Macon Reporter

Village of Mt. Zion Village Board of Trustees met Oct. 19

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Mayor Williams called the Meeting of the Mt. Zion Village Board of Trustees to order at 5:15 p.m. in the Village Hall Board Room. The following Board Members were present for roll call: Mike Mose, Chris Siudyla, Ellen Ritchie, Donna Scales, and Wendy Kernan. Also present were Village Administrator, Julie Miller, Village Treasurer, Corey McKenzie, Chief of Police, Adam Skundberg, Director of Public Works, Chad Reynolds, and Village Clerk, Dawn Reynolds. Kevin Fritzsche was absent. 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Public Forum: Nine (9) people were present. A resident of 340 McGaughey Drive addressed the Board regarding a lack of communication from Village Hall. The resident claimed to receive no call backs from messages left regarding his water bill and dirt to fill his ditch. 

Consent Agenda: A motion was made by Trustee Scales to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Trustee Kernan. A breakdown of Fund Warrants for the period ending October 19, 2020 is as follows: General Fund - $101,195.19, Motor Fuel Tax - $377.92, Gustin Nelson TIF - $268,157.70, 2019 G.O. Capital Project Fund - $20,784.05, Water Revenue Fund - $180,373.52, and Sewer Revenue Fund - $28,328.61. A roll call vote was taken: Mose-yea, Siudyla-yea, Ritchie-yea, Scales-yea, and Kernan-yea. Motion carried 5-yea, O-nay, 1-absent. 

Presentation of Letter of Commendation - Officer Craig Reed: Chief Skundberg presented officer Craig Reed with a letter of commendation for his outstanding dedication and effort enforcing DUI laws and recognition by the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for exceeding 75 career DUI arrests. Officer Reed's outstanding performance, exceptional diligence and loyal devotion to duty reflects upon him and the Mt. Zion Police Department. Officer Reed is a shining example of dedication and professionalism and an asset to the department and the residents of Mt. Zion. 

Consideration and Action on An Ordinance Amending the Terms of a Gas Franchise Agreement with Ameren Illinois Company d/b/a Ameren Illinois: Administrator Miller presented for consideration an ordinance amending the gas franchise with Ameren Illinois. As part of the agreement, the Village can request a review of connections as outlined in the growth clause in the original agreement. A review was requested, and it has been determined that the franchise payment will be $13,420 annually rather than the $12,200. The current franchise agreement expires October 6, 2025. The Village will request an additional review prior to the new franchise agreement being brought to the Board for approval. 

A motion was made by Trustee Siudyla to Approve the Ordinance Amending the Terms of a Gas Franchise Agreement with Ameren Illinois Company d/b/a Ameren Illinois as presented, seconded by Trustee Ritchie. A roll call vote was taken: Mose-yea, Siudyla-yea, Ritchie-yea, Scales-yea, and Kernan yea. Motion carried 5-yea, O-nay, 1-absent. 

Consideration and Action on the 2021 Holiday and Village Meeting Schedule: Presented for consideration was the annual Holiday and Meeting Schedule for 2021. The Village is required to post the annual schedule for public information. 

A motion was made by Trustee Scales to approve the 2021 Holiday and Village Meeting Schedule as presented, seconded by Trustee Ritchie. A roll call vote was taken: Mose-yea, Siudyla-yea, Ritchie-yea, Scales-yea, and Kernan-yea. Motion carried 5-yea, O-nay, 1-absent. 

Consideration and Action on A Resolution to Support Submittal of the Baltimore Avenue – Harry Land Road Bike Path Project for funding through the Winois Department of Transportation Enhancement Program: Administrator Miller presented for consideration a resolution required to submit a grant application for the Baltimore Avenue - Harry Land Road Bike Path Project. ITEP grants are administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation. The estimated cost of the project is $327,500. If awarded, the grant would be approximately $255,600 with the Village's share being $71,900. The project will require the relocation of some utilities. The length of the new trail is 21 miles. 

A motion was made by Trustee Ritchie to Approve the Resolution to Support Submittal of the Baltimore Avenue - Harry Land Road Bike Path Project for funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation Enhancement Program as presented, seconded by Trustee Kernan. A roll call vote was taken; Mose yea, Siudyla-yea, Ritchie-yea, Scales-yea, and Kernan-yea. Motion carried 5-yea, O-nay, 1-absent. 

Presentation of the Proposed 2020 Tax Levy - Discussion Only: Administrator Miller presented the proposed 2020 Tax Levy, Tax Rate, EAV Comparison. The Village will not be levying more than 5% over the previous year, so a public hearing is not required. If the projected EAV is close, the Village's tax rate should remain virtually unchanged. The levy ordinance must be filed with the County by December 22nd 

Presentation of the Proposed 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Plan: Treasurer Mckenzie presented a power point that outlined upcoming projects and recommendations from staff for the Village's infrastructure maintenance. 

Administrator & Staff Items: Treasurer Mckenzie reported the Local CURES Act has reimbursed $53,216.58 and another $187,000 has been submitted for public safety salaries. 

Administrator Miller informed the Board of a possible special meeting on November 2nd for a Budget Work Study. 

Mayor & Trustees Items: Mayor Williams requested the Village remain open on Election Day, November 3rd

Executive Session - Section 2011) - Compensation of Specific Employees: A motion was made by Trustee Mose to enter Executive Session at 5:51 p.m., seconded by Trustee Scales. A voice vote was unanimous, motion carried. 

A motion was made by Trustee Siudyla to exit Executive Session at 6:09 p.m., seconded by Trustee Ritchie. A voice vote was unanimous, motion carried. 

Administrator & Staff Items: Administrator Miller informed the Board of the Joint Review Board meeting regarding the new TIF. 

Adjournment: A motion was made by Trustee Scales to adjourn the October 19, 2020 Village Board meeting, seconded by Trustee Mose. A voice vote was unanimous; motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. 

https://mtzion.com/documents/70/October_19__2020_VB_Minutes.pdf