Aaron Moore

The board discussed several key items, including approval for closing Main Street for a public library Fun Run event and updates regarding the status of property contracts and potential demolition orders at 128 E Depot St and 209 W Depot St. The building inspector provided reports on residential permit activity, subdivision agreement concerns, and site compliance issues. The village engineer discussed the status of ongoing water, sidewalk, and grant projects. Committee reports addressed street maintenance, plans for community anniversary celebrations, and subdivision drainage improvements. The board approved a supplemental budget ordinance and a ten-year waste management contract. Further discussion covered asbestos inspection requirements for village-owned property, water tower maintenance progress, potential new village signage, and the implementation of a hydrant flushing schedule. Finally, the council reviewed sewer system concerns and authorized the payment of village bills.

The board discussed several infrastructure projects, including a water main project on West Street with an estimated completion in July and a sidewalk replacement plan that was approved for the first two segments. They also discussed the IEPA Lead Service Line Inventory Grant application process and maintenance plans for the water tower, including cleaning and system pressure adjustments. Other business included the discussion and eventual motion to solicit proposals for the demolition of a property at 128 E North St, updates on property code violations, and potential event planning for the nation's 250th birthday celebration.

The board discussed the rescheduling of Booster Days to October, received updates on a property condemnation case at 209 W Depot St, and reviewed building permits for new house construction. Discussions also covered road maintenance issues on Woodlawn Rd, including potential fog sealing to address loose material causing damage. The board formally hired Willett Hofmann as the new Village Engineer. Additionally, the board allocated $150,000 from interest income for a new sidewalk project. Other topics included the recurring issues with erroneous address population affecting the local post office and mail delivery, potential policies for Village reimbursement of damaged mailboxes, and challenges regarding water billing processes and mailing formats.

The meeting covered discussions regarding a postponed property condemnation hearing for 209 W Depot St, with the next hearing scheduled for early February. Updates were provided on subdivision development, including new foundations being installed. The Finance Committee reported on expected tax revenues. The Streets/Alleys/Sidewalks Committee reviewed funding options for the Sidewalk Project, focusing on using interest earnings, potentially starting with $150,000 for repairs on Main Street, South Street, and Depot Street, and noted issues with ADA ramp drainage at the school. The Board also addressed the pending Request for Qualifications for a Village Engineer and discussed the status of the Water Tower Project controls installation. Furthermore, the council reviewed the South Street Water Main Project bids, noting the need for an IEPA permit application submission soon to avoid delays, and discussed enhancing Village Hall security, including installing cameras and potentially implementing a visitor screening system to manage First Amendment auditors.

The meeting included discussions on ongoing legal matters regarding a property at 209 W Depot St, pending resolution after a court date. Building permit activity, including sheds, patios, and fences, was reported, along with follow-up on a required sidewalk installation at 502 S Pierce St. Committee reports covered finance, where receipt of tipping fees and farmland rent checks was noted. The Streets/Alleys/Sidewalks committee discussed winter preparations concerning road salt and the potential cost/benefit of using carbide plow shoes. Committee changes were made due to a board member departure. Key discussions in New Business focused on scheduling a special public meeting to begin the process of writing a new Comprehensive Plan with assistance from the University of Illinois extension, incorporating input from various village entities, and considering housing needs. Old Business involved the Water Tower Project, where electrical work was approved based on a bid, and coordination efforts between the electrician and KLM were noted, though the mixer installation might be delayed pending an IEPA permit. Significant time was dedicated to the Sidewalk Project, identifying several areas needing repair, estimating high replacement costs, and considering the feasibility of immediate action versus planning for Spring quotes. Furthermore, the Board discussed locations and potential funding sources, such as ITEP Streetscapes Grants, for future downtown improvements. The South Street Water Line Project was set to go out for bid, with contractors deciding on timely completion based on weather. Finally, the Board reviewed options and potential locations for a new Village sign, noting potential IDOT setback issues.