Donna Stewart

The meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key discussion points included the replacement of a culvert behind the Grade School and the installation of a new white roof on the South Park large pavilion. Public Safety topics involved submitting a grant for live scan equipment and ordering repairs for wastewater plant pump #2. Underground boring work under Hillstown Rd. was scheduled for March 23. For Utilities, progress on culvert installation was noted, a recommendation was made to budget for a monthly sewer camera inspection, and the repair of two fire hydrants was mentioned. Finance reported interest earned, noted high fees at Busey Bank warranting investigation, and discussed the Police Union Contract and the need for a new police car in the budget. The Board approved an ordinance to auction off a 22.42 +/- acre parcel of Village-owned real estate at 1365 Green Diamond Rd. New business included approving street closures and parade route temporary closures for the Coal Festival, renewing a contract with the MAA for White Oak Ball Diamonds usage, and approving a Roadway Crossing Permit for Douglas Pipeline. Following an executive session regarding employment and appointments, the Board approved the hiring of a full-time Office Clerk and a full-time Water Clerk, both contingent upon background/credit checks and a six-month probation. Approval to postpone the 2026 Personnel Policy was also granted.

Key discussions during the meeting included granting permission to the Coal Festival Committee to close E. St. Clair St.-S. Hamilton for the annual car show. Updates were provided on utility issues, specifically leaking sewer lines and the upcoming installation of new water meters. The Board tabled the contract consideration with Falling Skies Pyrotechnics for Coal Festival 2026 fireworks pending contract corrections. The Board approved pay raises for office employees, increasing the hourly rate from $17.00 to $20.00. New business included tabling an ordinance regarding the sale of Village-owned real estate at 1365 Green Diamond Rd. The Board approved applying for St. Clair County Community Block Grant Funds for the North Main St. Pedestrian Bridge construction, with the Village's financial share set at $150,000.00. Additionally, a resolution was passed to approve an LED flashing Stop sign permit for the intersection of Il 13 and Lyons St. The Board entered and exited an executive session to address the release of executive meeting minutes, approving subsequent schedules for the release of various executive session minutes.

The committee meeting commenced at the scheduled time, followed by a motion to enter executive session which was approved. Following the executive session, a motion was passed to exit executive session and re-enter the regular meeting. The meeting was ultimately adjourned.

The meeting included a review and approval of the previous minutes with noted corrections regarding quotes for a sidewalk bridge and a box culvert, and Trustee Klingeman's vote on fund movement. The Board approved the summary of financial reports, requiring a summary sheet with receipt disbursements, and authorized payment of current bills. The annual audit findings for FY 24/25 were presented, resulting in a clean opinion, though the finding noted the lack of an on-staff CPA to prepare the audit. Key operational discussions included Trustee John Baker reporting on public safety matters such as providing Code Red sign-up instructions, securing support for an ICDBG application, potential joint funding for a backup generator at the Medical Building, and initial discussions for police station needs, including using a local class for a 3D scan of the current facility due to lost floor plans. Road work discussions involved IDOT's denial of a box culvert extension, leaving options between restoring a pedestrian bridge or dual crosswalks. For utilities, 275 feet of culvert replacement near the Elementary school was approved, funded by the ditch work account, and installation of cameras in the new street workers shed was noted. Finance committee discussions touched upon the IDBG, and negotiations began for the Police contract. Under Old Business, an operating agreement with Hydro Service & Chad Rhutasel was approved after being removed from the table; consideration for a fireworks contract was tabled; and the County agreed to seek funding for the demolition of a garage on Trustee-owned property. New Business saw the indefinite postponement of applying for CDBG funds for a North Main Street culvert extension, and the formal acceptance of the FY 24/25 audit report. A bid from Gibson Electric for parking lot lighting at the new Street shed was approved. Consideration of part-time employee pay raises was tabled.

The meeting began with citizen comments, including a resident's long-standing complaint regarding a neighbor's barking dogs and a discussion with a representative from Midwest Custom Buildings about establishing a portable building sales lot, resulting in a recommendation to apply for a business license. Department reports covered ongoing efforts regarding boil order notifications, pursuit of a Community Block Development Grant for a crosswalk bridge, planning for the Village Treasurer's retirement, and proposed contract term changes for Hydro Service. Committee reports noted updates on utility work, including a new master meter installation and building improvements, and a pending appraisal for property near Waste Management. Old business included tabling decisions on the Hydro Service operating agreement and the fireworks contract for the Coal Festival 2026. The board also discussed the costs associated with the crosswalk bridge project and the status of bids for garage demolition. New business saw the approval of a budget transfer to refund the American Legion Post 172 for the Fall Festival, approval of several Liquor Licenses (denying two), approval for a vendor to sell coffee on specified Thursdays, and the approval of Tax Levy Ordinance 2026-01. The board entered and exited executive session to discuss employment and collective bargaining, ultimately approving the collective bargaining agreement for street employees and voting to hire a new full-time Police Officer.