Rachel Carrell

The primary discussion centered on employee reviews, which were reported to have gone well, with employee morale currently being good. The committee then entered an executive session to discuss employment compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. Upon reconvening, the Personnel Committee recommended specific raises for several employees: Lawrence Pastick (6%), Melanie Murphy ($2.00), John Frederick (4%), Marc Milburn (5%), and Logan Jacobsgaard (5%). The committee adjourned after making these recommendations.

Key discussions included the finalization of the 2025 calendar year payroll, including tax reporting and W-2 issuance, and scheduling the annual appreciation dinner for February 20th. The board confirmed insurance coverage, including liquor liability, for the August 2026 Sesquicentennial event. Concerns were raised by residents regarding property maintenance and the recent water rate increase, which the Secretary addressed. The President informed the board about the pending closure of the Morris Hospital building in May 2026 and the board unanimously agreed to prevent the Fire Department from holding a conflicting fundraiser during the Sesquicentennial celebration. New business involved approving a resolution to establish the Sesquicentennial Committee, authorizing the committee to apply for a state liquor license, approving an ordinance for sanitary sewer improvements and necessary easement acquisitions, and ratifying a license agreement with BNSF for a village sewer main construction. Public Works reported on equipment maintenance, including a spreader motor replacement and addressing an aerator issue. The Chief of Police reported a decrease in reportable crime in 2025 compared to 2024.

The Personnel Committee meeting primarily focused on discussing employee reviews and potential wage adjustments. Key topics included the committee's concern over current employee wages, especially for M. Murphy and the Police Chief, and the poor state of employee morale due to delays in conducting reviews. Discussions involved analyzing the village's budget, operating costs, and chemical expenditures, with a request for a detailed financial report. The committee also addressed the status of the Ziptility program and the non-standard work hours for Public Works personnel, agreeing to revert to previous scheduling. The committee determined that future salary increases should account for both cost of living and merit, rather than being uniform across the board. The committee decided to conduct individual, one-on-one employee reviews the following week and to establish a formal personnel structure planning process.

The meeting included the appointment of a Trustee to serve as Acting Chair in the absence of the Village President. Key discussions focused on committee reports, including the Zoning Committee's proposal to increase permit fees to better cover the Zoning Officer's salary and updates to several ordinances. The Water/Sewer Committee recommended an immediate increase to water rates due to recurring shortfalls and to support future loan applications for the new water treatment plant, detailing proposed tiered rate changes. The board approved the new water rates and authorized the execution of a Loan Agreement, Tax Compliance Certificate, and Resolution with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency from the Public Water Supply Loan Program. Other actions included approving the December 2025 bill list, approving a $200 holiday gift for village employees, and agreeing to hold the annual dinner in February. The Director of Public Works reported on road clearing efforts and a service line repair, while the Chief of Police reported on traffic fines received and inquired about the status of the prostitution policy review.

The committee reviewed the IRWA water rate analysis, highlighting the Water Fund shortfall over the past 5 years, which was previously unnoticed due to combined water and sewer revenues in audits. Recommendations from IRWA included lowering the base rate to 1,000 gallons and adding $0.50 to all water rates, with discussions on potentially selling the water system to a private company. The age of the water system (80 years) and the need for replacement were emphasized, estimating a cost of over $9 million. Concerns about iron and manganese buildup in the pipes were raised. Alternative rate adjustments, such as lowering the base rate to 1,000 gallons and adding $1.00 to all water rates, along with changes to usage rate tiers, were suggested.