VILLAGE OF SCALES MOUND
Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Stone House
March 31, 2025
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, March 31, 2025. The members present were Ruth Foley, Garrett Hillary, Scott Ohms, Kristy Hesselbacher, Janet Werner, and Elizabeth Korte. Nicole Winter was absent. Village Clerk Deven Morgensen, Village Treasurer Marissa Marquith, Zach Winter, Dave Fosler, Jerry and Fran Edwards, Carrie Stier, Dave Hoftender, Margaret Townsend, John Rudd, Tami Koons, Wyatt Anderson, Rich Montgomery, Michael Willis, and Jeff Bader were also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2025; TIF JOINT REVIEW BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2025; REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2025
Hesselbacher moved; Werner seconded the minutes of the Special Meeting February 27, 2025; TIF Joint Review Board Meeting February 27, 2025; Regular Meeting February 27, 2025, be approved as read. All voted aye.
PRESIDENT PRO-TEM
Werner moved; Hillary seconded to appoint Ruth Foley as President Pro-Tem in President Winter’s absence. All voted aye.
TREASURERS REPORT
Treasurer Marquith advised that three CDs had matured, and funds were moved to the Money Market account. The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Werner moved; Hesselbacher seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented and to place it on file. All voted aye.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
The monthly bills were reviewed. Hesselbacher moved; Ohms seconded that the March bills be approved for payment. On roll call vote, all voted aye.
CITIZENS COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS
A) Citizens Comments – 1) Dave Hoftender – Variance Request for School Parking Lot – Dave Hoftender discussed the plans for the parking lot for the school. Co-Zoning Administrator, Zach Winter advised that a variance could be granted following the appropriate ordinances or a joint permit could be obtained between the landowners. With a joint permit, a variance for the setbacks would no longer be required. Dave Hoftender requested the parking lot be on the agenda on April 28, 2025, to request funding from the village for the project. Hoftender advised that the request will be for $31,000 plus half of the cost to replace the sidewalk. The parking lot would also add approximately $60 per month to the Village electric bill. Dave Fosler requested a meeting with the streets committee and Co-zoning Administrators. 2) Rock River Energy Services – Municipal Aggregation Contract – Rich Montgomery with Rock River Energy Services presented quotes as of March 31, 2025, for energy services as the current Village contract expires in June 2025. The current provider is Dynergy. Rich Montgomery noted that rates are significantly increasing right now, but it is in hopes that with ComEd joining the pool of providers, the rates will trend downward. The board tabled the discussion on which provider to select in hopes that at the April meeting the rates will have decreased. This will be on the agenda for the next regular meeting on April 28, 2025. 3) Jo Daviess County – Emergency Management – Michael Willis from Jo Daviess County – Emergency Management conducted a presentation regarding emergency management in Jo Daviess County today and where it is predicted to go in the future. Residents can sign up for CodeRED alerts for emergency notification by going to the Jo Daviess County website. 4) FOIA Requests – 1) FOIA request received from Jim Davis requesting financials. The Village of Scales Mound responded with the documentation. 2) FOIA request received from Carrie Stier requesting financials and audit standing. The Village of Scales Mound responded with the documentation.
B) S.M. Chamber – 1) Music in the Park will be held on June 7, 2025.
C) Contact Us Submissions – None.
D) Other – None.
ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS/ADMINISTRATIVE LAW REPORT
1) A report was received that there is a truck parked in front of Sarah Hesselbacher’s house that does not move and does not appear to be registered.
PUBLIC WORKS
A) Monthly Report – 1) John Rudd advised that Grant County Auto Body has installed the plow truck salt vibrator to result in better distribution of salt when snow events occur. Rudd advised he located a 25 MPH sign in the shop and asked if there was a specific location where the board wanted it placed or if he was able to place it where he thought was best. The board advised that he could pick the location. The board advised that if Rudd needed additional signs, he would need to contact the County Highway Department. Foley advised that she left a voicemail with the New Highway Commissioner asking when the new Truck Route sign would be put up. Rudd advised that the boring quote for the firehouse was $16,998.60. Rudd reported that a tree removal quote was received from Coles for $2,600 (full removal and stump grinding) for the tree removal on the corner of Schuyler and Washington. Rudd reported there is a damaged garbage can at the park that we should look at replacing. Rudd is awaiting quotes from three (3) additional companies. 2) EPA Inspection Report – John Rudd advised he was not involved in that inspection.
ZONING
A) Report – 1) Co-Zoning Administrator, Zach Winter reported that there were a couple environmental bonds to return. 2) One Siding Permit in progress. 3) The board followed up on the topic of portable buildings regarding what is considered a portable building and when a permit is required. Co-Zoning Administrator, Zach Winter advised that he was expecting to receive a copy of the County ordinance but had not yet. Zach Winter will gather the ordinance from the County website for the April meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
A) Repeal of the Grocery Sales Tax – The State of Illinois is repealing the 1% grocery sales tax in January 2026. The village has the option to pass an ordinance to impose the 1% after that date. This topic was tabled.
B) Water Main Replacement – This topic was discussed earlier in the meeting under Public Works and was tabled until the next meeting.
OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
A) Street/Maintenance – None.
B) Sewer/Water – None.
C) Finance –
D) Park & Special Projects – None.
E) Public Events & Safety – 1) Easter Party Planning – The Village Easter Party date is set for Sunday, April 13, 2025 at the Town Hall from 4 – 5 PM. Werner asked Ohms to arrange Cale being the Easter Bunny.
F) Trees & Sidewalks – None.
G) Ordinance/Policy –
H) Development – None.
NEW BUSINESS
- Approval of Liquor Licenses – Clerk Morgensen advised that Southside Hornets Bar & Grill, Pop-A-Tops Again, and Country House Grocery are due for their Liquor Licenses. The Village Ordinances indicate that a liquor license holder is required to complete a Liquor Licenses renewal application. A renewal application was created, and each applicant is required to complete the renewal application effective immediately. Hillary moved; Hesselbacher seconded to approve issuing liquor licenses to Southside Hornets Bar & Grill, Pop-A-Tops Again, and Country House Grocery. On roll call vote, all voted aye.
- Altfillisch Water Connection – Steve Winter is looking into the best option for the water connection.
- Land Lease – Village attorney, Hailey Wills, advised President Winter that the land can be leased to the previous leasers. Hesselbacher moved; Wener seconded to renew the land lease with Joel Holland and Dennis Vondran. On roll call vote, all voted aye.
- Damaged Park Swing Replacement – Clerk Morgensen advised that there is a swing with a cracked seat at the village park that needs replacement. Rudd advised there is not any spare playground equipment in the Village shop. Clerk Morgensen advised a new swing cost is $68.39. Ohms moved; Hillary seconded to approve purchasing a new swing for $68.39 to replace the damaged swing. On roll call vote, all voted aye.
- Community Garage Sales – Clerk Morgensen advised that Shullsburg is on board to partner with the Village for Community Garage sales again. Clerk Morgensen reported the feedback received on Facebook was positive and in favor of proceeding. The board agreed that Clerk Morgensen should proceed with organizing the 2nd Annual Scales Mound Community Garage Sale Event.
- Funeral Flowers – Moyer – President Winter delivered funeral flowers on behalf of the Village to the funeral for Wayne (Arty) Moyer’s mother, Fern Moyer, as he is the Village Ordinance Officer.
- Hire Water/Sewer Operator – Mark Travis was hired in the Special Village Meeting held on March 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM.
- Village Sign Inventory and Sign Replacement – John Rudd completed an inventory of Village Signs at the shop. Ohms requested new No Parking signs be obtained due to being sun-faded.
- Meeting Minute Process – Clerk Morgensen advised that she researched the request regarding posting draft minutes. Clerk Morgensen reported that after contacting each Clerk in Jo Daviess County, the County Clerk, and Illinois Municipal League, the process that is currently being followed is the best practice and it was not recommended to post draft minutes. The board agreed to continue following the current process.
- Meeting Recorder Request – Clerk Morgensen advised that during the research of the meeting minutes; most Clerks record their meetings to assist in meeting minutes. The current recorder does not stay charged and batteries are replaced almost every meeting. Werner moved; Ohms seconded to approve Clerk Morgensen purchasing a new meeting recorder. On roll call vote, all voted aye.
- Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds – Unassigned Funds Usage – This topic was tabled.
- Water/Sewer Grant Funding – Petition – Hillary read the prepared statement regarding the Water/Sewer Grant Funding – Petition. “The Village would like to inform residents that the recently advertised water and sewer projects are now on hold. A petition has been submitted with signatures from 27 Village residents. The petition prevents the Village from moving forward with applying for grant funding. Grant funding has historically covered 70% of project costs. That would have helped cover the costs of these critical improvements. Without grant funding, these projects are not financially feasible, as costs are too high. Upgrades and ongoing maintenance are essential to improving the function of our current water and sewer system and ensuring compliance with EPA regulations. As we explore alternative solutions, the Village will be reviewing the possibility of increasing current utility rates (again), seeking referendum funds, and/or engaging in discussions with companies interested in purchasing our water and sewer system. Residents should be aware that if a private company purchases the system, water meters will be installed, and rates will significantly increase. The Village makes efforts to keep residents informed. All meetings are open to the public, minutes are published in the Flash, minutes are available on the Chamber website, and minutes can be requested from the Village Clerk. If residents want to stay informed, there are multiple ways to do so. Additionally, it is important to note that upgrades to the water and sewer systems cannot be performed by just anyone – it requires licensed professionals with the proper expertise and proper permitting. If residents have ideas on how to improve the system without significant costs, we encourage you to bring them directly to the Village board rather than discussing them elsewhere. Constructive input is always welcome, and we appreciate the community’s engagement in these important discussions. We understand the importance of these upgrades and will continue working toward a resolution.”.
- Other – 1) Between April 23 – 24, 2025 the Fire Department has requested the Village close off the street in front of town hall for annual hose testing. John Rudd will put up the barricades. 2) Dave Fosler advised that by the Catholic Church, there is a square area which used to have a pump located there. He has requested something be done with that area as it is causing tire damage to residents. 3) Carrie Stier asked to clarify the petition and advised that we did not allow enough time for the petition to circulate for the petition to be placed on the ballot. 4) Margaret Townsend advised that the wreaths and other items at Veteran’s Park are handled by her. 5) The flag at the Four-Corners has been replaced. 6) Jerry Edwards asked who is supposed to clean out the drains around town. John Rudd advised he would do that but asked if there was one specifically that needs attention. 7) Zach Winter asked if the board has considered zooming the meetings.
BRAINSTORMING – 1) None.
CLOSED SESSION – None.
ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION – None.
ADJOURNMENT – Hesselbacher moved; Ohms seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 8:32 PM. All voted aye.
These Minutes were prepared by Village Clerk, Deven Morgensen.
These Minutes are subject to approval at the next Regular Board Meeting. Minutes are also available online at www.scalesmound.com.
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Village President
ATTEST: ________________________________________
Village Clerk