Village of Oblong
Minutes
August 2, 2023

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023, in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building.

Members Present: Mayor Teresa K. Fielder, Clerk Ladora Boyd, Trustee Amanda Miller, Trustee Dave Hasty, Trustee Jay Haines, Trustee Jerry Snider (arrived at 5:21 pm) and Treasurer Jan Miller.

Members Absent: Trustee Carrie Hays and Trustee Terry “Toad” Ochs.

Other Present: Chief Colton Williamson, Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Angela Ridgway (Robinson Daily News), John Stone (Connor & Connor, Inc.), Erica Shannon, Angie Catt (Oblong Chamber of Commerce), Resa Shaner (Crawford County Development Association), Bill Burke (Crawford County Board Member) and Keith Waldrop.

• The meeting was called to order at 5 pm by the Mayor. Teresa asked everyone to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag.

• The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of July 5th, 2023, and Special Board Meeting Minutes of July 20th, 2023, were approved with a motion by Jay, with a second by Amanda. Three (3) ayes, motioned carried.

• There was one Addition to the agenda this month. Erica Shannon came before the Board to talk about the Oblong Outdoor Gym (outdoor exercise equipment). She stated that she was former member of a group from Leadership Crawford County CEO Class that had asked permission to have adult exercise equipment placed in the Oblong Park. She has moved back to the area and found out that the project had not been completed. She is planning to write up a proposal for outdoor exercise equipment to be purchased by The United Way for placement in the Oblong Park. She stated that she has been corresponding with Teresa and Gary about this project. (See attached flyer.)

• Teresa asked if there was any one in the audience that wanted to comment on anything that was on this month’s agenda. There were no public comments made.

• There were no Delinquent Water Bill customers this month.

• Angie Catt came before the Board to give an update on what the Chamber is planning to do in the month of October. This will hopefully bring more people to Oblong and possibly more customers to the businesses in Oblong. (See attached sheets.)

• John Stone (Connor & Connor, Inc.) came to the meeting for the following items of business.

• John stated that the bids letting for Phase 2 of Park Meadow Subdivision Water and Sewer infrastructure was held on July 21st at 9 am. He brought the tabulation sheet for the two bids received for the installation of the water and sewer infrastructure for Phase 2 of Park Meadows Subdivision. The bids were from Senco Construction of Robinson, Illinois, for $241,992.00 and Followell Construction of Marion, Illinois, for $269,777.00. Motion by Dave, with a second by Jay, to award the water and sewer installation contract for Phase 2 of Park Meadows Subdivision to Senco Construction with a bid of $241,992.00. Three (3) ayes, motion carried.
John stated that the lots in Phase 2 of Park Meadows Subdivision will need to be platted before any sells can be done. He stated that he will start working on the plat of the lots. Then it will need to be signed. John stated that a preliminary estimate for construction of streets and ditches in Phase 2 would be around $130,000 to $150,000.

• John stated that the next step for the grant to help defray the cost of the Lead Service Line Inventory Survey is to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Connor & Connor, Inc. Motion by Jay, with a second by Dave, to approve the entering into a Professional Services Agreement with Connor & Connor, Inc. Three (3) ayes, motion carried.

• Dave stated that the 54 Oblong is planning to have a Fall Harvest Dinner on September 30th. His plans are to use the front drive of the Municipal Building and have West Missouri Street block off start from South Range Street to the backside of the Municipal Building.

• Teresa stated that she wanted to update the Board on the OSLAD Grant and the Safe Route to School Grant for sidewalks leading to the High School. The OSLAD Grant, we are expecting to received half of the awarded amount anytime now. The Safe Route to School Grant, Teresa stated that the date to apply for it is October 1st, so right now she is trying to get letters of support from businesses and individuals. She stated that she would like to have the letters back by September 1st.

• Teresa stated that she had given all the Trustees a copy of the TIF Grant Application (Downtown Incentive Grant) with some revisions. She stated that she would like to have some volunteers from the Board to look over these and possibly come up with some ideas of other idea for General Requirements and Restrictions.

• Teresa stated that she had spoken with Michelle Meese, Superintendent of the Oblong School District, was unable to attend tonight meeting. Michelle wanted the Board to know that she is not against the TIF, she is just worried about the property tax increase on the homes on East Wisconsin that the school would not get until the TIF expires. Amanda stated she was not against the TIF but also worries about what portion of tax money the school will not see until after the expiration of the TIF. Motion by Jay, with a second by Dave, to adopt Ordinance #2023-O-639 “An Ordinance Approving the Oblong Tax Increment Financing III Redevelopment Plan and Redevelopment Project”. Roll call vote as follows: Amanda – nay, Jay – aye, Dave – aye, Jerry – aye; motion carried.

• Motion by Dave, with a second by Jay, to adopt Ordinance #2023-O-640 “An Ordinance Designating the Oblong Tax Increment Financing III Redevelopment Project Area”. Roll call vote as follows: Amanda – aye, Jay – aye, Dave – aye, Jerry – aye; motion carried.

• Motion by Dave, with a second by Amanda, to adopt Ordinance #2023-O-641 “An Ordinance Adopting Tax Increment Financing”. Roll call vote as follows: Amanda – aye, Jay – aye, Dave – aye, Jerry – aye; motion carried.

• Mayor’s Comments:
• Teresa suggested that the Board get together sometime before the next Board meeting and go over the copies of different covenant that Taylor Law had sent and try to decide what the Board wants in the new Covenants for the Phase 2 of Park Meadow because these will need to be in place before selling the available lots.
• Teresa wanted to thank the volunteers who helped during the Crawford County Fair & during the grandstand events.
• Teresa wants to send the Village’s sympathy to the family of 5-year old Harper Finn (the little girl who died from injuries that happened while attending the Effingham County Fair Sunday (July 30th).
• Teresa stated that Ridgeview Health & Rehab Center will be having an End of Summer and Open House on August 10th from 5 pm to 8pm.
• Teresa mentioned that the Oblong Antique Tractor & Engine Show will be August 11th, 12th and 13th. Just a reminder that golf cart special event use will be recognized.
• Teresa stated that there will also be TOWN WIDE Garage Sales on August 11th & 12th. Call Jessica Mitchell at (618) 804-0280 if you want on the Garage Sale list.
• Teresa stated that there has been an uptick of golf carts/SXS/UTVs use that is not legal or registered or being driven by minors. Colton has started cracking done and if anyone sees any offences please report them to Colton.
• Teresa wanted to welcome a new business, Kilburn Resale, to our downtown. Owners are Mark and Peggy Kilburn and is located at 108 West Main Street.
• Teresa stated that she has tried to get in contact with Neal Wallace of Joseph E Meyers & Associates regarding back taxes property purchase restrictions that the Village would like to add to the purchase agreement. She stated that she has not received any communication back from Mr. Wallace yet.
• Teresa stated that anyone who were former customers of Atkins Sanitation, which was bought out by Republic, that live in the village or are Oblong Water Customers and live in Oblong Township need to contact the Village Mayor’s Office or send a message to her Mayor’s page to get the Village Rate for trash pickup. They will need to give their name, address, phone number and account number.
• There is no update on the Pusey lawsuit.
• Jerry asked about the surveys sent by Connor & Connor. Gary stated this was due to the new rules from Illinois EPA on lead lines. If any question the residence can contact Public Works.

• Reports of Committees:
• POLICE: Jay stated that he had nothing to report this month. Colton stated that he was thankful for the help from Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, Crawford County Auxiliary during the Crawford County Fair. Colton stated that there had not been any major issues during the Fair.
• BUILDING/PARK: There was no report for this month.
• SIDEWALK/LIGHTS: There was no report for this month.
• STREET/ALLEY: Jerry stated that there was nothing new to report. He did mention that there is still no vegetation growth on the drainage ditch yet.
• WATER/SEWER: Dave stated that he had nothing to report this month. Gary stated that the Water Tower has been power washed.
• FINANCE: Amanda stated that she did not have anything more to report this month. TREASURER’S REPORT: Jan stated that the Kemper CPA will be here next month for the FY2023 Audit.
CLERK’S REPORT: Ladora stated that she had nothing to report this month.
• DEVELOPMENT/ADHOC (Beautification/Ordinance):
• Teresa stated that Colton has been following up on some inoperable vehicles and yard maintenance issues.
• Teresa mentioned that there will possibly be a meeting with a duplex developer next week. She stated that she will let the Board members know when.
• Teresa mentioned that the next AdHoc Meeting is August 30th at 3:30pm, in the Activity Room.

• Motion by Jay, with a second by Jerry, to pay the bills that were on the Warranty List and any utility bills, bills that will incur a late fee or reimbursements to employees-AC renters-Water Customers. Four (4) ayes, motion carried.

• There were no other items of business this month.

• Motion by Amanda, with a second by Dave, to adjourn the meeting 6:03 pm. Four (4) ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

Ladora Boyd, Clerk