Cerro Gordo, Illinois

NOVEMBER 20, 2006

The monthly meeting of the President and the Board of Trustees convened on November 20, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. in the Municipal Building located at 231 E. South Street. Those present were President Jim Morgan, Trustees Lyle Shoraga, Rod Forbes, Jerry Morris, Don Ritchie, and Mike Songer. Also present were Atty. Colette McCarty, D.P.W. Rob Bratton, P.C. Pat Carter, Treasurer Cris Perry, and Clerk Linda Ash. Trustee Brad Williams was out of town and unable to attend.

The meeting was called to order, minutes were read and approved.

Public Forum

One person was present asking for sponsorship for a baby contest. The entry fee was $100 and the pageant takes place Dec. 8, 9, and10. As this is not on the agenda and the Board cannot vote on this issue, the request was denied.

CLAIMS

There were three additions to the claims report. They are:

1.) LaPlace Hardware, $160.97 in adm.
2.) LaPlace Hardware, $199.30 for Scout Hall
3.) PDC, $231.00 in the sewer fund

Motion to approve the claims report was made by trustee Shoraga, second Songer, all yeas.

TREASURER’S REPORT

One adjustment for a resident on Westside Dr. was presented. Paperwork is signed and a motion to approve was made by trustee Morris, second Ritchie, all yeas.

The General Fund CD has matured in November and needs to be re-invested. However the general fund will be low on funds for the next pay period. The Board suggests taking $50,000 out of the CD, re-invest the remainder, and leave the Money Market account alone for now. Motion to approve treasurer’s report made by Trustee Morris, second Ritchie, all yeas.

The shut off report was discussed and should be noted that even though there are quite a few names on the list, when the end of the month arrives and shut off is inevitable, there are usually on three or four left on this list. There has been at least one complete shut off each month.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

The crossing over the railroad tracks on Lincoln Street has been completed but for all the complaints that were received about it not being done, there was not one received about it being completed.

The water main break that occurred today has been fixed. The entire town was without water for a period of about three to four hours and the village is under a boil order until further notice. There were two breaks in the line.

The sidewalks are done. A first was received by the Village from resident Vicki Mercer, who sent a thank you card to the Village for replacing the sidewalk on East Hunt Street. Not all the project was completed because the Village ran out of money. Only a certain amount is set aside for sidewalk repair and replacement each year.

Rob will rework the sod on Lincoln Street by the apartments and fix that t area in the spring.

Working on the plow trucks and looking for a used bed for the salt trucks. Both of them are rusted pretty badly.

Mediacom will send out a supervisor to see what dishes can be removed and which need to be left.

CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT

Pat had received bids from Bodine and Flaugher for the ESDA siren. The siren system can be put on the fire stations generator and will be closer to the fire department. There is no need to open the two bids as they are obsolete. The project will have to be re-bid with different specifications. Pat will work up a spec sheet. This siren will be used for emergencies, such as storm warnings only. The siren will need to be tested to make sure it works. Trustee Morris volunteered to hook the siren to see if it works.

Pat also received the last of the audio/visual equipment.

Damage to Gordy Park dugouts occurred. An individual has confessed to the vandalism and will take care of repairs.

Stats from August to November 20th were passed out.

Pat has applied for a tech grant. He will need to attend a seminar (4 hour training class) and will receive a free pair of binoculars.

Hope to set an open house before Christmas.

OLD BUSINESS
ALLEY-moving along
DRAINAGE-waiting on IDOT
EDWARDS PROPERTY-contacted County Clerk
TIF-Mr. Schuering met with Superintendent of School
MEDIACOM-contract ready for rental agreement. No internet service for anyone. One complaint among customers is Mediacom's customer service. It is sometimes near to impossible to talk to anyone.
At the CIMOA meeting, the Mediacom and Sinclair dispute was discussed. Several communities were sending letters.
NEW BUSINESS

The Mental Health department in Monticello asked if the Village would be willing to meet some compliance issues so they could collect from insurance and Medicare. They requested that the building be inspected by a licensed architect for the ADA, and that it be inspected by the State Fire Marshall’s office. The Board decided it would be too costly to the Village and it was decided not to go any further with this.

Tax Levy. The Finance committee will use 4.9% for the levy. Colette will bring the tax levy ordinance to the December meeting. I has to be passed and to the County by the 4th Tuesday of December-Dec. 26.

TRUSTEE REPORT

Trustee Shoraga-Flag needs replaced. Some of them are pretty tattered.

Trustee Morris-A notice needs to be sent to the resident who is using the sidewalk for long term parking on Washington St. Would like to see messages on water bills (this is being done); sidewalk work-Village only does so many dollars worth of sidewalks each year. What is still needed will be done in another fiscal year. There is a boat parked on Village property.

Trustee Ritchie- Christmas on the Hill is Dec. 2. Doc Shackelford is the Grand Marshall. Declare the day Doc Shackleford day and present him with a plague.

Meeting will adjourn to the Liquor Commission on a motion by Trustee Morris, Ritchie. CG Foods is renewing their license. Some questions were asked about fees and transfer of license in case the business is sold. New owners would have to apply and pay the same fees. There would be no refund. Motion to approve liquor license for CG Food made by Trustee Ritchie, second Songer, all yeas. Return to regular session on a motion by Trustee Shoraga, second Morris, all yeas.

There is no further business and the meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M. on a motion by Trustee Shoraga, Morris.
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Village Clerk 11/20/06