March 1st, 2017

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, March 1st, 2017, 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 Debi Wilson and Treasurer/Deputy Clerk Jan Miller.
Absent: Trustee Teresa Fielder.
Others Present: Police Chief Chad Pusey, Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Chris Dewitt (WTYE/WTAY), Tom Compton (Daily News), Mike McReynolds, Jeron Harris and Bill Burke.

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 February 1st, 2017, were approved with a motion by Debi and a second by Rick. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

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

There was one Delinquent Water Bill customer at this month’s meeting. Mike McReynolds asked if he could pay his water bill in 2 installments this month. The Board granted his request.

Gary stated that he had been approached by Don York, from the Southeastern Illinois Chapter of Rolling Thunder Organization, about possibly having a POW-MIA memorial placed in Oblong. The Village would only need to do a concrete pad and the Rolling Thunder would place the chair and sign. The Board felt that this would be a nice opportunity to have the memorial. Rick stated that there would be a possibility of donation given to pay to have a texture pad for the memorial. Gary stated that the Building/Park Committee will need to have a few choice of where the memorial should be placed before he sets-up a meeting with Don York.

Motion by Rick, with a second by Jay, to accept the USDA Community Facilities Grant Agreement, which for 49.8% of a new police squad car. Roll Call Vote as follows: Rick – aye, Dave – aye, Jay – aye, Ken – aye, Debi – aye. Motion carried. Ken asked Chad if he was planning on getting rid of one of the squad cars. Chad stated that the dealership has given a good trade-in amount for the 2011 Dodge squad car, which he felt was better than selling to another agency.

Gary stated that he had e-mailed the Board a copy of the proposed Public Works Employee Handbook. He asked if there were any questions. The Trustees stated that they felt it was good to go. Motion by Debi, with a second by Ken, to adopt the Public Works Employee Handbook. Roll Call Vote as follows: Rick-aye; Dave-aye; Jay-aye; Ken-aye; Debi-aye. Motion carried.

Mayor’s Comments:
Randy stated that he the Village had received a letter from Casey’s General Store asking if there had been any changes that would allow them to get a license to sale Beer & Wine.

Reports of Committees:
Police: Chad stated that the February Monthly report had been handed out. Chad also mentioned that the JPA Thursday Club will be starting March 2nd.

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 there was nothing to report this month.

Water and Sewer: Ken stated that Shannon Woodard from Connor & Connor had contacted Gary about a dredging project plan which would be less expensive than what has been estimate for a complete dredging of the lagoon. Ken stated that there will be a committee meeting later this month to discuss the cost and bring it to next month’s Board Meeting.

Finance: Rick stated that he would like to have the budget figures ready by March 22nd for a Committee meeting.

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

Motion by Jay, 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 was one other item of business this month. Randy stated that he will be getting with Chad about complaints of trash in individual yards around town.

Motion by Rick, with a second by Jay, to adjourn the meeting at 7:21 pm. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

Ladora Boyd, Clerk