September 6th, 2017

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, September 6th, 2017, in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building.

Members Present: Mayor Teresa Fielder, Clerk Ladora Boyd, Trustee Debi Wilson, Trustee Angie Fear, Trustee Jay Haines, Trustee Dave Hasty, Trustee Bill Burke, Trustee Jeron Harris and Treasurer/Deputy Clerk Jan Miller.
Others Present: Police Chief Chad Pusey, Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Chris DeWitt (WTAY/WTYE) and Mike McReynolds.

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

The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of August 2nd, 2017, and Special Board Meeting Minutes of August 30th, 2017, were approved with a motion by Jay, and a second by Debi. All ayes, motion carried.

There was one addition to the agenda this month. Teresa stated that the Crawford County Shriners would like to use the 4-way stop for their annual paper sales on September 16th, from 8 am to 11:30 am. The Board granted their request.

There was one Delinquent Water Bill customers at this month’s meeting. Mike McReynolds asked if he could pay his water bill on Tuesday, September 12th. The Board granted his request.

Motion by Dave, with a second by Jeron to reject all bids for the Lagoon Project. Roll Call Vote as follows: Debi – aye, Angie – aye, Jay – aye, Dave – aye, Bill – aye, Jeron - aye, motion carried.

Motion by Debi, with a second by Angie, to adopt Ordinance #2017-O-584 “Tax Levy Ordinance” for a total of $142,400. Roll Call Vote as follows: Debi – aye, Angie – aye, Jay – aye, Dave – aye, Bill – aye, Jeron - aye, motion carried.

Gary told the Board that the Oblong Chamber of Commerce is requesting to close the first and second block of South Range Street at 1 pm on Friday October 27th instead of 5 pm due to having plans for entertainment on Friday night and have the food venders open too. Motion by Bill, with a second by Dave, to allow the closing of the first and second block of South Range on Friday, October 27th at 1pm until after the Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 28th. All ayes, motion carried.

Gary stated that Amy Kemp, from the Oblong Christians’ Children’s’ Home, contacted him wanting permission to have the 5K Spooktacular on the morning of October 28th, with the same route as last year. The Board granted her request.

Mayor’s Comments:

Teresa wanted to thank Fuzzy Woods, Dave Hasty and Byron Sanders for helping with the power washing of the fence and gazebo at the Mini Park. Teresa stated that the Village had received a Thank You card and a check in the amount of $300 from the Oblong Community Service Club. She stated that the check was to help offset the cost of the supplies to purchase sealant for the fence and gazebo.

Teresa wanted to thank everyone who was involved with the Dedication Ceremony for the MIA-POW Chair. She stated that the Rolling Thunder group was very impressed with the turn out for the ceremony.

Teresa mentioned that the Village has an ordinance banning the burning of agriculture waste, household trash and garbage. She stated that she has received some complaints from citizens. Anyone caught burning the above mentioned items will receive a citation. The burning of leaves and tree limbs and fire pits are still fine.

Teresa stated that she will be forming an Ad Hoc Committee for the purpose of reviewing the Village’s Ordinances’ and possibly new ones. She stated that Dave had volunteer to be on the committee. She said that if anyone else would like to be on this committee to let her know.

Teresa announced that the Village had received the permits from IDOT to close Route 33 for both the Homecoming Parade and Halloween Parade.

Reports of Committees:
Police: Jay stated that he had nothing to report this month.

Building and Park: Debi stated that she had nothing to report this month. Gary stated that the new fence for the entrance to the Park has been built and that the letters from the old fence were being reused for the new fence.

Sidewalks and Lights: Bill reported that the sidewalk project by the EUM Church was completed and that it look real nice. Teresa stated that Byron had done a good job of painting the curbs.

Street and Alley: Angie stated that she had nothing to report this month. Gary stated that the Chip-N-Seal weather permitting will be done next week.

Water and Sewer: Dave wanted to make sure that when the Village receives the bills from Connor & Connor that they be paid. Gary stated that the new truck was in and that he will be going to pick it up on Friday, September 8th. Gary asked the Board for permission to put the 2002 Chevrolet K2500 up for bids after the new truck is put in service. Motion by Jay, with a second by Angie, to allow Gary to put the 2002 Chevrolet K2500 up for bids after the new truck is put in service. All ayes, motion carried.

Finance: Jeron stated that he had not heard anything from Rick Hamilton regarding the insurance quotes from his company. Jeron stated that as soon as he gets the quotes he will schedule a committee meeting to review the figures.

Development: There was nothing to report this month.

Ad Hoc (Dilapidated/Unsafe Buildings): Teresa stated that there had been seven letters sent out requesting corrective plans in writing from the owners. She said that there has been six responds come back in with plans. The next meeting of the committee will be September 13th at 3:30 pm. The committee asked for the Board’s permission to purchase some signs and SOS Bucks for recognition for Beautification or Renovation. The signs would cost $20 a piece. The funding for this would come from the money the Village receives on Video Gaming. Motion by Bill, with a second by Angie, to start with $500 to purchase signs and SOS Bucks for Beautification or Renovation awards. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion by Jay, with a second by Bill, 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 Jeron, with a second by Angie, to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 pm. All ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

Ladora Boyd