November 4th, 2015

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday November 4th, 2015, in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building.

Members Present: Mayor Randy Rich, Clerk Ladora Boyd, Trustee Rick Catt, Trustee Dave Hasty, Trustee Jay Haines, Trustee Ken Russell, Trustee Teresa Fielder, Trustee Debi Wilson and Treasurer/Deputy Clerk Jan Miller.

Others Present: Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Chief Chad Pusey, Tom Compton (Daily News), Chris Dewitt (WTYE/WTAY) and Nick Hinterscher.

The meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Mayor Rich; with everyone standing and saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of October 7th, 2015, were approved with a motion by Teresa, and a second by Debi. All ayes, motion carried.

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda this month.

There were no Delinquent Water Bill customers at this month’s meeting.

Nick Hinterscher came before the Board to ask permission to stay open an extra hour on Wednesday, November 25th, (Closing at 1 am, with last call at 12:30 am). The Board granted Nick’s request.

Randy stated that the Finance Committee met before the Board Meeting to discuss the telecommunication rate. He stated that the Village has been advised by the State that the rate needed to be increased. The rate suggested was 6%, but the committee is recommending a three percent (3%) increase. This would make the simplified telecommunication rate be four percent (4%).

Motion by Rick, with a second by Jay, to adopt Ordinance #2015-O-572 “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 36 of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the Village of Oblong, Illinois, which includes the three percent (3%) increase to the Simplified Telecommunication Rate. Roll call vote: Rick – Aye, Dave – Aye, Jay – Aye, Ken – Aye, Teresa – Aye, Debi – Aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Teresa, with a second by Dave, to table any action on Ordinance #2015-O-573 “An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 24, Article X – Vehicle Impoundment of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the Village of Oblong, Illinois”. All ayes, motion carried.

Rick stated that the Finance Committee met before the Board Meeting and also discussed the Revolving Loan that was turned in by the owners of Vault Antiques. The committee recommends that the loan be approved pending the approval of the Revolving Loan Committee. Motion by Debi, with a second by Teresa, to approve the Vault Antiques Revolving Loan Application pending the approval and any contingency from the Revolving Loan Committee. Roll call vote: Rick – Abstain, Dave – Aye, Jay – Aye, Ken – Aye, Teresa – Aye, Debi – Aye. Motion carried.

Mayor’s Comments:
Randy stated that the Fall Follies went well this year. He wanted to thank everyone that helped during the Fall Follies, especially the Prairie Licking Fire Department for their help with traffic control as the bands were being transported from the Band Fest at the High School to the Park for the parade. Randy stated that there were no problems this year with the downtown speaker system.
Randy stated that he wanted to recognize Joe Stephenson, Gary Lanter and Jason Garrard for the work on getting the new lights put up on the downtown businesses. He said that they really look good.
Randy mentioned that anyone wanting to help with the Christmas in the Park decorating should contact Doyle Purcell.

Reports of Committees:
Police: Chad stated that everyone had a copy of the monthly report for October, Chad also stated that he has turned in the application for the Mary Heath Foundation Grant.

Building and Park: Debi stated that she had nothing to report this month.

Sidewalks and Lights: Dave stated that he had nothing to report this month.

Street and Alley: Jay stated that he had nothing to report this month. Gary stated that November is leaf pick-up and if anyone wants their leaves picked up they will need to contact the Public Works Office at 618-592-3122.

Water and Sewer: Ken stated that the committee met before the Board Meeting to discuss the three percent (3%) water rate increase from Robinson-Palestine Water Commission. The committee is recommending that the Village also increase their water rate by three percent (3%). Motion by Ken, with a second by Jay, to raise the water rates by three percent (3%). All ayes, motion carried. The rate increase will go into effect on January 1, 2016. Randy read a letter from the IL EPA.

Finance: Rick stated that the network printer in the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office is needing repaired or replaced. To repair the printer, it needs a new print wheel which would cost $199.00. Rick stated that Jan had called to get prices for a new printer. They are as follows: Brother Lase DCPL2540 DW Duplex with wireless print-scan-copy ($229.00); HP LaserJet M225 DW Duplex with wireless print-scan-copy-fax ($299.00); and HP LaserJet Pro 400 M425 DW Duplex (colored) with wireless print-scan-copy-fax ($495.00). Motion by Teresa, with a second by Rick, to purchase the HP LaserJet M225 for $299.00. All ayes, motion carried. Rick stated that the Employee’s Health Insurance will be going up by 1.5%.

Development: Randy stated that there was nothing to report this month.

Motion by Jay, with a second by Teresa, to pay the bills that were on the warranty list and any utility bills, bills that will incur a late charge or reimbursements to employees. All ayes, motion carried.

There were no other items of business this month.

Motion by Rick, with a second by Jay, to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 pm. All ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

Ladora Boyd, Clerk