Macon Reporter

Village of Bethany Board of Trustees met Sept. 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The regular board meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President Bill Ashley. The following Trustees were present; Dave Doty, Jeannie Ruppert, Greg McLain, Raven Russell and Brian Gill. Jon Book was absent

A motion was made by Trustee McLain to approve the minutes from the August 9, 2018 regular meeting seconded by Trustee Russell. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

A motion was made by Trustee Gill to approve the special meeting minutes from August 24, 2018, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

A motion was made by Trustee Doty to approve the “Statement of Income and Expenses”, seconded by Trustee McLain. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

A motion was made by Trustee Gill to approve the “Banks and Checks Journal”, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

Public - Leah Schodlatz - Had a question about barking/loose dogs. She was wondering if dogs chase during a walk who she should call/complain to. President Ashley and Police Chief Nichols explained the process to her. Ms. Shodlatz expressed her appreciation for the new police chief. Noelle Yeakel - Mrs. Yeakel has lived in town for 22 years and would like the Village to look at the burning ordinance. She feels there is no need to burn in town. Gary Vaughn - Mr. Vaughn had received a citation for burning. He explained the situation to the Board. He provided information to the Board showing how “paint thinner can spontaneously combust”. Mrs. Yeakel withdrew her complaint and the citation will be withdrawn. John Vander Burgh - Mr. Vander Burgh was representing the school board. He expressed how the school district has many projects currently going on. He explained that the school board had met with the town of Dieterich and explained the project Dieterich is currently doing to bring people to the school district. Mr. Vander Burgh would like to have a couple Village Board members on a committee including community and school board members to check into the feasibility of the doing this project here. Steve Cain - has a house on Washington St. and is still making progress. The deadline agreed upon with the Board was Sept. 15. He hopes to have someone living in the house by spring. The Board wants him to remove all the old wires and the carport must be structurally sound by the next board meeting.

Lance Whitney Request for Garbage Container - Mr. Whitney did not attend the meeting.

Part-time Police Car Repair - The bill from Stetson’s was split in half to keep it under the $500 threshold. The part-time officers are now using the car.

Other Old Business - The Village Attorney was contacted by the new owners of the house at 410 N Washington St. They had someone interested in putting a shed on the property. Village ordinances state you must be living on property to put a shed on it.

Contract with Chastain for a Project Development Report - Matt Foster gave the Board a cleaned up project for Safe Routes to School, including a project budget. The Village is responsible for all design engineering at $28,000. If the Village is not awarded the grant, the cost would not get this high. The project development report cost $17,200. This cost would come out of the $28,000 listed on the budget. If this is paid out of the MFT fund it could put the project a month behind. The grant applications are due by November 19 and the start date for accepting applications is September 24. A motion was made by Trustee McLain to approve a contract with Chastain for up to $17,200, seconded by Trustee Russell. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

Review of New Burn Ordinance - Trustee Russell wanted this on the agenda due to the fact of several complaints lately. The Trustees went through some proposed changes to the burn ordinancepresentedbyVillageAttorneyJackKiley. Afterdiscussion,suggesteditemstochange on the current ordinance were given to Mr. Kiley to prepare for next month.

Trick or Treat Hours - The safe trick or treating being hosted by BASO was discussed. They asked that the Village trick or treat hours not be during this event. A motion was made by Trustee McLain to set the trick or treat hours on October 31st from 6pm to 9pm, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

Clear Gov. Profile Proposal - This was something President Ashley thought might be useful. The cost was very high and the Board wondered if it was worth it. After discussion it was decided that for the cost it would not be in the best interest of the Village.

Reports - were given from; Shannon Risley, & Chief Nichols

Correspondence - 1) received a thank you from Greg & Jackie McLain for the plant from the Village for his Mother’s passing. 2) Flyer from BASO regarding Safe Trick or Treating on 10/27

Meetings Before Next Meeting -

Police 10/2 @ 6:00pm *new police vehicle

Trustee McLain made a motion to enter into closed session to discuss possible litigation, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

Trustee McLain made a motion to enter back into open session, seconded by Trustee Russell. Voice vote taken, all ayes, motion carried.

With no other business to discuss a motion to adjourn was made by Trustee McLain and seconded by Trustee Doty. Voice vote taken, all ayes, motion carried.

https://www.villageofbethany.com/documents/116/09-13-18_min.pdf