August 16, 2021 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Monday August 16, 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 S. Hanes, Trustee J. Griffiths, Trustee T. Jones, Trustee M. McDonald, Utility Superintendent K. League, Clerk T. Hedrick, Deputy Clerk D. Burk, David Blau with Miller & Associates, members of the public Jens Karney, Chet Bridge, Jennifer Reynolds, Wade Hanes, and Timothy Robbins.

           

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

 

OPEN FORUM:

Utility Superintendent League stated that they would be purchasing new boots for the utility workers soon and was verifying that equipment was still covered. League will get prices on the boots and report back to the board for approval.

Jens Karney informed the board of a nonprofit that works with mobile food banks that have excessive amounts of food and was wondering if they could bring it to our community for distribution. No board members saw any problems with this assistance to the community members. Trustee Jones mentioned to Karney that there was a food pantry in Culbertson that may also be willing or needing the extra food donations.

Utility Superintendent League informed the board that some community members would be hosting a Poker Run on September 11, 2021 with the proceeds to be donated for the Stratton swimming pool.

Trustee Jones informed the board that the Hitchcock County Sheriff was looking into entering into contracts with each of the Villages in the county to better enforce the Village ordinances and assist the town with other enforcement needs. Sheriff Hunter will be providing more guidance regarding the contract in the near future.

A letter was submitted from Clint LaLonde and Bonita Hamilton. Chairman J. McDonald opened the letter and Clerk Hedrick read aloud the letter. LaLonde’s letter addressed a complaint regarding Utility Superintendent League falsifying meter readings for over a year and requesting that their meter as well as many others in town that are non-operable be replaced. LaLonde’s letter also stated they will collecting other community members’ complaints and presenting them to the board.

 

Motion by J. Griffiths and second by M. McDonald to approve the previous minutes, treasurers’ report and claims. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

An ordinance on fences was discussed and reviewed the details of. Clerk Hedrick read the Ordinance in its entirety. Motion by M. McDonald and second by T. Jones to waive the three readings on Ordinance 205 regarding fence permit and regulations. Roll call: Ayes: J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Abstain: J. Griffiths. Motion Carried.

 

Motion by M. McDonald and second by T. Jones to adopt Ordinance 205 regarding fence permit and regulations. Roll call: Ayes: J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Abstain: J. Griffiths. Motion Carried.

 

American Rescue Plan Act funds were discussed. No further information was obtained and Utility Superintendent League will be in contact with Miller & Associates to narrow down a water project that is eligible for use with the funds.

 

The proposed work order form was reviewed. It was suggested to add a line for the requesting person to sign and a list of the current rates on the paper for reference. Motion by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to approve the work order form with revisions for use with the utility department. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Motion by S. Hanes and second by J. Griffiths to excuse Trustee T. Jones and Trustee M. McDonald from the prior regular meeting. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Abstain: T. Jones. Motion Carried.

 

One and six year hearing opened at 8:13pm. David Blau with Miller & Associates presented the proposed one and six year plan for the Village streets. There was discussion regarding changes to the plan. Hearing closed at 8:29.

 

Motion by M. McDonald and second by S. Hanes to adopt Resolution 498 to approve the one and six year plan with the following revisions; M567(31) and M567(36) will be moved to one year plan, M567(14C) is complete and will be removed, M567(39) will be added to the one year plan, and M567(40) will be added to the six year plan. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

 

Motion by T. Jones and second by J. Griffiths to adopt Resolution 499 authorizing the Village Board Chairman to sign the Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

Chairman J. McDonald signed the Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance.

 

Clerk Hedrick informed the board that the pool had their last day open the prior Saturday. The concessions and pool admission did very well this year. There was also around $500 in donations from fundraisers this season to go towards upgrades for the pool and pool equipment.

 

Review of an insurance claim that was submitted regarding a car window that was broken when the streets were cleaned on Scarber Street. More information will be available at a later date.

 

Motion by M. McDonald and second by S. Hanes to approve a Special Designated Liquor License for the Stratton Recreation Club for the date of September 25, 2021. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

 

Clerk Hedrick advised the board that an employee with the Stratton United States Post Office suggested that they designate a Suite number to differentiate the Village Clerk’s Office address from the Public Library address. Clerk Hedrick also advised that the correct address of the building should be 411 Bailey and the empty lot south of the building should be 409 Bailey. Motion by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to set the address of the Village Office as 411 Bailey Suite 1 and the Public Library as 411 Bailey Suite 2. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

 

Motion by T. Jones and second by S. Hanes to waive the three reading on Ordinance 206 establishing and fixing the salaries and compensation for the Village of Stratton. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

 

Motion by J. Griffiths and second by M. McDonald to adopt Ordinance 206 establishing and fixing the salaries and compensation for the Village of Stratton. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

 

The board accepted employee resignation from Librarian Beverly Henderson. Clerk Hedrick informed the board that the Library Board had promoted assistant Library Teri Faimon to the head Librarian. No other information on hiring a new assistant has been received as of this date.

 

Motion by S. Hanes and second by J. Griffiths to approve the local match for Hitch and Hay. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes. Nays: T. Jones, M. McDonald. Motion Carried.

 

Utility Superintendent League informed the board of attachments for the skid steer and usefulness they would have for the Village. Motion by J. Griffiths and second by M. McDonald to purchase Caterpillar angle blade. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

 

A complaint regarding a city worker was reviewed. Jennifer Reynolds stated that an employee interjected into a private matter and abused his power. Reynolds provided a written statement and picture to the board. Chairman J. McDonald stated that the board would take the matter under investigation and consult with the Village attorney on the matter.

 

A complaint regarding harassment was reviewed. Jennifer Reynolds stated that a board member was attempting to prevent her from speaking at a prior meeting and continues to harass her at her home and is attempting to use her influence with Village employees to advance her position with a civil matter. Reynolds provided written statements to the board. Chairman J. McDonald stated that the board would take the matter under investigation and consult with the Village attorney on the matter.

 

A complaint regarding improper open meetings act was reviewed. Jennifer Reynolds stated that she would like to withdraw this complaint.

 

Nuisance properties were discussed. Trustee J. Griffiths stated that there are many properties around town that violated the Village nuisance ordinance. Trustee J. Griffiths shared pictures that she had taken of many of the properties. Seeing as the large amount of properties that are in violation the board thought it would be best to send out reminders of the ordinance to all of the community and to encourage those that may be in violation to show more pride in their community and individual property. Those that need extra encouragement may be contacted individually at a later date to discuss nuisance violations and rates of clean up.

 

Streets, Alleys, & Landfill Committee Report: Wade Hanes asked for clarification on setbacks for putting up a retaining wall on his property. Hanes was advised of the standard setbacks and requested to submit an application and the board could review the location and approve at the next board meeting.

 

Electricity Committee Report: Nothing new to report: Nothing new to report.

 

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Utility Superintendent League gave an update on the wastewater project. Chairman J. McDonald also request that Superintendent League continue to work on replacing inoperable water meters.

 

Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

 

Health & Welfare Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

 

Park & Recreation Committee Report: An individual completing community service hours painted the playground equipment at the park and will continue to help with other small jobs that need completed.

 

Motion made by M. McDonald and second by T. Jones to adjourn the meeting at 9:18pm. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

 

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday September 20, 2021 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.