Macon Reporter

Village of Harristown Board of Trustees met May 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Village of Harristown Board of Trustees held their monthly meeting on May 19, 2025 at 185 N. Kembark St, Harristown, IL. Trustees Jamie Jackson, Jay Trusner, Kurt Terry, Jeff Eller, Financial clerk Teresa Acree, Budget Officer Rick Laskowski, Attorney Joshua Dubbelde, Clerk Penny Allen and Mayor Les Jenkins were present. Trustee Kevin Vessels was absent. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Adopt Meeting Agenda

Motion by Trustee Trusner to adopt the meeting agenda. Trustee Eller 2nd. Approved 4-0. Approve Minutes

Motion by Trustee Trusner to approve regular board meeting minutes from April 28, 2025. Trustee Eller 2nd. Approved 4-0. Motion by Trustee Trusner to approve special meeting minutes from May 5, 2025. Trustee Terry 2nd. Approved 4-0.

Visitors

Kevin Callarman – from Paint Care discussed his program. This program sets up a recycling program for paint. Trustee Vessels arrived at 6:35 pm. Mr. Callarman said they work with paint stores, villages, etc, to provide leak proof bins, and training to drop off paint. They will set up the bins, collect the bins and remove them; they pay for everything. He asked if the village could set up a monthly collection or a one day event. No cost to village; free service. Mayor Jenkins stated we have a recycle day, could this be coordinated with this? Mr. Callarman said yes this would work. Mayor and Board will think about this and let him know.

Candidates for open trustee position-each candidate discussed why they would like position

April Bogan-would like to apply for the open trustee position. She didn’t run on the ballot because she didn’t think anyone knew her. She enjoyed the 2 years on the board and would love to continue to be part of the board. Enjoyed working with trustees.

Cody Endrizzi – interested but could not be here; he had to work.

Steve Grandon -615 Moyer Road – 1977 graduate of Niantic Hight School. He wants to get involved; moved back to the original house he grew up in. He thinks everything is looking up out here for the village.

Mindy Hood -27 year resident. She feels it is important to be active in the community. She is involved in boards at school, Boy Scouts, and Wycklesfest. She works at Tate.

Wayne Hughes – interested but not here.

Ernie Marsh – he said he has an unique background. He has budgeted millions of dollars. He has developed and currently teaching a program at Decatur Correctional center

Mark Page-moved back to village 12 years ago; grew up around here. Was with Macon County highway dept. He cares about what goes into this village

Steve Shepard-letter distributed. He is out of town

This position will be discussed later

Alysia Matich -discussed the Niantic picnic. She discussed selling tickets for the lunch to re-coop part of the cost. Mayor Jenkins will discuss later

Mayor’s Report

The new mower and trailer was purchased.

Would like the Board to think about upgrading the security cameras

Seth (engineer) is working with Buckeye on the requested water extension.

Approve bills over $1,000

Troy Page $5,000 dirt for park TIF fund

Motion by Trustee Eller to approve above bill. Trustee Trusner 2nd. Approved 5-0. If the amount of a bill is within budgeted amount, it will not need to be re-approved. Treasurer Report

Treasurer Acree discussed.

Motion by Trustee Vessels to approve Treasurer report. Trustee Terry 2nd. Approved 5-0. Budget Officers Report

BO Laskowski discussed. There are 21 accounts over budget end of fiscal year. May begins the new fiscal year. Motion by Trustee Vessels to approve report. Trustee Trusner 2nd. Approved 5-0 Motion by Trustee Vessels to approve the budget overages. Trustee Trusner 2nd. Approved 5-0.

Old Business

TIF with SV-Motion by Trustee Vessels to approve as ordinance 25-06 TIF agreement resolution authorizing agreement with Sangamon Valley CUSD #9. Trustee Terry 2nd. Approved 5-0. Motion by Trustee Trusner for Mayor Jenkins to sign the intergovernmental agreement between village and Sangamon Valley School, once he receives it back from them. Trustee Eller 2nd. Approved 5-0.

Water meters-Mayor and Mr. Closs believes another public works meeting needs to be held regarding this.

Ordinance reverting village clerk back to elected position for future terms -Motion by Trustee Vessels to approve as ordinance 25-07, reverting village clerk position back to elected position. Trustee Eller 2nd. Roll call: Eller, yes; Trusner, yes; Terry, yes; Jackson, yes; Vessels, yes. Approved 5-0.

Engineer-nothing to report

Public Works

Mr. Closs discussed. Tree on 4th and Snider was taken down. This was a hazard as the tree was split in the middle and danger of falling.

Zoning Officers Report -nothing to report

New Business

Appointments - Mayor Jenkins recommended to appoint Penny Allen as village clerk. Motion by Trustee Trusner to approve this appointment. Trustee Vessels 2nd. Approved 5-0. Mayor Jenkins swore in Penny Allen. Mayor Jenkins recommended to appoint Teresa Acree as Treasurer. Motion by Trustee Trusner to approve this appointment. Trustee Vessels 2nd. Approved 5-0. Mayor Jenkins recommended to appoint

Rick Laskowski as Budget Officer. Motion by Trustee Trusner to approve this appointment. Trustee Vessels 2nd. Approved 5-0. Clerk Allen swore in Teresa Acree and Rick Laskowski.

Summer hours- Motion by Trustee Vessels to approved summer hours with the office being closed on Wednesday’s. Trustee Eller 2nd. Approved 5-0.

Material Storage Building-Mr. Closs discussed and thinks a soft top-hoop building may be the best way to go (19 ft high).

Public Works Office – Mr. Closs suggested a Bullock 24x24 building with concrete, approx. $26,000. Mayor Jenkins will think about the options.

Mayor Computer and Printer-Board approves for the Mayor to purchase a new computer and printer.

Mayor Pro-Tem- Mayor Jenkins would like to nominate Trustee Trusner to this position. Motion by Trustee Vessels to approve Trustee Trusner as mayor pro-tem. Trustee Eller 2nd. Approved 5-0.

Request from SVTC football – Motion by Trustee Trusner to donate $5,000 to SVTC football program. Trustee Jackson 2nd. Approved 5-0.

Authorizing banking signature and credit card-Motion by Trustee Vessel to add Mayor Jenkins and Trustee Trusner and to remove former Mayor Deverell from the signature card. Trustee Eller 2nd. Approved 5-0. Motion by Trustee Trusner to remove former mayor Deverell from credit card and make it for Harristown. Trustee Vessels 2nd. Approved 5-0.

Ordinance

Letter sent for grass and dogs. No new ones

Committees

Personnel – nothing to report

Business – nothing to report

Attorney- nothing to report

Motion by Trustee Vessels to enter closed session to discuss appointment of trustee vacancy. Trustee Eller 2nd. Approved 5-0.

Entered closed session at 7:37 pm

Back to regular session at 7:48 pm

Motion by Trustee Eller to adjourn. Trustee Vessels 2nd. Approved 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:48 pm

https://villageofharristown.com/documents/231/VOH_5-19-25.pdf