East Central Reporter

Village of Arthur Water & Sewer – Streets & Alleys Joint Committee met Jan. 29.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Matt Bernius at 5:00 PM.

Roll Call - Matt Bernius, Jim Fleming, Mike Hilgenberg, Rod Randall, Christy Bernius, Grant Corum. Dave Tiffan arrived later.

Public Comment - None

New Business

1. Discussion on staffing levels, responsibilities, & equipment was led off by Matt B. with conversation on the first snow removal of the season on January 5-6, 2025. Matt B. and Rod R. both mentioned there were a few public comments about downtown snow removal. Grant C. explained that timing, duration, and wind were factors in the few complaints that were generated. Also that there is no clear definition of where the Village's responsibility begins and ends. Matt B. wants to be sure the Village has a standard operating procedure for the snow removal downtown and Christy B. suggested communicating that information to the downtown business owners so that everyone is on the same page as to their responsibilities. It was also suggested to possibly designate some snow routes around the immediate area of the grade school so parked cars are not a hindrance to snow removal efforts or traffic flows following these snow events. Grant C. produced a job description for a Public Works Foreman which he and the Committee felt would be a good idea to advertise for in order to fill the vacated employee position in the department.

2. Discussion on the preliminary Capital Improvement Plan was led by Grant C. He informed the committee of the items that are to be undertaken during the fiscal year 2025-2026. Grant C. also informed the committee of research he has done on the Village's water system. He will include that information into the CIP so that it will be in the informational section of that document going forward. This information includes pipe types, approx. footage, and ages for the entire system - a detailed overview that the Village has never had before. A few items for CIP includes a future source study, check valve repairs at the wells, stand-by generator power for the well house, hydrants, large meters, and valve insertions. Matt B. mentioned getting engineering prepared on some Surrey Lane water main looping projects for potential FY 2026-2027 construction.

3. Discussion and an update on preliminary budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 was led by Grant C. Grant C. informed the Committee of some miscellaneous minor items in the water/sewer budget. He also discussed SCADA data plan options, the need to get fence alignments at the water tower and lagoon, plus the cleaning up of the lagoon property. Grant C. then discussed items for the street budget which included forklift repairs, mowers, ditch contract, horse rut repairs along Vine St., Ash & Logan intersection, downtown alley, sidewalks, and the Arthur grade school street frontage project. He also mentioned a couple of storm sewer issues, construction of material bins on W. Progress, and a convertible snow pusher/snow plow for the wheel loader.

4. Discussion on agriculture zoning regulations was led by Rod R. The Committee was informed that recently the Village had issued a building permit for a 29,000 sq. ft. chicken house. He informed the Committee that we should look into options to better regulate the 1.5 mile zoning buffer the Village has on the Douglas County side of Arthur. Additionally, the Village should look into having the 1.5 mile zoning buffer on the Moultrie County side of Arthur as well.

5. Discussion on pending and future projects was led by Rod R. He noted that most of the projects had been covered by the CIP and budget considerations, but did mention the need for a stand-by generator at Village Hall/Community Building/Police Dept. This is important for the 24/7 functioning of the Police Department during a power outage and because the Community Building has been designated as a warming/cooling center for Village residents.

General Discussion

Matt B., Rod R., and the Committee thanked Grant C. for his continued efforts and work, specifically mentioning the preparation and institution of the Capital Improvement Plan along with informative budget presentations.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM by Chairperson M. Bernius.

https://arthur-il.gov/file/1057/1-29-25%20WaterSewerStreet%20Minutes.pdf