Megan Dull

The Village Board meeting addressed numerous items, including the approval of operator licenses and acknowledgment of various departmental and committee reports, excluding specific police calls for service details initially. Key discussions involved a leaking Lion's Head at the park, the progress of a lot purchase with an expected close by year-end, and the acceptance of a $6,200 park donation from Linda Simpson for handicap accessible playground equipment. The Board reviewed and passed motions concerning the 2026 Levy Limit, intending to consult with Ehlers regarding moving hydrant rental fees off the levy, and approved renewing a Certificate of Deposit for seven months. Action was taken to approve a pay request for the Packer Drive Inlet Repair and to include Locust Street in the West Blvd Sanitary Sewer Replacement project scope. The discussion on the SCADA Assessment Update was postponed pending a second estimate. The Board approved expanding the Well #3 design to accommodate future chlorination needs. A letter will be sent regarding a property complaint at 101 Graham Street for running a business from home, and a clerical error in the Sex Offender Ordinance was corrected. The Board approved carryover funds for numerous departments into the next fiscal year and approved the purchase of an Airtech UTV for the WWTP. Committee assignments were reviewed and approved. The Board convened into closed session to discuss part-time employee wage increases, the professional association contract, and hiring a Water/Sewer Clerk.

Key discussions during the meeting included revisions to the Consent Agenda, where approval for bills/checks was postponed until the next month. Communications covered legal updates, election challenges, status updates on the sidewalk project prioritizing the railroad crossing, and discussions with Ehlers regarding budget concerns and potential TID closure versus amendment. The board addressed public concerns regarding snow plowing procedures. Old Business involved follow-up on Special Assessment Ordinance revisions and AT&T work completion. New Business saw the approval of the Public Works Report, updates on consultant status, awarding of the trash and recycling services contract to Olson Sanitation, and denial of a retainage reduction pay application for the 2008 Street Project. The board also approved SCADA upgrade proposals contingent on financing, authorized final payment for the test well, maintained the existing water tower construction hours ordinance, selected an exterior for Well House #3, and granted conditional final acceptance for Deer Hills Phase 2A Public Utilities. The Dump Ordinance was revised regarding contractor usage and fines. Discussions concluded with prioritizing future items such as the Public Works leadership structure, direction for the Clearas System, security upgrades for Village Hall, and potential expansion of village services like adding an ambulance station.

The agenda for this regular meeting included standard consent items such as the approval of bills/checks, acknowledgment of several departmental and board reports (Treasurer's, Police Department, Library Director, Clerk, Plan Commission, Building Inspector), and acknowledgment of a St. Patrick's Day Parade request. Key discussions and potential actions centered on Old Business items like revising Special Assessment Ordinances 54-6 & 54-4, discussing AT&T's work completion, and potential action on the Chicken and Recycling Ordinances. New Business featured updates from Ayres & Associates, discussion/action on awarding the trash and recycling services contract, updates on the 2023 Street Project and 2026 West Blvd Project, discussion/action regarding SCADA Upgrades and Proposals, and multiple actions related to water infrastructure including Test Well Pay Application #3 and Water Tower Construction Hours. The board also planned to discuss Village Priorities such as the Sidewalk Project, Rolling Meadows Park, and security for Village Hall.