October 23, 2023 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Monday October 23, 2023 at the Village Office by Chairman S. Hanes. Notice of the meeting was posted in three public places 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 Hanes directed the attention of those present to the poster. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session.

Present: Trustee S. Hanes, Trustee J. Griffiths, Trustee P. Bohochik. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Clerk T. Hedrick, Deputy Clerk D. Burk, Assistant Utilities Superintendent C. Stout, David Blau with Miller and Associates, and member of the public Justin Stewart. 

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Griffiths to approve the previous minutes. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Bohochik. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried.

Motion by Griffiths and seconded by Hanes to approve claims and treasurers report as presented.

Deputy Clerk Burk reviewed and directed attention to treasurer report information regarding payroll and account summaries included in the board packets each month. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Bohochik. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Chairman Hanes nominated Justin Stewart to fill the vacant position on the Village of Stratton Board of Trustees for the balance of the unexpired term ending in December 2026. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Bohochik. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried and vacancy declared filled by Justin Stewart. Justin Stewart took the oath of office.

NEW BUSINESS:

Chairman Hanes declared public hearing on the 1&6 Year Street Improvement Program open at 7:08 pm. Public comments heard by the board and discussion regarding presented plan. Chairman Hanes declared public hearing closed at 7:21 pm. Motion by Hanes and second by Bohochik to adopt resolution 528 1&6 Year Street Improvement Program as presented with changes to add M567(43) and remove M567(14A). Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried.

Standardized System of Annual Reporting Addendum was reviewed by the board and signed by Chairman Hanes.

Status and plans of property at 605 Bailey, school building, was discussed.

Motion by Hanes and second by Bohochik to approve curb cutting request at 513 Hamilton. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Bohochik. Stewart. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried.

Motion by Hanes and second by Griffiths to approve building permit at 507 Hamilton upon Superintendent Petersen’s verification and approval of setbacks. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried.

Employee Report: Code of conduct was reviewed. Access and use of time clock was reviewed.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: It was noted that the access road to the tree pit was repaired. There are still white goods that need removed from the tree dump. Superintendent Petersen will contact a company to pick them up.

Electricity Committee Report: Superintendent Petersen stated during the planned power outage he was able to replace two of the three electric meters at Grandview. There will also be locks and signs placed on the fence around the meters. Discussion was had on possible interest in maintenance agreement with Great Plains Power.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Superintendent Petersen stated that water tower maintenance and cleaning had been completed.

Finance Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick reported that gWorks quoted a large price increase in order to utilize radio readings on water meters. The Board directed Hedrick to look into prices of other utility billing software options.

Health & Welfare Committee Report: Discussion was had on residents who have put up fences or buildings without approved permits. Discussion was had on residents who are harboring chickens in the village limits. Clerk Hedrick was directed by the board to send reminder letters to those suspected of violating village ordinances.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Trustee Griffiths inquired about possible upgrades and funding for the park play equipment.

Motion made by Hanes and second by Griffiths to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried and meeting adjourned at 7:53 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday November 20, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.