November 15, 2021 Minutes
November 19, 2021
A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Monday November 15, 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 T. Jones, Trustee J. Griffiths, Trustee M. McDonald, Utilities Superintendent K. League, Clerk T. Hedrick, Deputy Clerk D. Burk, Jon Schroeder with Schroeder and Schroeder P.C., Nate Fox with LARM, and members of the public Austin Horton, Eduard Barber, Scott McDonald.
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm.
OPEN FORUM: Austin Horton inquired as to why his utilities were left off for two days even though his bill had been paid. Horton stated that it had snowed and had been very cold those two days for his renter and some of his food was spoiled. Utilities Superintendent League stated he had been gone in the afternoon and didn’t check that the Assistant Utilities Superintendent had reconnected it that morning. League stated he would address this with the other employee.
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.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Motion by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to adopt Rates Resolution 504 revising rates schedule to reflect current occupation taxes for hawkers and peddlers. 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 M. McDonald and Trustee T. Jones from the October 21st meeting. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Abstained: T. Jones. Absent: S. Hanes. Motion Carried.
Jon Schroeder introduced himself to the board members and explained some of the services he offers for the Village of Stratton.
Schroeder distributed information regarding suggestions on board member conduct and reviewed information that may be of use to the members as well as answered questions from the board. Schroeder suggested that each board member review the information as well as the Open Meetings Act in detail and he can return to answer any questions at a later time if needed.
Nate Fox reviewed current insurance coverage for the Village and suggested changes that may be needed. Motion by J. Griffiths and second by M. McDonald to approve the proposed recommended valuation on Village insurance. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes. Motion Carried.
The board discussed the status and use of Briarwood Street south of Scarber Street. Scott McDonald voiced his concern on the effect of vacating this street. He stated that many residents would lose access to their property or driveways if this street was vacated. The board agreed that this would be a concern if the street was ever considered for vacating. The subject was tabled until other interested parties have been given a chance to voice their concerns.
An Ordinance regarding snow removal on Village streets was discussed. M. McDonald made a motion to repeal Ordinance 208 and J. Griffiths seconded the motion. Discussion was had regarding procedure of introducing a new ordinance to repeal the current. J. Griffiths rescinded her second. Item will be tabled until more information can be presented.
Motion by T. Jones and second by M. McDonald to approve Drawdown #12 on CDBG 19WW001. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes. Motion Carried.
Motion by M. McDonald and second by T. Jones to start the process of annexation of 503 County Avenue. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes. Motion Carried.
Employee health insurance renewal rates were reviewed. Due to the rise in cost of the rates the board would like more information on other plans available. Clerk Hedrick will gather more information and present it at the next regular board meeting.
Discussion on numbering the poles for street lights to streamline reporting of outages was held. Utilities superintendent League will look into cost and implementation of the numbering system.
Motion by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to approve the notification of audit form as recipients of federal grants. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes. Motion Carried.
Motion by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to approve Resolution 505 authorizing Chairman to sign the Year-End Certification of City Street Superintendent form. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes. Motion Carried.
Streets, Alleys, & Landfill Committee Report: Access to property by a resident was discussed on a street that is undeveloped. Utilities Superintend League will check on prices of installing a culvert in the water drainage ditch surrounding the property.
Electricity Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Water & Sewer Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Finance Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick advised that we will need to transfer money into the Building Maintenance Reserve Account each year to prevent any inactivity fees from being accessed and will set this up to make the transfer into the account.
Health & Welfare Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Park & Recreation Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Motion made by M. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to adjourn the meeting at 9:13pm. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: S. Hanes. Motion Carried.
The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday December 20, 2021 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.
