SE Illinois News

Village of Smithton Board of Trustees met Sept. 2.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

Mayor Michael Smallwood called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Jason Becherer, Charlie Rogers, Jim Elbe, Jim Mourey, Tim Hopkins, and Todd Reyling answered roll call. Also present were Clerk Annette Parker, Police Officer Brendan Miller, Supervisor Dean Klein, Village/Zoning Administrator George Liyeos, and Attorney Luke Behme. Chief Jason Neff and Attorney Terry Bruckert were absent. Reporter Hans Carpenter and Terris Stahl were in attendance among the audience.

CLERK’S REPORT – A motion was made by Trustee Becherer which was seconded by Trustee Rogers to approve the minutes from the Board Meeting held on August 19, 2025. Roll call was taken: Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes; and Trustee Reyling, yes. The motion was carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT – No report.

GOOD OF THE VILLAGE –

OUTSIDE MUSIC PERMIT REQUEST – A motion was made by Trustee Elbe which was seconded by Trustee Mourey to approve the outside music request from The Roost. Roll call was taken: Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes; and Trustee Reyling, yes. The motion was carried.

Terris Stahl was in attendance to address the Board regarding the property behind ATS. Stahl stated that there are bushes that are pushing against his fence. He was told that this is a civil issue between him and his neighbors. It was also suggested to have his property surveyed.

POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT – The Board received a copy of the Chief’s report.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT –

ISSUED BUILDING PERMITS – This information was included in the weekly report from Administrator Liyeos.

159 TURN LANE – Administrator Liyeos reported that he will be meeting with Tony Schenk on September 23.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – Meetings are tentatively scheduled for October 14 with the Mayor and Board and October 28 for the public at the Senior Center from 4:30-9:00 pm.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL – Liyeos reported that a follow up email has been sent to both schools and an online meeting has been scheduled for next week. The grant application is due September 15.

OSLAD – The Grant application is due September 30. Liyeos said he has submitted the application. We are asking for $150,000.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Liyeos stated that he will have a full report from the IML Conference.

SAFETY COMMITTEE – There will be a Safety Committee Meeting on September 4, 2025, at 10:00 am if needed.

ZONING BOARD REPORT –

HYDAC PROPERTY – No report.

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT – Supervisor Klein reported that they are continuing to do hot patch on the roads in preparation for oiling and chipping the roads. The brakes on the International truck have been changed. Some Park gate and fencing repairs have been done. The Park lake is closed for now. Ballfield lights poles are to be set Thursday. Tree trimming will be done tomorrow.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report.

Trustee Becherer made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Rogers to accept the Officer’s reports as given. Roll call was taken: Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes; and Trustee Reyling, yes. The motion was carried.

COMMITTEE AS A WHOLE – Mayor Smallwood reported on the Committee As a Whole meeting from August 26, 2025. The items will be discussed further under 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 August 26, 2025. Roll call was taken: Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes; and Trustee Reyling, yes. The motion was carried.

FINANCE & INSURANCE COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE BECHERER – No report.

STREET & UTILITY COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE ROGERS

4059 CHESTNUT OAK MANHOLE – This manhole needs to be replaced. Supervisor Klein is getting quotes for repairs.

VIDEO EQUIPMENT – Installation is complete.

SMITHTON ENTRANCE SIGNS – Trustee Rogers reported that we are moving forward with the new signs.

WHITE OAK DR. – Trustee Rogers asked Supervisor Klein to add this to the rotation for future maintenance.

POLICE COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE ELBE

TORNADO ALARM SYSTEM – No update.

PARK & CEMETERY COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE MOUREY

PARK TRAIL – PHASE 2 DISCUSSION AND PLAN – No report.

BALLFIELD SAFETY NETTING – Mourey reported that we are waiting for additional parts for installation.

BALLFIELD LIGHTS – Poles are to be set Thursday. Hoping to have them up and running by September 12. Ribbon cutting tentatively set for September 14.

SMITHTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION – We will continue to work with the SAA on everything that needs to be done at the park.

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE HOPKINS – No report.

ANNEXATION & BUILDING COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE REYLING

BRIA BUILDING & PROPERTY FUTURE PLAN – One Time Showing Agreement – Trustee Reyling made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Mourey for the Mayor to sign a one-time showing agreement with Megan Neff. Roll call was taken: Trustee Reyling, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; and Trustee Hopkins, yes. The motion was carried.

MULTI USE TRAIL & MAIN STREET COMMITTEE – TRUSTEE ROGERS

PROPOSED TRAIL ROUTES – No update.

MAIN STREET IMPROVEMENTS – No update.

BILLS AND PAYROLL – Trustee Becherer made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Rogers to authorize Clerk Parker to pay the payroll from August 2, 2025 through August 15, 2025. Roll call was taken: Trustee Becherer, yes; Trustee Rogers, yes; Trustee Elbe, yes; Trustee Mourey, yes; Trustee Hopkins, yes; and Trustee Reyling, yes. The motion was carried.

COMMUNICATIONS – None.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None.

NEW BUSINESS – Liyeos stated that he learned that IDOT will be replacing the bridge over Douglas Creek before 2030.

EXECUTIVE SESSION – None.

Trustee Rogers made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Elbe to adjourn the meeting. All Trustees were in favor. The motion was granted to adjourn at 7:36 pm.

 https://smithton-village.com/wp-content/uploads/Minutes-9-2-25.pdf