East Central Reporter

Village of Arthur Board of Trustees met Feb. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Arthur, Illinois, was held on Monday, February 6, 2023, in the Village Board Room. Village President Rod Randall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Roll call was answered by Trustees Mike Hilgenberg, Jim Fleming, Dave Tiffan, and Christy Miller. Trustees Matt Bernius and Todd Dukeman were absent.

Pledge of Allegiance

President Randall asked M. Hilgenberg to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Comment

Visitors present were Jeremy Hale and Mark Montgomery.

Mark Montgomery addressed the Board and provided information regarding a potential Airbnb project at 206 West Illinois Street. Mark asked the Board to consider this project and requested a code variance at the property. This initial project would consist of three studio tiny homes with each home measuring around 400 square feet. Mark noted this pilot project would add value to the community and would benefit the TIF district. President Randall noted that the Zoning Board would need to meet to discuss this request, and a site plan would be beneficial to see. Discussion took place on the time frame of construction and the definition of short-term rentals.

Consent Agenda

C. Miller made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda including the January 16, 2023 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes; the January 30, 2023 Water & Sewer/Streets & Alleys Joint Committee Meeting Minutes; and the January 30, 2023 Community Relations and Tourism Committee Meeting Minutes. J. Fleming seconded. All Trustees voted YEA.

Approval of Expenditures

M. Hilgenberg made a motion to approve expenditures in the amount of $42,163.64. C. Miller seconded. All Trustees voted YEA.

Village President Comments and Announcements

President Randall thanked the Trustees that were able to tour the Arthur Homes Project at the Open House.

Trustees' Reports

M. Hilgenberg noted that he enjoyed the tour of the Arthur Homes Project. He found the homes spacious and the Open House very informative.

C. Miller also noted the homes were very nice. She reported on a meeting held by

Superintendent Shannon Cheek regarding the local school district. The meeting was held for area leaders to give input, and she felt it was a very productive meeting.

Chief of Police Report

Police Chief Goodman provided monthly reports from the Police Department. Chief Goodman informed the Board of Police Officer John Lulek's letter of resignation, which was read to the Board. John's resignation is effective February 22, 2023, but he will remain employed as a part-time officer.

Public Works Supervisor's Report

Grant Corum provided reports from the Public Works Department.

Village Attorney Report

Kenny Crossman noted that Simply Arthur will have a report and request for continued support at the March meeting.

Unfinished Business

none

New Business

1. M. Hilgenberg made a motion to set Arthur's official Sesquicentennial Celebration to take place on September 2, 2023. J. Fleming seconded. All Trustees voted YEA.

2. Grant Corum provided details regarding a sanitary sewer service request at 425 S. Pine Street. This request was also discussed at the Water & Sewer Committee meeting, where a recommendation was made to pay 50% of the request. The insurance company declined to pay for the costs of the repair. J. Fleming made a motion to reimburse the residents at 425 S. Pine Street a total of $4,134.47, which is 50% of the invoice. C. Miller seconded. All Trustees voted YEA.

3. President Randall provided details about a meeting with Mike Niehaus and Grant Corum regarding improvements to Rhema Drive, which is now owned by the Village. Mike noted the decision was made to use chip and oil on the Arthur Homes section of the road instead of asphalt. A request was made to the Village for help with the expense of the chip and oil on the existing Rhema Drive. The Village had initially agreed to provide $50,000.00 in water meters, permits, waivers, and other expenses for the Arthur Homes Project. The remaining balance of that amount is $5,635.92. J. Fleming made a motion to approve the remainder of the agreed upon amount going to improve Rhema Drive, totaling $5,635.92. C. Miller seconded. Trustees Fleming, Tiffan, and Miller voted YEA. Trustee Hilgenberg voted NO. Motion passed.

4. M. Hilgenberg made a motion to authorize Chief Michael Goodman to advertise for a full-time officer for the Artur Police Department. D. Tiffan seconded. All Trustees voted YEA.

5. President Randall read a letter from SIMEC, LLC, and noted that anyone with Ameren can switch at any time, but cannot return to Ameren for one year. Kenny Crossman also noted that every resident has the option of opting out of this program. C. Miller made a motion to approve authorizing the Village President to sign an electrical aggregation contract with SIMEC, LLC on the Village's behalf as needed. M. Hilgenberg seconded. All Trustees voted YEA.

General Discussion

none

Adjourn

J. Fleming made a motion to adjourn. C. Miller seconded. All Trustees voted YEA. President Randall adjourned the meeting at 7:54pm.

https://arthur-il.gov/file/902/2-06-23%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf