Phil Weber

The board meeting covered several administrative and infrastructure items. Discussions included the distribution of budget sheets to the board, an update on economic development at the Formosa property regarding land clearing and water billing, and the preparation of a project funding application for sewer and lift station improvements. The board approved resolutions regarding land development interest with Cynergy Power and support for wastewater improvements. Additionally, two building permits were approved for new residential construction and property improvements. Board members also addressed various community maintenance concerns, including tree planting inquiries, gutter cleaning, clean-up day scheduling, pothole repairs, and updates on storm sewer and lift station progress.

Key discussions included an update from the Illiopolis Fire District regarding an upcoming tax rate increase vote. Concerns were addressed regarding roadway access on Mary Street during the Storm Sewer Project, ensuring usability for Illiofest and access for Fire Department trucks. The Treasurer's report for January was accepted. Economic development updates noted that the solar farm at the Formosa property has commenced work, requiring water access billed through EJ Water. The engineering report covered commencement of work by Groundworks, forthcoming Change Orders 2 & 3, the bid opening for the Lead Service Line Inventory grant, and ongoing communication regarding the Sunny View unsewered area planning grant. Old business included a discussion on Land Development interest by Cynergy Power, noting a new proposed lease agreement is under attorney review, and the decision to keep the Village Annual Clean Up days in June, though shredding and electronics recycling were canceled this year. New business saw the approval of a building permit for a fence at 607 Anne Street. Approvals were granted for the Lead Service Line Inventory award to Eco Wash, Change Order #1 for the Lead Service Line Inventory, Ordinance 2026-01 adjusting annual utility usage charges, Change Orders #2 and #3, and Pay Estimate #1 for the Storm Sewer Grant. The Board also declared two mowers as surplus property to be sold and accepted a bid for work on the west end of Wabash Park, planned for May. A proposal for the demolition of the Filter Plant was accepted. An additional cost increase for new maps' software was approved. The Board also briefly discussed a potential movie in the park, tree planting grants, and the possibility of an EV Charging station pending funding.

The meeting included a Treasurer's Report which detailed December income and expenses, noting the arrival of a $100,000 check from the Donovan Trust. The Economic Development Report indicated that the solar farm is experiencing engineering issues but construction is hoped for in early summer. The Engineering Report noted that Groundworks has begun work on a project and change orders will be forthcoming, while the bid opening for the Lead Service Line Inventory grant is scheduled for February 12th. Old Business covered an update on a proposed lease agreement for land development interest from Cynergy Power, which is under legal review. New Business involved a discussion on an ordinance for automatic yearly water and sewer rate increases, with a vote deferred to the next meeting. The Board approved Resolution 2026-01 for participation in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network. A decision was made to contact GFL to secure a June date for the annual clean up days, keeping them separate from the rummage sales now scheduled for September and April. The Board approved the purchase of an I-pad, case, and GPS unit for the Diamond Maps software project, not to exceed $2500. Furthermore, the Board approved the purchase of a new and a used EXMark mower from Jenner Sales. Updates were provided regarding dilapidated properties being addressed by Sangamon County, and ongoing efforts to secure railroad repair for the 7th street crossing and progress on hydrant replacement work required for grant compliance by April.

Key discussions during the meeting included a financial update from the Treasurer concerning the Donovan Trust expenses, and reports on economic development showing initial work commencing at the Formosa site. The engineering report provided updates on the Hydrant grant work and Storm Sewer work, with Groundworks preparing to begin. New business featured a discussion regarding a proposal from Cynergy Power to utilize 47 acres of village-owned crop land for solar development, prompting the Board to request the Village Attorney review correspondence. The Board also discussed joining the IPWMAN association for statewide mutual aid support. Furthermore, the Mayor reported high water usage over the holidays due to leaks, noted the new dump truck arrival, and requested the Village Attorney draft an ordinance to revise water and sewer rates with an automatic increase. Updates were also given regarding dilapidated properties awaiting action from Sangamon County and the ongoing equipment auction.

Key discussions included a financial update on income and expense for November, as well as the Donovan Trust, noting unspent funds by year-end. Economic development updates indicated initial work has begun at the Formosa site by Hutchins Excavating. Engineering updates reported that work on the new Storm Sewer Grant will commence after the new year, weather permitting. Old business centered on revising the Water and Wastewater automatic rate increase, as the current ordinance lacks the previous 3% increase provision; a new ordinance will be drafted to include both water and wastewater increases. New business involved approving the purchase of a dump truck from the township not to exceed $14,000 to replace the current vehicle and for snow plowing. The Board also approved Intergovernmental Ordinance 2025-07 with Illiopolis Township. Change Order #1 for the Storm Sewer Grant, rerouting storm sewer from sidewalks to the street at an additional cost of $54,986.20, was approved. Furthermore, the old back hoe and the large dump truck were declared surplus assets to fund the new purchase, and a motion was passed to place the customary Holiday Greeting in the Sentinel newspaper.