Cerro Gordo, Illinois

MARCH 09, 2006

A special meeting was held on March 9, 2006 to meet with Engineer David Happ to discuss plans for water main replacement and a new water tower. Those present were Trustees Brad Williams, Lyle Shoraga, Rod Forbes, and Don Ritchie. Also present were D.P.W. Rob Bratton, P.C. Pat Carter and Clerk Linda Ash. Those not present were President Jim Morgan, Trustees Jerry Morris and Mike Songer.

Dave Happ and Dell Perrone (grant writer) were present to discuss overview of the grant process. The Village is may just apply for the design/ construction grants. The last CDAP grant applied for by the Village was denied-not enough earmarked for the project. The Village can only apply for one grant per year. According to Dave, some studies would need to be done such as a water rate survey, flow, and pressure. The computer model that Dave wants to do lets you see how flow and pressure will effect other areas of town. This would be included in a planning grant. Basically the Village would spend $5000.00 for the application of the planning grant. The grant also has to have a health and safety issue which he feels the computer model could provide and bolster the Villages case.

The railroad permits would be the most time consuming. Dave doesn’t see ant problems securing them but the railroad does have guidelines to follow The cost would probably be around $1500 for one crossing.

Also helpful, would be a record of repairs to the lines, cost, overtime. All these would help document the need for a grant. Deadline to start would be late June as the planning grant is due in Aug. This would begin with the income survey, a necessary step. No other construction can be done until the grant is awarded. If a design grant is approved in November it would be very close to apply for the construction grant which is due in Jan. 07. The grant application process is normally a 2 month process, but it could be completed in less time . The time frame for the whole process, start to finish, may be at least 3 years.

In other business, Pat has sent a certified letter to the owner of a residence on Madison Street. Basketball stands have been removed from the edge of the street and unlicensed vehicles are being taken care of. Pat also has a memo from Officer Mike Nuding regarding his letter of leave. He is being deployed in June of 2006 and may be gone close to 2 years. He will turn in all of his equipment and would also like to retain his position upon return. Pat has already checked into using neighboring departments part time police officers on an as needed basis.

He has checked online for any grants that would help pay for security systems for the police department and Village Hall.

No further business was conducted and the meeting adjourned at 7:45 on a motion by Trustee Shoraga, second Williams.
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Village Clerk 3/9/06