Macon Reporter

Village of Warrensburg Village Board met Aug. 19.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER: Acting Village President Hackl called the meeting to order at the Warrensburg Village Hall on Monday, August 19, 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 Sally Turner would be available to meet with the public on Tuesday, August 20 at 11:00 AM to answer any questions.

AVP Hackl also read a letter from Tim Hoffman on behalf of the Cornfest committee thanking the Board for their assistance in the success of the festival.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

NEW BUSINESS: David Mizer presented the new rates for medical insurance provided by Humana and Shelter Point for Village Employees. He requested a lower premium from Humana after reviewing the new plan and they did adjust the rates. Shelter Point did not raise their rates for this period.

Trustee Fisher made a motion to accept the increase in the Humana rates to $192.91, seconded by Trustee Netherton.

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

No – none. Motion carried.

ENGINEER: Stephanie Brown, from Chastain Engineering, discussed the contract for an IEPA project plan for improvements to the Village’s sanitary collection and treatment system. She said that it can be completed in phases for up to 5 years. The approximate timeframe to receive a loan by July of 2026 would be to develop a plan with a rate analysis study and then submit it for approval, which could take up to 6 months. Then we would obtain a Funding nomination form to be approved for the loan. This process would be necessary to complete in order to receive any funding, and it is recommended that the Village do so as improvements to the sanitary system are inevitable. The IEPA currently has the best rates.

Trustee Fisher made a motion to accept the IEPA Project plan for the Village of Warrensburg Sewer System, seconded by Trustee Netherton.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Trustees Netherton, Fisher, Hackl, P. Hood, K. Hood and Freeman. No – none. Motion carried.

Stephanie will be available to meet with VAC Booth to discuss the upcoming USDA compliance meeting.

Stephanie also said that she has not been able to reach the sign company to complete the permanent sign for the Lyle Jones Community Stage, but will keep working on it.

REVIEW/APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Trustee Netherton, seconded by Trustee Freeman to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2024 regular meeting. 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 VAC Booth discussed that the check for the new truck is appearing on this bills and transfer and will be split equally between Water, Sewer, and General. Also, in the AP bills are a few more Cornfest bills and the TIF payment to Shannon Wood for the Apartments on Washington Street.

VAC Booth also discussed a quote to upgrade to LOCiS 8. It is an easier system to navigate and also has the capabilities to email water bills as well as direct debit and 3rd party processing. It also includes a back-up system and 60 hours of in person and remote training.

Trustee Freeman questioned how the training would be conducted and where the trainer would be traveling from. VAC Booth will get more details from LOCiS and present at the next meeting.

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

No – none. Motion carried.

FINANCE: Trustee P. Hood read her letter of resignation from Village Trustee. She expressed that she is unable to perform her duties further and her last meeting will be September 16, 2024.

BUILDING: Nothing

POLICE: Chief Wheeler mentioned that School is back in session and to be mindful of the extra traffic and children around.

SEWER: Trustee Hackl discussed a sewer issue that a resident has had. Rise Broadband accidentally drilled through their sewer line, which lead to the sewer backing up into their home. DPW Allen has been in contact with the resident to ensure that Rise completes the repair and covers their work.

STREETS: Trustee K. Hood explained that there was some confusion regarding the bid for the asphalt maintenance project. The project was approved for using MFT funds for the repair of the asphalt and cracks around the Hall and Stage.

Trustee K. Hood made a motion to accept the MFT project not to exceed $25,000 for the Stage side of the road plus signage and cracks, seconded by Trustee Netherton.

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

Abstain: Trustee Fisher. No – none. Motion carried.

WATER: Nothing

PUBLIC WORKS: Nothing

VILLAGE ATTORNEY: Nothing

Trustee Freeman inquired about the procedure for filling the soon-to-be vacant Trustee seat. Attorney Jankowicz suggested that the Village begin by soliciting letters of interest from residents by mentioning it in the Newsletter.

Trustee Freeman stated that he would like to see AVP Hackl step down from his Trustee position, as promised in closed session. AVP Hackl stated that he can change his mind, he would like hold on to his seat and people are free to feel however they like about it.

OTHER AND/OR OLD BUSINESS: Trustee K. Hood showed a picture of a recently repaired sidewalk that is already in disarray due to the resident living near it. He also mentioned a property on Durfee that needs to be demolished. Attorney Jankowicz stated that he is presently working on Ordinance violation letters to be presented at the next meeting.

Trustee Fisher discussed an issue that he is having with Verizon’s lack of coverage within the Village. It was suggested that he discuss it with State Senator Sally Turner when she visits.

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

The meeting adjourned at 6:34 PM

The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 @ 5:30 PM.

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