VILLAGE OF WEST SALEM
COUNTY OF EDWARDS
September 26, 2011
The regular meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees was held in the Village Hall at 7:00 P.M. on the above date. Mayor Schilt called the meeting to order. Don Cornelius gave the invocation, and Bob Keortge led the pledge of allegiance. Those present for roll call were Mayor, Kevin Schilt and Trustees Glenna Hunley, Larry Simms, Dan Baker, Don Cornelius, and Jennifer Hays with Don Millman being absent.
Mayor’s Report: Kevin Schilt shared a Thank You note from the family of Bill Lomas. He asked the Board their opinion on changing the old Water Plant building to a storage area. The metal inside could be scrapped to cover the cost, if any. Bob Keortge said that the plant would never be operable to meet the standards that are required at this point in time.
Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report was presented with the packet. Kim pointed out that the Village is financially sound. Motion: It was moved by Don Cornelius and seconded by Larry Simms to accept the Treasurer’s report as provided. Motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Bills: It was moved by Don Cornelius and seconded by Jennifer Hayes to approve the payment of bill as they were presented.
Clerk’s Report: The Clerk provided a listing of Grant dates for DCEO grants and other grants that might be available to the Village. She reported that RE water now has one cell phone while their internal financials show 4 and the professionally prepared financials show 5. RE’s attorney says that they are not bound by “Open Meeting” regulations. At the after meeting a motion was made not to pay back payroll taxes this motion did not receive a second.
Attorney’s Report: Nothing to report.
Public Discussion/Comments from Audience: Mike Ristvedt requested action be taken in the 400 block of Locust Street. Property values are dropping while the taxes on the property are not. He believes that this home is blight to the neighborhood. Harvey Fenton stated that the owners of the property have been cited. Mayor Schilt, asked the Buildings and Property Committee to take action on these properties.
Committee Reports:
Finance: Dan Baker – nothing to report.
Water and Sewers: Don Cornelius reported that the new chlorine detector has been received and will be installed soon, which will satisfy our last inspection. He also reported that the contractor who will measure the sludge in the sewage lagoons is to be in town on Friday.
Streets and Alleys: Glenna Hunley reported that the storm drain by Gary Sander’s house will be fixed. She has received complaints that Charlie Struessel still has a trailer parked blocking a public alley. Harvey reported that there was an agreement between Charlie and the Moravian Church to keep that alley blocked. It protects the cemetery grounds from motorist who abuse the area. Glenna also reported that the oil and chip program had been completed on October 23, 2011. Glenna also reported that the Disaster Preparedness Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, October 27th at 5:30PM. The meeting is to be held at Village Hall. Motion: It was moved by Don Cornelius and seconded by Glenna Hunley that streets and alleys located within the Village limits could only be closed by Board action. Motion passed unanimously.
Property and Buildings: Don Cornelius reported that he would be contacting those who are currently on the list of “Properties of Concern”. Mayor Schilt asked how the property cleanups are progressing. Don said they are working with property owners.
Playgrounds and Parks: Jennifer Hayes reported that she had met with Sam Arnold regarding the boat loading area at the lake. Same will do the compaction work for $300.00 and it would require approximately 25 tons of rock. Jennifer has checked with the Engineer, Mike Bridges and found that this would be considered maintenance so would not be subject to ADA construction laws.
Police: Larry Simms reported that the Village police responded to 71 calls. 68.4 gallons of fuel was consumed.
Fire Department and Oil Well Report: Fire Chief, Harvey Fenton, reported that they had been fortunate and have had no fire calls since the last meetingThe well on South Prairie is an ongoing problem. Larry Simms reported that a semi load of top soil is being put in place at that location. Harvey also reported that 13 bid packets had been mailed to manufacturers of fire trucks and the bids will be opened at the October 24, 2011 Board meeting.
Old Business:
Recycling Program: Don Cornelius has been researching the cost of beginning a recycling program in the Village. He is recommending that the area be fenced. A bid has not yet been received from Krajec’s . This item has been set aside until the October meeting.
DCEO Grant Applications: This item was placed on the agenda by the Clerk. Clarification was requested regarding applying for grants. It was reported that we continue to pursue the grant to update the sewer lagoons. Prior to making application for a grant the information will be brought to the Board for discussion, but we will continue to look for opportunities to improve the infrastructure and services of the Village through grants.
New Business:
Blank’s Insurance: Julie Herring of Blanks insurance made a presentation of coverage’s and cost of coverage’s to the Board. She provided a spreadsheet which is a part of these minutes.
Country Companies: Tracy Thomson represented Country Companies answering the question posed by the Board. Mayor Schilt appointed a Committee to be chaired by Dan Baker and composed of Larry Simms and Jennifer Hayes. The committee will review the proposals and make a recommendation at the October meeting.
MOTION: It was moved by Jennifer Hayes and seconded by Don Cornelius to make the Village Square and Shelter available all day for the annual Antique and Craft Fair with the following evening schedule: 5 PM – 6 PM Costume judging contest. 6 PM – 7 PM Tailgating. 5 PM – 8 PM Trick of Treating. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: It was moved by Don Cornelius and seconded by Larry Simms to open the Village Square on December 4, 2011 for the Live Nativity Scene. Motion passed unanimously
Adjournment: Motion: It was moved by Larry Simms and seconded by Glenna Hunley to adjourn the meeting at 8:56 PM. Motion passed unanimously.
|
