Macon Reporter

Village of Bethany Board of Trustees Met Dec. 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

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

A motion was made by Trustee Doty to approve the minutes from the November 12, 2020 regular meeting, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

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

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

Public – John Vander Burgh from the Bethany Diner: As a representative for the Diner, Mr. Vander Burgh asked if there was anything the Village could do during this COVID issue, to help with the utilities at the Diner. It averages anywhere from $800-1200 a month for utilities. They want to keep going with the PEACE meal program. The board discussed if there was a way to help by helping with the Peacemeal. It was suggested that the Utility Committee take a look at this. The Diner did get a payroll protection loan & 90% of business right now is Peacemeal business. Trustee Russell will call a committee mtg to see what, if anything, can be done. Village Attorney Jack Kiley suggested doing something through the Peacemeal. A motion was made by Trustee Ruppert to donate $1000 to the Bethany Diner to help provide the Peacemeal program, seconded by Trustee Russell. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

Matt Flood – asked if anyone from the American Legion asked about a flag pole, if the Village would help with the clasp on the pole. Shannon believes it was already fixed by Daniel. Mr. Flood also asked to have Main St. to St. John and St. John out of town to remain at 30 mph.

Ordinance on Town Wide Speed Limit – Ordinance #20-729 to change the town wide limit to 25 mph unless otherwise indicated. A motion was made by Trustee Doty to approve Ordinance #20-729 for the town wide speed limit general speed restrictions, seconded by Trustee Gill. Roll call taken: Gill-yes; Doty-yes; Ruppert-yes; Jennings-yes; McLain-no; Russell-yes; motion carried.

Building Rates and Zoning Fees - need to have more information for next month.

Purchase of Soda Machine – no action yet. Tabled until next month.

Other Old Business – Greg Gustafson for the Water Treatment project. Gave us an update. Control panel at the water treatment plant was having issues. Village Manager Shannon Risley and Mr. Gustafson met with someone concerning this. The supplier put together a reasonable cost estimate $75,000 to $100,000 for the PER on the Grant. Once the plan is approved and if this comes up as an emergency, they would approve it. Board consensus was to add this to the Water Treatment Rural Water Grant PER.

Christmas Bonuses for Employees – to be discussed in executive session

TIF Agreement with Matt Pence – TIF Chair McLain directed the Board to look at the committee minutes he presented. Mr. Pence is requesting to buy out his C.F.D. for his building to avoid any potential future issues with the lien holder. The Committee is not interested in giving an agreement for a forgivable loan. What they are willing to do is to buy out the C.F.D. at $11,200 and the village would become the lien holder at 2%. Chair McLain contacted the TIF attorneys and this can be done but the loan must be paid off by 2026 at the end of the life of the TIF. Chair McLain is just wanting to bring this information for discussion. No action was taken.

TIF Agreement with Bethany Diner – The Diner has requested money for new LED lighting to help save on costs. Atchison Electric costs of $613.86 for bulb replacement and Marshall Electric costs of $500.00 for labor, for $1113.86 total. Committee was very much in favor to help and made a recommendation for the full amount. A motion was made by Trustee McLain to give a TIF grant to the Bethany Diner for $1113.86, seconded by Trustee Gill. Roll call taken: Doty-yes; Ruppert-no; Jennings-no; McLain-no; Russell-no; Gill-yes; motion did not pass. A motion was made by Trustee Russell to give a TIF grant to the Bethany Diner for $613.86 for bulb replacement, seconded by Trustee McLain. Roll call taken, all ayes motion carried.

George Mayberry Property – The past few months Mr. Mayberry has flagged down the guys and complained that the Village is encroaching on his property. Mr. Mayberry has complained that the Village has done nothing for 43 years and he’s the only one in town without a boulevard. Mr. Mayberry has said he has had his property surveyed. Board would like to see his survey and invite him to the next board meeting.

Hire of New Part-Time Officer – To be discussed in executive session

REPORTS - were given from: Shannon Risley, TIF Committee, & Chief Nichols gave his report by phone.

CORRESPONDENCE – None

MEETINGS BEFORE THE NEXT MEETING –

Utilities

@5:30 pm 12/14/20 *Peacemeal Diner

* Diner utilities

Streets/Alleys

@ 6:00 pm 1/5/21 *speed limit conditions

A motion was made by Trustee McLain to go into executive session to discuss personnel, seconded by Trustee Gill. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

A motion was made by Trustee Ruppert to go back into open session, seconded by Trustee Doty. Voice vote taken, all ayes.

A motion was made by Trustee Russell to give all Village Employees a Christmas Bonus of $100 after taxes, seconded by Trustee Doty. Roll call taken: Russell-yes; Gill-yes; Doty-yes; Ruppert- abstain (conflict of interest); Jennings-yes; McLain-abstain (conflict of interest); motion carried.

A motion was made by Trustee Russell to hire Tracy Feldkamp as part-time officer with a beginning wage of $20/hour, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Roll call taken, all ayes motion carried.

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

https://www.villageofbethany.com/documents/116/village_minutes_12-10-20.pdf