March 21, 2022 Minutes
March 24, 2022
A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Monday, March 21, 2022 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 board room wall, and Chairman J. Griffiths directed the attention of those present to the poster. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session. Present: Chairman J. Griffiths, Trustee J. McDonald, Trustee M. McDonald, Trustee S. Hanes, Trustee T. Jones, Clerk T. Hedrick, members of the public Wade Hanes, Chester Bridge and Cynthia Roberts.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
OPEN FORUM:
Wade Hanes addressed the board regarding employee behavior at the last regular meeting in February. Hanes stated that he believed a point of order should have been called regarding one employee yelling at another employee while they were speaking. Hanes also stated that the behavior has been allowed for many years, including with past boards and believes that many members of the public are intimidated by this employees actions. Hanes would like to see this board hold the employee accountable for his behavior. The board thanked Hanes for the information and concern.
Motion by J. McDonald and second by T. Jones to approve the previous minutes, treasurers’ report and claims. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, S. Hanes, J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Motion made by M. McDonald and second by J. McDonald to accept bid from Scott Walker in the amount of $347.00 for the Surplus property- Victor Safe. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, S. Hanes, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones. Nays: None. Motion carried.
No new information was available regarding the sewer connection on County Avenue. Clerk Hedrick will follow up with Miller & Associates regarding the request.
No transition plan was submitted and Utilities Superintendent League was not present to provide the plan requested. Motion made by J. McDonald and second by T. Jones to enter executive session to protect the reputation of an individual. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, S. Hanes, J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion carried. Executive session was entered at 7:12 pm. Motion made by M. McDonald and second by S. Hanes to end executive session to protect the reputation of an individual. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, S. Hanes, J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Motion carried. Executive session was ended at 7:33 pm. J. Griffiths stated she will contact Utilities Superintendent League to discuss his plans for the future of the Village’s Utilities Superintendent.
The generator for the water wells was discussed. Trustee M. McDonald will contact Joel Richardson to provide an estimate of cost to improve the generator to working condition.
NEW BUSINESS:
Motion made by J. McDonald and second by J. Griffiths to approve payment of $181.51 to Hitchcock County Treasurer for the 1st half payment of property taxes on the property at 311 Bailey per the purchase agreement between the Village of Stratton and Jens Karney. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, S. Hanes, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Spring cleanup up was discussed. Motion made by S. Hanes and second by M. McDonald to complete the spring cleanup days on April 29 and 30, 2022. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, S. Hanes, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones. Nays: None. Motion carried. It was agreed to contact a company to provide a large roll off container as well. Discussion was held regarding the tree limb pick up. The end of May to the beginning of June is planned for pick up with dates narrowed down at a later time dependent on weather.
Motion by J. McDonald and second by M. McDonald to renew time deposit certificate 141042 for eight months. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, S. Hanes, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Applications for employment as Utilities Superintendent were reviewed. The board discussed setting up a date for interviews.
Clerk Hedrick presented information and cost for completing background checks for new employees. Motion by M. McDonald and second by S. Hanes to proceed with setting up an account with One Source to complete background checks on newly hired employees. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, S. Hanes, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Chairman Griffiths presented information regarding changing locks on Village buildings after separation of employees. With no objection the board agreed to change locks on the current buildings. A locksmith has been contacted and will provide information on changing locks.
Employment applications for park and recreation were reviewed. One application was interested in mowing the park as well. Trustee T. Jones stated that Village of Trenton would not be opening their swimming pool this summer due to renovations and advised that they could be contacted for potential employees. Applications will be reviewed again at the next regular meeting.
Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Street repairs and armor coating was discussed.
Electricity Committee Report: The electrical lines on Bailey Street will need to be inspected for needed maintenance. Clerk Hedrick will contact Southwest Public Power District to inquire about the availability for service calls until new employees can be hired and/or trained.
Water & Sewer Committee Report: Trustee T. Jones advised he was informed of a possible water leak at the meter at 404 Bonner Street that will need checked on. Assistant Utilities Superintendent Magley will be informed of the situation when he returns from training this week.
Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Health & Welfare Committee Report: Trustee T. Jones stated he had received a complaint regarding Utilities Superintendent’s refusal to check out the tree dump key to a tree trimming service. The board agreed to continue to allow access of keys on an annual rate to tree and landscaping service providers. Clerk Hedrick will ensure the individuals are aware the dump is available for local tree removal only.
Park & Recreation Committee Report: Cleaning up the park for Easter festivities was discussed. Clerk Hedrick will make arrangements for cleanup.
Correspondence from David Blau with Miller & Associates was received. Blau recommended the proposed property access request from public should be at the owners expense and proposed driveway should be approved and designed by Village of Stratton engineer.
Motion by J. McDonald and second by S. Hanes to adjourn the meeting at 8:19pm. Roll call: Ayes: M. McDonald, S. Hanes, J. Griffiths, J. McDonald, T. Jones. Nays: None. Motion carried and meeting adjourned.
The next meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.
