Cerro Gordo, Illinois

FEBRUARY 18, 2008

The monthly meeting of the President and the Board of Trustees met at 7:00 P.M. on February 18, 2008 in the Municipal Building. Those present include: President Jim Morgan, Trustees Brad Williams, Lyle Shoraga, Ron Price, and Mike Songer. Trustees Rod Forbes and Carol Huff were absent. Also present were Atty. Colette McCarty, P.C. Pat Carter, D.P.W. Rob Bratton, Treasurer Cris Perry, and Clerk Linda Ash.

The Mayor was running a little late and Trustee Brad Williams called the meeting to order. Village auditor Kevin Huffman was present and presented the financial report for the Village.

The report shows the Village is in a good financial state. It has been noted that the Board is not levying to the maximum, steps that have been rectified.

Minutes were read and a motion to approve was made by Trustee Shoraga, second Songer, all yeas.

Dave Happ was present and has the final reports for the MFT Fund for the year ending 2007. The Village authorized $28,475.51 for MFT and actually spent $27,538.06 for an unobligated credit of $937.45. The Village Clerk will sign the reports and Dave will send the paperwork to the State.

CLAIMS REPORT

With the meeting coming early, there were a couple of bills that arrived late but need to be paid this month. One was from Unicare, the group insurance carrier for the full time employees and the other bill is from Ameren IP. Unicare has been added to the claims but not Ameren. Clerk Ash will pay Ameren bill when it arrives, probably Tuesday or Wednesday. Motion to approve claims made by Trustee Williams, second Shoraga, all yeas.

TREASURER'S REPORT

All CD's have been re-invested and will all come up for renewal at the same time. There were two adjustments, however only was fixed. Both have been signed. No adjustment until the leak is fixed for the other property. Motion to approve the adjustment for Bud West made by Trustee Price, second Songer, all yeas. Motion to approve the treasurer's report made by Trustee Williams, second Shoraga, all yeas.

PUBLIC FORUM

Fire Chief Randy West came back from a call and was inquiring about the old Vulgamott building. He will be in the process of having it condemned as a fire hazard. When he condemns it, the owners of the building have 60 days to repair or tear it down. Atty. McCarty told Randy that the Village has been trying to work with the Railroad and is trying to get a copy of the lease from the railroad. Currently, no one can put their hands on a lease. By condemning the property, that will be more help to the Village.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT

Rob reported that the lift station pump on Madison Street burned up and will need to be replaced. A new pump will cost approximately $4700 and $4500 to repair the old one. He also changed a valve at the discharge. There was also a water main break in the south end of town. He experienced problems with the trash pump-it wouldn't stay primed. Rob ordered a new pump and will cost $1200-$1500. The old pump will be rebuilt and used as a back-up.

The lift station pump was out with the power outage. Can be attributed to a lightning strike. Rob will be gone for three days this week for training sessions in Effingham.

Some culverts on Westside Drive need to be changed from 12's to 18. The last rain washed out some of the road as the culverts were not handing the load.

CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT

Pat reports that five people have not responded to the ordinance violations,

The last power outage also took out the police computer; it will cost $300-$400 to replace. Officer Mike Nuding is back but not ready to return to work. His job is open for him when he is ready.

OLD BUSINESS

Alleys-everyone is agreeable to allowing easements for utilities.

TIF- letter from Schuering in regards to work that still needs to be done and whether the Village wants our attorney to do the work or if we want to retain Mr. Schuering.

Legion is going to break ground in the spring for a new building. They will get the shell up and get concrete poured. As a result, they will need water and sewer.

TRUSTEES REPORT

President Morgan has spoken to Trustee Forbes and Rod has informed him that he will resign his seat. He does not have the time to give the Village at this time.

ATTORNEY'S REPORT

Ordinance to hire Mr. Schuering for additional work on the TIF was presented. Colette recommends that the Board do so. Motion to approve ordinance #526 made by Trustee Shoraga, second Williams, all yeas.

Clerk Linda Ash has been working on the census addresses. This has to be returned to LUCA by the end of March. Attorney McCarty suggest that the lease of the building that Mediacom is using be terminated as no one from that organization will confer with the Village. They will need to remove all their equipment from the shed.

No further business came before the Board and a motion to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. was made by Trustee Shoraga, second Songer, all yeas
______________________________
Village Clerk 2/18/08