May 2, 2022
Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Mat
Members answering roll call, President Diehl, Bob Asche, Bob Knoup, Mike Tichler, Dave Dixon, Tim Martens, Cheryl Liebenstein and Jamie Melville.
The minutes from the April meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent by Dave. Second by Mike. Motion Carried.
The committee made a motion to pay all bills as presented. Motion second by Bob A. Motion carried.
Bob K. made a motion to approve the treasurer report as presented. Second by Bob A. Motion carried.
No transfer of funds needed
Maintenance Report
Rob reported that he has done some street weeping and that mowing season has begun.
Visitor
Derek-Fehr Graham was present to review the ongoing projects. Well #3 is nearly complete and will have the pump start up on May 17th and 18th. Derek thought that we could close out the project in June.
Derek noted the intersection survey of Walgren Rd and Rt 73 was completed and plans to send IDOT the intersection sidewalk plans. The cost estimate for Walgren Rd, with full reconstruction and sidewalk on north side only, came to $ 308,748.50. Cost estimate for sidewalk only was $92,645.50.
Pans and permits for the water main looping will be submitted to the EPA this week. Right now, there is a 70-day review time turnaround.
Inspection has been completed and sent to the DNR for the Dam (Wastewater lagoon) Derek said everything looks acceptable.
Fischer Excavating is aware that the village will not accept North St project due to the standing water issue at First St. Fischer’s will meet on site with the village and Fehr Graham to discuss options. They would like to wait until we have a rain event and the water is still standing on the street.
Solar on Earth was not present for the meeting and President Mat covered the basics of the Community Solar program. He noted that we basically subscribe to the solar farms and in return the village would receive a flat 20% off the electric bills. This program does not involve having panels installed. It is a money savings for the taxpayers without a monthly fee for the village. President Mat did note that Solar on Earth is a legitimate company and has an office in Chadwick. President Mat did confirm that he spoke with Marni (Rock River Energy) and she was not in favor of having no contract with the company. Marni did note that no other towns have officially signed up for this program. President Mat suggested having another solar company come in and talk to the board so that we could have a view of paying for panels and estimated savings on future bills. President Mat will look into getting both solar companies to come to board meeting to give a presentation.
WATER/SEWER
Letters will be mailed to delinquent accounts. Rob has a list of water boxes that he would like to get repaired/replaced. The committee will discuss this with Rob.
The permits for the water main looping are good for 2 years. Mike would like to only do the Brad Mar loop this year and save the South St. looping for next year. He feels that we should do South St paving next year and do the looping when the street is already dug up. Mike made a motion to only do the water main looping on Brad Mar to Lumar with an estimated cost of $59,790.00. Motion second by Dave. Motion carried.
STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK
The walk bridge on S Main St. is proposed to cost $8,100.00. This cost includes a composite decking. The committee made a motion to accept and complete this project for the proposed amount from Kempel Construction. Motion second by Bob A. Motion carried.
Walgren Rd, near Bremmer’s home, needs a replacement road tube. This should be replaced within a year and it is estimated to cost $6,300.00 which does not include seeding or the black top. It was suggested that we do this as an add on to the Walgren Rd project. Tim made a motion to accept option #2 for Walgren Rd project which includes curb and gutter with sidewalk on the North side. And to add on the tube replacement at the same time. Motion second by Bob K. Members discussed having a public meeting with the homeowners along the north side that would be affected by the project. Also discussed that we need a better plan for our street improvements. Walgren Rd is a safety hazard with the sides breaking up and residents walking on the road. Fehr Graham said that the plans for the full design will not be ready until the July meeting. President Mat said that he will personally reach out to the affected homeowners and discuss the project with them.
BUILDINGS/GROUNDS
Both of our summer help from last year will be returning to work again this summer.
One camper at the campground would like to stay for the whole summer since he will be continuing to work in the area for the pipeline. The committee is looking at expanding the campground and adding two more pads. They are also looking at converting the standing garage into showers for the campers.
The Dog Park grass is slowly growing and Rob would like to paint yet before it is opened back up.
Fischer’s will need to reseed on North St. Rob will get more dirt along the sidewalks on Walgren Rd.
CEMETERY
The cemetery has new bushes and trees and all have been mulched. Mike is still waiting to hear from Lena Sign Co. on the price for the memorial plaques.
FINANCE/TIF FINANCE
POLICE
Dave noted that he has not yet looked at new vehicles for the Police.
LIQUOR
Old Business
The prairie path walkway will be started on as soon as it dries out.
The board will meet at 6:30 on June 6th to open sealed bids for the sale of the lot downtown.
Tim went to the Lion’s meeting to discuss with them the finishing of the walking path around Mill Pond and to see if they would be interested in helping the village complete this project. Tim thought the Lion’s club may be interested in helping.
The village received a Thank You to the board and Rob saying how nice Mill Pond looks.
New Business
A letter will be sent to one of our chicken license holders for failure to renew the license. Ordinance will give them 30 days to remove the chickens.
Looking ahead our July meeting will tentatively be set for Tuesday July 5th.
Motion to adjourn at 8:35 by Tim. Motion second by Mike. Motion carried.
Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk