September 2, 2024
Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Mat. Members answering roll call, Tom Smargiassi, Angie Niehaus, Mike Tichler, Kirk Knoup, Dean Wright, and Cheryl Liebenstein.
The minutes from the August meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent, by Angie. Second by Mike. 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 Mike. Motion carried.
No transfer of funds needed.
Maintenance Report
Visitor
Kadyn Martin was present to ask the board about events in the village. He would like to coordinate events such as Farmer’s Markets, Live music etc.
Kadyn was informed that most of these events would need monetary backing and the board does not fund these types of events. Board members thought he had good ideas and are in favor of him pursuing them. President Mat noted that he should check with the Park District as they have an events person that may be able to help him. Dean also passed along information to him regarding Mt Carroll Farmers Market.
Board members discussed with him the need to coordinate events with another club so that he could be protected by their insurance.
Dean also passed along information for the Greater Freeport Partnership, which covers the entire county.
The board wishes Kadyn the best of luck.
FINANCE/TIF FINANCE
Angie reported on Mayor and trustee wage increases. Tim outlined three options that Angie presented to the board. Tom made a motion to approve option 1 with Mayor wage increased to $4,800 per year, Trustee wage to $1,100 per year and meetings increased to $75.00 per monthly board meeting. The increases will not take effect until May 1, 2025. Motion second by Dean with roll call vote as follows: Dean-yes, Kirk-yes, Mike-yes, Angie-yes, Ton-yes. Let the record show 5-yes, 0-no and 1-absent.
Reminder that the committee will need to have the Tax Levy done by December meeting, along with employee wage reviews. (Rob, Clerk, Treasurer)
WATER/SEWER
Mike reported that the chlorinator is now working. Seven late payment notices were given out today.
WaterRun program is now active and Rob has been using it for his reporting.
STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK
We have sidewalks within the village that need improvements. President Mat will remind the homeowners that the village will pay for the cement. The committee will need to look at the sidewalk ordinance and make changes as needed.
BUILDINGS/GROUNDS
Kirk reported that we have three long term campers at the campground.
The house at the end of BradMar is abandoned and the lot needs mowing. Rob was informed to go ahead and mow. President Mat will get a phone number and speak with the homeowner and/or bank.
President Mat reported that he went to a meeting regarding distressed and abandoned properties. He will get on the list to be notified of property tax sales in the village.
CEMETERY
No report
POLICE
Boulevard Bash went well this year. Tom made a motion to donate $300.00 to the Stephenson County Reserves for their help with the parade. Motion second by Angie, Motion carried.
Board members discussed the options for the old police Durango. The board will do sealed bids for the vehicle with the option for the village to accept and/or reject any or all bids. They did not feel we needed to advertise for bids in the local papers. We will advertise through the village Facebook account and on our website. Tom made a motion to go sell the vehicle through sealed bids with the right to accept or reject bids. Bids will be accepted through November 1st with opening on November 4th at the regular board meeting. Motion second by Kirk. Motion carried.
LIQUOR
No report
Old Business
New Business
Angie made a motion to have Trick or Treat hours on October 31st from 5-7pm. Motion second by Mike. Motion carried.
Motion to adjourn at 8:12 by Kirk. Second by Tom. Motion carried.
Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk