SE Illinois News

Village of Smithton Committee of a Whole met Aug. 13.

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, and Reyling were in attendance. Also in attendance was Chief Jason Neff. Trustee Tim Hopkins was absent.

POLICE PERSONNEL – Chief Neff would like to send Zack Valerius to the part time Police Academy. The cost is $2000 and we will get reimbursed this amount. The academy runs from August 24, 2024 until July 2025. The Board was in agreement with this request.

ORDINANCE PUBLIC CAMPING – We’ve received a model ordinance for public camping. This ordinance was reviewed and everyone was in agreement to have this ordinance approved at the next Board meeting.

HY-DAC PROPERTY – Mayor Smallwood reported that the property owners were served with papers to comply with the requests from the Zoning Hearing.

BUILDING REGULATIONS – Discussion was had about the exterior of buildings on Main Street. It was suggested that the building regulations language be revised in the ordinance book to state that a building must have 100% brick on three sides which includes the main entrance. Creating updated Ordinance language, putting it in Ordinance form, and approving it at the next regular board meeting was determined.

BALLFIELD LIGHTS – Trustee Mourey reported that there is no update.

BALLFIELD SAFETY NETTING – SAA will be getting the netting. Mayor Smallwood reported that the Village has the poles and we will provide the manpower and equipment to set the poles and hang the netting.

BRIA PROPERTY – Mayor Smallwood reported that the opportunity with the first contract with the one day showing came and went. He’s looking for some direction. Rezoning the property was mentioned. We will start the process to get the property rezoned to SR-1.

Mayor Smallwood asked the Board how they felt about reinstating the 1% grocery tax. They all agreed that we should have Attorney Bruckert review the Grocery Tax Ordinance and have it ready for approval at the next regular board meeting.

Applying for an MEPRD Grant for assistance with widening the bridges at the Park was discussed. Mayor Smallwood will have Administrator Liyeos get started with this.

Trustee Rogers made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Elbe to adjourn. All Trustees were in favor. The motion was granted. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm.

https://smithton-village.com/wp-content/uploads/Minutes-8-13-24.pdf