Village of Oblong
Minutes
May 4, 2022
5 PM

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, May 4th, 2022, in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building.

Members Present: Mayor Teresa Fielder, Clerk Ladora Boyd, Trustee Angie Fear, Trustee Jay Haines, Trustee Dave Hasty, Trustee Carrie Hays, Trustee Keith Waldrop, Trustee Jeron Harris and Treasurer Jan Miller.

Others Present: Police Chief Chad Pusey, Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Travis Smith, Jason Garrard, Dale Davis, Byron Sanders, Angela Downing (Robinson Daily News) and Nick Hinterscher.

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

2. The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of April 6th, 2022, were approved with a motion by Keith and a second by Jeron. All ayes, motion carried.

3. There were no Additions or Deletions to the agenda.

4. There were no Delinquent Water Bill customers present.

5. Nick Hinterscher came before the Board to give them an update about the Car Show on South Range Street. He had set the date for July 23rd from 9 am to 4pm. He stated that he has talked with some car owners who said they would bring their cars and there are some interested that want to bring the motorcycles. He has spoken to a few food vendors. He is planning to have an outdoor band and a beer garden (there will only be one entrance/exit which would be thru the front door of Floyd’s, and possibly have a swap meet. He is asking that South Range Street be blocked off from Main Street south to Indiana Street and from the alleyways on East and West Missouri Street. Nick stated that he is hoping to make this an annual event. Motion by Keith, with a second by Jeron, to allow the beer garden and blocking off the streets for the Car Show. Five (5) ayes, one (1) abstain; motion carried.

6. Teresa stated that the Oblong Antique Tractor and Engine Club would like to use the Park on August 12th, 13th and 14th for their annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show. The Board granted the request.

7. Teresa read the Proclamation for National Public Works Week (May 15th – 21st). [See attached copy.] Teresa had the Public Works Employee stand, so she could take a picture. Gary presented the Public Works Employees with appreciation gifts.

8. Teresa also read the Proclamation for National Police Memorial Week. This year it is May 15th – 21st. [See attached copy.]

9. Motion by Angie, with a second by Jay, to adopt Resolution #2022-R-2 “Resolution for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway Code”. All ayes, motion carried.

10. Mayor’s Comments:
a. Teresa mentioned that she had given the Trustees a copy of the e-mail from Heather Neumann, Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission, she had not heard anything from the Grant manager yet.

b. Teresa stated that she had received some fliers from Mediacom regarding affordable internet. [See attached copy.]

c. Teresa stated that the 2022-2023 Golf Cart stickers are in $50/year unless a Veteran $25/year).
d. Teresa mentioned that the Police Department will have a Golf Cart Day on May 14th from 9 am to 12 pm (Noon) for anyone who works during the day and can’t get in to get a sticker or their new golf cart inspected.

e. Teresa informed the Board that the Oblong Library’s summer reading program will begin on June 8th through July 6th (every Wednesday) for age 3 through the end of 5th grade. The programs will be here in the Activity Room.

f. Teresa wanted to reminder all Village citizens to get their yards mowed.
11. Reports of Committees:

A. Police: Jay stated that Chad received a resignation letter from Part-time Officer Michael Crask. Chad stated that he will have training May 31st – June 2nd in Collinsville.

B. Building & Park: Keith stated that he had talk with the committee members about raising the camping fees from $10/night to $15/night. He stated that the committee is recommending the increase and no-more 1st weekend of free camping. Gary stated that with the increase the Village would take in about $4,000 more a year which would help offset some the expenses (electric, water &etc.). Motion by Keith, with a second by Angie, to increase the camping fee from $10/night to $15/night and no longer have the 1st weekend of June, July and August as free camping; starting June 1st. All aye, motion carried.

C. Sidewalks & Lights: Carrie stated that she had nothing to report this month.

D. Street & Alley: Angie stated that she had nothing to report this month. Gary stated that the new salt spreader has been mounted on the truck and can be picked up. Gary also, mentioned that he has been working on the excavation permit and is hoping to have it soon. (This will be extremely helpful when fiberoptic companies come through.)

E. Water & Sewer: Dave stated that had nothing to report this month.

F. Finance: Jeron stated that he had nothing to report this month. Jan submitted her monthly reports to the Board. Ladora stated that she had nothing to report this month.

G. Development: Teresa stated that Resa was unable to attend tonight meeting, but want to let the Board know that she is making headway on the development of more daycare for working parents.

H. Ad-Hoc (Beautification/Ordinance) Committee:
a. Teresa stated that the Trustees had a copy of the Ad-hoc Committee meeting notes.

b. Teresa stated that she had received a resignation letter from Bill Burke resigning from the committee. She said she was not going to appoint a replacement at this time.

c. Teresa stated that she is still working on the new TIF Grant. She hopes to have it ready for next month’s committee meeting to look over and then present it for the June Board Meeting for approval.
d. Teresa stated that she will try to start Hometown Pride Awards this month.

e. Next committee meeting will be May 25th, at 3:30 pm.

12. Motion by Jay, 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. All ayes, motion carried.

13. There were two other items of business this month.
1. Teresa mention that on May16th, Crawford County Highway Department will begin reconstruction on the New Hebron Road from south city limits of Robinson to southern edge of New Hebron. Construction will take approximately 3 weeks.

2. Keith suggested that the Village Board host an open discussion night for the citizen to be able to come and talk with the trustees in a social set about whatever is on their minds that they want to talk about. Possibly serve refreshments

14. Motion by Jeron, second by Angie, to adjourn the meeting at 5:29 pm. All ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

Ladora Boyd, Clerk