VILLAGE OF MACKINAW
100 E FAST AVENUE
MACKINAW, IL 61755
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MACKINAW, HELD AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING AT 7:30 P.M.
Village President Craig Friend called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. It was a regularly scheduled meeting of the Village of Mackinaw.
I. ROLL CALL @ 7:30 P.M. Present: 6 – Trustees Mike DeChaney, Carolyn Elmore, Joe England, Paul Miller, and Lynn Rudin. Trustee Tom Goings was present by remote attendance.
Also Present: Village Residents Charles Templeton, Brian Evans, Jerry Peterson, Kent Connett, Public Works Manager Randy Dabney, Deputy Police Chief Bob Davies, Village Attorney Mark McGrath, and Village Clerk Lorrie Paxton.
II. REPORTS:
A. VILLAGE ATTORNEY’S REPORT: Attorney Mark McGrath
Ordinance # 783 Amending Remote Attendance Policy - An Ordinance amending the Village of Mackinaw municipal code said municipal code being
Ordinance number 513 of the Village of Mackinaw to provide amendments to make technical corrections relating to Ordinance #782 Remote Attendance
policy.
Trustee England moved, seconded by Trustee DeChaney to accept Ordinance #783 regarding the Remote Attendance policy technical corrections to
Ordinance #782 prepared by Village Attorney, Mark McGrath. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 5 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Miller, and Rudin.
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
PRESENT: 1 – Trustee Goings
There being five affirmative votes, the motion carried.
III. CONSENT AGENDA: The consent agenda consists of approving the previous meeting minutes, recurring disbursements and reports which include the Village Clerk, Police Chief, Deputy Police Chief -Emergency Management Coordinator, Public Works, Village Treasurer, and Collectors report.
Trustee England moved, seconded by Trustee Miller to approve the consent agenda which includes the February 9, 2009 regular meeting minutes, as presented by Village Clerk Lorrie Paxton. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 6 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, Miller, and Rudin.
(Trustee Tom Goings was present via conference call)
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
There being six affirmative votes, the motion carried.
IV. CITIZENS COMMENTS AND CONCERNS:
Orchard Street Parking Issues – Landlord and home owner of the property at 409 S. Orchard, Kent Connett came to the Board to discuss the issues with the parking on Orchard Street. The Board agreed that cutting away the curb and putting a round-about or drive in front of the home would be a good way to get the vehicles off the truck route that are parked on Orchard Street. Trustee Miller will meet with the Village President and homeowner, Kent Connett to find a solution to this problem.
New Street Light at Water Plant – Public Works Manager, Randy Dabney stated the pole can not be moved from it’s current location without an extra cost to the Village. He suggests putting a light shield over the fixture. Trustee Goings suggests removing the light or having the light turned off until the Board can figure out a solution for the light fixture in Mr. Templeton’s yard. Trustee England stressed the importance of the light fixture due to the past vandalism in that area. Dabney will contact AmerenIP and report back to the Board.
Police Training – Village Resident and Bloomington Police Officer Brian Evans offered to include the Mackinaw Police Department in his rapid deployment and general police training on March 6th and 7th. The Board suggested that Officer’s Hartzell and Davies attend this training.
V. REPORTS: (continued)
A. POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT: Police Chief Gary Hartzell, report on file.
Additional Crossing Guard – Chief Hartzell reported that he is still looking for a new crossing guard substitute. He asked the Boards suggestion of an hourly rate he could offer a new or substitute crossing guard. Trustee England suggested $8.50- 9.00 per hour.
Officer Ackerman’s Resignation – Officer Davies reported that part-time police officer Tim Ackerman has resigned due to relocation.
Trustee England moved, seconded by Trustee Miller to accept Officer Ackerman’s resignation with regret. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 6 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, Miller, and Rudin.
(Trustee Tom Goings was present via conference call)
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
There being six affirmative votes, the motion carried.
B. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR’S REPORT: Emergency Management Coordinator and Deputy Police Chief, Bob Davies reported on the activities in his department. Report on file.
Speed Trailer– Officer Davies reported he is waiting for the Tazewell County trailer to become available. He stated that Dee-Mack School Superintendent, Steve Yarnall has no new information on the speed trailer grant that was submitted last year. Davies will keep the Board up to date as new information becomes available on this grant.
C. TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer, Scott Eidenmiller was absent for this meeting. Report on file.
Approval of Non-recurring Bills –Trustee England moved, seconded by Elmore to approve the non-recurring bills as submitted. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 6 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, Miller, and Rudin.
(Trustee Tom Goings was present via conference call)
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
There being six affirmative votes, the motion carried.
Fiscal Policy – The Board was in agreement to adopt the fiscal policy for all Village employees, as presented by the Village Treasurer.
Trustee Goings moved, seconded by Trustee Elmore to adopt the fiscal policy as submitted by Village Treasurer as Village policy, effective immediately. On a roll
call, the vote was;
AYES: 6 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, Miller, and Rudin.
(Trustee Tom Goings was present via conference call)
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
There being six affirmative votes, the motion carried.
D. PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Public Works Manager, Randy Dabney reported on the
activities in his department. Report on file.
Illinois Department of Agriculture, Emerald Ash Borer Agreement – After reviewing the agreement with Illinois Department of Agriculture, Dabney suggests the Village do nothing with the agreement prepared by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Dabney stated that the Village does not do any of the types of work described in the agreement. He reminded the Board that if they have any issues with an Ash tree that they will take certain IDA precautions. Attorney, McGrath stated that the agreement is not mandated so no action is required.
Mackinaw IGA update – Dabney reported that he had a meeting with Trustee Miller and store Owner Brett Zehr regarding the new store. The new site map was attached to the Public Works Report. Zehr is still waiting for bids and should know something by the end of the week. Dabney also reported that Brett Zehr has tried to accommodate the home owner just north of the IGA. Many years ago the previous homeowner added a porch and also a driveway on the alley. Attorney McGrath suggests the Village contact Al Brown for the next meeting.
E. PRESIDENT’S REPORT:
Full Time Employee Personal Hours – President Friend stated that during an employee meeting last week he was informed that the previous Clerk had informed the full-time employees that they had 40 hours personal and 40 hours sick time despite the Village code. After discussing this with the full-time employees Friend informed them that they would only receive a combined total of 40 hours of sick and personal time. The Board was in consensus that it was not necessary to change the ordinance regarding personal time.
Advertising on Channel 43/31 – President Friend suggested the Board consider offering a grant to the local Betterment Association to share the cost of the commercials with the local businesses that wish to advertise on channel 43/31. The TV station has offered to work with the Village to split up one commercial into several smaller spots. The purpose of the grant is to aid the Mackinaw Betterment Association in its’ efforts to market the Village of Mackinaw and the business community in the Village of Mackinaw. By engaging in such marketing the Village increases potential for additional sales tax and other revenues. President Friend reported that he will hold a meeting for local businesses that are interested in the advertising package this coming Friday at 3pm.
Trustee Elmore moved, seconded by Trustee DeChaney to allow the Village to provide a grant up to $600 to the Mackinaw Betterment Association and have the
Village Clerk write up the grant paperwork. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 6 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, Miller, and Rudin.
(Trustee Tom Goings was present via conference call)
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
There being six affirmative votes, the motion carried.
Mahomet Aquifer Consortium – Village Attorney, Mark McGrath explained that the Mahomet Aquifer Consortium is conducting a study spanning from Champaign to the Illinois river. Their government funding was cut and that is why they are soliciting for donations. Public Works Manager explained that this is a very important study that may not affect us any time soon but is very important to the future of the water we use. The Board felt it was worth considering and would like to discuss with the Village Treasurer.
Trustee England moved, seconded by Trustee Miller to table this discussion until the Board can consult with the Village Treasurer. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 6 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, Miller, and Rudin.
(Trustee Tom Goings was present via conference call)
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
There being six affirmative votes, the motion carried.
Salary Review – President Friend explained that there will be information available from the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund regarding the increases for 2010. Friend also stated that after the meeting with the Insurance representative last week, the Village will not see a large increase in monthly premiums. President Friend will report back to the Board in March regarding full-time employee’s salaries.
Dawn Tate Resignation – Trustee Miller moved, seconded by Trustee England to accept part-time office assistant, Dawn Tate’s resignation. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 6 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, Miller, and Rudin.
(Trustee Tom Goings was present via conference call)
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
There being six affirmative votes, the motion carried.
Hiring New Part-time Office Assistant – President Friend has talked to the previous part-time Office Assistant Austen Wood, she has agreed to come back to work for the Village on a part-
time basis. Friend suggested hiring her at $8.50 per hour. Attorney Mark McGrath stated to hire Austen Wood the Board must waive the residency requirement due to her having dual residences in Mackinaw and Germantown Hills.
Trustee Miller moved, seconded by Trustee England to hire Austen Wood at a salary of $8.50 per hour and waive the residency requirement on a temporary basis. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 6 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, Miller, and Rudin.
(Trustee Tom Goings was present via conference call)
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
There being six affirmative votes, the motion carried.
Hunter Safety Class – President Friend had reported he has had great feedback regarding the January hunter safety course put on by Officer Jim Polson. Mr. Polson had reported that there was a good turn out and that he would like to see a smaller class or a bigger meeting place for future classes. Officer Polson is already making plans for another class in early fall of 2009.
F. VILLAGE ATTORNEY’S REPORT:
Personnel Code 33.04A and 33.12A – McGrath suggested the Board review the personnel code, items 33.04A and 33.12A regarding Village employees. The President shall appoint all officers and employees of the Village with the advice and consent of the Board. 33.12A refers to employees of the Village residing within the corporate limits of the Village or within 15 miles of the corporate limits of the Village unless such employee is granted a temporary or permanent waiver of this provision by the President and Board of Trustees.
Tazewell Zoning Hearing Notice – McGrath explained that the County has notified the Village of a hearing to be held for two zoning changes and asked for the Board’s input. McGrath stated that the two properties in question are not within the 1.5 mile radius and are not included in the comprehensive plan.
Trustee England moved, seconded by Trustee Miller to have the Village Clerk write a letter to Tazewell County stating that the Village has no opposition and to state in the letter that both of these parcels are outside the comprehensive plan boundaries. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 6 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, Miller, and Rudin.
(Trustee Tom Goings was present via conference call)
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
There being six affirmative votes, the motion carried.
G. VILLAGE CLERK’S REPORT: Village Clerk, Lorrie Paxton reported on the activities in
the Village office, report on file.
Zoning Map update- After a request for the zoning classification map last week, the Clerk contacted Farnsworth Group and asked for a copy of the Village zoning map and was told it is out of date. Farnsworth Engineer, Mr. Heitman suggested that the Village make any changes and update the map. This should be reviewed and updated annually as needed. Once it is finished the Zoning Board shall approve, once the Zoning Board has approved the map, it will go to the Village Board for final approval.
Trustee Miller moved, seconded by Trustee Elmore to have Zoning Officer, Dallas Davis review the map and have Farnsworth Group make any changes. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 6 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, Miller, and Rudin.
(Trustee Tom Goings was present via conference call)
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
There being six affirmative votes, the motion carried.
Local Government week – The Clerk reported that the week of March 1-7th is local government week in Illinois. The Clerk suggested having an open house for
Village Residents and or business owners to come in and meet the Village President, and Trustees. We could offer donuts and coffee and open the doors to anyone
wishing to visit with our local officials and handing out information on the 2010 Census and also a business directory. Due to the short notice there would not be
enough time to put this event in the Area Buyers Guide. The Board decided with a lack of interest they will wait until next year.
Fast Avenue Speed Limit – The clerk reported that Tazewell County has posted the speed limit signs on the East end of Fast Avenue.
VI. NEW BUSINESS:
Memorial Brick Order forms – Trustee Rudin asked the President when the order forms for the brick memorial would be available to place orders. President Friend informed the Board that he should have something by the next meeting in March.
VII. ADJOURNMENT @ 9:03 P.M.: There being no further business to come before the Board Trustee England moved, seconded by Trustee Elmore to adjourn, the motion carried.
I, Lorrie Paxton, Village Clerk of the Village of Mackinaw, Illinois do hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the regular meeting held on the above date, as the same appears on the records of the Village now in my custody and keeping.
Lorrie Paxton, Village Clerk