June 5th, 2013

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, June 5th, 2013, 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 Debi Wilson and Treasurer Jan Miller.

Absent: Trustee Tony Madlem

Others Present: Police Chief Chad Pusey, Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Jay Haines, Tom Compton (Daily News), Jason Tiller (WTYE/WTAY), Lou Ann Baker (Oblong Gem) and Mike McReynolds.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Rich. Randy asked that everyone stand and face the flag Then he led the group in the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag.

Randy asked for a moment of silence for James Baud (Lance Corporal in the Marines) who had passed away recently.

Randy stated that he would like to appoint Jay Haines as Trustee to fill Rick Houdasheldt’s position for 2 years until the next Municipal Election with the approval of the Board. Roll Call Vote: Rick – aye; Joe – aye; Ken – aye; Debi – aye.

The Regular Board Meeting minutes of May 1st, 2013 were approved with a
motion by Rick and a second by Joe. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

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

There was one water bill customer at the meeting this month. Mike McReynolds
came before the Board to ask if he could split his late water bill into 2 payments one on 6/7 and the other on 6/14. The Board granted his request.

Randy stated that the following resolution was for the North Range Street Project. The amount of the resolution is $150,000. Motion by Joe, with a second by Debi, to adopted Resolution #2013-R-2 “Resolution for Improvement by Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code”. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Motion by Ken, with a second by Joe, to adopt the North Range Street
Construction Engineering Services Agreement. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Randy stated that the construction on North Range Street should start later this
month.

10. Motion by Rick, with a second by Debi, to adopt Ordinance #2013-O-554
“Prevailing Wage Ordinance”. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

11. Randy stated that Kids Kingdom is wanting to expand the playground to the
east. There was some discussion on this issue. The Board feels that there will need to be an agreement and that the owner of Kids Kingdom will be responsible for the legal fees and any other cost. Motion by Rick, with a second by Debi, to give the Street/Alley Committee the authority to give the go ahead when the Village Attorney gets an agreement drawn up for the Village and Kids Kingdom to enter into. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

12. Mayor’s Comments:

Randy mentioned that the Village has received a request from MediaCom to do an extension on the franchise agreement. The extension papers will be in the Clerk/ Treasurer’s office for review.

Randy stated that Teresa from Kids Kingdom had asked about having kids 10 and older to observe at a safe distance the Public Works Workers do some different jobs such as a valve changes, etc. There was some discussion on the matter. The Board decided to contact the Village’s insurance and get their opinion and proceed from there.

Randy stated that he has been getting phone calls for other electric supply companies that say they can offer a cheaper rate. Randy stated that no other company has been able to beat their rate of Homefield, which is $0.04009.

Randy stated that the Village had received a letter from the Village Attorney regarding the bankruptcy of Walter & Deborah Knicely. The attorney stated that the Village will probably not receive anything towards the revolving loan amount that is still owed. The Village Attorney does not suggest any further action be taken.

Randy stated that Oblong IGA store will be closing within a month. Randy stated that the Village had some fund available for anyone interested in possibly acquiring the store from Mr. Rinke.

Randy stated that there are some issues between the Village and Roger Colmark, owner of Park Meadow Subdivision TIF ground. Motion by Joe, with a second by Rick, for the Village to maintain the empty lots with the understanding that the Village will be reimbursed by Mr. Colmark; and have the Village Attorney draw up an agreement between the Village and Mr. Colmark, so that the Village can legally pay Mr. Colmark, his share of the TIF property taxes received by the Village. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

13. Reports of Committees:

Police: Joe read the monthly report for May, 2013. Joe stated that there will be Chief’s Executive Summit training June 10 & 11 for Chad at Champaign, Illinois. Joe stated that the 2009 squad car has been sold to Palestine Police Department for $16,000. Joe said that the new squad has been order and will be ready Mid-July. Chad stated that the Junior Police Academy was a success this year and that there are already plans being made for next year’s. There were 52 Graduates which was 15 more than last year. Chad stated that with donations and grants JPA has been well financed.

Building and Park: Debi asked Gary about the bushes on the north side of the Municipal Building. Gary stated that there had been mold found growing on the building behind the bushes. There was some discussion on what needed to be done. The Board feels that removal of the bushes and sowing grass would be the best thing to do.

Sidewalks and Lights: There is nothing to report for this month.

Street and Alley: There is nothing to report this month.

Water and Sewer: Ken stated that the installing of the isolation valves along North Range has been completed. Gary stated that possibly next week they will start working on the hydrant along North Range Street Project. There will be water shut offs, but Gary stated that people will be notified before shut offs are done.

Finance: Rick stated that the he had nothing to report this month. Ladora stated that Jan and she will be attending their quarterly SECICTA meeting in Charleston on June 13th.

G. Development: Randy stated that there was nothing new to report.

14. Motion by Ken, with a second by Debi, 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.

15. There was one other item of business this month. Debi mentioned that she had
noticed a tree on a house located at 503 South Garfield Street. Randy asked Chad to look into the matter.

16. Motion by Rick, with a second by Ken, to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 pm. Five
(5) ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

Ladora C. Boyd