Macon Reporter

Village of Bethany Board of Trustee met Sept. 9.

Here are 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, and Brian Gill. Trustee Raven Allen will be joining the meeting late.

A motion was made by Trustee Doty to approve the minutes from the August 12, 2021 regular meeting, seconded by Trustee Allen. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

A motion was made by Trustee Doty to approve the special meeting minutes from July 27, 2021, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

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

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

Public – Matt Flood – asked if something could be done with the water pooling at the intersection by his house. Trustee Doty explained why the water is pooling at this intersection. We have sprayed for mosquitos recently and will spray again within the next couple of days.

Matt Foster/Safe Routes to School – The Board needs to approve a Resolution showing support of the Safe Route to Schools project. A motion was made by Trustee McLain to approve Resolution #21-500 letter supporting the Safe Routes to School application/project, seconded by Trustee Allen. Roll call taken; all ayes motion carried.

Greg Gustafson Water Improvement Project Update – Mr. Gustafson updated the Board on the following items: Rural Development submitted items that still need to be sent in; he has notified them of the water retention tank approval and has submitted the paperwork and Rural Development is reviewing; discussed the alternate financing option; nearly finished on the surveying; needs to talk with the Attorney on the legal right-of-way map.

Utility Fee for Water Improvement – Finance Committee met to discuss this. They are recommending that a $16 water repair fee be added to all 748 utility bills. There are customers that have multiple bills/meters, there is a need to figure out how to discount these customers. This would be roughly 60 customers. It is also recommended that those who will protest this fee, be treated as an unpaid utility bill. The Committee wants to make sure all customers are treated fairly across the board. This fee is to help pay for the loan on the water project in its entirety. As soon as the loan is paid off, this fee comes off the utility bill. The money collected will be divided up between the loan payment and the two reserved accounts required from Rural Development for this project. This is not a rate increase, just a fee that will come to an end. It was suggested to delay this fee until a more specific number/list of utility customers has been reached. Action will be taken at a later date.

Ordinance Fines/Complaint Policy – Village Attorney was not able to attend the meeting, this will be tabled until next month.

Zoning Ordinance Updates – Village Attorney was not able to attend the meeting, this will be tabled until next month.

TIF Agreement with Melissa Ashley – This agreement was already approved and discussed last month. This is the ordinance for this agreement. A motion was made by Trustee McLain to approve Ordinance #21-799 for the TIF agreement between Melissa Ashley and the Village of Bethany, seconded by Trustee Allen. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

TIF Agreement with Jeff Taylor – Trustee McLain has been in contact with Mr. Taylor in regards to his building and the agreement with the Village. Mr. Taylor sent a picture of a business sign on the back door of the building. He also stated that the current owner of the High Peaks business is still planning on opening.

Trick or Treat Hours – Halloween is Sunday October 31st. BASO will have a safe trick or treat on Saturday the 30th. A motion was made by Trustee Allen to set trick or treat hours for 6 to 9 pm on Saturday October 30th, seconded by Trustee Doty. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

Fall Town Cleanup Day – In the last two weeks Treasurer Jessica Henderson has received multiple calls in regards to having a village wide clean up day after the fall rummage sale dates. We have already hosted a village electronic recycling day. It was suggested to push this item until Spring.

New Floors for Police Dept. & Village Hall – The Board was presented with a quote for new flooring at the Police Dep't. and the Village Hall. There is a problem with a wall at the PD that needs fixed and the floor would need fixed as well. The floor at the Village Hall also needs updated. The quote was received from Frank Hilton from Lovington. The Board would like to take a look at the PD before making a decision. Also find out if it is possible to use TIF funds to help pay for this project.

Reports – Shannon Risley, Finance Committee, Police Report

Correspondence – Received a noise complaint concerning The Publisher on Sunday night. Meeting Before the Next Meeting – None

A motion was made by Trustee McLain to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing litigation and sale of Village property seconded by Trustee Allen. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

A motion was made by Trustee Doty to enter back into Open Session, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. 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 Ruppert. Voice vote taken, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting was adjourned.

https://www.villageofbethany.com/documents/116/village_minutes_9-09-21.pdf