Village of Oblong
November 4, 2020

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, November 4th, 2020, in the Activity Center Room of the Municipal Building.

Members Present: Mayor Teresa Fielder, Clerk Ladora Boyd, Trustee Angie Fear, Trustee Jay Haines, Trustee Bill Burke, Trustee Keith Waldrop, Trustee Jeron Harris and Treasurer Jan Miller.
Absent: Trustee Dave Hasty.
Others Present: Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter and Angela Downing (Daily News).

The meeting was called to order at 5 pm by Mayor Fielder with everyone standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of October 7th, 2020, were approved with a motion by Keith and a second by Jeron. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

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

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

Nick Hinterscher came before the Board to ask permission for extended hours on Wednesday, November 25th, for the Village Tap and Floyd’s Place. Motion by Bill, with a second by Jay, to allow the taverns to stay open until 12:30 am on Wednesday, November 25th. Four (4) ayes, one (1) abstain; motion carried.

Teresa stated that the VFW would like to use the 4-way stop on November 7th, from 8-11am for Poppy Day. The Board granted the request.

Mayor’s Comments:

Teresa stated that for the upcoming Municipal election on April 6th, 2021, there will be the Mayor’s term and 3 Trustees’ terms. Those whose terms will be up are Angie, Bill, Jeron as Trustees and Teresa as Mayor. Anyone wanting to run can contact Ladora or Jan at 618-592-3431 to get a petition packet. The filing dates are December 14th – 18th, from 8am to 3pm and December 21st, from 8am to 5pm in the Clerk’s office.

Teresa mentioned that the available dates for the Employees/Board Christmas Dinner at Mildred’s are December 7th, 8th, 14th or 15th. It was decided that December 14th, will be the Christmas Dinner (this is not paid for by Village Funds). Teresa said that she would let everyone know the time.

Teresa stated that Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge ruled in favor of IML and declared the mandate to close governmental offices on Election Day does not apply to municipalities. The Village Board had already voted on this during the October meeting.

Teresa stated that she had received a message from Benji Kirk, with Hometown Wireless, stating he does not see any major roadblocks and is waiting on pricing from both fiberoptic companies. Once he gets those prices, he will be able to finish the business plan and pursue funding. He will keep us updated.

Teresa mentioned that the residence located at 202 North Washington Street, has received lots of complaints from the neighborhood. There are no utilities on at this home. The owner has vacated the property. There was some discussion on this issue. The Board felt that there should be a letter sent to the property owners giving them thirty (30) days to get the property cleaned up. If the property owners are wanting to walk away from the property, the Village would be willing to offer taking over the property by having the owners sign it over.

Teresa stated that the Ad-hoc Meetings will start back up in the Spring. This does not mean that the Village will overlook any property that could possibly become animal sanctuaries or become derelict.

Reports of Committees:

Police: Jay stated that he had one item for this month. He stated that one of the Part-time Officers has taken a full-time job. Motion by Jeron, with a second by Angie, that Part-time Officer David Houser is no longer employed by the Village, since he has taken a Full-time position with the Albion Police Department. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Building & Park: Keith stated that he wanted to bring up the possibility of replacing the garage south of the Municipal Building with either a 24’x32’ or a 24’x24’ building. He has contacted Forever Building to get a rough estimate for the new building. The estimates were between $21,000 and $25,000. It was decided to have a committee meeting to discuss how the committee wants to proceed.

Sidewalks & Lights: Bill stated that he had nothing to report this month. Gary stated that there were a couple of minor repairs that he is hoping to get done before bad weather sets in.

Street & Alley: Angie stated that she had nothing to report this month.

Water & Sewer: The committee met at 5:45 pm to discuss some items. One of the items was that the Village has received a notice on September 16th, from Robinson-Palestine Water Commission that they will be increasing their water rates 3.25%, which will cost the Village between $300-$400/month. The committee is recommending that the Village not pass this increase on to the Village customers. Motion by Angie, with a second by Bill, that the Village absorb this increase from Robinson-Palestine Water Commission. Five (5) ayes, motion carried. Second issue discussion was having the 2003 Ford Ranger put up for sale, since the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is now in service. The Village will take sealed bids for the Ford Ranger, with the bids being opened at the December 2nd, Board Meeting. Motion by Bill, with a second by Jeron, to put the 2003 Ford Ranger up for sealed bids to be open at the December 2nd, Board Meeting. Five (5) ayes, motion carried. Third item came from a Field Inspection Engineer from IEPA suggesting that the Village should have some policies put in place. The policies are a Contingency Plan, Emergency Operation Plan and Operation Plan. Gary has e-mailed all the Trustees a copy of each plan. The committee is recommending that the Board approve them. Motion by Angie, with a second by Jay, to approve the Oblong Public Water Supply Contingency Plan, Oblong Public Water Supply Emergency Operation Plan and Oblong Public Water Supply Operation Plan. Five (5) ayes, motion carried. Last item was the budgeted amount of $40,000 to up grade the telemetry system controlling the water supply. Vandevanter Engineering has submitted a bid of $34,700, The Committee recommends to proceed with the project. Motion by Keith, with a second by Jeron, to do necessary upgrades for the telemetry system by Vandevanter Engineering. Five (5) ayes, motion carried. Gary stated that there was a water leak in the 500 block of East Main Street.

Finance: Jeron stated that this is the month to decide on the Employees’ Christmas Bonus. He stated that last year’s bonuses were as follows; $115 for Full-time employees and $75 for Part-time Employees. Motion by Angie, with a second by Bill, to keep the Christmas Bonuses at $115 for Full-time Employees and $75 for Part-time Employees. Five (5) ayes, motion carried. The Revolving Loan that was tabled until this month’s meeting has been withdrawn.

Development: Bill stated that there was nothing new to discuss at this time.

Ad Hoc (Dilapidated/Unsafe Buildings & Ordinances): Teresa stated that there is nothing else to report this month.

Motion by Jay, with a second by Jeron, 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.

There was one other item of business this month. Teresa stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village employees will possibly have more than the approved hold over vacation days of 5. Motion by Bill, with a second by Jay, to allow any employees that has more than 5 vacation days left to hold them over until next year, but they will only be able to do this for this year. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Motion by Jeron, with a second by Angie, to adjourn the meeting at 5:49 pm. Four (4) ayes, one (1) nay; motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

 

Ladora Boyd
Clerk