Village of Oblong

November 7, 2018

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, November 7th, 2018, in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building.

Members Present: Mayor Teresa Fielder, Clerk Ladora Boyd, Trustee Angie Fear, Trustee Jay Haines, Trustee Dave Hasty, Trustee Bill Burke, Trustee Jeron Harris and Treasurer/Deputy Clerk Jan Miller
Absent: Trustee Debi Wilson.
Others Present: Police Chief Chad Pusey, Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Chris DeWitt (WTAY/WTYE), Tom Compton (Daily News), Bill Cox, Jr. and Nick Hinterscher.

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

The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of October 5th, 2018, were approved with a motion by Bill, and a second by Jay. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

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

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

Bill Cox, Jr. (Boy Scouts) came before the Board to get permission to close the Streets around the Park/Lake on December 2nd, for horse carriage rides from 5pm to 7pm. Motion by Bill, with a second by Jeron, to grant the Boy Scouts request for the closure of the streets around the Park/Lake on December 2nd, from 5 pm to 7 pm. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Nick Hinterscher came before the Board to ask for permission for the taverns to stay open until 1am with last call at 12:30 am on Wednesday, November 21st. Motion by Dave, with a second by Jay, to grant the request for the taverns to stay open until 1am with last call being at 12:30 am on November 22nd. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Teresa Stated that the Village had three options on how they wanted to pay 2019 Village Property/Liability/Workers’ Comp Insurance. Option 1 the Village would pay the full amount but receive a 1% discount which would be due on November 21st, 2018. Option 2 the Village would pay the full amount with no discount which would be due December 21st, 2018. Option 3 the Village would pay in two installments with a 1% fee which would be due on December 21st, 2018 and May 10th, 2019. Motion by Jeron, with a second by Angie, to go with Option 1 for payment to Illinois Municipal League. Five ayes, motion carried.

Teresa read a copy of the Fairness and Equality Proclamation. (See Attached Sheet).

Teresa stated that the VFW will be doing the “Poppy Day” on November 10th at the 4-way stop from 8am to Noon (12 pm).

Mayor’s Comments:

Teresa stated that the Leaf-Vac will not be picking up leaves until dry weather, but if the public has bagged leaves they can call Dale at 592-3122 to be put on the pick-up list.
Teresa stated that she and Ann Marie Hopkins had met to discuss the Dog Park progress. Teresa stated that as of now there is $5,600 in the Dog Park Checking Account (To get the fence installed it will cost $8,000. To get benches and the other items will cost $10,000.) The new deadline for funds to be raised is January 31st, 2019. Teresa stated that the tentative date for the ground breaking ceremony is May 9th, 2019.
Teresa stated that the Village Survey returns are about 70%; the Village needs at least a return of 75% or more.
Teresa mentioned that the Santa Train will be stopping on December 2nd, from 11:15 am to 12:45 pm.
Teresa mentioned that those running for the three Trustee’s term may pick-up the forms from the Clerk’s Office and the filling dates are December 10th thru the 17th.
Teresa wanted to thank all those who were involved in the organizing of the Fall Follies and all those who helped make it a success.

Reports of Committees:
Police: Jay stated that he had nothing to report this month. Chad stated that he would be in training next Wednesday and Thursday.

Building and Park: Gary stated that he and the guys are still working on the lights around the walking pathway that are burned out.

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

Street and Alley: Angie stated that she had nothing to report this month.

Water and Sewer: Dave stated that the Village has received a notice that Robinson-Palestine Water Commission will be making a rate increase for water purchase from them. The Committee will be meeting later on this month to decide what the Village’s increase will be.

Finance: Jeron stated that the First Robinson Savings Bank required the adoption of a Corporate Authorization Resolution, to accompany the loan of $80,355.00, for the purchase of a new backhoe. We received $24,645.00 from the Oblong Township for the sale of our old backhoe, total purchase price of the new Village backhoe was $105,000.00. Motion by Jeron, with a second by Dave, to adopt the Corporate Authorization Resolution. Five (5) ayes, motion carried. Jeron also mentioned that the Board need to decide on Christmas Bonuses for the Employees. Motion by Angie, with a second by Jay, to give Full-Time Employees $115 and Part-Time Employees $85 for Christmas Bonuses. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Development: Bill stated that the Housing Project is still being looked into. He stated that it will probably be 6 months or more before any major progression. He also wanted to let the businesses know that if they are approached by a representative from Metro Communications that it is not a scam. Metro is bringing fiber optics to the area.

Ad Hoc (Dilapidated/Unsafe Buildings): Teresa stated that the October winner of the Hometown Pride Award was Luke and Sarah Inboden and the November Hometown Pride Award winner was Martha and Robert Stephens. Teresa stated that the next Hometown Pride Award will be next spring. The next meeting will be November 28th, at 3:30 pm. There was some discussion about a new ordinance dealing with food vendors.

Motion by Jeron, with a second by Angie, 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. Teresa stated that the Employees’ Christmas Party will be 6 pm on December 4th, at Mildred’s; this is not paid for by the Village.

Motion by Jeron, with a second by Bill, to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 pm. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

 

Ladora Boyd

 

Final Revision 11/16/2018