Village of Oblong

June 5, 2019

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, June 5th, 2019, in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building.

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

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

The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of May 1st, 2019, were approved with a motion by Jeron and a second by Bill. Four (4) 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.

The Board granted the request by the Oblong Antiques Tractor and Engine Club to use the Village Park on August 9th, 10th and 11th, for their annual Antiques Tractor and Engine Show.

Mayor’s Comments:
Teresa stated that with the new amendment to the State’s Prevailing Wage Act the Village no longer has to pass an ordinance.

Teresa stated that the deadline for the Community Block Grant survey is June 20th. The Village still needs 120 more surveys filled out.

Class of 2019 Leadership Crawford County contacted Teresa to say that Oblong will receive the exercise equipment for out at the Park in 2021. Funding is through United Way.

Teresa mentioned that she has not received an update from Class of 2018 Leadership Crawford County on the Dog Park. Deadline is October 1st, 2019.

Teresa mentioned the new mural on the eastside of Harmon’s, which was sponsored by Harmon’s and Oblong Community Service Club.

Teresa stated that on Tuesday, July 2nd, Deb Brown from Save Your Town will be in Oblong. There will be a walking tour of the downtown businesses at 9 am. Then at noon there will be a luncheon at First Christian Church in the Family Life Center, anyone wanting to attend please let Teresa know.

Reports of Committees:

Police: Jay stated that he had nothing to report this month. Chad stated that he will be attending a conference next week (June 11th -14th).

Building & Park: Gary stated that the air conditioning unit for the front hall and restrooms has quit. A new one has been order. We had budgeted for 1 replacement this year but this unit was not the one we thought would need replaced first.

Sidewalks & Lights: Bill stated that he had nothing to report this month. Gary would like to have a meeting to discuss 3 projects.

Street & Alley: Jay stated that there is a street sweeper attachment that can go on the backhoe. Gary stated that the company is going to let the Village try it out before purchasing it to make sure it will do what we want. Gary stated that there is a trencher that the Village does not use anymore that can be traded-in on the purchase price for the street sweeper attachment. Motion by Jay, with a second by Jeron, to purchase the street sweeper attachment. Four (4) ayes, motion carried.

Water & Sewer: Dave stated that he had nothing to report this month. Gary stated that there have been a couple of water leaks since last month’s meeting.

Finance: Jeron stated that Mike Gibson from Kemper Technology, is still working on flat fee for computer problems per month, the amount would be $300 or $350.

Development: Bill stated that he had been contracted by a gentleman interested in building some duplexes that would be in compliance with ADA requirements. There was some discussion on location. Bill felt that he needed to get some more information from the gentleman before the Board made any decisions.

Ad Hoc (Dilapidated/Unsafe Buildings & Ordinances):

Teresa gave an update on the 313 North Wilson property. There is a judgement filed against one of the heir. Village attorney has sent a letter to the attorney group who has the judgement, but has not heard back from them.

Teresa stated that Gary had received the IDOT’s okay for putting up signs for the campground. Gary stated that he should have the signs from IDOT in a couple of days. Bill asked what the Board thought about having free camping on Friday, July 5th and Saturday July 6th during the Hootenanny. Motion by Bill, with a second by Dave, to have the first Friday and Saturday of each month from July to October be free camping at the campgrounds. Four (4) ayes, motion carried.

Teresa stated that the house on East Oklahoma Street that was on the watch list has been torn down and the house of East Texas was sold to another individual who will be tearing it down.

Gary stated that he had received a new motor for large fountain. Gary said that the Oblong Lake Restoration Foundation is going to pay for the new motor.

Teresa stated that there was a TIF Grant Application turned in from Blue Line Fitness asking for $1,050 towards roof repairs and front window updates. Motion by Jeron, with a second by Bill, to give Blue Line Fitness a TIF Grant of $1,050. Four (4) ayes, motion carried.

Next Ad Hoc meeting is scheduled for June 26th, at 3:30 pm.

Motion by Jay, with a second by Bill, 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. Four (4) ayes, motion carried.

There were no other items of business this month

Motion by Jeron, with a second by Bill, to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 pm. Four (4) ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

 

Ladora Boyd
Clerk