Beverly Merano

Key discussions included establishing parameters for hiring part-time street department mowing staff, considering wage rates, and the possibility of contracting out the work. The board addressed the persistent mechanical issues with the Wright mower and the potential for trade-in. A motion was passed to approve the yearly maintenance for a donated park fountain. The board discussed and approved an ordinance to implement a 2% annual increase in water rates for Kincaid, Jeisyville, and Bulpitt, matching increases imposed by Taylorville. Tree removal appropriations were reviewed, noting the allocation from Motor Fuel Tax funds. A trustee announced their intention to not seek re-election due to health reasons, with their final meeting scheduled for April 1st. Trustees also discussed necessary updates to lake lot contracts, including a cleaning/deposit fee, and the need for service contracts on village furnaces and air conditioners. The Animal Control representative stated they would cease acting in the official village capacity due to liability concerns but will continue related work independently.

The committee meeting involved discussions regarding potential revenue-generating activities utilizing village facilities. Key topics included planning a pizza party event on October 24th using unused pizza ovens, involving the local football team, and managing inventory risks associated with purchasing frozen pizzas versus making them internally. There was also a significant discussion about organizing the annual Halloween Trunk or Treat event, including coordinating with local churches and potentially hosting it on October 31st. Finally, there was a review of lake lot consolidation efforts, specifically addressing the small size of existing 20-foot lots and planning to consolidate adjacent lots to create larger, more usable parcels, which will require remapping.

The primary agenda item for this special meeting was the approval of a contract with Chastain & Associates for the second phase of the lead line funding. The urgency of approval by March 31st was emphasized to secure one hundred percent government forgiveness, as postponing the contract would result in a shift to an 80/20 funding split. The motion to approve the contract passed unanimously.

The meeting began with a presentation from Chastain & Associates regarding lead service line replacement disbursements and a change order. The Board decided to pursue the second phase of the 100% forgivable lead service replacement loan, requiring a new bid process. Discussion also covered a follow-up on the SRTS program funding bypass. A significant action was the motion to eliminate separate committee meetings, opting instead to handle all matters during regular board meetings. Other key discussions included approving a bid for two 500-gallon fuel tanks, general maintenance and cleanup of the Gun Club property, and the purchase of new street sweeper brushes for the street sweeper. The Board approved sending personnel to the annual water conference, hired Alex Rabin as the new village attorney via ordinance, and adopted a new policy regarding recording and posting meeting videos and audio, which specifically repealed the previous requirement to post recordings. The Board also addressed overdue water bills, establishing a policy of immediate shut-off for non-payment on the 27th, and discussed the potential sale of Lot 17 adjacent to the solar panel system. Finally, updates were given on the status of police chief applications.

The committee meeting focused on two main agenda items: resolving issues related to a prior engineering contract and discussing amendments to a zoning ordinance, specifically concerning property lots 1 through 16. Regarding the contract, discussions centered on exiting the agreement after initial design plans were completed but before further significant expenditure was required, noting that $96,000 had already been spent. The committee generally agreed to cancel the contract without incurring further penalties, retaining the completed design plans to potentially execute the project piecemeal themselves. The zoning ordinance discussion involved historical context, noting that the affected area was previously zoned agricultural until 2003, which allowed for some livestock. Attendees debated setting parameters for current livestock, proposing limits of two goats and six chickens, while generally leaning towards treating the specific lots as agricultural rather than residential for the purpose of these small livestock, contrasting this with neighboring areas.