Kim Plate

Key discussions during the meeting included spring election matters for Village Trustee positions and actions taken on approving minutes and treasurer's reports for the Village, Fire Department, and 1st Responders. Claims for the Village and legal invoices were examined and approved for payment. The Board reviewed the 4th Quarter Condition of Budgets, noted correspondence regarding property tax settlement from 2025 and an increased General Transportation Aid payment. Updates were provided on the Village Meadows expansion infrastructure bids, Fire Department activity including the new fire truck production status, and Street Department project bids. Rate increases for sewer and water were discussed, with the water rate increase effective date being moved to March 1st, 2026, via a rescinded/replaced resolution. The resignation of Village Trustee Kyle Hunter was accepted due to relocation. Updates were given on the painting project at the Hilbert Community Center, noting the final cost exceeded the approved maximum due to necessary drywall repairs and water damage remediation. Progress on the Urban Forestry Grant, which starts January 1, 2026, was reviewed. The Spring Clean Event organization was assigned to a new committee member. A personnel report noted an anonymous organization's interest in donating and funding the installation of a generator for the Fire Station and Community Center, estimated at $70,000.00. Operator licenses were approved, as was a Temporary Class B License for St. Mary's All For Love event.

The document covers a Public Hearing and a subsequent Village Board meeting. The Public Hearing addressed the proposed 2026 budgets for all funds, involving a discussion and rescinding of a previous vote concerning the Health Board's 2026 Budget wages for fire department members, ultimately approving the budget with a correction to the fire call rate. The final 2026 budget for all funds was adopted, and the 2025 Levy Limit and local tax rate were set, showing an expected decrease in the Village's estimated tax rate. During the Village Board meeting, items discussed included approving an invoice for lawn cutting, updates on nomination papers for the Spring Election, approval of various preceding meeting minutes and treasurer's reports, and payment of claims and legal invoices. Correspondence included updates on Shared Revenue, tax credits, and franchise fee payments. Department reports covered labor hours, building permits, recycling/rubbish, police protection, and fire department activities, including participation in a Thanksgiving meal delivery. The Street Department reported challenges with snow plowing due to street parking violations during restricted hours. Operator license approval was granted for one individual. The Plan Commission minutes were accepted, and the Board recommended moving ahead with Phase 4 development in Village Meadows Subdivision, contingent upon Phase 3 approval and with an exception regarding basements for duplexes. The Park and Recreation Committee minutes were approved; a Volunteer Clean-Up Day for Civic Park playground chips was discussed, and the donation of a used stove for the Community Center was denied. Approval was given to use remaining 2025 funds to paint the Community Room, hallway, and kitchen at the Community Center. Resolutions were approved for Public Depositories for 2026 and the renewal of insurance coverage. The firm Menn Law was reappointed as Village attorney, and lease agreements for 'Welcome to Hilbert' signs were renewed. The Board allowed the Village President and Treasurer to pay bills before year-end and approved a $150 Christmas bonus for all Village employees. The Board convened into and reconvened from a closed session.

The board held a public hearing regarding the proposed Comprehensive Plan and approved Ordinance 18.01 to adopt the 2045 Calumet County Comprehensive Plan for the Village of Hilbert. The board discussed the final estimate of the Village's population, a non-compliance advisory letter regarding property assessment, and reports from various departments including the Fire Department, Street Department, and Water Department. They renewed the service contract for HydroCorp, discussed the contract with Ornua, and approved an operator license for Traci Wojnowski and a temporary Class B license for Hilbert Potter Optimist Club. The board also approved committee recommendations regarding 1st Responder's contracts and budget, Fire contracts, Health Board budget, Recycling Committee budget, Water & Sewer Committee, Park & Recreation Committee, Street Committee, Police & License Committee, and Employee Review & Grievance Committee. Additionally, they discussed the Public Works employees digging a trench for the HAA project at the ballfields, land rental contracts with Schneider Farms and Holsum Dairy, and set the Public Hearing date for the 2026 Budget.

The board discussed the installation of flag poles for the Veterans Memorial, trick-or-treating announcements, and upcoming budget presentations. They reviewed and approved various minutes and treasurer's reports. The board also examined claims and legal invoices, discussed the condition of budgets, and reviewed correspondences related to transportation aids and service provider aid. Reports on labor hours, building permits, recycling, rubbish, and police protection were presented. Updates were provided on the Village Meadows Subdivision and the Fire Department. The board discussed a complaint regarding weed spraying in the Hilbert Civic Park and the replacement of a snowplow. They also discussed GIS licensing and upgrading services, Ornua contract, operator licenses, architectural committee meeting, improvements and building permits committee, park and recreation committee, Hilbert High School's request for a bonfire, and setting the date for the Public Hearing for Comprehensive Plan Ordinance. A closed session was convened to discuss the purchase of public properties.

The board discussed the progress of the Veteran's Memorial at Hilbert Civic Park, issues related to noxious weeds and property maintenance, and wild animals. They reviewed monthly reports from various departments, including recycling/rubbish and police protection. A presentation was given by MSA Professionals regarding building inspection services, and the board discussed current building permit rates. They also discussed Village Meadows Subdivision Phase 3, the fire department's needs, and updates to the Comprehensive Plan. They reviewed applications for operator's licenses and a Class B beer/liquor license. The board discussed training sessions for employees, architectural and water & sewer committee meetings, and wastewater treatment facility upgrades. They set a date for Trick-or-Treating and discussed dates for the 2026 budget meetings. Additionally, there was a special board meeting where they discussed and took action regarding appointing a representative for the Urban Forestry Start-up Grant and approved Resolution 2025-08 for the grant.