SE Illinois News

Village of Smithton Committee of a Whole met Nov. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Smallwood called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm at Village Hall. Trustees Becherer, Rogers, Elbe, Mourey, Hopkins, and Reyling were in attendance. Village Administrator Speir was absent.

VILLAGE HALL WALL REPAIR – Our Public Works crew inspected the wall and found that it is made of two layers of brick and wood framing. It was determined that we don’t need a Structural Engineer to do an inspection. Tuckpointing and roof repair are needed. In reviewing the bids, we received, everyone agreed to go with Taylor Roofing and Sangiolo & Baker Masonry. Taylor Roofing would do the roof repair work for an amount not to exceed $2000 and Sangiolo & Baker Masonry would do the brick work for an amount not to exceed $7,000.

CHRISTMAS BONUSES – It was discussed and agreed to increase the Christmas bonuses for this year. Each full time employee will receive $500 as a Christmas bonus. Discussion is still ongoing on the amount for the part time employees Christmas bonus.

WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT – We requested waste service proposals and the only company to respond was Waste Management. Their rates have increased substantially. Other companies were not interested in servicing Smithton for waste collection because it was either too far for them or they couldn’t feasibly expand their current service. We will put together an announcement letting residents know that their service will be increasing due to these factors.

1 N. MAIN – A meeting between the property owner, Administrator Speir and Mayor Smallwood will be scheduled to discuss the property owner’s options. Based on inspection recommendations and discussion, the building needs to in compliance with the rest of the neighborhood so that it can be sold or renovated to a usable building in a reasonable amount of time so that the Village is not going to take action to have the building torn down and a lien put on it against the property. Attorney Bruckert is checking to see what the fair market value of the building is.

SIDEWALKS (MEMORIAL DR.) – Administrator Speir will look at Memorial Dr. to see how much right of way we have on both sides.

BALLFIELD LIGHTS – Trustee Mourey will be getting the Ameren application to Administrator Speir, and they will have a nonprofit organization complete the application for possible assistance with the light poles.

BOARD MEETING TIME CHANGE – The start time for regular board meetings will be changed from 7:30 pm to 7:00 pm by Ordinance beginning January 1, 2024.

MEETING COMPENSATION – Ordinances have been drafted for employees and zoning board meeting compensation.

PAID LEAVE ACT – An Ordinance has been drafted to be passed.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – An RFP for Comprehensive Plan Updates has been drafted. Once we receive bids, we will have a Comprehensive Plan Committee formed.

Trustee Rogers made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Elbe to adjourn. All Trustees were in favor. The motion was granted. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 pm.

https://smithton-village.com/wp-content/uploads/Minutes-11-14-23-CAW.pdf