October 7, 2024
Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Mat. Members answering roll call, President Mat, Tom Smargiassi, Angie Niehaus, Mike Tichler, Kirk Knoop, Dean Wright, Tim Marten, Jamie Melville, and Cheryl Liebenstein.
The minutes from the September meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent, by Dean. Second by Angie. Motion Carried.
Tim made a motion to pay all bills as presented, Motion second by Kirk. Motion carried.
Tim made a motion to approve the treasurer report as presented. Second by Kirk. Motion carried.
No transfer of funds needed.
Maintenance Report
Visitor
Dale Sandell was present to update the board on the Historical Museum. The building is coming along but will not be open to the public until late next year. The first 50 feet of the building will be for museum items. They plan to change the items at different intervals, so that it is not always the same display. The building will also have office space, restroom, utility room and storage for unused items. Dale informed the board that they have used local contractor, local plumbing, and heating businesses. Many items used in the construction have been sourced locally from longtime Pearl City residents.
Many of the items and display cases will need to be rebuilt or refinished due to condition and age. The set up of the museum may take until August 2025. There will be no admission fee but persons may make a free will donation. Dale also noted that the Historical board will be having 4 seminars throughout the winter. More details and dates will be provided when they are finalized.
Marni, from Rock River Energy presented to the board new contracts for the residential electric. Our current contract will expire in February 2025.
This renewal will be our 5th renewal. We have 242 residents participating. Since 2013 we have saved $281,900.00, with $127,000.00 just in the last 3 years.
Right now, Com-Ed rate is 6.6 cents until May 2025. At that time Com-Ed will adjust their rate and is expected to be higher than any of our new contracts. Market price is going way up and Com-Ed has only purchased 50% of the power they need at a 2.7 cent increase per therm.
Residents will receive a letter in the mail outlining the new contract and giving the option to opt-out of the village electric aggregation contract.
Residents will need to opt-out to switch to Com-Ed or another supplier. Solar persons will not lose any of their credits.
Right now, we have a very low price with Dynegy. This price is only good until February. If you opt-out and want to stay with Dynegy or Com-Ed, you will be paying their current rate after February. You may opt back in the program at any time. Rock River Energy will be happy to speak with you, answer any questions on the Aggregation program or help you to opt back into the program.
Tim made a motion to go with the 16-month contract with Direct Energy at 8.23 cents per therm. Motion second by Dean, Motion carried.
FINANCE/TIF FINANCE
Reminder that the Tax Levy needs to be done no later than the December meeting.
WATER/SEWER
No report
STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK
Dean would like to set up a committee meeting to discuss sidewalks and the street plan for next spring. The committee will also bring an update to the meeting for the sidewalk ordinance. Committee members include Dean, Tom, and Tim.
BUILDINGS/GROUNDS
Kirk reported that one camper may be here through the winter and another long-term camper for 3-6 months. The current camper rate is $300 monthly for winter and $400 monthly for summer rates.
The committee is getting bids for a new tractor mower. Board members questioned if we could just get a mower deck for the new John Deere tractor and eliminate having to get a new tractor mower. Kirk will look at pricing for both.
CEMETERY
No report
POLICE
Fred is looking at graphic decals for the new squad. We will also put Crime Stop decals on the rear windows.
Board members discussed the options for a flashing speed limit sign for both North and South ends of Rt 73. President Mat will speak with IDOT for approval before we purchase.
LIQUOR
No report
Old Business
New Business
President Mat was approached regarding handicap parking downtown. The concern included the intersection of Devore St and Main St. President Mat will speak with IDOT regarding this and possibly putting in No Parking next to the intersection.
The Pretzel City Transit is requesting donations from area towns based on their usage. Pretzel City currently receives 1.4 million in grants and their operating budget is 1.8 million. Most of the deficit is made up by fare donations. Pearl City, with a census of 780 had 132 trips with 43 of the trips used by seniors. They collected fare donations of $792.00. Pretzel City has estimated the cost of the trips at $5,000.00. Pretzel City is requesting a donation of $2500.00. The service is a value to the senior citizens for transportation. Board members are requesting more information on destinations and the number of unduplicated riders. The information they have provided does not tell us if it is one rider or twenty-five riders. The board will continue discussions at the November meeting.
The Greater Freeport Partnership is publishing a calendar for 2025 and are requesting any items we may want on the calendar.
Motion to adjourn at 8:45 by Tom. Second by Kirk. Motion carried.
Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk