May 17, 2021 Minutes
June 23, 2021
A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Monday May 17, 2021 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 wall, and Chairman J. McDonald directed the attention of those present to the poster. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session. Present: Chairman J. McDonald, Trustee J. Griffiths, Trustee M. McDonald, Superintendent K. League, Clerk T. Hedrick, David Blau with Miller & Associates, members of the public Patricia Strauss, Robert Cappel, Robert Forch, Janet Felt, Jim Reagan, Wesley White, and Patricia Egle.
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm.
OPEN FORUM: Robert Cappel inquired about the easement to the south of his property on Hamilton and Kansas streets. Superintendent League stated that the streets of Kansas and Howland had been vacated but not Howland. Hamilton Street ends at what was Kansas.
Clerk Hedrick reminded the board and public that there would be an open house for the new Library and Village Office building on May 29th from 1-3pm.
Motion by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to approve the previous minutes, treasurers’ report and claims. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes and T. Jones. Motion Carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
The lot to the south of the new Library and Village Office was discussed. It was agreed that grass should be planted to prevent erosion and assist with aesthetics of the property. Superintendent League stated that he planned to install a water hydrant on the south of the building prior to the cement being poured on the front of the property so that he could connect to the water valve located there.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chairman J. McDonald excused S. Hanes and T. Jones from the regular board meeting.
Patricia Egle informed the board that the Stratton Community Foundation received funding that needed to be spent on youth or youth activities in the community. She stated that they would like to see the funds used to raise the wages for the lifeguards at the swimming pool this summer. Clerk Hedrick stated that the funds discussed could potential raise the current wages to $8.50 per hour. Superintendent League inquired as to whether the funds could be used for maintenance items at the pool. Egle stated that she believed so as it was benefiting the youth, however the Community Foundation would like to see the funds go towards increasing the wages to a completive rate for the area. Egle stated that she had checked with area swimming pools and most were offering around $9.00 per hour to their lifeguard staff. The board stated their gratitude for the funding and agreed that the wage increase for the staff would be beneficial. Egle requested a statement in writing from the board regarding what the funds would be used for if awarded to the Village. Clerk Hedrick and Chairman McDonald will create a letter to forward to the Stratton Community Foundation.
Motion made by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to hire lifeguard applicant Klarissa Rinne at the rate of $9.00 per hour. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes and T. Jones. Motion Carried.
Park and Recreation employment was tabled until the next meeting when more board members would be available.
Surplus equipment bids were reviewed. Motion made by J. Griffiths and second by M. McDonald to accept the high bids on open shelf desk, cork board shelf, file cabinet, metal storage cabinet, locking metal cabinet, printer and Ford tractor. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes and T. Jones. Motion Carried. The board would like to advertise the items that high bid was tied, conflict of interest existed or no bids were received on.
Howland Street west of what was Kansas Street was discussed during open forum. Superintendent League would like to look into more information regarding Hardford Street west of what was Kansas Street.
Motion made by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to approve building permit for 71261 County Avenue. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes and T. Jones. Motion Carried.
David Blau with Miller and Associates gave an update of the progress of the wastewater project. Motion by J. Griffiths and second by M. McDonald to approve Pay App #1 from BSB Construction. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes and T. Jones. Motion Carried.
Motion by J. Griffiths and second by M. McDonald to approve CDBG 19WW001 Drawdown #8. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes and T. Jones. Motion Carried.
Motion by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to approve CDBG 19WW001 Drawdown #9. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes and T. Jones. Motion Carried.
An update on the progress of the nuisance property at 308 Bonner was discussed. They continue to work on bringing the property into compliance.
Streets, Alleys, & Landfill Committee Report: Superintendent League gave an update on maintenance items for street repairs.
Electricity Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Water & Sewer Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Health & Welfare Committee Report: Wesley White inquired as to why his tree limbs weren’t picked up during the tree limb pick up event and he had to haul them off himself. Superintendent League stated that when he went to pick up the tree limbs they were already gone. Superintendent League also stated that the tree dump has a new lock and rules will be enforced more strictly due to non-authorized items being dumped. Pat Egle inquired on the intentions of enforcing ordinances on nuisance properties in town.
Park & Recreation Committee Report: It was noted by several community members that weeds in the park are abundant and landscaping by signs and trees in the park needs to be completed. Superintendent League stated that he continues to try to address the issues.
Motion made by J. Griffiths and second by M. McDonald to adjourn the meeting at 8:15pm. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes and T. Jones. Motion Carried.
The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday June 21, 2021 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.
