Cerro Gordo, Illinois

NOVEMBER 17, 2008

The monthly meeting of the President and the Board of Trustees met on November 17, 2008 in the Municipal Building. Those present were President Jim Morgan, Trustees Brad Williams, Lyle Shoraga, Ron Price , Atty. Colette McCarty, P.C Pat Carter, D.P.W. Rob Bratton, and Clerk Linda Ash. Trustees Terry Lovekamp, Carol Huff, and Mike Songer were not available, and Treasurer Cris Perry was also absent.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

The Public Forum was called. R. West had a question about the old Vulgamott building. At the October meeting it was discussed that the Village and the railroad share in the cost of the demolition but a three way split between G. Handley, the Village, and the railroad would be a better fit for all.

Business owner Charlene Smith was at the meeting to inquire about a partial refund of her liquor license if the business is sold soon. The ordinance does not allow for such action.

Nick Burris, engineer with Chastain and Assoc., was present and gave a report on options for the Library concerning their drainage issues. They would like to put a drain around the front of the Library and have it run south to East Wait Street. The floor drain in the kitchen would tie into a tile that runs into the sewer drain. Chastain’s have been in contact with Rob and the mayor about their proposed plan. The Library Board has approved the plan but the Village Board would like to send the plan to the Village engineers. The Library would like to proceed as soon as possible but will likely have to wait until spring and warmer weather.

Motion to move to Liquor Commission entered by Trustee Shoraga, second Williams. Motion to approve liquor license for CG Foods subject to signed paperwork made by Trustee Williams, second Shoraga, all yeas. Motion to resume regular session made by Trustee price, second Williams, all yeas.

TIF

Gene Norber and Julian Jackman from Economic development Resources were present this evening. They are based in St. Louis, Mo and are consultants assisting in implementing TIF plans. Some activities that are prudent to engage in are special funds, agreements, redevelopment agreements with individual parties. There are some recording guidelines such as working with the auditors, market the area, and work with private site developers. Their retainer agreement is based on hourly work. They will meet with anyone, work over the telephone and or internet. They will bring guidance to the Village as to what steps need to be taken next.

MINUTES

Minutes were approved as read on a motion by Trustee Shoraga, second Williams, all yeas.

CLAIMS REPORT

The only bill needed to be added to the claims report is to Ameren IP. The total is $4236.72. Motion to approve claims Trustee Williams, second Price, all yeas.

TREASURER'S REPORT

A list of shut offs were presented. There were no adjustments for the month.. The clerk and the finance committee will meet on Wednesday morning to go over budget figures to make sure the Village is staying within its budget. Motion to approve treasurer’s report made by trustee Williams, second Shoraga, all yeas.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Rob has ordered the road salt. He has two loads ordered and may get it this week. He will check mid-week. There was a barge came in today loaded with salt. The Attorney Generals office is investigated the price of the salt, not its availability. The price was locked in at $83.25 per ton. Rob has reported no problem with getting salt for the water softeners.

The Casey's project is coming along, the tanks are in. They are raising the store by 3 feet. The Village is going to use Casey's permit to run the water lines under the highway as the state has already issued them a permit. We will need to get a definition of materials to be used. We will run a 2 inch line. Trucks are ready for snow but currently are still mowing and mulching.

CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT

Pat attended a meeting where all police and fire personnel were honored for their service. The printer in the police department is having problems and will need to be replaced or repaired. Pat also has a list of grant writers who will write a grant for free. He will give the list to the water and sewer committee. The radio system is being changed for Piatt County.

Reports show that calls are down for the month and it was a quiet Halloween. No calls for assistance from Cisco and the profit for the month is $407.35.

OLD BUSINESS

Edwards Property- Nothing to report. The property did not sell at the tax sale. Colette will call the county.

Alley Project- Easements are still needed for that.

TIF

A motion was filed by Trustee Williams to hire Gene Norber to finish up the TIF business on a trial basis, second by Trustee Price. Roll call vote: Trustees Williams, Shoraga, Lovekamp, Price, and Songer, all yeas.

Drainage- The survey is done and the report will be finalized by the next meeting.

E-Pay- Work is in progress. Should be set up by the first of the year.

CDAP Grant

Della Perrone should have everything ready shortly. The Board will need a special meeting so she can explain the income survey in detail for the Board members who will be taking the survey.

Computer Techniques

Sign off on the contract. Tower work is in progress with the cat walk and ladder. Computer Techniques will put up their equipment when the work is done by WaterTower Paint and Repair. It is almost done.

TRUSTEES REPORT

Trustee Williams-went to the county meeting about the flood map. It was interesting but it will have no effect on Cerro Gordo as we are not in a flood plain.

Trustee Shoraga-Received complaints about the old Illinois Power building on North Street.

ATTORNEY'S REPORT

Colette received a letter from the attorney for the Legion concerning the trade of property with T. Shambaugh. There may be a question about zoning.

There was no more business and the meeting adjourned at 8:00 on a motion by Trustee Shoraga, second Price.
______________________________
Village Clerk 11/17/08