May 16, 2022 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Monday, May 16, 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 T. Jones, Trustee M. McDonald, Utilities Superintendent D. Magley, Clerk T. Hedrick, member of the public.

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm.

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the public Wade Hanes addressed the board regarding a sewer issue on Railway Street. Hanes stated that there is an individual who knows the location of an unknown manhole that may be of assistance. Hanes also raised the concern of tree limbs that needed trimmed in town.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Motion made by J. McDonald and second by T. Jones to pass Resolution 509 regarding annexation of property. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried.  

Clerk Hedrick reported that the sewer access on County Avenue would be taken care of privately by the owner of the property rather than providing sewer access from the Village and creating a sewer district.

A verbal quote was provided regarding cables for the public work’s building overhead doors. The board would like a quote in writing prior to making any decisions on the mater.

Clerk Hedrick presented a quote for radio read upgrades for water meters. Motion made by T. Jones and second by M. McDonald to accept the proposed bid and purchase the equipment using ARPA funding. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried.  

Abandoned vehicles were reviewed. Clerk Hedrick was unable to contact one of the property owners. Attempts will continue to locate the owner.

NEW BUSINESS:

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

A dog complaint at the location of 411 Nebraska was reviewed. Letters will be sent to dog owners in the area reminding them of ordinances regarding running at large and barking and chasing ordinances.

A dog complaint regarding a concern with the Village ordinances was reviewed. A letter was submitted regarding a recent dog attack. The resident would like to see the ordinance be stricter regarding dogs attacking other animals and causing serious harm. The board requested Clerk Hedrick to consult with the Village Attorney regarding the mater and assistance with an ordinance for addressing serious physical injury. Clerk Hedrick was also requested to post public reminders about all dog ordinances, including Pit bull’s being prohibited animals in the Village. Motion by T. Jones and second by M. McDonald to declare the dog licensed at the residence of 506 Nebraska as a dangerous animal. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried.  

There was discussion on the problem of feral cats in the area of Scarber Street. The item was tabled.

Motion by J. McDonald and second by T. Jones to approve building permit at 1008 Railway Street. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried.  

Clerk Hedrick addressed the need for an upgraded phone as Utilities Superintendent Magley has had the phone for some time and was beginning to have wear that effected the communication with him. The board agreed that would be acceptable. Clerk Hedrick also requested a cell phone for use by the Clerk as much of the communication for the Village takes place via her personal phone at this time. Motion by M. McDonald and second by J. McDonald to add a line to the Village cell phone plan for use by the Village Clerk. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried.  

Discussion was had regarding installing a walking trail. Trustee Jones was concerned regarding the maintenance and liability this would put on the Village. More information will be gathered regarding location and logistics.

Motion by J. McDonald and second by M. McDonald to hire Klarissa Rinne at the rate of $9.00 per hour as lifeguard for the 2022 season. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried.  

Swimming pool patron rates were reviewed. Clerk Hedrick inquired as to having a separate discounted rate for caregivers which would be purchased in addition to individual or family pass. The board agreed to keep rates the same as last season’s rates.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Clerk Hedrick advised the board that she was notified that the Department of Roads would be discussing a highway improvement project at the next regular meeting.

Electricity Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: A complaint was received regarding sewer issues on Railway Street. Superintendent Magley will speak with those involved and come up with a solution.

Finance Committee Report: The Library purchased picnic tables with grant money they had received and were placed south of the Village Office. The purchase of a cover was discussed to place in the same area. Quotes will be presented at a later time. Clerk Hedrick requested to attend the Municipal Accounting & Finance Conference in June. All agreed the training would be beneficial. 

Health & Welfare Committee Report: Trustee T. Jones advised of a property that may need a reminder for nuisance vegetation. Clerk Hedrick will begin sending weed letters to those who may need them.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: There was concern over mowing that needed completed around the water tower. It will be addressed and taken care of.

Motion by J. McDonald and second by T. Jones to adjourn the meeting at 8:53pm. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried.

The next meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, June 20, 2022 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.