Village of Smithton Village Board met March 1.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The meeting at Village Hall was called to order at 7:30 pm. Everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Becherer, Rogers, Elbe, Henning, Mourey and Hopkins answered roll call. Also present were Mayor Smallwood, Clerk Parker, Engineer Saeger, Supervisor Klein, Chief Neff, and Attorney Durso.
CLERK’S REPORT
The Board received a copy. A motion was made by Trustee Becherer which was seconded by Trustee Rogers to approve the minutes from the board meeting held on February 15, 2022. Roll call was taken: Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
TREASURER’S REPORT – There is no report.
GOOD OF THE VILLAGE – Joel Boeving, SLM Representative was in attendance to discuss water rate changes in the water system. Last month the SLM Board decided to increase their water rates by .30 cents per 1000 gallons effective May 1, 2022. FSH has passed that rate on to the Village and now the rate from them will be $2.95 for water purchases from $2.65. Boeving reported that chemical costs have increased as well. This is the first rate increase since 2013 and the Village of Smithton did not pass that increase on to the Smithton water customers. This would be the first rate increase for the residents of Smithton since 2009.
Sandra Hudnut, Doctor Nursing Practice Student was here to observe the meeting for a report that she was writing.
Mike Pilla (Mikey’s Pub), Toni Yarber (Verne’s Gaming Cafe), Rick Mueth (Mueth’s Tavern), and Dave Brueggemann (Catholic War Vets) were here to voice concerns about the Video Gaming fees.
Mike Baldwin was in attendance to discuss his property on Willow Oak Dr. and an easement that he is trying to give the Village. There are a few things in the easement that his lawyer says should change for his benefit. Attorney Durso stated that If there is a lawyer involved then the Board should not comment because of ethics. Baldwin stated that he was mailed an agreement and in that agreement, it names different items that we were going to do because of the annexation and easement. Those items include waiving the residential tap in fees for water and sewer, excavating a 12 in. x 20 ft. x 30 ft. long access for the liftstation, soil would be deposited to the north of his property behind the liftstation, install geofabric underlayment, excavate a 20 ft. by 30 ft. area and install 6 in of 3 in minus and 6 in of grade A rock on top of the fabric. Engineer Saeger made a suggestion to move the road from the West side to the East side of the liftstation. Baldwin stated this added costs for him. Saeger stated that it is better for the Village to access the liftstation on the East side, but he also remembers talking with Baldwin and he stated that the potential buyer wasn’t interested in the driveway so that was why Saeger had suggested that the road be moved from the West to the East. Baldwin said he didn’t want to pay for the rock if he wasn’t going to be using it. If you put a road in there, he would like to be able to use it. Saeger stated that he didn’t realize that there was additional expense. Baldwin stated that Mr. Moerchen revised the legal description, it wasn’t anything significant but there was extra time and money spent on the revision.
Baldwin questioned the language in the agreement stating that we would be allowed to go on the property anytime. Durso clarified that this would be taken out. It was put in the agreement from past circumstances with easements. Baldwin asked for a courtesy call when we would go on his property or in the easement. Supervisor Klein stated that there will be warning lights on the truck when Village personnel are there so he will know that it is Village personnel.
Durso asked if Baldwin had any other concerns because he wanted to give him a chance to site all of his concerns. His concerns will be discussed by the Board and the Mayor and he will get a response and the response may come through Saeger.
POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT
Chief Neff reported that the Police Department handled 76 calls, 19 traffic stops, 2 accidents and an ordinance violation for restraining a dog for a repeat offender which Attorney Durso will be going to court on.
The Code Red system sent out an initial launching call. Announcements have been posted as well as an announcement in the Freeburg Tribune. To sign up you can text “Smithton” to 99411 or go to the Village website and sign up.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
ISSUED BUILDING PERMITS - Engineer Saeger reported that 2 building permits for sheds were issued.
DCEO GRANT - Engineer Saeger reported that we are just waiting for approval.
WATER TOWER MAINTENANCE AND PAINT TRIAL –Waiting for an inspection and results of the paint trail.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT – No update.
VILLAGE HALL HVAC BIDS – Waiting for AC installation.
405 S. HICKORY STORM WATER CONNECTION TO SANITARY SEWER - Engineer Saeger reported that the date of June 1, 2022 is the deadline.
CDBG INCOME SURVEY - Engineer Saeger reported we received an official letter response back from the grant administrator and she did find 2 eligible streets, Buchanan and East St. We qualify and can apply for grants to improve those streets until the next census results come out and would change the qualification. We have at least 8 years. Trustee Rogers asked what the percentage that they pay is? They’ll give up to $60,000 and this has been past history, or you match the amount. They don’t disclose that, but it increases your scoring when you apply for the grant, the more money you match towards the project. The applications are due March 11 and we are not going to make it. We have 8 years where we can apply.
HEALTH OFFICER’S REPORT – No report.
SAFETY COMMITTEE - There will be a Safety Committee Meeting March 3, 2022, at 10:00am if needed.
ZONING BOARD REPORT
We received a letter of resignation from Zoning Board member Dale Becherer. Trustee Becherer made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Rogers to accept the resignation of Dale Becherer. Roll call was taken: Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
Mayor Smallwood nominated Todd Reyling to fill the vacant seat on the Zoning Board. Trustee Hopkins made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Mourey to accept Todd Reyling’s nomination. All were in favor. Motion was granted.
Reyling was sworn in by Clerk Parker.
Engineer Saeger reported that three hearings were held for sheds for variances and one Special Use request on February 17, 2022. Variances were issued for all 3. The Zoning Board approved the variances at 5511 Alpine Place Dr for wall height and roof peak. This is a residential zoned lot and storage sheds are not a permitted primary use in a residential zoning, so a Special Use Permit is needed to allow the construction of the shed. The Zoning Board does recommend the issuance of a Special Use Permit. Durso reported that it was not contested by anyone in the Village. Trustee Becherer made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Elbe to accept the Special Use Permit. Roll call was taken: Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Rogers yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Hopkins, abstain. Motion was granted.
SUPERVISORS REPORT
Supervisor Klein reported that they are continuing work on the concrete at the park for the Park Building. They are hoping for construction on the building to begin next week. Klein also reported that two part time park employees will be starting next week to prepare the park for opening on April 1.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Attorney Durso reported that he and Chief Neff are working on the issues at 17 N. High.
Trustee Becherer made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Rogers to accept the Officer’s reports. All were in favor. Motion was granted.
COMMITTEE AS A WHOLE
Mayor Smallwood reported that there was a Committee As a Whole meeting on February 22, 2022. The items will be discussed under the Committee Reports. Trustee Becherer made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Rogers to approve the minutes from the Committee As a Whole meeting on February 22, 2022. Roll call was taken: Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
FINANCE & INSURANCE COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE BECHERER
BUDGET – Everyone received a copy of the updated Budget. This will be discussed at the next Committee As a Whole meeting.
LAPTOPS/TABLETS – Trustee Becherer made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Rogers to purchase 7 tablets not to exceed $3000 from CompuType and have them set them up. Roll call was taken: Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
STREET & UTILITY COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE ROGERS
BACKHOE – We are waiting to have someone look at it because the cylinder is going bad.
PICKUP TRUCKS – Trustee Rogers made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Mourey to purchase a 2021 Ford 4X4 pickup truck not to exceed $36,000. Roll call was taken: Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
VACUUM TRUCK – Waiting on body work to be completed.
SIDEWALK – 205 S MAIN ST - No update on the catch basins project.
STREET DEPARTMENT UNIFORMS – No update
POLICE COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE ELBE
INSURANCE – Gathering and discussing information received regarding employee health insurance.
CODE RED SYSTEM - Previously in the meeting Chief Neff reported on the Code Red system.
PARK & CEMETERY COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE HENNING
PARK REFUSE DUMP CONTROLS – Trustee Henning reported that we have all of our requirements met for Ameren to accept our request to use the utility pole for security camera placement. We are waiting to hear back from Ameren.
FIELD 5 MODIFICATIONS – No update.
PARK CAMERAS – We are waiting to hear back from Ameren to accept our request.
SAA/PARK BUILDING – Trustee Henning reported that there is a slight enhancement to the building that is being discussed.
Trustee Henning made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Rogers to amend the building construction for an overhang on the roof of the Park Building not to exceed $1500. Roll call was taken: Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
SAA BATTING CAGE REQUEST – No update.
TRAIL STUDY GRANT – Engineer Saeger stated that he has met with Gonzalez and they would like to present to the Board a preliminary plan on the 4th Tuesday of March (3/22/22).
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE MOUREY
ORD 977 CH. 24 – TOW FEES
A motion was made by Trustee Mourey which was seconded by Trustee Elbe to read Ord. No. 977 by title only Abandoned, Lost, Stolen or Unclaimed Vehicles (Tow Fees). Roll call was taken: Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
A motion was made by Trustee Mourey which was seconded by Trustee Elbe to pass Ord. No. 977 Abandoned, Lost, Stolen or Unclaimed Vehicles (Tow Fees). Roll call was taken: Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
ORD 978 CH. 6 – BUILDING REGULATIONS
A motion was made by Trustee Mourey which was seconded by Trustee Elbe to read Ord. No. 978 by title only Building Regulations. Roll call was taken: Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
A motion was made by Trustee Mourey which was seconded by Trustee Elbe to pass Ord. No. 978 by title only Building Regulations. Roll call was taken: Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
977 Abandoned, Lost, Stolen or Unclaimed Vehicles (Tow Fees). Roll call was taken: Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
ANNEXATION & BUILDING COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE HOPKINS
VILLAGE HALL FOUNTAINS – Trustee Hopkins has talked with Mr. Sprengel and he will give us some ideas.
WILLOW OAK PROPERTY - Report given earlier in the meeting.
GROCERY STORE – No update.
SALT STORAGE BUILDING – No update.
VILLAGE HALL GENERATOR – No Update.
PROPERTY APPRAISAL – This will be discussed at the next upcoming Committee as a Whole meeting.
BILLS AND PAYROLL
Trustee Becherer made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Rogers to authorize Clerk Parker to pay the bills and payroll from February 5, 2022, through February 18, 2022. Roll call was taken: Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Henning, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes. Motion was granted.
COMMUNICATIONS
We received thank you notes for the Memorial to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in memory of former Trustee Dawn Weber.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – No report.
NEW BUSINESS – No report.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - No action.
Trustee Rogers made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Elbe to adjourn. All trustees were in favor. Motion was granted to adjourn at 9:00 pm.
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