Macon Reporter

Village of Bethany Board of Trustees met March 14.

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, Jon Book, Greg McLain, Raven Russell, and Brian Gill.

A motion was made by Trustee Book to approve the minutes from the February 14, 2019 regular meeting 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 McLain to approve the “Banks and Checks Journal”, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

Public - Mary Martin: spoke to revoke the recycling fee from the utility bills. Phil Ozier: spoke in favor of the recycling. Melissa Gill: will speak about the BASO car show.

American Legion Video Gaming License - Representatives for the American Legion spoke to the Board and shared their current income/expenses for the Legion and their desire to expand the out of town revenue. Scott Buxton expressed his support for the Legion and discussed his findings on public opinions regarding this issue. Marsha Sims asked for a one year trial for the legion gaming. Trustee Russell had questions regarding start-up costs, a game plan for additional fundraisers. Mike Brewer, from the Legion, spoke on possible increased revenue. President Ashley addressed issues with active member participation.

Vision/Dental Insurance for Village Employees - Shannon Risley, Village Manager, explained the old quote with insurance companies and a new current, cheaper quote with Diamond Bros. Insurance. He is still waiting on one more quote to come in.

Electronic Recycling - Trustee Russell talked of BLH, however she no longer wants to work with them. She did find out about a current $600 grant that we may be eligible for. Shannon will talk with Stonington about another option. Trustee McLain mentioned possibly doing something jointly with Stonington and sharing costs.

House at 410 N. Washington St. - President Ashley double checked on a bid from Dial and the total remains the same with complete total tear down and clean up for $9,800. Trustee Books suggested putting this out for public bid one more time. Trustee Russell would still want the tear down. Trustee Doty suggested looking for more bids to include well and cistern or ask Dial for this addition. President Ashley will ask what the additional cost would be.

BASO Car Show - Melissa Gill came to ask the Board to close part of Main St. for the BASO car show. This will be like it was last year. The date for the show will be August 24, from 2-8 pm. They are asking to block Main St. from the tracks to Church St. Trustee Book made a motion to approve closing Main St. from the tracks to Church St. on 8/24/19 for the BASO car show, seconded by Trustee Russell. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

Donation to the Ministerial Alliance - no one from the Alliance came to speak to the Board.

Post Prom Donation - Board received a letter from the Post Prom Committee asking for a donation. They provide a safe alcohol/drug free post prom for the OV students. Last year’s donation was $200. A motion was made by Trustee Russell to donate $200 to the OV Post Prom to come out of the Utilities fund, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

MFT - Matt Foster, Village Engineer, went over the total costs for MFT maintenance for the 2019 year. Mr. Foster suggests holding off work on Washington St. for now. After discussion, Trustee McLain made a motion to approve Resolution #19-470 approving maintenance from 1-1-19 to 12-31-19 approx. $55,000 in MFT fund to complete the 2019 streets & highways projects, seconded by Trustee Doty. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

Body Cameras for the Police Dept. - Chief Nichols has applied for a $5,000 grant for purchase of body cameras. Axon has not yet responded. G-Tac from Mt. Zion quoted $8,900 for two body cameras and a car camera. There will also be a $600/year charge after the initial purchase. This will be discussed more next month.

Part-time Police Officer Pay - will be discussed in closed session

Requirements of Part-Time Officers Going to Academy - will be discussed in closed session Part-time Office Help - will be discussed in closed session

Reports - were given from; Shannon Risley & Chief Nichols

Correspondence - 1) Thank you card from Karen Miller; 2)IDPH letter of perfect compliance on water.

Meeting Before the Next Meeting -

Utilities

3/28/19 @ 6:00 pm

*Rates increase/ordinance change

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

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

A motion was made by Trustee Book to pay part-time officer Drake Grubb $15/hr , working one 8-hour shift a month, while he is attending the Academy, seconded by Trustee McLain. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

With no other business to discuss a motion to adjourn was made by Trustee Book and seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Voice vote taken, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting was adjourned.

https://www.villageofbethany.com/documents/116/3-14-19_min.pdf