Macon Reporter

Village of Warrensburg Village Board met Aug. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER: Acting Village President Hackl called the meeting to order at the Warrensburg Village Hall on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 5:30 p.m., reminding everyone the meeting was being recorded.

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.

ROLL CALL: Present: Acting Village President Hackl, Trustees Fisher, P. Hood, Netherton, Freeman and K. Hood. Also present were Chief Wheeler, DPW Allen, Attorney Jankowicz & VAC Booth.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS: AVP Hackl stated that there was a key lost during the Cornfest. Therefore, Village Hall was rekeyed again as well as the mayor’s office, the inner office door and the glass window lock. Trustee K. Hood suggested that we place cameras inside but Chief Wheeler said that there are already cameras outside.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Resident Cindy Hundley questioned why the Facebook icon had been removed from the Newsletter. And the correction she mentioned to the June 17 minutes still needed to be done.

Cornfest Chair Tim Hoffman discussed the success of the Cornfest and apologized for the lost key. Tim also stated that they would like to utilize the new stage for an adult homecoming dance and plans for a Halloween activity are underway as well. Finally, Tim suggested that maybe the Cornfest committee could write their own checks, as it gets hectic for everyone before and during the festival. Attorney Jankowicz suggested that the Finance committee hold a meeting to discuss that issue; as well as to consider becoming a not-for-profit organization in order to obtain larger donations.

Also, the Stage is not completely finished. Tim recommends possibly adding a concrete loading area and improved handicap accessibility as well as finishing the ceiling and more landscaping around the Stage area.

AVP Hackl said that the Cornfest committee would benefit from more volunteers and that a call for more help will be placed in future Newsletters.

NEW BUSINESS: Kevin Collings and Dan from Koenig brought the 2024 Ford F250 SRW truck for the Board to inspect and discussed the purchase and fees as well as the accessories available on the truck. The Village will be trading in the 2014 Ford truck for this vehicle.

Trustee P. Hood made a motion to approve the vehicle purchase of $51,560, paid out in equal amounts from the vehicle funds under the Water, Sewer and General accounts, seconded by Trustee K. Hood.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Trustees K. Hood, Fisher, Hackl, P. Hood, Freeman and Netherton.

No – none. Motion carried.

ENGINEER: Stephanie, from Chastain Engineering, stated that she will assist with the USDA compliance review in September.

Stephanie also stated that the sewer treatment plant agreement has been drafted and will be sent to the EPA.

The timeline to apply for upcoming loans/grants was also discussed.

REVIEW/APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Trustee Netherton, seconded by Trustee Freeman to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2024 regular meeting. Motion carried.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Trustees P. Hood, K. Hood, Netherton, Fisher and Hackl.

Abstain: Trustee Freeman No – none. Motion carried.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK: Trustee Freeman moved and Trustee K. Hood seconded to approve the balance sheet, pay the bills and make the appropriate transfers for

August 5, 2024. VAC Booth discussed the issue with downloading the meter readings incorrectly this month and has taken the opportunity to receive more training with Midwest Meters and Locis. She also reminded the Board about the free Locis seminar in Springfield that she will be attending on August 8. The Cornfest bills are highlighted on the transfer sheet and there are only a few more bills remaining to be paid from that event.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Trustees Hackl, P. Hood, Fisher, Netherton, Freeman and K. Hood.

No – none. Motion carried.

FINANCE: Trustee P. Hood suggested that the Cornfest committee be honored somehow and will hold a meeting to discuss that as well as the details of giving the committee check-writing abilities.

BUILDING: Nothing

POLICE: Chief Wheeler presented the monthly report for July and discussed his 8-hour refresher course on an active shooter situation.

Trustee Freeman asked Chief Wheeler to investigate a residence on Warren that has a fence down and dogs left on the property unattended. Trustee Netherton will also look at it and send a letter to the owner of the property regarding Ordinance violations.

SEWER: Trustee Hackl mentioned that the Illinois Municipal League sent a letter regarding the grocery tax…he will research the topic and present at a later date.

Trustee Hackl also discussed a property that had some tree damage after a recent storm but is having difficulties determining the easement area with Ameren. Trustees Hackl and Netherton are working with the property owners to determine a solution.

Trustee Hackl stated that it will be necessary soon to obtain quotes for changing media in the water plant. DPW Allen said that it will be a lengthy process but it would be a good idea to do. Finally, Trustee Hackl brought up the subject of the old water tower and what should be done with it. Trustee Freeman said that the last time it was discussed in 2021, it was determined that nothing will be done with it until it is deemed necessary as it is a very costly project. Various options were discussed but no solution was determined.

STREETS: Nothing

WATER: Nothing

PUBLIC WORKS: Nothing

VILLAGE ATTORNEY: Attorney Jankowicz stated that Shannon Wood indicated that he had sent out the proper paperwork in order to be reimbursed for the work that he has done to improve the apartments on Washington Street. Trustee Freeman made a motion to approve the TIF reimbursement for Ordinance 802 IPX Wood, not to exceed $10,000, subject to Moran’s approval, seconded by Trustee P. Hood.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Trustees P. Hood, K. Hood, Freeman, Netherton, Fisher and Hackl.

No – none. Motion carried.

Attorney Jankowicz discussed that he has asked the 121 Coffee Run for an update on the completion of their work. They have until December 31, 2024 to complete the project according to our TIF agreement.

Trustee Netherton made a motion to approve Ordinance 806, an easement agreement with the Warrensburg Sportsman’s Club, seconded by Trustee Freeman.

Trustee Netherton explained that the placement of the new sign will be at the corner of Lane and Route 121, which is on the Sportsman’s Club property. It will be set up a little higher and will be more visible there. The Sportsman’s Club has no problem with placing it there and will not charge the Village for it. The Village will maintain the sign and landscaping and will provide the Sportsman’s Club with a free business listing on the sign. Other conditions are highlighted in the sign easement Ordinance.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Trustees Fisher, P. Hood, Hackl, Netherton, Freeman and K. Hood.

No – none. Motion carried.

Attorney Jankowicz also discussed a Business Sign Agreement. This agreement will be between the Village and various businesses that would like to advertise with a one foot by one foot sign on the bottom of our new Warrensburg sign. He explained that Trustee Netherton will be responsible for soliciting businesses for the sign and will work with each according to this agreement. No vote by the Board is necessary at this time.

OTHER AND/OR OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Hawkins asked for an update on the asbestos case…it is ongoing and the Village is still being represented.

Trustee K. Hood moved and Trustee Freeman seconded to adjourn. Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM

The next regular meeting will be on Monday, August 19, 2024 @ 5:30 PM.

https://warrensburgil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/village-minutes-08-05-24.docx