April 7, 2025
Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Mat. Members answering roll call, President Mat, Tom Smargiassi, Angie Niehaus, Mike Tichler, Kirk Knoup, Dean Wright, Tim Martens, Jamie Melville, and Cheryl Liebenstein.
The minutes from the March meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent, by Dean. Second by Tom. Motion Carried.
The minutes from the special meeting held on March 17th were reviewed and accepted without dissent, by Kirk. Second by Angie. Motion carried.
Tim made a motion to pay all bills as presented with the additional three add-ons. Motion second by Angie. Motion carried
Tim made a motion to approve the treasurer report as presented. Second by Kirk. Motion carried.
No transfer of funds needed.
Maintenance Report
Rob noted he has two trees that will come down for $850.00 per tree.
Visitor
Dale Sandell was present for the Historical Organization. They need to add hand rails to the building. The rails from the school will not be enough and Dale questioned whether we had grant money to use, which we do not. Dale estimated the cost of the railing to be around 4-5 thousand. They would like to get railing that matches the rest in the downtown area. Dale noted that there is no money left in the building fund. He would like to know if the Village would be willing to donate to help with the cost of the railing. Board members would like a full quote on the cost. Mike informed Dale that we have some excess funds we could use. The board is in favor of donating but would like a final quote on the pricing.
Marv Klatt was present representing the Lion’s Club. He noted that the estimates for the walking path paving are too high to consider and wanted to know if we would go with a gravel path. We have a gravel path in the prairie area and have already determined that we would add to it this year.
FINANCE/TIF FINANCE
Reminder that Appropriations are due in July.
WATER/SEWER
Mike informed the board of changes made to the water and sewer ordinance. Sec 13-115 he removed the discount and added a flat $15 late fee after the 15th of the month. Sec 13-116 Discontinuation of Service he has notice given at 90 days late to be paid in full before the next due date. Otherwise, water will be shut off. Before service is turned back on the bill needs to be paid in full plus an additional $50 turn on fee.
Board members would like the 90 days late changed 60 days late.
Mike made a motion to approve the Water and Sewer Ordinance and the Discontinuation of Service ordinance as presented with the change from 90 days late to 60 days late. Motion second by Tom. Motion carried.
Mike made a motion to add our additional 25 cent increase to the Water and Sewer rate beginning June 1. Motion second by Tim. Motion carried.
Lucas Tichler did the water readings while Rob was on vacation. Lucas donated his time so that he could use the hours for community service for graduation.
STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK
Dean gave board members copy of the sidewalk ordinance for the 1st reading. Dean made changes to Sec 11-5 to update wording of ownership and maintenance. He added wording for snow removal and time allowed. Dean also added liability to the ordinance to include the homeowner is liable and not the village for any accident occurring on their sidewalks.
Bord members would like to add ice removal along with the snow removal. Also to add penalties/fine to the ordinance. The 2nd reading will be at our May meeting.
BUILDINGS/GROUNDS
Lucas Tichler and Myles Freedlund will be returning for summer work.
Kirk will have a discussion with the long-term campers at Mill Pond. They need to pick up all their trash that has blown all over the area and into the pond. Kirk was advised to give them the option of doing it themselves, donate to the Boy scouts to have them clean up or get fined for littering. They will need to leave as we will be limiting the numbers of days per stay.
CEMETERY
President Mat noted that a citizen questioned whether we would ever erect a Mausoleum at the cemetery. He is much interested in getting one and would be willing to help with discussions and/or fundraising if needed. Angie will investigate the legal requirements and cost.
POLICE
Kurt will continue to work on the body cameras and cloud storage for them. We do not have a Police Chief currently. Do members want to assign a temporary chief. Kurt does not want the position as he will be taking a new position and will only be able to work nights and weekends for us. O Do we want to post for an interim Police Chief?
Motion was made at 7:55pm to go into executive session. Motion second by Kirk. Motion carried.
Motion was made at 8:10 to go to regular session. Motion second by Mike. Motion carried.
Board members would like to post for an interim Police Chief, hours negotiable with around 30 hours per week, $30 per hour. Interested individuals should contact President Mat or Tom.
LIQUOR
New license will be going out this month
Old Business
The squad car is lettered and looks good.
New Business
Reminder the May meeting will be held on Wednesday April 30th. Cheryl will send out a reminder text before the meeting.
The Post Office lease is up in 2026 and will not be renewed. The Federal Government in Leasing is requesting help in finding a new location for the office. They would like enough room for a drop in building with six parking spots. Board members have suggested the following locations. Library lot. GT Auto (The government will not allow this location) Scott Johnson suggested the two lots that was part of the Funeral home parking lot. These parcels were not part of the flood buy-out. (Board members disapprove due to flooding) Herman Funeral home, Lion’s Park, Harry Bowen’s renal on North St, partial lot next to Spahn & Rose, Elevator parking area next to old laundromat. President Mat will pass this information to the leasing office.
President Mat had a parent inquire if the board donates to help with Eagle Scout projects. The scout needs to come to the board to present their project.
Motion to adjourn at 8:35 by Kirk. Second by Tom. Motion carried.
Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk