March 3, 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, Jamie Melville, and Cheryl Liebenstein.

The minutes from the February meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent, by Dean. Second by Kirk. Motion Carried.

The minutes from the Annual TIF Joint Review meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent, by Dean.  Second by Angie. Motion carried.

Angie made a motion to pay all bills as presented.  Motion second by Kirk.  Motion carried.

Angie made a motion to approve the treasurer report as presented. Second by Tom. Motion carried.

No transfer of funds needed.

Maintenance Report

No report

Visitor

Charlie Boop was present to give the board an address for a complaint on the dog ordinance.

FINANCE/TIF FINANCE

WATER/SEWER

Mike informed the board that most of the late bills from last meeting have been paid. Mike gave the board members copies of area towns water payments and late fees associated. Mike had several suggestions for updates to our ordinance. Look at giving a discount for yearly payments. Eliminate the monthly discount. Keep the 60-day shut off notice. Add a flat $15.00 late fee and adding $50.00 disconnect fee along with a $50.00 connect fee that would need to be paid before service is turned on. Also suggested a discount for auto-pay.

Board members are to consider any changes and will finalize the ordinance at the April meeting. Jamie will note any changes to the ordinance in her annual letter for the residents.

Rob also noted that our waste water will need to be tested twice a year.

STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK

Dean will have a sidewalk ordinance for the April meeting.

 BUILDINGS/GROUNDS

We have two bids with trade-in for a new tractor mower. Sloan’s will give $6,000.00 trade-in with a final cost of $11,000.00. Heritage will also give a $6,000.00 trade-in with a final cost of $10,500.00. Both bids are for John Deere tractor mower. Kirk made a motion to purchase the John Deere tractor mower from Heritage for $10,500 with a trade-in.  Motion second by Tom.  Motion carried.

Rob would like to extend the summer jobs to our help from last year.  Current wage for Myles and Lucas would be $15.50 per hour.  If either one is no longer interested, Rob will post the position at the High School.

CEMETERY

Angie noted that Fran Dole wants the memorial trees mulched and an individual plaque on each one. Angie will contact Fran regarding the cost of such plaques.

POLICE

Tom reported that we had 95.5 hours of coverage for February. The body cameras will need to be exchanged for a newer model since ours are not compatible with the equipment we have. Fred is working with Motorola on this issue.

LIQUOR

Yearly renewals will be given to the businesses.

Old Business

The board members discussed the walking paths at Mill Pond and other options to use instead of an asphalt surface. Members thought gravel or limestone would be much cheaper alternative.  Rob would be able to do the gravel and roll it with the help of our summer guys. President Mat will contact John Costello and Jeff Johnson to let them know we are not interested in an asphalt surface considering the high price.

The Lion’s Club is still in phase 1 for the proposed fruit orchard. Right now, they are looking at the lots south of the car wash.

New Business

Reminder to get out and vote on April 1st.

President Mat attended the Northern Illinois Mayor Association meeting. They spoke on revitalization and IML Safety training.  There were representatives from Com-Ed, NiCor and IML at the meeting.

President Mat and Rob attended the IDOT Meet and Greet.  Several communities attended. They spoke about spending Motor Fuel Tax money on other things such as street lights, winter salt and signs. We will need a Maintenance Ordinance to use the funds on other items that are not new street construction.  Fehr Graham has a copy of this ordinance that we can use.

IDOT informed President Mat that they will be doing their MFT audits soon from year 2012 to present. 

President Mat will be traveling for business the same time as our May meeting is scheduled. We will be moving the May meeting to April 30th.

Rob noted that he will schedule the Clean Up Day for May 3rd.

Motion to adjourn at 8:15 by Tom.  Second by Kirk. Motion carried.

Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk