Village of Palestine Board of Trustees met March 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Palestine Board of Trustees met on February 7, 2019, at 6:00 PM. Trustees answering the roll call were Tim McDaniel, Mary Michael, Gene Purcell, George Harrison, Brian Nethery and J.R. Dunlap.
Staff Members present: Police Chief Jeff Besing, Shirley Adams, Village Clerk, Margaret Littlejohn, Utility Clerk and Kathy Clark, DPW Superintendent.
Visitors present: Luke McNair, Janice Fuller, and Ray and Charlie Warfel. Meeting called to order by Mayor Rob Byrley
The meeting began with all present reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes were taken by the Village Clerk.
The Minutes of February 7, 2019, accepted as presented.
OLD BUSINESS:
1) Update on Ramsey Properties – See copies of lot information. There is a court hearing set for August 1st for order of the deed on Lot 15, Block 10, Wabash Addition.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Review and Approval – IDOT Resolution for Maintenance under Illinois Highway Code. Brian Nethery moved that we approve the 2019 IDOT Resolution. George Harrison seconded motion. Motion carried unanimously.
2) Official approval of Phone Poll – Lingafelter/Turner Sewer Account. Due to the Lingafelters and the Village believing they were on septic, they have not been billed for sewer service for three years. When it came to light they paid their deposit and will pay going forward. This was approved unanimously through the phone poll on February 21st. Gene Purcell moved that we officially approve the agreed upon billing as in the phone poll. J.R. Dunlap seconded motion. Motion carried unanimously.
3) Janice Fuller – All School PHS Reunion. The reunion is scheduled for Saturday, July 6, 2019, weather permitting. They plan to have some sort of acoustic music or some form of sound system. They will use the pavilion, along with the Community Facility and will also have several porta potties available.
4) Budget Day – March 23, 2019 – Breakfast at 8:00 AM; Meeting at 8:30 AM.
DPW REPORT: Kathy Clark, Superintendent
Rural Development Grant/low interest loan. According to Collin Dunn, HLR Engineer, Palestine has one of the lowest sewer rates of Illinois towns/villages. Rural Development would like to see the Village dedicate to incrementally raise sewer rates $5.00 over several years. Kathy told him she thought that was a reasonable request, so it is stated in the application. They want to see us more self-sustaining. At present, we have no cushion to comfortably address issues as they arise, in the Sewer Department, as well as assure we can make the payments. We have a number of short-lived assets that will need attention. We can expect pump replacements, electrical upgrades, piping replacement/repairs, etc.
Kathy has talked with similarly sized Villages as to their current rates and projected increases: Hustonville’s billing is based on water consumption so they do not have a flat rate. Their average monthly bill is $16.00. Oblong bills on same ticket, but coded separately, $12.98 based on 2,000 gal consumption. They have added a second water supplier, so that might change (approx 650 customers). Flat Rock is also based on water consumption, 3,000 – 3,999 gal. They are raising their rates from $10.80 to $13.68 (approx. 175 customers.) Robinson bills separately. The average monthly bill is $17.65 (approx. 3,350 customers, excluding businesses).
Kathy has a vision of creative points of interest on Main Street. She would like to paint the storm sewer covers/curbing in water and or amphibious motifs. If agreeable, she will furnish the paint. Examples passed out. The consensus was the Trustees liked the idea.
Ameren construction has given us the go ahead for the Community sign lighting. They are waiving the install fee and the power will be underground.
The DPW has received the new volute for the east lift station and plan to install it on March 11, or sooner, weather permitting. They are putting a grinder impeller in at the same time.
Waiting continues for the check valve replacement for west lift station. The field tech’s pictures of the part weren’t clear. In the meantime, Kathy opens the manhole to check conditions daily and check float functionality every Friday before leaving work.
Kathy is training for a RTE through JULIE, as the area JULIE coordinator. This authorization will allow her to create a locate request, receive a dig number and post it to other utilities directly, by- passing an operator.
POLICE REPORT: Chief of Police, Jeff Besing.
Jordan will be completing week #5 of the academy and is carrying a 93% academic average, which is very good for someone who has never had any exposure to law enforcement training.
Jeff has mailed the necessary documentation to the Secretary of State’s Office seeking a title to the 1997 Dodge truck in impound. He’s received a letter back asking for additional information which he has completed and returned.
Jeff has completed a Mary Heath grant application for the May grant process. He is seeking grant money to purchase a FLIR/Night vision monocular for night time drug surveillance and a bullet proof vest for Officer Bowen, once he completes the academy.
The Chief has had some residents approach him about implementing a “Neighborhood Watch” program for the Village. He will be having an exploratory meeting on April 23rd at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall.
PIONEER ROOM/COMMUNITY FACILITY – MARCH – BRIAN NETHERY
FYI: Reminder – FOIA/OMA Certificates are due in March. FYI: Spring Clean-up Days- April 24, 25, and 26.
Fall Clean-up Days – October 23, 24, and 25.
FYI: Notice of Railroad Upgrades – Pike Street and Main Street – Info attached. Automatic flashing lights and gates are proposed.
Budget Committee: Shirley Adams, Chairman. February financial reports were handed out. Working on getting FY2019-2020 budget proposal completed.
Bldg Regulations, Permits, Maintenance: Harry Gene Purcell, Chairman. Issued two permits this month. We had one building permit issued.
Employee Relations Committee: Harry Gene Purcell, Chairman. There will be a meeting at 3:30 on Monday, March 11, concerning wages for FY 2019-2020.
FOIA Officers: Shirley Adams, Chairman. They are due on March 1st. Ordinance Committee: Pat Schofield.
Streets, Sidewalks, Alleys Committee: Tim McDaniel, Chairman. Sewer/Lagoon Committee: George Harrison, Chairman.
With no further business to discuss J.R. Dunlap moved to adjourn. George Harrison seconded motion. Meeting adjourned at 6:35 PM.
http://www.villageofpalestine.net/minutes/BdMeeting3-7-19.pdf
Alerts Sign-up