January 16, 2024 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Tuesday January 16, 2024 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 P. Bohochik, Trustee J. Stewart. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Clerk T. Hedrick, Assistant Utilities Superintendent C. Stout, and member of the public Sabrinna Morgan.       

Motion made by Hanes and second by Stewart to excuse the absence of Trustee McDonald and Trustee Griffiths. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald, Griffiths. Motion carried.

OPEN FORUM: Member of the public Sabrinna Morgan inquired how much snow needs to be on the streets in order for the Village to plow. It was discussed that there is no official amount and it is up to the discretion of the Utilities Superintendent to decide if there is a sufficient need to clear the streets.

Motion by Stewart and seconded by Hanes to approve the previous minutes, claims and treasurers report as presented. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald, Griffiths. Motion Carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Discussion was had regarding authorized bank signers for the Village accounts. Motion by Hanes and second by Stewart for the following trusties to be authorized agents listed on Village of Stratton MNB bank signature cards and resolution: Trustee Hanes, Trustee Stewart, Trustee Griffiths, Trustee Bohochik, and Clerk Hedrick; additionally Utility Superintendent Petersen and Deputy Clerk Burk will have authority to obtain information on accounts and access to safe deposit boxes. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald, Griffiths. Motion Carried. Clerk Hedrick advised there will be a new resolution and signature cards available for signatures at the next regular meeting.

There was discussion regarding updates and review of the Village of Stratton Employee Handbook. A social media policy will be researched by Clerk Hedrick and forwarded to board members for review and consideration of addition to the handbook.

Employee Report: Nothing new to report.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Snow removal was discussed. Utilities Superintendent Petersen stated the timing of things with taking down Christmas decorations and weather didn’t allow for snow removal. Location for taking removed snow was discussed.

Electricity Committee Report: Summary of meeting with SWPPD was reviewed. Notification system for major events, such as outages was discussed.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Utilities Superintendent Petersen reported there were issues with the water tower and maintenance was completed. Bohochik inquired about the company providing AMI water meters.

Finance Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick reported a donation in the amount of $6000 had been received from the William and Sandra Condon Family Foundation. Discussion was had regarding use of the funds. Motion by Hanes and second by Stewart to approve the use of the Condon Family Foundation donation funds to purchase new pole hanging Christmas decorations for the Village. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald, Griffiths. Motion Carried. Clerk Hedrick presented the board with information on a grant available from NMPP for energy conservation awareness and projects. The board agreed that at this time there was not resources and time available for the grant project. Clerk Hedrick inquired about the cost of renewing her current notary commission. It was agreed that the notary would be paid for by the Village.

Health & Welfare Committee: Trustee Bohochik inquired about the process of nuisance properties in violation of tall weeds and lawns for the upcoming year as well as the possibility of contract with a mowing service to assist with mowing. Discussion was had regarding providing a list of violators to interested parties to contact owners privately, prior to Village abatement.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Discussion was had regarding outdoor park equipment at the school building. Contact will be made with representative from the school to inquire about possibility of purchase. It was mentioned that if there were funds remaining from Condon Family Foundation they could be used towards new park equipment or replacing dead and damaged trees at the park.

Motion made by Hanes and second by Bohochik to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths, McDonald. Motion Carried and meeting adjourned at 7:28 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday February 20, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.