DRAFT MINUTES August 7, 2002

The Village Board of Trustees met in regular session on August 7th, 2002, in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building.

Members Present: Mayor Keith Waldrop, Trustee Sherry Catt, Trustee Myrl Littlejohn, Trustee Carole Jones, Trustee Jack Gallion, Trustee Bonnie Finn, Trustee Bill Hatch and Village Clerk Ladora Boyd.

Absent: Treasurer Jan Miller.

Others Present: Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Linda Cravens (Oblong Gem), Police Chief Chad Pusey, Lisa Ulrey (Robinson Daily News), Part-Time Officer Greg Coker, Amy Tarr (Country Companies), Rick Carter, Debi Wilson, Robert Habich (Rumpke), Trish Moore (Pekin), Kelley Tracy, Justin Lockhart, Jeremy Snider, Rick Dennis, Brad Waldrop, Darla Brooks, Sgt. Larry Fear, Public Works Office Manager Dale Davis, Judy Jones, Richard Pimentel, Stacy Houser, Mike McReynolds, Cindy McReynolds, Michele Lewis, Amy Christman, Charles D. Christman, Larry Lorance, Kim Priest, Michael Cox, Ron Tuel and Susie Tracy. For The Executive Session: Frank Weber (Village Attorney), Jill Layton (a Court Reporter), Officer Jean Ann Randolph, Joe Randolph and Kent Heller (Officer Randolph's Attorney).

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by Mayor Waldrop.

2. The Regular Meeting minutes of July 3rd were approved with a motion by Bonnie and a second by Bill. All ayes, motion carried.

3. There was one addition to the agenda this month. Debi Wilson came before the board to ask that the 200 block of South Range be blocked off on September 13th for a street dance sponsored by Ridgeview Care Center in connection with the Fast Fannie Weekend. Motion by Jack, with a second by Carole, to have the 200 block of South Range blocked off for the street dance. All ayes, motion carried.

4. There were three delinquent water bill customers at the meeting this month. Michele Lewis stated that she would be able to pay her delinquent water bill on Thursday, August 15th. The board agreed to the extension. Kim Priest stated that she would be able to pay her delinquent water bill on Friday, August 9th. The board agreed to the extension. Michael Cox stated that he would be able to pay his delinquent water bill on Thursday, August 15th. The board agreed to the extension.

5. Robert Habich from Rumpke came before the board to ask that the Village sign a letter of consent to have Republic finish out Rumpke's contract with the Village. Motion by Jack, with second by Bill, to sign the letter of consent. Ayes: Bill, Jack, Myrl, Sherry. Nays: Bonnie, Carole. Motion carried. Rumpke has 472 stops within the Village limits.

6. Tim Attaway (Oblong Chamber of Commerce) could not make the meeting this month, so he will try to be at the next board meeting.

7. Amy Tarr (Country Companies) came before the board to discuss a group health plan for the Village employees. Trish Moore (Pekin) came before the board to discuss six different options for the group health plan for the Village employees. The board decided to table any decision until next month's meeting.

8. Motion by Carole, with a second by Bill, to enter into executive session to discuss personnel at 7:40 pm. All ayes, motion carried.

9. Motion by Bill, with a second by Carole, to come out of executive session at 12:20 am. All ayes, motion carried.

10. Motion by Carole, with a second by Sherry, that the Charges against Officer Jean Ann Randolph are sustained, and that Officer Jean Ann Randolph be terminated as a police officer of the Village of Oblong, effective August 8th, 2002. Ayes: Bill, Carole, Sherry. Nays: Bonnie, Jack, Myrl. In case of a tie vote the Mayor will break the tie with his vote. Mayor voted aye, motion carried.

11. Under Mayor's Comments, Keith stated that the Ruritan's will be having a dinner on August 18th, proceeds will be donated to the new Mini Park and that Wal*Mart will match the fund raised up to $1,000. Wal*Mart has already given the Village a $1,000 check and a $600 check to the police department. Keith stated that the Siding on the north wall of the Mini Park was about finished. Keith also stated that Allen Price (Daybreak Landscaping) had donated the rocks for the fish pond at the Mini Park.

12. The treasurer's report was given by Keith. Keith stated that the Village has an option to reinvest the General Repo #95972800 and MFT Repo #96024191 with a rate of 3.04% (APY). The board agreed to let the Finance Committee look at the bids on the Sewer Repo that is coming due this month and then contact the rest of the board to get permission to go with the financial institute with the best rate of interest or move it to Casey State Bank.

13. Motion by Bill, with a second by Carole, to move the money from the General Repo (which came due on July 13th) and the Water Repo (which came due on July 16th) to Casey State Bank where they will be getting a interest rate of 3.60% (APY). Ayes: Bill, Bonnie, Carole, Sherry. Nays: Jack, Myrl. Motion carried.

14. Motion by Jack, with a second by Bonnie, to reinvest General Repo #95972800 and MFT Repo #96024191 at a rate of 3.04% (APY) with First National Bank in Olney of Oblong. All ayes, motion carried.

15. Motion by Sherry, with a second by Carole, to pay the bills that were on the voucher and any utility bills or any bills that will incur a late charge. Ayes: Bill, Bonnie, Jack, Carole, Sherry. Nays: Myrl. Motion carried.

16. Reports of Committees:

A. Police: Carole stated that everyone had a copy of the monthly police report. She mentioned that the service calls had increased from last month. Carole stated that Chief Pusey will be having the department do another Click It or Ticket on Labor Day Weekend. Keith stated that he had received information from Lt. Governor Corinne Wood on a program "Project HomeSafe" where the Village will receive 100 gunlocks to be given away in the community. Chad stated that it would be first come, first serve on the gunlocks. Chad stated that he will be going to Carbondale on August 14th for his test that will certify him for the State of Illinois. Chad asked that he be able to order 2 video cameras to be placed on the 2000 and 1998 Crown Victoria. Motion by Carole, with a second by Bonnie, to have Chad order the cameras at the state bid. Ayes: Bill, Bonnie, Jack, Carole, Sherry. Nays: Myrl. Motion carried.

B. Buildings and Park: Sherry stated that the Park Entrance Lights have been on since August 1st. Sherry stated that all the bills have been turned-in and that the Fair Board will reimburse the Village for half of the cost. She wanted to thank Gary and the guys for their help with the lights. Gary stated that he had contacted 2 tree removal services to get bids on the removal of some dead trees out at the Park. At this time he has only one bid from Wayne's Tree Service for $250/a tree. Motion by Jack, with a second by Sherry, to have Wayne's Tree Service cut down 3 dead trees out at the Park for $250 each and possibly 2 more if he will do them at the same price. All ayes, motion carried.

C. Sidewalks and Lights: No Report.

D. Street and Alley: Jack stated that he had been approached about putting up a stop sign at South Jackson and West Indiana, because of speeding of vehicles. The Board decided to have Chad study the problem and come back to the Board with his recommendation to resolving the problem. Gary stated that Mr. Stolz is happy with the solution to the problem that was tabled from last month.

E. Water and Sewer: Bonnie stated that there had been a committee meeting just before the Village Board Meeting. The committee watched a video from TowerLink America, LLC on selling spots for antennas on our water tower. The Village would receive a percent of the money from the use of the antennas. The company sent a contract with the video. Motion by Bill, with a second by Bonnie, to have the Village Attorney look over a contract from TowerLink America, LLC. All ayes, motion carried.

F. Finance: Motion by Bill, with a second by Bonnie, to add the following items to the Employee Guidelines:

V. SICK DAYS & PERSONAL DAYS - add under the 3rd paragraph - Sick days are only to be used for employee illness or to care for immediate family during illness. Sick day pay will not be granted upon resignation or termination. The employee may request payment for sick days not used at the end of each calendar year. This offer is not retroactive and must be requested five (5) days before last pay in each calendar year.

IX. HIRING (strike last paragraph) add - All new employees will be on a probationary period for one year, with evaluation at 3-month intervals. Pay raises at 6-month and one year is at the Village Board of Trustees discretion.

All Public Works employees must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. All Public Works employees who are in a "safety sensitive job" must agree to participate in the random selection-testing program.

All ayes, motion carried.

17. Bonnie asked if the Village would be advertising for Jean Ann's position. Keith stated that the Police Committee will probably be meeting later on to discuss options.

18. A motion to adjourn at 1:17 am was made by Bonnie, with a second by Bill. All ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ladora Boyd, Clerk