SE Illinois News

Village of Smithton Committee of a Whole met June 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Smallwood called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm at Village Hall. Trustees Elbe, Mourey, Hopkins, and Reyling were in attendance. Trustee Becherer and Trustee Rogers were absent. Chief Jason Neff and Supervisor Dean Klein were also in attendance.

CULVERT REPLACEMENT (HICKORY ST.) – Supervisor Klein reported that there is a culvert that needs to be replaced at 700 N. Hickory St. Klein will reach out to the property owner and coordinate the replacement. Per our ordinance, the property owner will pay half the cost of the culvert.

PERSONNEL –Chief Neff stated that he would like to start lining up a person to start working part time and then full time within a few months. He has a potential candidate in mind. He has given the Mayor and Board background on the potential candidate. This additional officer will replace Officer Wilson when he retires.

Discussion was had about the Village Administrator position. There is no update on the position currently.

BALLFIELD LIGHTS –It was determined to schedule a Park Committee meeting to discuss the scope of work involved and to put together a complete bid packet.

BRIA BUILDING – Trustee Mourey stated that we are working with a realtor that he has reached out to, and the realtor has a potential buyer for the former Bria property. We received a contract from the realtor. Attorney Bruckert reviewed the contract and had some concerns. One of his concerns was the section in the contract that gives mediation or arbitration as choices for disputes between the buyer and the seller. He would like arbitration removed. He also didn’t like the realtor being a dual agent. It was mentioned that we should contract for a one-time showing of the property. Mayor Smallwood will be reaching out to the realtor to discuss these concerns.

PUBLIC SAFETY –Discussion was had about concerns with public safety at Walton’s. No updates were given at this time.

Trustee Mourey made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Elbe to adjourn. All Trustees were in favor. The motion was granted. The meeting adjourned at 8:47pm.

https://smithton-village.com/wp-content/uploads/Minutes-6-11-24.pdf