Village of Oblong
July 1, 2020

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, July 1st, 2020, in the Activity Center Room of the Municipal Building.

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

The meeting was called to order at 5 pm by Mayor Fielder with everyone standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of June 3rd, 2020, were approved with a motion by Jeron and a second by Keith. 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.

Teresa stated that there had been a request from Rachel Snider for possible use of the Park on August 29th for the “Griffin-Postlewaite Scholarship Ride” sign-in. The Board granted the request.

Teresa stated that there had been a request for use of the Park October 6th through 10th for the annual “Metal Meet”. The Board granted the request.

Teresa informed the Board that the new electric aggregation contract, which is for the citizens and small businesses in Oblong, was signed on June 23rd. The rate is $0.04420/kwh for 24 months beginning with the December 2020 meter reading date.

Mayor’s Comments:

Teresa mentioned that to the Board that they had all received the letter from Chris Hinterscher asking if the Board would consider a reduction in the liquor license fee. There was some discussion about the request. Bill suggested of a twenty-five percent (25%) per establishment liquor license fee reduction, this would be $375/establishment which is the amount for the first installment of the liquor license fee. Motion by Bill, with a second by Jay, to grant. Four (4) ayes, one (1) nay; motion carried.

Teresa updated the Board that the State grant application deadline, for the Sewer Dredge Project, has been pushed back to September 1st instead of June 30th. The information came from Olivia Baumgardner of Greater Wabash Region Planning Commission.

Teresa stated that the Hootenanny went very well and seem that a good time was had by all.

Teresa mentioned that on July 3rd Tom and Sharon Haley will be celebrating their Fifty (50th) wedding anniversary. The plan is to have a drive by their house on July3rd at 6:15 pm starting lineup will be located next to the Collings Shelter. Teresa stated that Tom and Sharon have been humble servants of Oblong, the Legion, school functions and the Tractor and Engine shown for many years.

Teresa mentioned that the Fifty (50th) Anniversary Ceremony for Jack Fancil will be Sunday, July 5th, starting at 3 pm. Keynote speaker is Chaplain Dan Lovin from Mt Vernon. South Range will be blocked off from the second block to the railroad. She stated that those in attendance will need to bring lawn chairs.

Teresa mentioned that there are some issues with the fencing company for the dog park; having been looking elsewhere.

Teresa stated that she felt there should bet fencing up along 3 sides of the overflow for safety. Gary is going to ask for a quote from the same fencing company that gives a quote for the dog park. Teresa stated that Marathon had contacted her about donating funds to the Village for a project. She stated once the Village gets a quote, she will submit the request to Marathon during a July 13th conference call.

Teresa mentioned that the week of July 27th will be the United Way Day of Caring. She has submitted two (2) projects, but will wait to see if those are accepted.

Teresa stated that this weekend is the free camping at the Park.

Reports of Committees:

Police: Jay stated that the new squad car is in service. Chad stated that the striping will be done next week (week of July 6th) on new squad. Chad stated that the trustees had last month’s report and there were some number that were up.

Building & Park: Keith stated that there had been some trees removed from the Park. He also stated that Gary has ordered a bench to be placed next to the Pickle Ball Court. Gary mentioned that Wayne’s Tree Service besides taking down some trees, they ground up 20 tree stumps in the Park for no extra charge. Teresa mentioned that if anyone wants to sign out the net for the Pickle Ball Court will need to go to the Village Stitchery. Keith asked about moving the horseshoe court lights to the pickle ball court. Gary said he would check to see if it would be possible.

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

Street & Alley: There was nothing to report this month.

Water & Sewer: Dave stated that the committee met on Monday, June 8th at 4:30 pm, one item that they discussed was to decrease the hours of the Public Works Office. The committee recommendation it to have the office open from 8 am to 1 pm Monday – Friday. Motion by Jeron, with a second by Keith, to have the Public Works Office open from 8 am to 1 pm Monday – Friday, starting July 6th and to change the information on the office door. Five (5) ayes, motion carried. Gary mentioned that the water bills this month are different; one differences is that they are now blue in color. He stated they are still looking at options on bills forms.

Finance: Jeron stated that Department of Transportation has been working on a Motor Fuel Tax Fund audit of the North Range Street Project (2013-2014) and have found an issue with payment from the fund. Jeron has been in contact with Connor and Connor, the Village’s Engineers. The issue has been resolved and Connor & Connor’s have prepared a supplemental resolution for the overages of engineering cost. It was decided to pass the resolution at the August Board Meeting.

Development: Bill stated that there were no new updates.

Ad Hoc (Dilapidated/Unsafe Buildings & Ordinances): Teresa mentioned that the next meeting will be July 29th at 3:30 pm.

Motion by Jay, with a second by Dave, 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 Jeron, with a second by Dave, to adjourn the meeting at 5:45 pm. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

 

Ladora Boyd
Clerk