August 1, 2011
Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Knoup.
Members answering roll call: President Knoup, Mat Diehl, Rusty Liebenstein, Jim Westaby, Dave Dixon, Jamie Melville and Cheryl Liebenstein.
The minutes from the July meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent by Rusty.
Second by Mat.
Motion Carried.
The Committee made a motion for approval to pay all bills as presented.
Second by Dave.
Motion carried.
Motion to approve the treasurer report as presented, by Dave.
Second by Jim.
Motion carried.
No transfer of funds needed.
Financial Report
Visitors
Mark Mitchell was present from the Illinois Rural Water Association to discuss the improperly sealed abandoned well at the old Milk Plant. He advised to initiate the sealing through the Stephenson County Health Department by filing a complaint with the department. If the Health department feels it is not their jurisdiction the IEPA will step in and advised them that it is and that this matter needs to be addressed. The Health department will need to be at the scene during the sealing process. The owner of the well needs to apply for an “abandoned well permit” The Village may not go onto the property or apply for the permits. The committee will continue to move this project forward and speak with the land owner to get the application for permits started.
Jay Butson was present to discuss the golf cart/utv ordinance. He feels the village would benefit and have something different to offer for the residents. The board advised him that Main Street is a state highway and we have not jurisdiction over it, so anyone crossing Main Street would need to do so at their own judgment and risk.
Fred has reviewed the ordinance and suggested that the age limit be changed from 16 to 18. The ordinance will include the Illinois restrictions and vehicles will need to have lights, turn signals, mirrors and seatbelts.
Jay noted that he did not want the ordinance to become so restrictive that no one would be able to abide by it, but agreed with stated restrictions since companies have put together conversion kits for the carts/utv. All carts’/utv’s will need to be registered for a one time sticker. Stickers are not transferrable between carts. The board suggested a year probation period to see how it is running and make any changes to the ordinance if needed. Mat made a motion to accept the ordinance as written with changes being made to lower fees from $40 to $20 and raising the age limit from 16 to 18. Fee to remain as a onetime fee and sticker per vehicle. Motion second by Dave. Roll call vote as follows: Rusty-yes, Mat-yes, Dave-yes, Jim-yes. Let the record show 4-yes, 0-no and 2-absent. Effective as soon as it is published on-line and the stickers are available.
The board had many visitors regarding the recent flood. President Knoup noted that he has been dealing directly with the congressmen and noted that we are now in the flood program. Adam Holder from Fehr-Graham noted a time lime of activities the board has dealt with from the 2011 flood. We started reinstatement into the flood program in November of 2010. FEMA then noted we were in violation from a build 15-20 years earlier. In January 2011 we filed permits needed to correct the violation and requested to be put in the program early. Request was denied. In March 2011 we formally filed request into the flood program. Request was denied and we were told we had to complete the project work from the violation before we would be permitted back in. Permits were filed for the work project and bids were let for the project in June. Even with the project bid accepted we were not let in the program. Project had to be completed. At this time we were looking at a completion in October 2011.
The project started just before the flood. After the flood we received an e-mail stating we are now in the program even though the project has not been completed. Residents will be able to purchase flood insurance after a 30 day wait time. The state has low interest loans around 2%. Local banks will need to work with the state. Jim Scacia is doing all the work for the loans and Village will publish on our website when completed or as new information develops.
The state and local governments are looking to declare a disaster and assessment of damages have begun.
President Knoup noted that a request from 2002 for Yellow Creek inspection will now be carried out and completed by year end. After this assessment they will look at the flood zones and realign as needed.
One resident requested that we get a fire truck on the North side before it is completely flooded so that one is available quickly if needed.
The public commented that P.C. road has become a dam for the water. The bridge is not in its original location. The bridges and culverts and fields were also discussed as barriers for the running water. All this falls under the Army Corp of Engineers and will be looked at during the study.
The board did not know we were not in the flood program. This was prior administration and since FEMA did not come in 2002 we did not discover it until 2010. The board does not have answers as to why this has happened. We do know that there will be abandoned homes and the county does not deal with this issue. It has become a local government issue.
Maintenance Report
Rob reported that the lift stations worked properly throughout the flood. Had one that tripped several times and it is now being checked.
Streets & Alleys
No report’
WATER & SEWER
Noted in visitor section
CEMETERY
Looking at the Memorial trees or a replacement for the trees due to so many of them dying off.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
No report
Police
Had 152 hours of coverage in July. New batteries need to be ordered for the portables. Homecoming coverage has been assigned.
Liquor
Little John’s Tap has installed a sand volleyball court and they have been notified that no alcohol would be allowed outside of the establishment. License is for the establishment and not the grounds.
Old Business
One concern regarding vehicles behind a business. Obstructs view when pulling in or out of connecting building. Will talk with owner and suggest moving vehicles.
New Business
Our new truck has been built and delivery should be in August. It will then be fitted with the plow, salter, etc.
Motion to adjourn at 9:05 pm by Dave.
Second by Rusty.
Motion carried.
Attest:
Cheryl Liebenstein
Village Clerk