Cerro Gordo, Illinois

AUGUST 18, 2008

The monthly meeting of the President and the Board of Trustees met at 7:00 pm on Aug. 18, 2008 in the Municipal Building. The following members were present: President Jim Morgan, Trustees Brad Williams, Lyle Shoraga, Terry Lovekamp, Carol Huff, Ron Price, and Mike Songer. Also present were Atty. Colette McCarty, Police Chief pat Carter, Director of Public Works, Rob Bratton, Treasurer Cris Perry, and Clerk Linda Ash.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm. Engineer Dave Happ was present and reported on some drainage and sidewalk issues in regards to Casey's. The Casey's engineer called Dave and said they will install a berm to help slow the drainage into the field along with some rip rap. He also has sent new plans to Dave which will address the drainage issue. There is no place for a sidewalk; however they could put one on the north side of the property to the property line.

Dave also touched on the drainage issue for the Village, whether to perform a study of the entire Village or just hit on the South east side. He is also working on the water system. The best way to proceed with that is through a grant. The Village will hold a special meeting on Aug. 26, 2008 at 7:00 pm to further discuss this option. This meeting will include the topics of drainage, water distribution, and water development.

PUBLIC FORUM

Randy West distributed a letter from the attorney for the fire district to the railroad in regards to the Vulgamott building. Before anything is done, have to wait for Ameren IP to remove the gas and electrical service. Colette will contact the railroad. Also, he has a portion of sidewalk that was damaged when the service was replaced. He would like to observe Fire Prevention Week the second Saturday in Oct. He will have more information on that later.

Holly Dodd, representing the Royal Neighbors of America, would like to donate funds and input on a new Christmas fixture.

Minutes were read with a small correction. In the D.P.W. Report, change from water to “water and sewer”. Motion to approve minutes as corrected made by Trustee Williams, second Shoraga, all yeas.

CLAIMS REPORT

The bill from Ameren IP has not arrived yet but should be here by the 19th or 20th. Clerk Ash would like permission to add the bill to claims and pay. Motion to approve claims made by Trustee Williams, second Songer, all yeas.

TREASURER'S REPORT

The treasurer asked for three water adjustments. All leaks have been fixed and all have signed their request. Motion by Trustee Shoraga, second Price to approve adjustments, all yeas. No further discussion with the treasurer's report. Motion to approve the report made by Trustee Huff, second Songer, all yeas.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT

The guide rods have been replaced on the Franklin Street lift station. He will pull the pump again as it has rags in it. These pumps have been in place for 33 years and are so worn down. This may be one reason why the rags are getting through. Rob is trying to find parts for it but in the long run may have to change it out completely. New pumps cost approximately $3200 for each pump and three are needed.

The sidewalk project will start after Labor Day weekend. A new walk will be put in on Abraham St., curbing, replace some spots and the walkway across the railroad tracks from North Street to South Street. This will take $20,000.There has been one complaint against the new sidewalk to Gordy Park and that sidewalk will cost the most-$13,000.

There is some tree trimming to be done. Rob has one more day of sweeping rock and dust and then is taking the sweeper back.

CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT

There were 103 calls for assistance this month. Cisco going well-18 hours-$720 with a profit of $458 for the month.

The department received a complaint on L. House property. He has contracted a company to come in and clean it up. Pat has been contacted by the Piatt County mental Health Board and has been asked to serve as a board member. Colette will check to make sure it is not a conflict.

OLD BUSINESS

The Ordinance committee is set to meet-need to change some things.

TIF-Mr. Schuerring not responding to our request. It has been over a month since we've had any contact with him. Colette will check our contract with him as we may need to get someone else who will work with the Village better. Colette will check with IML about other TIF Specialists.

PA system, three bids received with the lowest being from Linda's Music Center. It would take 2-3 weeks to get equipment and one day to install.

Youth League-Treasurer Brenda Crist was present and asked the Board with a donation to help defray the cost of pouring concrete at the North diamond. The Board budgeted $5000 for this project. Motion to donate the $5000 to the Youth League made by Trustee Williams, second Songer, all yeas.

Zoning-Ordinance committee needs to meet on this. To get this zoning changed and it needs to be published it could take up to 2 months to get accomplished.

TRUSTEE'S REPORT

Trustee Lovekamp-Wants to know if the Mayor contacted the railroad about the train whistles and what can be done. The residents just want the volume cut down, not down away with.

Trustee price-drainage and which way to start. Need to talk with the drainage district. Trustee Songer will try to set up a meeting with them. The Village would like to start with the south east side of the Village.

The library engineers are trying to solve the drainage problems at the library. They may need to raise the building as the original engineers put it too close to the ground. No further business and the Board adjourned at 8:00
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Village Clerk 8/18/08