Cerro Gordo, Illinois

Dec. 22, 2009

The monthly meeting of the Village of Cerro Gordo and the Board of Trustees met at 7:00 pm at 231 East South Street. The following members were present: Mayor Lyle Shoraga, Trustees Brad Williams, Mick Tirpak, Dick Seitz, Ron Price and Shamarie Allen. Also present were Atty. Colette McCarty, D.P.W. Rob Bratton, P.C. Pat Carter, and Clerk Linda Ash. Trustee Ridgeway and Treasurer Cris Perry were absent.

The meeting was called to order and a public forum was held. L. Bailey discussed the flooding by his house on Lincoln Street, the purpose of the new stop signs, and the ordinance regarding snow removal from the sidewalks.

Minutes were read and approved on a motion by Trustee Williams, second Price, all yeas.

The claims report was reviewed and a question was asked about a purchase for the police department. Motion to approve claims made by Trustee Williams, Second Allen. Roll call: Trustees Williams, yea, Tirpak, nay, Seitz, yea, Price, yea, and Allen, yea.

Director of Public Works

The new stop signs are up. Salt spreaders are working ok. Received a load of salt for softener. Rob will be leaving Wednesday for 10 days.

Chief of Police Reports

Pat distributed Cisco reports. The profit for the month is $581.36 and they are current on payment. The CG report had 98 calls for assistance. The owner of the property on Adams Street no longer lives in Connecticut but now resides in Kentucky.

Pat received several bids to replace the rear window on the Ford. Low bid was from Newell and they have a good reputation for work done. Motion to accept Newell bid made by Trustee Allen, second Price. Roll call: Trustee Williams, yea, Tirpak, nay, Seitz, yea, Price, yea, Allen, yea.

Nothing to report in old business.

New Business

Bond Abatement-Ord. #541. Every year, if the Village is not able to pay the bond, the Village has to notify the county clerk. The Village pays the interest twice a year, and principal once a year. Motion to approve the Bond Abatement Ordinance was made by Trustee Williams, second Tirpak. Roll call: Trustee Williams, yea, Ridgeway, absent, Tirpak, yea, Seitz, yea, Price, yea, and Allen, yea.

Levy Ordinance #542 Colette increased to the maximum, otherwise the Village will have to hold a truth in taxation hearing if the Village is over the levy. The public works department is self sustaining and so the Village cannot tax the citizens. This levy is just under 5% of last years levy. Some funds are restricted, such as IMRF. This is due by Dec. 28. Motion to approve the levy ordinance made by Trustee Williams, second Seitz. Roll call: Trustees Williams, yea, Ridgeway, absent, Tirpak, yea, Seitz, yea, Price, yea, and Allen, yea.

Christmas bonuses. In the past the Village has granted a bonus to all employees. Trustee Tirpak would like a closed session to discuss this.

The loading sign in front of the Allen building 221 E. South Street will be discussed at the Jan. meeting.

The new FOIA laws go into effect Jan.1, 2010. There are some changes to the act. These are drastic changes for everyone. When a request is received, the office has five(5) business days to produce the information. The Village will have to name an officer to be be in charge and Colette recommends a backup. Typically, this is the Village clerk as they are already in charge of all records. The village will need to repeal the current policy and use the new policy. This will need to be adopted at the January meeting.

Trustees Report

Tirpak-would like to see some fencing around the drain by the football field. Rob will check into this. Court date concerning Tom Hyde is Jan. 28 at 9:00 am.

Seitz-In regards to the stop signs, Dick was not for the stop signs but voted on them as a safety issue.

Price-Mick has talked to Mr. Austin about the parking at the apartments. He will rock the north side and back. He agrees to the change but will not get to it until after the holidays.

Allen-no estimate on the pergola. Asked about snow removal on sidewalks up town. Not all areas were done.

No further business was discussed and the Board moved to closed session at 8:12 pm.

The meeting resumed at 8:23. Motion to approve Christmas bonuses for employees was made by Trustee Williams. Full time employees, plus Linda and Cris will receive $100 and all part time employees will receive $50. Second by Trustee Seitz, all yeas. Motion to not disclose any information from the closed sessions from June 15, 2009 to Nov. 2, 2009 on advice from the attorney, made by Trustee Williams, second Allen, all yeas.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.
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Village Clerk 12/22/09