The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday January 7th, 2015, in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building.

Members Present: Mayor Randy Rich, Clerk Ladora Boyd, Trustee Rick Catt, Trustee Dave Hasty, Trustee Jay Haines, Trustee Ken Russell, Trustee Tony Madlem, Trustee Debi Wilson and Treasurer/Deputy Clerk Jan Miller.

Others Present: Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Police Chief Chad Pusey, Tom Compton (Daily News) and Chris Dewitt (WTYE/WTAY).

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Rich; with everyone standing and saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of December 3rd, 2014, were approved with a motion by Debi, and a second by Ken. All ayes, motion carried.

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

There were no Delinquent Water Bill customers at this month’s meeting.

Randy stated that the Village has not received the signed agreement between Mr. Colmark and the Village. Motion by Tony, with a second by Jay, to table the approval of the Village’s agreement with Mr. Colmark until next month’s meeting. All ayes, motion carried.

Mayor’s Comments:

Randy asked Jan to give the information on what Village residents need to do when their trash can has become damaged. Jan stated either the resident talk with the Republic truck driver or they can called the customer service number, which is 866-760-2182, and leave their name, street address and what city they live in.

Randy stated that the Village had received a letter from MediaCom dated December 12, 2014, stating that there would be some rate adjustments on or about January 15, 2015. The changes are as follows: Local Broadcast Station Surcharge will go from $3.57 to $5.00 and Regional Sports Surcharge will go from $2.83 to $3.03.

Randy stated that there was another letter received from MediaCom dated December 15, 2014, stating the standard rater for HBO will be increasing from $17.95 to $18.95 on or about January 15, 2015.

Reports of Committees:
Jay stated that he had nothing to report this month. Chad stated that everyone had a copy of the December Monthly Report and the Year-end Report. Chad said if there were any question about the reports to contact him. Chad mentioned that he would be having training the last week of January in Champaign. Chad stated that the Dodge Squad car has been fixed except for the Push Bumper because it is on back order.

Building and Park: Debi stated that she had nothing to report this month.

Sidewalks and Lights: Dave stated that he had nothing to report this month.

Street and Alley: Tony stated that he had nothing to report this month.

Water and Sewer: Ken stated that there is some IRWA Training coming up that Gary would like to attend. One training session is on January 21 at Oakland put on by IRWA. The IRWA Conference is in February at Effingham. There is a Water/Wastewater Expo in Indianapolis on February 24th & 25th, at a cost of $50/person, but if signed up early the cost is around $20/person. Motion by Ken, with a second by Jay, to give Gary permission to sign-up for the Expo. All ayes, motion carried. Ken stated that the Water/Sewer Committee had a meeting 6 pm tonight to discuss the water rate increase from Robinson-Palestine Water Commission. Ken stated that the committee is recommending that there be a $0.50 increase to the minimum rate to the in town and out of town customers and increase the over 1,000 gallons rate from $5.75/per 1,000 gallon to $6.00/per 1,000 gallon. This increase will be voted on at the next Board Meeting.

Finance: Rick stated that he had signed an affidavit to have the Village Attorney, Frank Weber, file a complaint against Reeves Family Trust for the default on the revolving loan from the Village.

Development: Tony stated that there was nothing to report this month.

Tourism: Randy stated that there was nothing to report this month.

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. All ayes, motion carried.

There were no other items of business this month.

Motion by Rick, with a second by Tony, to adjourn the meeting at 7:13 pm. All ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

Ladora Boyd, Clerk