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: 4 – Trustees Mike DeChaney, Carolyn Elmore, Joe England, and Lynn Rudin. (Trustee Tom Goings was present by remote attendance at 7:52 pm).
Absent: Trustee Tom Goings and Paul Miller
Also Present: First Security President Gary Jacobs, Mackinaw Family Restaurant Owner Gami Bardhi, Village Residents Brian Evans, Jerry Peterson, Renee Beard from All Inclusive Rec, Public Works Manager Randy Dabney, Deputy Police Chief Bob Davies, and Village Clerk Lorrie Paxton.
II. 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 reports.
Trustee England moved, seconded by Trustee Elmore to approve the consent agenda which includes the February 23, 2009 regular meeting minutes, as
presented by Village Clerk Lorrie Paxton. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 4 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, and Rudin.
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 2 – Trustees Goings and Miller
There being four affirmative votes, the motion carried.
III. CITIZENS COMMENTS AND CONCERNS:
A. Economic Development Loan – Bank President, Gary Jacobs came to the Board to introduce Gami Bardhi, new owner of the Mackinaw Family Restaurant. Mr. Bardhi has applied for a Village of Mackinaw Economic Development Loan for the new restaurant. First Security Bank has approved a first mortgage, and will close on that loan March 10, 2009. The Economic Development Loan will be a second Mortgage in the amount of $10,000. Mr. Bardhi hopes to be open the restaurant by April 1st. Gary Jacobs recommends the Village approve the loan application for the Mackinaw Family Restaurant. Mr. Jacobs also stated that the old economic loan from Aunt Jennies Restaurant will be paid in full due to the sale of the restaurant.
Trustee Elmore moved, seconded by Trustee DeChaney to table the acceptance of the Economic Development Loan application for the Mackinaw Family Restaurant until the next regular meeting when the Village Attorney can be present to answer any questions. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 4 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, and Rudin.
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 2 – Trustees Goings and Miller
There being four affirmative votes, the motion carried.
B. All-inclusive Rec, Renee Beard – Renee Beard came to the Village Board to answer any questions regarding the playground Drainage, Surfacing and boarder quotes for the Veterans Park playground. She explained that this will cover the stationary equipment and also the swings, approximately 2800 square feet. Ms. Beard explained that the Village could install the drainage system and surfacing in one day or pay extra for labor. Mrs. Beard also stated that instead of the KidTimber Boarder the Village could install landscape timbers or railroad ties. She did remind the Board that these types of boarders will need to be replaced due to decomposing and rot. The KidTimbers have a ten year warranty and should not need replacing for many years. Ms. Beard also stated that the reason most cities use a recreation company such as theirs because the materials are made for this usage, for insurance purposes, and liability issues. The Board felt they needed to discuss the options with the Village Treasurer at the next regular meeting.
IV. REPORTS:
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 has contacted an interested parent and is just waiting to hear back. He hopes to know something by the next regular meeting.
Library vandalism – Chief Hartzell reported that he has no new information on the vandalism done at the library. Hartzell stated that he can not comment on the case due to juveniles being involved. President Friend asked that he follow up with the library staff and keep them informed with any information.
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.
Defibrillators, AED Units – Deputy Police Chief Bob Davies reported that he has just turned in grant paperwork to Illinois Rural Health Association. He hopes to know something by May.
Trustee Goings began attending the Village Board meeting by remote attendance at 7:52 pm.
New Legislation on AED Units – President Friend read from the Illinois Municipal League legislative bulletin regarding the Municipal Defibrillator exemption. Bill SB1254 would exempt any outdoor facility operated by a municipality or township from the AED requirement which could be a very costly mandate for small municipalities. This bill has gone to the full Senate for approval. President Friend stated that he would like to see a AED unit in each recreational facility and in each Village Police car. The Board discussed their options and decided to wait and see if any grant money is available before purchasing this equipment.
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 Rudin to approve the non-recurring bills as submitted. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 5 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, and Rudin.
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 – Trustees Miller
There being five affirmative votes, the motion carried.
Sales Tax Revenue Report – President Friend explained that the sales tax revenue report shows the decline in revenue since the IGA fire and restaurant closing last fall. This report was submitted with the Treasurer’s report.
Trustee England moved, seconded by Trustee Elmore to approve the Sales Tax Revenue Report as submitted by Village Treasurer, Scott Eidenmiller. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 5 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, and Rudin.
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 – Trustees Miller
There being five affirmative votes, the motion carried.
D. PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Public Works Manager, Randy Dabney reported on the
activities in his department. Report on file.
Mackinaw IGA update – Dabney reported that they are still waiting for the data from the contractor so they can start working on the grant project.
Light fixture – Dabney stated that the directional light fixture for the light at the water plant would cost $20 per month, which is $8 more than the current fixture. The directional light would shine directly at the water plant instead of at the neighboring houses. He also suggested the Board could remove the fixture for $250, or move it to another pole which would cost approximately $1000. Dabney reported that the fixture has no affect on water production, it is a security issue. The board discussed the options of the new directional light and removing the fixture.
Trustee Goings moved, seconded by Trustee Elmore to remove the light fixture at the north end of Fitzgerald Street. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 3 – Trustees Elmore, Goings, and President Friend.
NAYS: 2 – Trustees England and Rudin.
ABSENT: 1 – Trustees Miller
PRESENT: 1 – Trustee DeChaney
There being three affirmative votes, the motion carried.
Acceptance of Sewer Slip Lining Proposal – Dabney suggested the Village Board accept the two contractor proposals and award the bid to Hoerr Construction for $101,507. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 5 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, and Rudin.
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 – Trustees Miller
There being five affirmative votes, the motion carried.
Curb Replacement Policy – Dabney would like the Board to consider adopting a curb and gutter replacement policy at 100% of the cost to be reimbursed to the homeowner. Usually by the time a resident replaces a drive, the curb and gutter are also in need of repair. Due to the small jobs this creates, Dabney feels it would be cost effective to reimburse the resident for the portion of the Village’s curb and gutter that is replaced. He will have something written up by the next meeting for the Board to review.
E. PRESIDENT’S REPORT:
Economic Stimulus Report Meeting – President Friend explained that the meeting in Tremont on Friday afternoon regarding the economic stimulus money for Tazewell County would likely be split between four towns that have projects that may apply. The projects that are covered under the stimulus package are for road development only. Friend explained that engineering costs will double. Dabney stated that he is looking to include a portion of North Main Street or Fast and Madison Streets. The section of Main Street is priority, but he is unsure if it will meet IDOT specifications.
President Friend also explained to the Board that the Village will be receiving a bill from Engineer Patrick Myer for attending this meeting.
Debit Card for Office Assistant, Austen Woods – President Friend explained that due to the last Office Assistant’s resignation last month he would like the Board to approve a debit card for Austen Woods, the current Assistant. This card would only be used for postage and incidentals with a limit of $100.
Trustee Rudin moved, seconded by Trustee England to approve a debit card for Austen Wood with a $100 limit. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 5 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, and Rudin.
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 – Trustees Miller
There being five affirmative votes, the motion carried.
Debit Card Policy – President Friend explained that he has not had time to review a policy for debit cards, he would like to have the Village Attorney review it and hopes to have something for the next regular meeting.
Mahomet Aquifer Consortium –The Mahomet Aquifer Consortium is conducting a study spanning from Champaign to the Illinois River on water usage and supply. Due to cuts in government funding they are forced to solicit for donations for the study. President Friend explained that this is a study that will affect our water use in the future, he would like the Village Board to consider giving a grant to support this study.
Trustee Goings made a motion to give a $1000 Annual grant to Mahomet Aquifer Consortium, the motion died. The Board would like to consult with Mahomet Aquifer Consortium Chairman, Mel Pleines. The Clerk will contact Mr. Pleines and ask him to attend the next regular Board meeting on March 23rd.
Salary Review – President Friend explained that he would like to meet in executive session regarding salaries of full-timers at the next meeting when all Board members, Village Attorney, and Village Treasurer are in attendance.
F. VILLAGE ATTORNEY’S REPORT:
Ordinance on firewalls and zero lot line Duplexes – The Board had a discussion regarding the ordinance regarding firewalls and zero lot line duplexes. Dabney stated that he is concerned there may be a conflict with the code already in place for water and sewer hook ups.
Trustee Elmore moved, seconded by Trustee DeChaney to table the Ordinance until they can speak with the Village Attorney. On a roll call, the vote was;
AYES: 5 – Trustees DeChaney, Elmore, England, Goings, and Rudin.
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 – Trustees Miller
There being five 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.
IIMC Conference – The Clerk reported that a budget request was submitted to the Village Treasurer to attend the IIMC Conference in May. She hopes to hear something back before the next Village Board meeting, due to the early registration deadline. This conference is full of great educational classes. The IIMC Board is considering giving double the participation and experience points toward Municipal Clerks certification, due to three times as many classes being offered at this conference than the annual IML Conference.
IMRF Authorized Agent Certification Program – The Clerk stated that Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund is offering a free certification program for Authorized IMRF Agents. The President suggested the Clerk talk to the Village Treasurer because it deals with the Village’s fiscal business.
V. NEW BUSINESS:
Memorial Brick Order forms –Village Resident Jerry Peterson passed out order forms for the Veterans Park memorial. The Village Clerk will make copies and have them on the counter at the Village Office for Village residents.
Siren – Trustee Elmore asked Deputy Police Chief, Bob Davies if anything ever came of the grant for an additional siren for the east end of town. Davies stated that he continues to search for grants; a new siren will cost approximately $4500. He also stated that he will be running the annual ad in the Local Area Buyers Guide regarding the siren information.
Clerk’s Computer – President Friend explained that the Clerk had a few issues with her computer, he has ordered the parts and hopes to replace it by next week.
Heartland Salutes Mackinaw – President Friend announced that there will be a broadcast on WMBD Channel 31/Fox 43 on Thursday, March 12, 2009. This broadcast will include local resident’s comments and area businesses live from 5-6 PM at the Mackinaw Firehouse. Several local businesses will donate food for the broadcast. He also reported that seven businesses bought an advertising spot and five businesses split a commercial to air on Channel 31 starting the week of March 9th. President Friend hopes for a good turn out and invited the Board and any other Village officials who would like to attend.
Thank you to Police – Trustee England thanked the Police Department for escorting the Dee-Mack Basketball team this past week as they headed to the regional championship. He suggests the Board consider adopting a Presidential Proclamation announcing their success for this year.
VI. 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