Julie Abing

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, previous minutes, receipts, deposits, and claims totaling $31,243.88. Village officials reported on key matters, including the introduction of new potential legal counsel from West & Dunn Attorneys at Law due to dissatisfaction with current representation. The Police Report for October and November was reviewed. The Clerk-Treasurer reviewed a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement with Lafayette County Housing for First Capitol Apartments, reported receipt of the first copy of the Ordinance Re-codification, and discussed nominations/renewals for the Library Board. Public Works reported on seeking an additional quote for Water Tower maintenance and assistance with cemetery tree removal. New business involved the formal approval to retain West & Dunn as the new Village Attorney, approval of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement, and approval for the appointment of one new and the renewal of three existing Library Board members. The Board also convened into a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding potential litigation.

The meeting addressed citizen concerns regarding animals running at large and inadequate street lighting on W. Washington Street. Key actions included approving the consent agenda which authorized claims totaling $51,402.38. The President reviewed the Belmont Well #3 Inspection Report, noting significant pipe deterioration and recommending replacement and a shorter inspection schedule. Updates were provided on Ordinance #2025-272 concerning mobile homes and the 2026 Preliminary Budget, which was subsequently adopted with a public hearing set for November 19, 2025. The Board approved proceeding with recommended repairs for Well #3, adopted Ordinance #2025-272, approved a new two-year maintenance contract for Bruce Gardiner Appraisal Services, and accepted donations from Josetta McNett for cemetery tree removal and a new fence, contingent on a long-term, low-cost lease of cemetery property.

The regular Village Board meeting included the approval of the agenda, receipts, deposits, and claims totaling $37,784.27. Key actions involved the recommendation and subsequent approval of Mike Klien for appointment to the Belmont Fire District Board. The Board also approved the candidate placement order for the Spring Election ballot positions. Furthermore, a Class "B" Beer & Liquor license for the Sports Page Bar-Grill & Venue LLC was approved for the period of January 7, 2026, through June 30, 2026. The Public Works report highlighted a discussion regarding the necessity of replacing or repairing a 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck, with a recommendation leaning toward purchasing a used replacement.

The meeting agenda included a Public Hearing regarding the 2026 Proposed Budget. Key discussion items involved citizen comments and petitions, followed by reports from the Acting President and Clerk-Treasurer. The Clerk-Treasurer's report addressed the absence of utilities to be rolled to the tax roll and complaints concerning smoke from the Compost Pile, suggesting alternatives. Committee updates were provided for the Finance Committee and Cemetery Committee. New Business centered on the discussion and potential action to approve the 2026 Budget Resolution #2025-7.

The document details a regular meeting which followed a public hearing for the 2026 Proposed Budget for the Village of Belmont. Key discussions included citizen complaints regarding smoke from the yard waste pile, with direction given to the Public Works Department and investigation into future alternatives. Trustees requested that Public Works contact the County regarding potholes at Mound Avenue and Platteville Avenue. The Board also decided to initiate the hiring process for the Community Building cleaning position, with the job description to be prepared for the next meeting. A report was presented from the Belmont Fire District Meeting held on November 12, 2025. The meeting concluded with the adoption of Budget Resolution #2025-7, approving the 2026 Village Budget and setting the Tax Levy.