Cerro Gordo, Illinois

JANUARY 16, 2006

The monthly meeting of the President and the Board of Trustees met at 7:00 P.M. on January 16, 2006 in the Municipal Building. The following members were present: President Jim Morgan, Trustees Brad Williams, Lyle Shoraga, Jerry Morris, Don Ritchie, and Mike Songer. Also present were Atty. Colette McCarty, D.P.W. Rob Bratton, P.C. Pat Carter, and Clerk Linda Ash Trustee Rod Forbes and Treasurer Cris Perry were absent.

The meeting was called to order with the public forum taking place first. Resident Dennis Ridgeway presented his concerns regarding a new roof that business owner Judy Thuvell would like to put on her building. As a building permit has not been applied for, there is nothing that can be done. The building inspector has been in contact with her contractor however and all are aware of potential problems.

Doug Edward, a counselor with the Piatt Co. Mental Health Department, and a colleague, were here to discuss possible office space. They would like to try this on a trial basis, perhaps one day a week with regular office hours. Atty. McCarty took some information from them and will contact them concerning their needs.

Minutes were read with one correction-Delta Grant should be CDAP Grant. Minutes approved with corrections.

OLD BUSINESS

Engineer Dave Happ was here to discuss drainage setbacks. Contractor Entler failed to properly fill out paperwork for IDOT and as a result, IDOT would not approve the work to be done. There are 2 options available: 1) re bid the project, or 2) accept the next lowest bid which was from Burdick and Co. It could be costly to re bid the project as it was to be substantially completed by Ma. 3 and completed by June 1. Burdick’s bid was $140,889.00 Motion to rescind contract with Entler Bros made by Trustee Morris, second Trustee Ritchie, all yeas.

Rob has talked to Burdick about the project. It will take them about 2 weeks to do the job-weather permitting. Motion by Trustee Williams, second by Trustee Morris to re-award project to the next qualified bidder (Burdick) and authorize President to sign contracts. Roll call: Trustees Williams, Shoraga, Morris, Ritchie, and Songer, all yeas, Forbes, absent.

Della Perrone from Foth & Van Dyke was on hand to explain several different grant scenarios. In order for the Village to proceed with a water tower and water main project, this would be the first item to take into consideration and there are several options.

NEW BUSINESS

Auditor Kevin Huffman presented his report on fiscal year 2204-2005. One main item Mr. Huffman pointed out was the collateralization of all Village funds. Some other suggestions were to combine passbook and Monet Market accounts, bank reconciliation needs to agree with the general ledger each month, special levies (such as unemployment and IMRF) have line items numbers, and outstanding checks.

CLAIMS REPORT

A claims from Morgan Distributing was deleted in the amount of $599.75, $199.91 to public works for fuel, $199.92 each to water and sewer funds. Motion to approve claims report made by Trustee Williams, second Ritchie, all yeas.

TREASURER’S REPORT

No adjustments requested at this time. There are2 CD’s due to mature, one a MFT CD and one a General Fund CD. They will be renewed. Motion to approve treasurer’s report made by Trustee Ritchie, second Morris, all yeas.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Rob is in the process of having the rock filter cleaned at the sewer plant. By removing 21/2 foot of sludge, the slow was increased by 100,000 gallons. This is something that may need to be done every 5 years to prevent any future problems. It has never been cleaned before.

The water meters were estimated for the Dec. 31 billing and read for the Jan. 31 billing. This is generally a catch up month when bills are estimated.

A request has been entered by several residents on Van Dongen Street for a street light. Rob will contact IP engineers and see what can be done. The need for a street light on Bell Street needs to be addressed also.

POLICE REPORT

Pat was able to secure windows from the County for the new police office. Pat has a copy of retired officer card. These cards will be issued to any and all police department members who retire from the Village and will have the same notation on them. ILEA sent another radio at no charge, however, there is a $35.00 charge if it is used.

Monthly stats will be available next month. The 2002 squad car needs tires. They can be acquired through the state bid program at $54 each in Decatur. The TV in the police department has quit and needs to be replace. Pat would like to replace it and also acquire a DVD and VHS player. Training tapes are available from Western Il University at no charge to the police department-only return shipping. Pat will set up a training schedule for the officers. They will get credit for attending. It would be possible to set up 4 classes a month.

TRUSTEES REPORT

Trustee Williams-Thank you to the Board for the flowers sent in commemoration of his mother-in-law.

Trustee Shoraga-He has received a complaint about the old Illinois Power building on North Street.

Trustee Morris-Township area looks really good. One can tell there has been a lot of work done with the clean-up.

Trustee Songer-presented the Board with the signed letter from residents on Van Dongen requesting a street light.

The Mayor reported on an article in Illinois Issues banning specifying some dogs as dangerous. The towns may have to maintain specific liability insurance.

With the death of Rosalee Duckworth, the zoning Board is short one member. Two names have come up for discussion and the Mayor will talk to them.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Colette has found the contact person regarding the railroad lease terms. She has sent an E-mail to them and hopes for a response soon.

Meeting adjourned at 8:47 on a motion to move to closed session for the discussion of a possible real estate purchase, section 120/2 C-5. Motion made by Trustee Williams, second Shoraga, all yeas.

Meeting resumed at 8:59. Information was given about the Piatt Co. Toys for Tots program in which 54 people were helped who live in Cerro Gordo. The program would like the Village to remember them when it comes time to budget for the next fiscal year.

Also trustee Morris reported on cut up cars left at the fire department after a training session. While the Village members emphasize the importance of these procedures, plans should have been made to dispense of the cars as soon as possible after a training session.

Motion to adjourn at 9:10 P.M. on motion by Trustee Ritchie, second Songer.
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Village Clerk 1/16/06