August 3, 2020

Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Knoup

Members answering roll call, President Knoup, Bob Asche, Jim Westaby, Dave Dixon, Kirk Knoup, Cheryl Liebenstein and Jamie Melville.

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

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

Jim made a motion to approve the treasurer report as presented. Second by Bob. Motion carried.

Bob made the motion to transfer $5,000.00 from Sales tax account to the General account.  Motion second by Kirk.  Motion carried.

Maintenance Report

See attached

Visitor

Bud Gaulrapp was present representing the American Legion.  The Legion would like to build a shelter house at the new campground sites. The shelter house would be the same as what is now located at Mill Pond. The Legion was informed to work with Bob Asche on this project.

Jim made a motion to allow the Legion to build the shelter house at the new campground sites.  Motion second by Kirk.  Motion carried.  The Legion will turn over the structure to the Village once it is completed.

The Legion is also requesting that we look at re-opening the alley on North St behind the old legion building.

Gordon Niesman was present to request that Dollar General put up a privacy fence along the lot line to the south of his home.  He is concerned with debris/garbage blowing into his yard.  President Knoup noted that he will talk with the contractor regarding this request.

The Community Development committee (Ron Johnson) noted that they purchased land a year ago and after failed negotiation they are looking at the possibility of making this a TIF district. He is asking that we check with our TIF lawyer on cost and feasibility of adding to current TIF or starting a new TIF.  President Knoup informed Ron that this is a lengthy process that could take more than a year to complete.

WATER/SEWER

Residents in Windhaven subdivision are requesting that we lower the speed limit due to many small children in the area. Rob will order and install “Children at Play” signs.

STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALKS

Residents at the end of W South St are complaining of rusty water.  We will get a cost estimate to see how much it will be to loop the water main so that it is not a dead end. Rob will research this to see if a loop is even possible. For now, he will go and flush the hydrant.

Rock River Energy supplied the board members with contract bids for our street lights. Our current contract with Constellation is due up September 2020.  Jim made a motion to accept the Constellation bid for a 3-year term.  Motion second by Bob. Motion carried.

The street project is to begin and Civil will be doing our add-on as we cannot add these to a Motor Fuel Tax street.

The committee is looking at the storm sewer on N First St. by the cemetery as there has been standing water.   

BUILDINGS/GROUNDS/CEMETERY

The committee checked into updating our current John Deere tractor. They have received two bids: 2019 for 43,150 and a 2020 for 45,000.00.  Jim made a motion to accept the bid from Sloan Implements for the 2020 tractor with trade in for 45,000.00.  Motion second by Kirk.  Roll call vote as follows: Jim-yes, Dave-yes, Kirk-yes, Bob-no.  Let the record show 3-yes, 1-no and 2-absent. The tractor will be paid with 75% TIF money and 25% General fund money.

Brinkmeier Tree service will be removing 3 trees on South St.

Campground fees have been established. Campers will be $20.00 per night and tent sites will be $10.00 per night. Rob will get quotes for water service at the sites.

Rob is requesting the extension of summer help as he will not be able to keep up with all the mowing. He is allowed to use the summer help as needed through the Fall.

The board discussed building permits and determined if the permit is not for a house the owner will have to come to the board meeting for approval of any other structure.

FINANCE

POLICE/ORDINANCES

We had an Ordinance violation for Unsafe Structures and the homeowners are currently working to resolve the issue and request that they be given an extension of time until the end of November.  Board members have agreed as long as progress is being made.  Rob will help to remove large tree trunks from the area when he is available.

The officers have received complaints regarding 4 wheelers and noise. The officer noted that the person will not file a complaint. The board has the option of implementing a noise ordinance but the committee feels we should not enforce another ordinance.

The officer’s restrictions (due to Covid-19) have been lifted by the Freeport Police department and they may return to work with us.  Only 1 part-time officer is picking up hours in the village.

TAX INCREMENT FINANCE

We have received a new contract from Glenwood INC.  The new contract has time changes to allow for purchase of the property and final construction.  Dave made a motion to accept the new contract as written.  Motion second by Kirk. Roll call vote as follows: Bob-yes, Jim-yes, Dave-yes, Kirk-yes. Let the record show 4-yes, 0-no and 2-absent.

LIQUOR

No report

Old Business

Chip Bowen has notified President Knoup that the underground tanks will be installed in several weeks and would like to know when the street can be improved.  Chip said they are in the process with Fehr Graham and permits have been filed. The board will wait until we hear anything from Fehr Graham.

New Business

September board meeting will be held on Tuesday September 8th due to the holiday

Motion to adjourn at 8:45 by Bob. Motion second by Kirk.  Motion carried.

Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk