The village of New Athens Board of Trustees met Dec. 29 to discuss ambulance call volume.
Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the board:
DECEMBER 19, 2016 VILLAGE OF NEW ATHENS 905 SPOTSYLVANIA PAGE 1
7:30 p.m. The regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Klein, who led the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call was answered aye by Politsch, Weber, Main, Hall, Geppert and Hampton. Attorney Dennis, Tyler Liefer, Officer Penet and Chief Simburger were also present.
The minutes from the December 5th board meeting were reviewed and a correction noted to the time the meeting ended.
Trustee Weber made a motion; seconded by Trustee Main to approve the board minutes from the December 5th board meeting with a correction to the time the meeting ended. A vote was answered aye by Weber, Main, Hall, Geppert, Politsch and Hampton.
VISITORS Mark Schreder, Jim Stolte and Ron Pitts
Jim Stolte Mayor of Lenzburg and Ron Pitts were present to discuss the number of ambulance calls to a residence on South Charles Street. Mayor Stolte noted there were 73 calls to Lenzburg this year with 32 calls to the same residence on South Charles Street. Mayor Stolte contacted their Village’s Attorney, Herb Simmons and Brandon Kelley regarding ambulance being called for non emergency calls and was told nothing can be done since the calls are going through the 911 system. Attorney Dennis suggested a meeting with Brendan Kelley, Mayor Klein, Mayor Stolte, Lenzburg Chief of Police, and Lenzburg’s Attorney after the beginning of the year to discuss what actions can be taken for the misuse of the 911 system.
LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS Trustee Geppert reported the committee met December 12th and agreed to give the school $21,000 of TIF funds for the asbestos removal from the bus barn.
Trustee Geppert made a motion; seconded by Trustee Hampton to give New Athens School District 60 $21,000 of TIF funds to remove asbestos from the bus barn. A vote was answered aye by Weber, Main, Hall, Geppert, Politsch and Hampton.
Tyler Liefer attended the Kaskaskia Water District meeting to inquire if they would purchase the right of way from the state so the Village could put up a sign at the entrance of town. Kaskaskia Water District will purchase the property and the Village will purchase from them. Tyler had no idea of the price as this time as it is in IDOT’s hands now.
WATER & SEWER Tyler Liefer will discuss mechanical seal replacement at a future meeting.
STREETS & ALLEYS Nothing new to report
PARK Nothing new to report
CEMETERY Nothing new to report
PUBLIC SAFETY The yearly ambulance contracts for the Fire District and Village of Lenzburg need to be approved. The board agreed to keep the Fire District contract at $120,000 per year.
Trustee Geppert made a motion; seconded by Trustee Weber to approve the 2017 ambulance contract with the Fire District for $120,000 for the year. A vote was answered aye by Weber, Main, Hall, Geppert, Politsch and Hampton.
The board discussed keeping the ambulance contract for Lenzburg $1000 per month, but only extending the contract on a month to month basis.
Trustee Geppert made a motion; seconded by Trustee Weber to approve the ambulance contract with the Village of Lenzburg for $1,000 per month through the end of January 2017. A vote was answered aye by Weber, Main, Hall, Geppert, Politsch and Hampton.
POLICE Chief Simburger noted the AT&T cell phone contract will end January 21st, 2017. He would like to switch to Verizon since the service with AT&T doesn’t work throughout the town. The monthly cost averaged over two years will be approximately $265.00.
Trustee Hall made a motion; seconded by Trustee Main to approve the cell phones switched to Verizon with five smart phones and an average monthly bill of $265 for two years. A vote was answered aye by Weber, Main, Hall, Geppert, Politsch and Hampton.
Chief Simburger noted Dustin Bingel will be replacing two lights on the 2010 Chrysler for $76.80 plus up to $40 for labor. Chief noted two other lights need to be replaced as well on the vehicle. The board approved.
Chief Simburger reported the lawsuit that stemmed from a mutual aid call to help Marissa police has been dropped. The Village is responsible to pay $2500 deductible to our insurance.
PERSONNEL Nothing new to report
GRANTS Nothing new to report
PUBLIC BUILDINGS Nothing new to report
ORDINANCE REVIEW Nothing new to report
TREASURERS TIME Sandy Stolte previously gave the board the monthly treasurer’s report.
Trustee Geppert made a motion; seconded by Trustee Main to approve the monthly treasurer’s report. A vote was answered aye by Politsch, Weber, Main, Hall, Geppert and Hampton.
Ordinance 2016-06 for the Tax Levy needs to be adopted.
Trustee Hall made a motion; seconded by Trustee Hampton to adopt Ordinance 2016-06 for the Tax Levy to be raised by $7,500 making the total $205,000. A vote was answered aye by Weber, Main, Hall, Geppert, Politsch and Hampton.
CLERKS TIME Nothing new to report
MAYOR’s TIME Mayor Klein requested executive session for the marina regarding litigation at the end of the meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS Chief Simburger noted Vic Neuberger was involved in an accident while on the clock. The gentleman brought in two estimates, one for $4700 and one for $4500 and said he would take $500 less. Chief looked up blue book value with the information he had and estimated it to be $1600. Michelle Neff contacted the Village’s insurance and was told if turned in the insurance company would pay blue book value. Jessica told Michelle this claim would be minimal and would not affect our rates since we have excellent loss history. The board was in consensus to turn into insurance.
Trustee Weber made a motion; seconded by Trustee Geppert to enter into executive session at 8:19 p.m. with Attorney Dennis regarding litigation. A vote was answered aye by Weber, Main, Hall, Geppert, Politsch and Hampton.
Trustee Weber made a motion; seconded by Trustee Hampton to return to regular session at 8:37 p.m. A vote was answered aye by Weber, Main, Hall, Geppert, Politsch and Hampton.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Michelle Neff Village Clerk
Richard Klein Village President
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