Charles Morgret

The Recreation Committee meeting addressed the status of Winter Youth Sports, specifically Basketball, Wrestling, and Cheerleading, noting that practices have begun and registration is closing soon with slightly increased participation compared to the previous year. Discussions also involved ensuring new coaches complete background checks. For new business, the committee discussed planning for youth involvement in the upcoming America250 commemoration for next year, and it was noted that new cheer outfits for 2026 will be included in the next fiscal budget.

The committee reviewed the 2025 Road Program Project for Ronyak, which is set to proceed to Council, and noted that holding tanks will be cleaned. Under new business, there were no adjustment journals for June 2025. Discussion centered on the 2025 ROAD PROGRAM, which includes base bidding for several streets, with future work planned for Lenny Ave. and Sperry Ave. A resident expressed significant concern regarding speeding on Royal Oak and vehicles illegally parked near a crosswalk, creating a hazard for children. In response, the committee requested a "no parking within 70 feet of an intersection" sign be placed, and Chief Tucholski advised residents to report illegal parking for immediate ticketing.

The meeting included a review of village finances, noting that Income Tax collections were up approximately 7% compared to the previous year, and Water and Sewer collections had also increased. Expenses trended upward due to overtime incurred during March storms. New business focused primarily on resolutions and ordinances. The committee recommended approval for a resolution designating May 2018 as Stroke Awareness Month and May 10, 2018 as Middlefield Means Health Day. A lengthy discussion occurred regarding a resolution to place an election question on the ballot concerning a proposed 0.25% increase in the income tax rate (to 1.25%), specifically earmarked for infrastructure repair and maintenance starting January 1, 2019. The committee also recommended resolutions authorizing fund transfers and granting final approval for the plat of Woodsong PUD, Phase 9. Further, ordinances were recommended to authorize contributions to an employee's Health Savings Account (HSA) and to waive prohibitions regarding the 18th Annual Christ Covenant Church Rib Burn-off event.

The meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. In Old Business, the Chief reported that the department budget remains sound, with water main leaks planned for in advance. The streets department is nearly finished with sidewalk repairs throughout the Village. Furthermore, the 2025 Road Program, specifically Hillcrest work, was rescheduled for mid-October, and a quote will be sought for crack and seal work on completed roads. New Business included the approval of the Adjustment Journal for August 2025, which accounted for prorated bills due to property sales and a billing error correction. General discussion covered the well totals report for water and sewer.

The committee meeting addressed the status of the 2025 Road Program, noting that the Hillcrest portion requires additional work, including a new drain installation. Key new business items included the approval of the July 2025 adjustment journal. The committee reviewed the 2026 Capital Improvement Projects, which are heavily utility-focused, involving the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Well #5, a water connection replacement, and a meter transfer, totaling over $8 million. A motion was passed to forward the 2026 Capital Improvement Projects to the next Council meeting for a first reading. Furthermore, a motion was passed to send the proposed 2026 Water and Sewer Rate plan, which mirrors the 2025 increases (3% for water, 5% for sewer), to the Council next month. The Mayor requested setting dates for the Sidewalk schedule before winter, and the Chief confirmed that the Streets department will address catch basins and high sidewalk lips this month.