of the annexation of the property south of town.

The completion of North St should be bid shortly and the board can award the contract at the June meeting.

Adam also noted President Knoup’s years of service, 28 years as Village Mayor. He also wanted to let us know that Pearl City is one of the best villages that he has worked with and with the many projects completed we have the best infrastructure in the area. Congratulations to Mayor Bob for his many years of service.

Scott Helms, President of State Bank of Pearl City, was present to discuss loan options for our Well #3 project.  Scott noted that the bank will offer the village a 1-million-dollar loan at 1% with a 12-month maturity. The board members were very happy to hear that both entities could work together for the best interest of the village.

The board has heard a complaint from a resident on Main St. regarding the amount of trash on his neighbor’s property.  He noted that he is continually picking up trash.  Resident is willing to sign a complaint if needed.  The police committee will handle this complaint.

WATER/SEWER

The committee looked at what other towns do for late water bills. Most of the surrounding area add a 10% fee for any late bills. We have always noted an increased price on the coupon books for any payment after the 15th.  Tim made a motion to assess a flat 10% late fee on the Water/Sewer/Garbage bills after the 15th.  Motion second by Mat.  Roll call vote as follows: Bob-yes, Mat-yes, Kirk-yes, Dave-yes, Tim-yes.  Let the record show 5-yes, 0-no and 1 absent.

STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK

The committee discussed the standing water at Garfield and First St. by the cemetery. They received a bid from Helm to run storm sewer from there and connect to another storm sewer plus tile between the houses. This bid was for $23,950.00.  Rob also suggested that a drop box should be installed by Dave Dixon house to help with the runoff of the yards that collect there.  This suggestion was tabled for the next Water/Sewer committee in May.

BUILDINGS/GROUNDS/CEMETERY

There are two doors on the maintenance building (unheated part) that need to be replaced. The committee reported that it would be approximately $1,387.00 per door. Dave made a motion to allow the committee to go ahead with the replacement.  Motion second by Tim.  Motion carried.

Kirk noted he is still working on getting a bridge for the Prairie area. The committee has purchased fish for Mill Pond. Anne’s Landscape will be looking at the cemetery trees and giving us suggestions for replacements.

Constellation has picked up the electric campground account and added it to our contract with them.

Fritz nursery has quoted us $28 per hanging planter for downtown. The planters will need new liners this year.  Committee will continue and get them ready to hang. 

FINANCE

No report

POLICE/ORDINANCES

Discussed in the visitor section

TAX INCREMENT FINANCE

No report

LIQUOR

The board has received the building permit for Little John’s Beer Garden. Beer Garden hours was discussed with regards to noise for area neighbors.  Mat made a motion to change the ordinance hours for Beer Gardens to include hours Sunday through Thursday until 10pm and Friday through Saturday until 11pm.  Motion second by Dave.  Motion carried.  Special activities requesting longer hours will need to be approved by the board.

Old Business

Mat has found a new company that will set up and move our current information on our website to a new website and platform.  Square Space is currently in the process of completing this for us. The website address will remain the same. (www.villageofpearlcity.com)

Rock River Energy will be sending opt out letters to all the new residents in the village. The letter will give them the option to opt out of Com-Ed and join the village electric aggregation.

We will have one returning summer help as part time.  Rob is requesting to hire one more. Hiring will be done per committee and will be advertised via Facebook and the school.

New Business

Post Prom has sent a letter requesting a donation for this year’s prom. Motion was made by Mat to donate $100.00 to the Post Prom committee.  Motion second by Bob.  Motion carried.

Dollar General has started work on their new site.

Boco is looking to be in the new building by the end of April.

Dave noted that he checked on Electronic Recycle and it is not feasible for the village to have one.  Freeport holds one that is for the whole Stephenson County.  Dave will speak with them to see if we could get the village associated with it.

 Motion to adjourn at 8:10 by Bob. Motion second by Kirk.  Motion carried.

Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk