September 20, 2021 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Monday September 20, 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, Utilities Superintendent K. League, Clerk T. Hedrick, David Blau with Miller & Associates, Nate Fox with LARM, members of the public Chet Bridge, Jennifer Reynolds, Wade Hanes, and Tom Frizzle and Joel Richardson.

           

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 pm.

 

OPEN FORUM: No public comment was made.

 

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

 

NEW BUSINESS:

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

 

Nate Fox reviewed details and other benefits of insurance coverage with LARM. The current policy as well as another quote from CWG was also reviewed by the board. Without objection insurance quotes were postponed until the next meeting.

 

Without objection consideration/approval of interlocal agreement to join LARM was postponed until the next meeting.

 

Without objection consideration/approval of LARM Resolution was postponed until the next meeting.

 

A change order for the wastewater project was not submitted at this time and will be addressed at the next meeting after submitted to the Board.

 

David Blau advised that there is still grant money available if the Board would like to purchase more safety upgrades for the sewer system. Utilities Superintendent League will review what items may be needed and submit quotes to the board at the next regular meeting.

 

Motion by J. Griffiths and second by T. Jones to approve CDBG 19WW001 drawdown #12. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes. Motion Carried.

 

Utilities Superintendent League informed the board that he was approached by a resident regarding responsibility of damage to a water curb stop. The board agreed that the repairs have already been completed by Village employees and all cost covered by maintenance budget and will not be seeking reimbursement on the repair of the curb stop.

 

Member of the public, Joel Richardson approached the board regarding new electrical service that would be needed at his property possibly next spring. Discussion was held regarding placement of the meter and transformer as well as the need for easement on the property. More research will be completed on the type of service and easement of the property.

 

Motion by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to expand the signage of the school zone and add school hours to the sign. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes. Motion Carried.

 

Post mounted speed display signs were discussed. The State Department of Roads will not move the current speed limit signs coming into and exiting town without a speed study and other requirements that must be met. Possible locations for post mounted speed display signs were discussed depending on the locations of the speed limit signs and availability of electricity. Utilities Superintendent League will check into the possibility of adding more speed limit signs on the highway within the Village limits.

 

Nuisance properties within the Village were discussed. Member of the public Tom Frizzle voiced his concern that many residents may have problems taking care of their yards as they are physically unable and there is lack of lawn care service in the area. A new owner took over one local lawn service and the rates have substantially increased making is difficult to afford, according to Fizzle. The board agreed that this makes it difficult and lack of service is a concern however the focus should be more directed towards those that are creating a safety concern due to varmints or unstable buildings. A current list of offending properties will be gathered to address the violations.

 

The nuisance ordinance was reviewed by the board. The board will follow the current procedures regarding timeframes and consequences for noncompliance.

 

Trustee S. Hanes arrived at 8:43pm.

 

Motion by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to provide a fall clean up and tree limb pick up days. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried. Discussion was had regarding the location of the ball field to hold the clean up as well as use of the Village dump trailer to collect items. It was suggested to ask for volunteers to help collect items at residences where individuals are physically unable to move the items. Utilities Superintendent League will check his schedule for the best dates to hold the clean ups and Clerk Hedrick will advertise the event and gather a list of volunteers.

 

Motion by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to approve the fence permit for 409- 411 Bailey. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes. Nays: T. Jones, M. McDonald. Motion Carried.

A dog complaint at 411 Nebraska was reviewed. The Board felt there was no proof of ordinance violation presented.

 

A nuisance complaint at 811 Howard was reviewed. Utilities Superintendent League stated he would take care of the complaint during the next trash pick-up.

 

Increasing the occupation tax on hawkers and peddlers permit was discussed. Clerk Hedrick will do more research regarding what groups, companies or individuals this may apply to.

 

An Ordinance was presented regarding snow removal on Village streets. Motion by J. Griffiths and second by T. Jones to waive the three readings of Ordinance 208 to allow the operation of snow removal within the corporate limits under certain circumstances. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones. Nays: M. McDonald. Motion Carried.

Motion by J. Griffiths and second by T. Jones to adopt Ordinance 208 to allow the operation of snow removal within the corporate limits under certain circumstances. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones. Nays: M. McDonald. Motion Carried.

 

Propane bids submitted to the board were reviewed. Motion by J. Griffiths and second by T. Jones to accept the bid from Southwest Fertilizer, Inc. A division of Bosselman Energy, Inc. for 3000 gallons at $1.69 per gallon. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, S. Hanes, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

 

Streets, Alleys, & Landfill Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

 

Electricity Committee Report: Nothing new to report: Utilities Superintendent League discussed some electric wire that would need replaced on Bailey Street.

 

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Status of water meters being replaced was given. Utilities Superintendent advised a few had been replaced and he would continue to work on them as time allowed.

 

Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

 

Health & Welfare Committee Report: Tom Frizzle brought up a question regarding checking on the elderly and shut in’s during an emergency or long periods of extreme weather. The board agreed that it would be a good service however do not have the means of providing employees to complete the service. Clerk Hedrick will do some research on what options are available for a small communities.

 

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Utilities Superintendent League informed the board there was a volunteer whom mowed the park the prior week and expressed his gratitude for the additional help.

 

Motion made by M. McDonald and second by T. Jones to adjourn the meeting at 9:40pm. 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 October 18, 2021 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.