May 1, 2023
Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Mat
Swearing in of newly elected Trustees Kirk Knoup and Dean Wright.
Members answering roll call, President Diehl, Mike Tichler, Dean Wright, Kirk Knoup, Tim Martens, Cheryl Liebenstein and Jamie Melville.
President Mat thanked our former trustees for their years of service and dedication to the community. President Mat requested permission for our current trustees to reach out to them for information and guidance as needed.
President Mat brought forward Tom Smargiassi as a person to fill one of our vacant trustee positions. Tom is a teacher in Lena and will be retiring after this next school year. Tom also brings experience in the finance area. Mike made a motion to recommend Tom Smargiassi as a trustee for the village board. Motion second by Tim. Motion carried. Tom was then sworn in as an appointed trustee.
The minutes from the April meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent, by Tim. Second by Mike. Motion Carried.
Committee made a motion to pay all bills as presented, with approval to pay the final bill to IDOT for the Safe Route to School grant, after Fehr Graham reviews it. Motion second by Kirk. Motion carried.
Tim made a motion to approve the treasurer report as presented. Second by Mike. Motion carried.
No transfer of funds needed
Maintenance Report
See attached
Visitors
Fehr Graham was present to discuss the Walgren Rd project. Bids were let on April 11th with 4 bids ranging from$360,223.15 to $414,793.70. Fehr recommends we accept the low bid from Fischer Excavating for $360,223.15. All the bids came within 15% of each other. With the tight construction window Derek thought it be best to award the bid tonight.
Mike made a motion to accept the low bid from Fischer Excavating for $360,223.15 for the Walgren Rd construction project. Motion second by Kirk. Motion carried.
Fischer’s Excavating was out to do the seeding at the water main looping site.
Board members requested that Fehr Graham compile a listing of our streets and the age of each. This will aid the trustees in determining which streets will get sealed next.
Derek noted that there is a Loan Forgiveness program for water projects, such as the renovations that we will be doing at the well house on Devore St.
This is a revolving fund loan with principal forgiveness from 50% to 100%. Derek will get us some numbers for the well house and find out if this program is new construction only or if it can be used for renovations of an existing well.
Oconnor Brooks was not present for the annual audit.
FINANCE/TIF FINANCE
WATER/SEWER
No report
STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK
Discussed in visitor section. Fischer Excavating will redo the intersection of North St and First St when they are in town doing Walgren Rd.
BUILDINGS/GROUNDS
Kirk reported that we will have one camper for the summer, as the owner works for the pipeline.
CEMETERY
Mike will work with Rob to get some improvements done at the cemetery. Will replace the wooden sign inside the gates and Mike will have the new Memorial plaque to put up.
POLICE
Fred was present to notify the board that he has hired Jaime Hare as a part time officer. Jaime currently works for Stephenson County.
We have two chicken license that have not been renewed. Fred will speak to the license holders.
LIQUOR
OLD BUSINESS
Reminder that the annual clean up day will be on Saturday from 8am to 2pm.
NEW BUSINESS
President Mat will be making new committee assignments. Let him know if you would like to stay on your current committee.
Cheryl is in the process of updating the Employee Policy manual. Tim will look at the vacation time and bring any changes back to the board.
The board has received a “Thank You” from the Knoup family.
Motion to adjourn at 7:40 by Kirk. Second by Tim. Motion carried.
Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk