May 19, 2025 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Monday May 19, 2025 at the Village Office by Chairman S. Hanes. Notice of the meeting was posted in three public places: Village Clerk’s Office, MNB Bank Stratton, and United States Post Office Stratton. 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, Trustee H.A. Windecker, Trustee K.R. Moore. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Assistant Utilities Superintendent C. Stout, Clerk T. Hedrick, and members of the public Melissa Dailey, Sabrinna Morgan, KaTrina McCorkle, Mary Pierson, and Jen Moore.

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the public, Mary Pierson requested permission of the board to temporarily house a horse at her residence until she can find other housing for the animal. Mary advised she only had ¾ of an acre of land available for the horse. The logistics of housing a horse were discussed. Mary presented a signed paper from her surrounding neighbors. Trustee Stewart noted Village Ordinance states no more than two horses can be housed within Village limits on no less than two acres of land. The board members suggested many landowners in the area with potential land available.

Member of the public, Melissa Dailey inquired how to get traffic on Howard Street entering and exiting town to slow down. Discussion regarding the use of flashing speed signs. It was suggested that individuals contact the local sheriff’s department or State Patrol to report the violations.

Motion by Hanes and second by Stewart to approve the previous minutes, claims and treasurers report as presented. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Utility Superintendent applicants were discussed. An interview with two trustees will be scheduled for the new applicant.

Options for Railway Street rehabilitation was discussed. The board agreed they would like to see more options.

Swimming Pool: Superintendent Petersen advised that there are plenty of chemicals and he is currently waiting on parts so water can be turned on. It was agreed patron rates will remain unchanged. Hours of operation were discussed. Motion by Hanes and second by Stewart to open the pool to clean from 12:00 to 1:00pm; open to the public Monday to Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00pm, adult swim from 5:00 to 6:00pm and have two days of evening swim per week to be determined by staff; closed on Sunday. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Motion carried. Motion by Stewart and second by Windecker to hire Roy Shapley as assistant manager at the rate of $14.50 per hour pending him obtaining his pool operator and lifeguard certification. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Motion by Hanes and second by Stewart to adopt Capitalization Policy Resolution. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Stewart and second by Windecker to approve building permit at 708 Beaver Street. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Stewart and second by Windecker to approve fence permit at 205 Hamilton Street. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Discussion regarding consideration of adopting an ordinance to allow backyard chickens. Benefits and drawbacks were discussed and reviewed. It was agreed that the ordinance to prohibit chickens will remain unchanged.

Employee Report: Nothing new to report.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Superintendent Petersen stated unauthorized items continue to be placed in the tree dump. Notices will be posted to help educate the public on what items are allowed. Superintendent Petersen advised that the motor has died in the side by side and if they wanted to replace it they may need to budget for a new one next year.

Electricity Committee Report: It was noted that the tree trimer originally contacted to remove limbs away from power lines has been busy and a different company may need to be contacted.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: There was a report of gravel built up on Baxter street causing drainage issues.

Finance Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick reported that the ambulance department will be replacing AEDs in town and plan to request a grant to cover the costs. With no objection Clerk Hedrick obtained approval to attend the Municipal Accounting and Finance Conference. Clerk Hedrick advised it would be good to start a list of non-routine items for consideration for next year’s budget.

Health & Welfare Committee: Clerk Hedrick advised 16 courtesy nuisance letters were sent out and several have complied already. Six failure to license dog letters were sent out and all but one have replied with intent to register.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Trustee Bohochik reported that park equipment installation has begun and inquired about reimbursement for his time. Bohochik will submit an invoice for consideration. Trustee Moore suggested having one night a month for a night swim with food vendor at the park. Trustee Stewart stated that the rock moved from the old play area to the parking lot looked nice. Discussion on what to do with the old play area. Size of the tennis court was discussed to obtain quotes for resurfacing.

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Stewart to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohockik, Moore, Stewart, Windecker. Nays: None. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:41pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday June 16, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.