Draft Minutes

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday January 6th, 2016, in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building.

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

Absent: Trustee Jay Haines.

Others Present: Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Chief Chad Pusey, Tom Compton (Daily News), Bill Cox (Boy Scouts of America Leader), Robert Miller (Boy Scout of America Leader), Tristan Sablone (Boy Scout of America), Curtis Richey (Boy Scouts of America), Christian Miller Boy Scouts of America), Nick Brown (Boy Scouts of America), Mike McReynolds and Nick Hinterscher.

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

The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of December 2nd, 2015, were approved with a motion by Debi, and a second by Teresa. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

There was one addition to the agenda this month. Nick Hinterscher came before the Board to let them know about the new business that will be opening up on South Range for family dining. It has been named for his grandma, Mildred’s, and is adjacent to Floyd’s Place. Randy stated that he had talked with the village attorney about the requirements for serving liquor in the dining area. Since the liquor license is in the corporation name there is no need for a separate license.

There was one Delinquent Water Bill customer at this month’s meeting. Mike McReynolds asked to be able to pay his water bill on January 8th. The Board granted his request.

Motion by Dave, with a second by Debi, to adopt the Village’s Investment Policy. Five (5) ayes, motioned carried.

Mayor’s Comments:

Randy stated that State Representative Reggie Phillips will be in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building on February 2nd, from 1 to 3 pm to meet with any citizen of Oblong who have questions.
Randy stated that Westmore Equities had requested their percentage of TIF property tax money in the amount of $26,071.65 (There will be a $20 fee for the electronic transfer).
Randy stated that Roger Colmark had called to request his percentage of TIF 1 (Park Meadows Subdivision) property tax money, which would be $20,992.44 less $550 of legal fees from the Village’s TIF attorney. Randy asked the Board their feelings on holding off payment until Mr. Colmark’s court date (January 12th) for ordinance violations owed to the Village in the amount of $1,400 plus attorney fees and court cost. There was some discussion on whether the Village could also take the cost of the ordinance violations, any attorney’s fee and any incurred court cost from the money owed to Mr. Colmark. The Board decided to have the Village attorney contact Mr. Colmark and purpose that all legal fees and ordinance violations be subtracted from his money with the understanding that if he does not make sure this year’s mowing of the empty lots in the TIF 1 area the agreement that was signed last year will become null and void.

Reports of Committees:
Police: Chad stated that he has given the Board a copy of the December Monthly Police Report and the Year-End Report. Chad also mentioned that the Board will probably need to increase the amount that the Village receives for reimbursement of attorney fees.

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: Gary stated that he had nothing to report this month.

Water and Sewer: Ken stated that the committee met before the Board meeting to discuss whether or not to hire someone to take Rick White’s position since his resignation as of December 18th, 2015 and to accept Rick’s resignation. Ken stated that at this time there will not be anyone hired to fill the position. Ken also mentioned that the IRWA Conference will be on February 16th, 17th and 18th in Effingham. Ken recommends that Gary and Travis attend the conference. The Board granted the recommendation.

Finance: Rick stated that he had nothing to report this month.

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

Motion by Teresa, with a second by Rick, 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. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

There were no other items of business this month.

Motion by Rick, with a second by Teresa, to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 pm. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

Ladora Boyd, Clerk