Macon Reporter

Village of Warrensburg Village Board met Oct. 21.

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, October 21, 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, Freeman and Netherton. Also present were Chief Wheeler, Attorney Jankowicz & VAC Booth.  DPW Allen arrived after roll call.  Absent: Trustee K. Hood

MAYOR’S COMMENTS: AVP Hackl skipped his comments in order to allow more time for the Engineer and Auditor to speak.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Tim Hoffman discussed the Oktoburg event that was held on October 5. They had a good turnout and it was something different to enjoy. But they would like to have it on a different date next year so it doesn’t interfere with other area events. 

Christmas ideas were briefly discussed but the committee hasn’t decided on anything yet.

Railings and a ramp for the stage still need to be completed and Tim presented one estimate for them.  Attorney Jankowicz pointed out that 2 other estimates are required. Tim will obtain those and present at the next meeting.

Harold Hawkins asked how the Village will get the loan forgiveness discussed by Seth Flach-yet to be determined.

He also asked who checked the water, how often and from where it was checked.  DPW Allen said he checks the chlorine levels every day and has specific sites that are checked monthly and the EPA inspects at least annually. The levels are also checked when the hydrants are flushed and also whenever there is a boil order.

NEW BUSINESS: Chad Lucas from Sikich presented the 2024 audit, which was previously reviewed in detail by AVP Hackl and VAC Booth. Chad highlighted several items including; the Village’s financial position has improved over the prior year, a recommendation to segregate the duties for the VAC position, and to ensure that grant reporting be updated (the grant for SLFRF needs to be re-allocated). Board members will review the audit and it will be received and filed at the next meeting.

ENGINEER:  Seth Flach, from Milano and Grunloh Engineering discussed the fact that bypass funding does not allow for loan forgiveness. He advised the Village to say no at this time to state funding through the IEPA in order to be considered for funds that may be available in January (with loan forgiveness). 

REVIEW/APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  A motion was made by Trustee Fisher, seconded by Trustee Netherton to approve the minutes of the September 16, 2024 regular meeting. 

Motion carried. 

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

October 7 and October 21, 2024.  VAC Booth pointed out that there are 2 bills and transfers sheets since the October 7 bills were not approved due to the cancelation of the meeting.

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

No – none.  Motion carried.

VAC Booth expressed an interest in more training on Locis 7 rather than upgrading to Locis 8 at this time. She would like to become proficient in 7 in order to confidently train the new office employee.  The additional training, scheduled in November, would cost no more than $1100, for round trip travel and approximately 7 hours of training.  Trustee Freeman asked if Locis 7 is still being supported with Locis 8 already in use - (it is and will continue to be.)

FINANCE:  Nothing

BUILDING: Trustee Netherton discussed taking applications for a part time office assistant. Attorney Jankowicz suggested that a new chair be determined for the Finance committee.  An ad hoc committee should be formed to name the chair, as well as to determine the course of action for hiring a new employee.

POLICE: Chief Wheeler discussed his monthly report for September.  AVP Hackl asked for a further explanation of the juvenile reports - ordinance violations that occurred within the Village.

Chief Wheeler also discussed the bullet-proof vest purchase application to replace the vests that the Police department have used for the last 5 years. The vests are only rated for 5 years so it is time to replace them.  He presented a quote from U.S. Armor, the same company used in the past for the vests, and the grant that he received will pay 50% of the cost. Trustee Fisher made a motion to purchase the vests for $6275.78 seconded by Trustee Netherton.  Cindy Hundley questioned why Chief Wheeler didn’t have to have 2 other quotes. Chief Wheeler said that these are the same vests that they have used and prefer and what the federal government grant has been approved for at this time.  Attorney Jankowicz discussed the need to stay consistent with obtaining 3 quotes but also believed that this may be an emergency situation as the vests are expiring and new ones must be purchased. Chief Wheeler stressed that he has been awaiting the grant award as well as the board meeting to discuss the purchase.

Trustee Fisher amended his motion to be for an emergency purchase to U.S. Armor for 7 bullet-proof vests in the amount of $6275.78, seconded by Trustee Netherton.

Roll Call Vote:  Yes – Trustees Hackl, Fisher, Netherton and Freeman      

No – none.  Motion carried.

Chief Wheeler discussed the Christmas lighting contest that the Police department organizes every year in conjunction with Illini Park. After judging light displays around the community, a dinner is held for the community and awards are presented for the winners of first, second and third place. He asked the board if they would like to continue this event this year.  Trustee Freeman made a motion to allocate $500 from the video gaming fund to the Police department for the Christmas lighting contest, seconded by Trustee Netherton.

Roll Call Vote:  Yes – Trustees Netherton, Fisher, Freeman and Hackl     

No – none.  Motion carried.

Chief Wheeler also mentioned that W-L school is interested in a full time SRO. A meeting will be held soon to discuss this possible position beginning next school year.

SEWER:  Trustee Hackl discussed that the pole holding the meter at the lift station has been replaced. The hole was drilled and set for free and the Village used a pole and wire that we already had.  The Village will purchase the meter box and some pipe and Ameren will pay for the overhead down to the meter. 

STREETS:  Trustee Fisher asked if the board had approved an estimate for the sidewalks and ditch -no, it has not been approved yet and Trustee Hood is not available to explain the estimates. After some discussion, it was determined that the estimates will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

WATER:  Nothing

PUBLIC WORKS:  DPW Allen discussed the emergency estimate for the lagoon repairs. It has been a process of pumping air in and out while more air lines bust loose. There is only one functioning pump at the lagoon and because the piping is so old, it is going to continue to break down.  He recommended that we replace at least one of the pumps and the piping underneath as well as upgrade the electrical panel.  It was determined that a special meeting will be held to determine the best course of action.

Attorney Jankowicz suggested investigating a collaborative with the Decatur Sanitary District, as he has seen it be successful for Oreana and Argenta.  Stephanie Brown from Chastain Engineering expressed that she has previous experience with these types of inter-governmental agreements and it could be to the Village’s advantage.

VILLAGE ATTORNEY:  Attorney Jankowicz stressed the need for the financial committee to meet to assess the issue of Corn Festival financial management.

For informational purposes, the proposed sign will move from the Sportsman’s Club to the property across the street.  The board will rescind the ordinance with the Club and sign a new ordinance at the next meeting. 

OTHER AND/OR OLD BUSINESS: 

Trustee Netherton moved and Trustee Freeman seconded to adjourn.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 7:03 PM

The next regular meeting will be on Monday, November 4, 2024 @ 5:30 PM. 

AVP Hackl reminded everyone that the Hall will be used the following day (November 5) for primary election voting and the meeting will need to be adjourned by 6:30 PM to allow for set-up.

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