March 2nd, 2011

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011, in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building.

Members Present: Mayor Randy Rich, Clerk Ladora Boyd, Trustee Rick Catt, Trustee Joe Campanella, Trustee Ken Russell, Trustee Tony Madlem, Trustee Debi Wilson and Treasurer Jan Miller.

Absent: Trustee Rick Houdasheldt.

OthersPresent: Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Police Chief Chad Pusey, Tom Compton (Daily News), Chris Forde (WTYE/WTAY) and JJ Aten (Oblong Gem).

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Rich.

2. The Regular Board Meeting minutes of February 9th. 2011 were approved with a motion by Rick C. and a second by Joe. Five (5) ayes; motion carried.

3. There were no additions or deletions to the agenda this month.

4. There were no water bill customers at the meeting this month.

5. Randy asked the Board if they had anymore wording changes on the contract from MediaCom, besides the wording changes he had found. The Board did not find any more wording changes in the contract. Motion by Ken, with a second by Tony, to approve the new five (5) year contract with MediaCom, which will make the new contract expiration on June 5, 2016, upon MediaCom’s approval of the wording changes in the contract. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

6. Randy stated that Dan Shrader, from Midamerican Energy, had e-mailed what the Village is currently paying for electric and what his company rate would be for a 12 month period and a 24 month period for the Village. Randy stated that he had Jan to call Ameren Illinois to see what they were offering. Jan stated that Ameren could not say what the rates would be for the next 12 or 24 months. The Board looked over the rates and decided to go with the 24-month rate from MidAmerican Energy. Motion by Tony, with a second by Debi, to lock in the 24-month rate from MidAmerican Energy for the Village’s electric. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

7. Randy asked the Board what their feelings were about the letter from CW3M Company requesting that the Village considers passing an ordinance, which would prohibit the installation or use of private potable groundwater wells within a small section of limits of the Village. The Board’s decision was if CW3M Company wants the Village to pass this ordinance then the Company should reimburse the Village for the expense of having the ordinance made by the Village Attorney and the cost of putting it in the Village code book.

8. Under Mayor’s Comments: A. Randy stated that the Village has a letter from Casey’s General Store asking if the Board has changed their mind about issuing them a license to sell packed liquor. The Board has not changed their opinion about issuing a liquor license to Casey’s.

B. Randy stated that the Village Spring Clean-up will be April 21st, for all current Republic customers. Republic will only pick-up one appliance per pay up household and any boxed or bundle items, except yard waste, paint cans & vehicle parts.

C. Randy stated that WTW Salvage has contacted the Village about coming in and doing their pick-up of televisions, appliances, vehicle parts and other scrap metals. They asked if the Village would allow them to also have a central location for people to drop off the items listed above. The Board is willing to let WTW Salvage have a central location, with the stipulation that WTW Salvage employees would be responsible for the container and clean-up around the container when they leave town. The date will be April 22nd.

9. Reports of Committees:

Police: Joe read the February Monthly Report. Joe stated Chad wants to attend the ILEAS Conference on March 6th through 8th, at Springfield. The Board granted his request. Joe stated that the grant application has been submitted, that will help purchase a new squad car for the department.

B. Building and Park: Debi stated that she had nothing to report this month. Gary stated that all but three lights are working along the walking pathway around the lake at the park.

C. Sidewalks and Lights: Randy asked Gary if there was anything to report for this month. Gary stated that there was nothing to report at this time.

D. Street and Alley: Tony stated that there was nothing to report this month. Gary stated that he had talked to the Oblong Community Club about purchasing the planters for uptown. Gary stated that the Club is willing to purchase the planters and has contacted the Horticulture Club at the High School to do the planting. Gary stated that he has ordered the four (4) planters and eight (8) trash cans.

E. Water and Sewer: Ken stated that there have been some problems with the testing of the samples on extension #7, but hopefully all is straighten out soon. Ken stated that Gary and Travis would like permission to go to the IRWA Training in Flora on March 24th, from 8 am to 12 pm (Noon). The Board granted the request. Ken stated that there will be a committee meeting on Monday, March 7th at 5:30 pm.

F. Finance: Rick stated that it is budget time again and that he knew that the department heads were already working on their budget. Rick stated that there will be a committee meeting on Wednesday, March 30th at 9 am to go over the budgets with the department heads and discuss other budget figures. Ladora stated that the SECICTA meeting on March 10th, that Jan and she would like to attend. The Board granted the request.

G. Development: Tony stated that there was nothing to report at this time.

10. Motion by Tony, with a second by Ken, to pay the bills that were on the warranty list and any utility bills, bills that will incur a late charge or reimbursements to employees. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

11. There was one other item of business this month. Randy stated that the Revolving Loan Committee recommends that the Village approve a loan of $15,000 to Eric and Kelly Wells. Motion by Rick C., with a second by Joe, to issue a Revolving Loan of $15,000 to Eric and Kelly Wells. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

12. Motion by Rick C., with a second by Tony, to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 pm. Five
(5) ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

Ladora C. Boyd