VILLAGE OF SCALES MOUND
Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Scales Mound Town Hall
August 31, 2020
7:00 P.M.
The Regular Meeting of the President and Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2020 by President Davis. The meeting was held at the Town Hall due to the construction at the Stone House. Members present were Nicole Busch, Shannon Driscoll, John Duerr, Lindsey Duerr and Ruth Foley. Board Member Bernard Trebian was absent. Also present were Steve Stadel, Village Treasurer, Margaret Townsend, Village Clerk, Ron Duerr, Brandon Behlke, Reporter, and Matt and Melissa Dittmar.
At this time, President called for a moment of silence in memory of Board Member Bernard Trebian’s son Andrew, who passed away yesterday.
Duerr moved, Foley seconded that the Minutes of the July 27, 2020 Regular Meeting be approved as read. All voted aye.
The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Driscoll moved, Busch seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented and to place it on file. All voted aye.
The August bills were reviewed. L. Duerr moved, J. Duerr seconded that the August bills be approved for payment. On roll call vote, all voted aye.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/CORRESPONDENCE
A) S. M. Chamber – No Report
B) Melissa Dittmar – TIF Funding – Melissa and Matt Dittmar presented a letter to the Board stating that they are looking into purchasing and operating Pat’s Country House Grocery. They are wondering if there is any TIF assistance available. Davis explained that the intent of the TIF funding is for things such as infrastructure or rehabilitation. He also stated that at this time, the TIF account does not have much in it. The Subdivision/TIF Committee will hold a Committee Meeting on Wednesday, September 9th at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Hall to discuss TIF funding and incentives.
C) Flag Donation – S. Winter Family– A flag was purchased by the Steve Winter family in memory of Marilyn Townsend Buske. Thank you Winters.
D) CN Railroad – “Proud to be Your Neighbor” Publication – This publication was previously received electronically. We now have a hard copy to keep on file.
E) Mediacom Letter – Removing 2 NFL Channels – A notice was received from Mediacom that as of August 1, 2020, they would not be carrying the NFL Network and NFL RedZone channels due to the fact that the contract between the two has expired.
F) Mediacom Letter – They are an Equal Opportunity Employer – the annual “Notification of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Obligations” was received and will be put on file.
G) Other – Veteran’s Assistance Program – President Davis stated he received information from the Veterans Assistance Program of Jo Daviess County. This is a program administrated by veterans for veterans with the intent to provide temporary financial assistance when other sources have been exhausted. They ask that the Village keep the information on file and make it available to any veterans in the community that might ask for help or direction.
Minutes – Regular Meeting, August 31, 2020 – Page 2
PUBLIC WORKS
A) Monthly Report – Ron Duerr reported: 1) there was a sewer lateral damaged during the installation of a fiber cable. Winter Plumbing fixed the damaged area and will bill the town. This matter will be looked into. 2) He would like to buy additional grass carp for the lagoons. Foley moved, J. Duerr seconded to purchase 6 grass carp at $12.50 each. On roll call vote, all voted aye. 3) He has been looking into State of Illinois Grants for Municipalities which are available to fix infrastructure. He is thinking about getting funds to help with the infiltration in the wastewater system. President Davis stated he will talk to Bridgett of Fehr-Graham regarding this funding opportunity. 4) He would like the Board to consider the possibility of making the block of Clark Street from Franklin to Main Street one way going east. He cited problems with parking, snowplowing and deliveries to businesses, as the street is just not wide enough. Also, when pulling west out into Franklin Street, many times it is difficult to see oncoming traffic as vehicles are parked outside of the sidewalk to the south. Davis stated there are more streets in the downtown area with those same problems. The Board agreed to look further into this.
B) Operation/Maintenance/Streets Committee Report – None
C) Sewer & Water Operations Committee Report
ZONING REPORT
Building permits and fees from Brian Bussan and Brandon Busch, both for renovations were presented.
ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS
A) Update on Violations – Wayne Moyer is continuing to work on the ordinance violations. A tag consistent with those the County uses should be used to mark vehicles to be towed. John Duerr will work with Moyer on these. John also agreed to look into additional towing services in the area.
B) Other – None
OLD BUSINESS
A) Annual Appointments, Set Meeting Place, Dates & Time, Designate Depository – Meeting Time: 7:00 p.m.; Meeting Location: The Stone House, 309 North Avenue, Scales Mound, IL; Meeting Dates: Tuesday, May 26, 2020 (Tuesday due to Memorial Day Holiday); Monday, June 29, 2020; Monday, July 27, 2020; Monday, August 31, 2020; Monday, September 28, 2020; Monday, October 26, 2020; Monday, November 30, 2020; Monday, December 28, 2020; Monday, January 25, 2021; Monday, February 22, 2021; Monday, March 29, 2021; Monday, April 26, 2021; Monday, May 24, 2021 (Due to the Memorial Day Holiday); Depository: Apple River State Bank, Scales Mound, IL.
Village Attorney: Terry Kurt; Village Clerk: Margaret Townsend; Village Treasurer: Steve Stadel; Zoning Administrator: Joe Lee; Committee Members: (First name on list is chairperson) Operation/Maintenance/Streets: John Duerr/Ruth Foley/Bernard Trebian: Sewer/Water Operations: Lindsey Duerr/Bernard Trebian/John Duerr; Finance: Ruth Foley/Lindsey Duerr/Nicole Busch: Public Events/Safety: Nicole Busch/Shannon Driscoll/Bernard Trebian; Trees/Sidewalks: Bernard Trebian/Shannon Driscoll/Ruth Foley; Parks/Special Projects: Shannon Driscoll/Lindsey Duerr/Nicole Busch; Ordinance/Policy: Lindsey Duerr/John Duerr/Nicole Busch.
B) Administrative Law Ordinance/Further Discussion/Possible Action – Davis stated that the city of East Dubuque is in the process of hiring an Administrative Law Judge and other municipalities in the county, to include Scales Mound, may be able to join in, sharing costs according to size and based on the number of cases. The court would be held in East Dubuque. More information is forthcoming.
Minutes – Regular Meeting, August 31, 2020 – Page 3
C) Update on Utility Hookup Fees – Nothing new.
D) Update on Sand Prairie Internet Availability – Davis is continuing to work with Bridgette Stocks on internet availability.
E) Set Date & Time for TIF Joint Review Board Meeting – A meeting will be scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. Clerk Townsend will get the information out to the corresponding entities.
F) Other – None
OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
A) Finance – No Report
B) Park & Special Projects – No Report
C) Public Events & Safety – It was agreed to wait until the September Board Meeting to see if there are any mandates on Trick or Treat (due to the Coronavirus pandemic).
D) Trees & Sidewalks –There are more trees in the park that are dying. This will be looked into.
E) Ordinance/Policy – Nothing Further
F) Stone House Committee Pro Tem – 1) Update on Construction – Davis explained that the contractor stated he could provide a higher efficiency furnace for an additional $475 and an upgrade to the media filtration system for $195. Discussion was held on the basement entrance. It would be a better choice to put in an outside entrance, cement steps and a manufactured door. This would allow better access to the basement than putting it inside, enabling space for larger items such as furnace, boiler or whatever may need to be replaced in the future. Foley moved, L. Duerr seconded to approve the changes as listed. All voted aye.
G) TIF/Subdivision Committee Pro Tem – Dan Davis visited the meeting to ask the status of the TIF – has the Board found out any more on what it takes to extend the TIF. Jim Davis explained that it is a detailed process and they still need to get more information from the TIF attorney.
NEW BUSINESS
A) 2021 Consolidated Election April 6, 2021 – 3 Seats Up for Election – the nomination papers for candidates who wish to run for the Board can be picked up from the Village Clerk beginning September 22, 2020 and filed back with the Clerk December 14 through December 21, 2020.
B) Other – None
BRAINSTORMING – Nothing
CLOSED SESSION – None
ADJOURNMENT – Foley moved, J. Duerr seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 8:35 p.m. All voted aye.
These Minutes are subject to approval at the next Regular Board Meeting. Minutes are also available online at www.scalesmound.com
__________________________________
Village President
ATTEST: _____________________________________
Village Clerk