Viillage of Oblong

September 4, 2019

September 4th, 2019

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, September 4th, 2019, 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 Keith Waldrop, Trustee Jeron Harris and Treasurer Jan Miller,
Others Present: Police Chief Chad Pusey, Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Tom Compton (Daily News) Chris Dewitt (WTYE/WTAY), BJ Osborn, Rodney Shook and Mike McReynolds.

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 August 7th, 2019, were approved with a motion by Angie and a second by Jay. All ayes, motion carried.

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

There was one Delinquent Water Bill customer at the meeting this month. Mike McReynolds came before the Board to ask if he could pay his delinquent water bill in installments. The Board granted his request.

Teresa stated that the VFW requested the use of the 4-way stop on November 9th from 8 am to Noon (12 pm). The Board granted this request.

Teresa stated that the Shriners requested the use of the 4-way stop on September 21st from 9 am to 11:30 am. The Board granted the request.

Gary stated that Amy Kemp had contacted him requesting permission to have the Spooktacular 5k on October 26th. It will be the same route as last years. The Board granted the request

Motion by Bill, with a second by Keith, to table the adoption of Ordinance #2019-O-605 “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 of the Municipal Code of the Village of Oblong to Include the Addition of Prohibiting Cannabis Business Establishments” until next month’s meeting and hold a Public Hearing. Five (5) ayes and One (1) nay, motion carried. The Public Hearing will be on Monday, September 23rd, at 7 pm.

Motion by Jeron, with a second by Dave, to adopt of Ordinance #2019-O-606 “Tax Levy Ordinance”. All ayes, motion carried.

Teresa stated that Gary had the word Cannabis added to #17 in the Public Works Employee Handbook (see attached sheet). Motion by Angie, with a second by Jay, to accept the adding of the word Cannabis to #17 in the Public Works Employee Handbook. All ayes, motion carried

Teresa stated that Gary had also made a suggested of some wording changes in the Job Description for the Public Works Superintendent (see attached sheets). Motion by Angie, with a second by Jeron, to adopt the changes to the Job Description for the Public Works Superintendent. All ayes, motion carried.

Teresa stated that the Village had received a manufactured home application from Bill and Teresa Ikemire, which will be located at 407 East Illinois Street, Oblong. Gary has reviewed that application and that all requirements have been met for approval. Motion by Jay, with a second by Angie, to approve the Manufactured Home Application from Bill and Teresa Ikemire. All ayes, motion carried.

BJ Osborn and Rodney Shook, representing the Crawford County Fair Board, came before the Board to ask the Board permission to fill and level a portion of the north side of the track and east of the stage so as to be able to put portable bleachers during the fair. There was some discussion on this matter. The Board asked that CCFB submit a drawing of what they are wanting so that the Village can talk with the insurance loss control representative. Rodney stated that he could probably do a drawing this weekend and turn it in next week. CCFB also would like permission to hold a Fall Demo Derby on November 2nd. The Board granted this request.

Mayor’s Comments:

Teresa stated that a letter was sent to the Oblong Community Service Club to thank them for having the bushes trimmed up at the mini park.

Teresa mentioned that the Village had received a letter from Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission stating that the surveys, that were done, will be good for five years.

Teresa mentioned that Republic’s Fall Clean-up will be Thursday, September 26th for Village residents that are paid-up customers only. List of what is acceptable and not acceptable are on Mayor’s Facebook page.

Reports of Committees:

Police: Jay stated that he had nothing to report this month.

Building & Park: Keith stated that the Committee had a meeting on August 20th, at 5 pm. From this meeting the committee has a few recommendations, one of the recommendation is to allow small non-motorized boat (ex. Canoe, kayak or boat that can be carried) on the lake and go by Illinois Department of Natural Resources Rules for watercrafts with possibly some more restrictions added by the Board. There was some discussion on this matter before the vote. Motion by Keith, with a second by Dave, Five (5) ayes, one (1) nay; motion carried.

Keith stated that Gary has talked to Jim Wolfe about cleaning out the area in the lake near the Musgrave Shelter. The cost would be $1,200 - $1,500; Gary has spoken with Rick Holt (President of the Lake Foundation) and they are willing to pay half the cost of the cleaning. The Committee is also recommending that the Board have the horseshoe court taken out, since they are no longer being used. The committee felt this location might be a good spot for the 2021 Leadership Crawford County adult fitness equipment, which the Village will be receiving. The decision on this issue was tabled until next month’s meeting.

Keith stated that Gary is looking into the cost of getting a regulation pickle ball net for the old skate park area that is being used as a pickle ball court. Motion by Keith, with a second by Jeron, to have Gary order the portable pickle ball regulation net. All ayes, motion carried.

Keith mentioned that Gary is looking into getting some shelves to store the new cots, blankets, etc. to be place in furnace room upstairs. The Board gave the go ahead to purchase what is needed.

Motion by Bill, with a second by Keith, to give $2,000 towards the new digital sign that the Chamber is going to purchase. All ayes, motion carried.

Sidewalks & Lights: There was no report this month.

Street & Alley: Angie stated that she had nothing to report.

Water & Sewer: Dave stated that the committee had a meeting on September 3rd, at 4:30 pm. This meeting was to look at what was going to need to be budgeted for and the needs of finance restructuring.

Finance: Jeron stated that the purchasing of bulk fuel for the fueling station for the Village is in the works.

Development: Bill stated that he had talked with Roger Colmark. We are waiting for the new covenant to be signed and returned to the Village before getting the signatures from the existing owners in the Park Meadow Subdivision. Bill mentioned that Mr. Colmark has dropped the price of lots down to $8,000 per lot. One has already sold and the individual is planning on building a spec home

Bill stated that the Heck heirs’ father requested a quit claim deed rather than warranty deed for the heirs’ protection. This was agreed to. The Village Attorney has drawn up the Quit Claim Deed to the Village & Mr. Wilson is obtaining heirs’ signatures.

Ad Hoc (Dilapidated/Unsafe Buildings & Ordinances):

Teresa stated that the Committee would like to make a recommendation to the Board to update the following changes to the Manufactured Home Applications:
Take the word “occupancy” out of the title
Keep fee at $100 for permit
Add to #3: picture is required with front & back of exterior, plus “If home is more than 10 years old, it must be inspected by an approved licensed home inspector”
6(e) at least 20 feet change to “at least 30 feet”
6(f) change wording from “and/or” to “for”
7 take out word “occupancy”
“Certificate of Occupancy” take out wordage “of occupancy”
Under “Certificate of Occupancy” change “district” to “Village Code”.

The Ad-Hoc Committee will try and get a list of licensed home inspectors and put on file in the Clerk’s Office for easy access for those who need one. Motion by Jay, with a second by Bill, to make the wording changes to the Manufactured Home Application. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Teresa stated that there were two TIF Grant applications turned in. On was from Eric Erickson & Cliff McBenge for the cost of roof replacement on a building located at 114 South Range Street, Oblong for the maximum grant amount. The second application is from the Oblong Community Service Club for the mural to be painted on the Oblong School Bus Barn located on Outer West Main Street, Oblong for up to $3,500 depending on the cost of the project. There is a back-up location if the School Board does not give their approval. Motion by Bill, with a second by Dave, to pay from the TIF Grant Funds $3,500 to Eric Erickson & Cliff McBenge and up to $3,500 to the Oblong Community Service Club once the mural has been approved and final cost is known. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Teresa mentioned that there has been a question about reopening the South Grant Street Railroad Crossing. Teresa stated that she would contact Indiana Railroad Company.

Dave updated the Board 54 Oblong they have about 90% interest of the proposed membership of 50. Dave also stated that there will be an information booth at the Oblong Fall Follies. First meeting will be January 21st, 2020 at 6:30 pm.

Next Ad Hoc meeting is scheduled for September 25th, at 3:30 pm.

Motion by Jay, with a second by Keith, 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 Angie, with a second by Bill, to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 pm. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

 

Ladora Boyd
Clerk