May 18, 2020 Minutes
May 22, 2020
A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Monday May 18, 2020 at 7:00 pm CT at the Village Clerk’s Office. Notice of the meeting was posted and availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice. A poster of the “Open Meetings Act” was clearly visible on the office wall, and Chairwoman P. McDonald directed the attention of those present to the poster. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session. Present: Chairwoman P. McDonald, Trustee F. Priddy, Trustee J. McDonald, Trustee J. Richardson, Trustee T. Jones, Superintendent K. League, Clerk T. Hedrick, Roberta Loescher and Janet Felt from the Library Board and Robin Petersen with Western Auction & Real Estate.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
OPEN FORUM
No public comments were made.
Motion by J. McDonald and second by T. Jones to approve the previous minutes, treasurers’ report and claims. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Motion Carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Robin Petersen with Western Auction & Real Estate spoke to the Board regarding listing the property at 311 Bailey and 502/504 Bailey for sell. The board discussed what would be included with the property, asking prices and conditions of listing agreement. Motion made by J. McDonald and seconded by J. Richardson to list 311 Bailey with an asking price of $40,000 and 502 Bailey with an asking price of $85,500. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Motion carried.
An update was given regarding the Library/Village Office building that is being constructed at 409 Bailey. Janet Felt with the Library Board informed the Board that they will be receiving E-rate funding to assist with the materials to install internet service at the new building. Other funding options were discussed for the construction costs. Clerk Hedrick will continue to work on these.
NEW BUSINESS:
Motion made by F. Priddy and seconded by T. Jones to excuse the absence of J. Richardson from the April 20th regular meeting. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Motion carried.
The process of notifying customers of disconnections due to non-payment was discussed. T. Jones stated there was some concern of documentation on whether a customer was notified in another local Village. Clerk Hedrick reviewed the current notification process which involves the original bill sent the last week of the month, a reminder notice sent on the 11th when penalties are added and then a final notice sent out the last week of the month prior to receiving the next month’s bill (with any arrears printed on the new bill). The board felt like these notices are sufficient reminders to the customer. The possibility of adding the shut off date to the reminder notice was discussed. Clerk Hedrick will also post a reminder on social media the day prior to adding penalties and the day prior to disconnections.
Motion made by T. Jones and second by J. McDonald to approve Resolution 485 equalizing, levying and assessing the cost of improvements in and to street improvement district no. 2019-1 of the city and related matters. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Motion Carried.
Motion made by J. McDonald and second by F. Priddy to approve drawdown 9 on 18PW012. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by T. Jones and second by J. McDonald to approve drawdown 2 on 19WW001. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by J. Richardson and second by J. McDonald to approve drawdown 7 on 17HO33085. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Motion carried.
Superintendent League stated that there is need for purchasing a new welder for the shop. The current welder was donated years ago and has become worn out and needs replaced. Different styles and prices of welders were discussed. Motion made by J. McDonald and seconded by J. Richardson to purchase a new stick welder at the cost of $700 or less. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding the Governor’s recommendation that pools not open until at least July 15 and LARM’s recommendation that they not open at all this summer season due to liability issues. Current DHM were reviewed and the restrictions that would mean for pool operations and the cost to open the pool later this summer. Motion was made by T. Jones and second by J. McDonald to not open the pool for the 2020 season due to the restrictions and recommendations of limiting the spread of COVID-19. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by J. McDonald and second by F. Priddy to approve building permit at 601 Pierce. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding Assistant Utilities Superintendent Magley. He has recently obtained his CDL and is looking at starting water operator training once there is a class available. Superintendent League states he is doing a great job and learning quickly. Motion made by J. McDonald and second by J. Richardson to increase Magley’s rate of pay to $15.00 per hour. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Motion carried.
Streets, Alleys, & Landfill Committee Report: Water drainage was discussed on some of the streets in town. Superintendent League stated he would like to see Scarber Street armor coated when we are able to budget it.
Electricity Committee Report: There will be an electric hook up on a new property in-between Scarber and First Street in which part of Bailey Street will need to be dug up to complete.
Water & Sewer Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Health & Welfare Committee Report: Board members discussed the reply from the resident at 981 Railway and the need for removal of debris. Clerk Hedrick will send a follow up letter to the owner to discuss time frames of completion.
Park & Recreation Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday June 15, 2020 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.