VILLAGE OF SCALES MOUND
Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Stone House
April 28, 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, April
28, 2025. The members present were Nicole Winter, Ruth Foley, Garrett Hillary, Kristy Hesselbacher, Janet
Werner, and Elizabeth Korte. Scott Ohms was absent. Village Clerk Deven Morgensen, Village Treasurer
Marissa Marquith, Zach Winter, Dave Fosler, Jerry and Fran Edwards, Dave Hoftender, Margaret Townsend,
Tami Koons, Rich Montgomery, Tammy Hesselbacher, Sandy Frank, Eva Koehn, Steve Stadel, John Rudd and
Josh Altfillisch were also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 31, 2025; REGULAR MEETING MARCH 31, 2025
Hesselbacher moved; Werner seconded the minutes from the Special Meeting March 31, 2025; Regular Meeting
March 31, 2025, be approved as read. All voted aye.
TREASURERS REPORT
Treasurer Marquith advised that two (2) CDs had matured, and funds were moved to the Money Market
account. The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed, and CD renewals were discussed. Foley moved; Werner
seconded to place funds in five (5) CDs consisting of $75K Corporate, $95K Eco Development, $50K Water,
$50K Sewer, $75K Improvement for Seven (7) months at 4.15% interest and approve the Treasurer's Report as
presented and to place it on file. On roll call vote, all voted aye.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
The monthly bills were reviewed. Hesselbacher moved; Foley seconded that the April bills be approved for
payment. On roll call vote, all voted aye.
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. Hesselbacher moved; Foley
seconded to pass an ordinance to impose the 1% grocery sales tax to maintain how it is to date. All voted aye.
B) Water Main Replacement – Fire House – John Rudd advised we are waiting on more information and for a
quote from Randy Goodwin and Winter Plumbing is looking for more information. The topic was tabled until
the next meeting.
C) Rock River Energy Services – Municipal Aggregation Contract – Rich Montgomery presented quotes from
ComEd and MC2 for electricity rates for the Village residents. ComEd price 9.957 cents per kilowatt hour. This
is for municipal aggregation; this covers Residential and Small business the Commercial rate is 9.709 cents per
kilowatt hour. MC2 is offered for 1 year at 9.15 cents per kilowatt hour. Foley moved; Hesselbacher seconded
to sign the contract for the 1-year term with MC2 at 9.15 cents per kilowatt hour. On roll call vote, all voted
aye.
D) Redevelopment Agreement – Altfillisch – Hesselbacher moved; Hillary seconded to approve the
redevelopment agreement as presented. All voted aye.
E) Redevelopment Agreement – Winter – Hesselbacher moved; Hillary seconded to approve the
redevelopment agreement as presented. All voted aye.
F) Altfillisch Water Connection – John Rudd reported that we are waiting on a bid from Randy Goodwin who
can find someone to bore to put a bid in as they would be digging and boring. The board advised Rudd to put a
one (1) week deadline on quotes, and this topic was tabled.
G) Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds – Unassigned Funds Usage – Winter advised we are still working with IDOT on
assigning funds. The Village is required to have this completed by July 1, 2025.
H) Street Mirror Installation Update – Winter advised that Scott Ohms needs JULIE locates to be completed,
but he believes he has sufficient areas picked. Ohms will be working with John Rudd to finalize this project.
REPORT ON EASTER PARTY
Werner advised that we had a good turnout for the Easter Party with 52 children participated.
OTHER
President Winter advised that the County emailed about the outstanding Statement of Economic Interest
forms which included Garrett, Zach, and a couple zoning board members. The forms are due by May 1st.
OUTGOING BOARD MEMEBERS OHMS, HILLARY, AND KORTE
1) President Winter thanked the outgoing board members and recapped the current Board accomplishments
which were completed in the less than 2 years that the board has been together. President Winter
summarized the accomplishments but asked for the full list to be included in the minutes as it was provided to
the board (see Appendix A). Key accomplishments discussed included audits up to date 2021, 2022, 2023 and
2024 over the last 18 months including the TIF meetings, and the first Motor Fuel Tax audit which was last
conducted in 2012. Increased our interest income by investing in CDs and money market accounts, which
resulted in our interest being tripled in 2023 – 2024 and looking to do a little more than that in 2025. We have
renegotiated our Revenue Sharing Contract with US Cellular to generate $1,500 more per month by adding
stipulations on who can put things on our tower along with a fee. Several conversations and complaints filed
with ComEd to push them to upgrade equipment to hopefully reduce the continuous power outages we have
experienced. The board made some street light improvements by installing new lights in the area that lacked
lighting and are in the process of installing street mirrors. One mirror has been installed so far, and we have
received good feedback . The board added Community resources such as the annual electronic recycling days,
glass recycling program which has been dumped once already, so the bars and residents are using this, the
Sharps container for safe disposal, and garage sales. The board showed their support for ATVs to come back to
town, we did the Contact us form, we updated our emergency plan after several years. We have updated
several Zoning forms and added those to our websites, and we hired new staff. The Village Board has achieved
substantial progress across multiple sectors, improving financial stability, community engagement, public
services, and regulatory compliance. These efforts have positioned the village for continued growth and long-
term sustainability. Moving forward, the board remains committed to enhancing infrastructure, fostering
economic development, and maintaining transparency and efficiency in governance. 2) Foley thanked each
member of the current board. we have tried to get a lot of this accomplished and I have been on this board for
over 4 terms and never seen a board work more together as one unit and get things accomplished. Foley
wished Eli the best and thanked her for stepping up and hoping she would come back to the table very soon.
Foley thanked Scott and Garrett for stepping up and serving for 2 years and hoped that they were not
disappointed in what they had accomplished in 2 years. Foley thanked President Winter for stepping up and
shared that under her leadership this board has gotten more accomplished and acted more proactive and
instead of reactive.
ADJORNMENT
Werner moved; Hillary seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 7:29 PM. All voted aye.
ELECTION RESULTS – SEATING OF NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS
President Winter named the newly elected officers and board members. Foley, as the only trustee carrying
over, swore in Kristy Hesselbacher (48 votes), Joshua Altfillisch (74 votes), Nicole Winter (68 votes), Deven
Morgensen (76 votes), and Janet Werner (81 votes).
The Regular Meeting of the President and Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:31 p.m. on Monday, April
28, 2025. The members present were Nicole Winter, Ruth Foley, Deven Morgensen, Kristy Hesselbacher, Janet
Werner, and Josh Altfillisch. Scott Ohms was absent. Village Clerk Tami Koons, Village Treasurer Marissa
Marquith, Zach Winter, Dave Fosler, Jerry and Fran Edwards, Dave Hoftender, Margaret Townsend, Rich
Montgomery, Tammy Hesselbacher, Sandy Frank, Eva Koehn, Steve Stadel, John Rudd, Garrett Hillary,
Elizabeth Korte, and Josh Altfillisch were also present.
PRESIDENT PRO-TEM
Werner moved; Foley seconded to appoint Nicole Winter as President Pro-Tem in the absence of a President.
On roll call vote, all voted aye.
SET MEETING DATES, TIME, AND PLACE
Winter asked what times would work for everyone and the board decided on 6:30 PM for the monthly board
meetings moving forward.
SET DESIGNATE DEPOSITORY
The board selected Apple River State Bank as the designated depository.
Appointments & Approval of Co-Zoning Administrators, Attorney, and Committees and Village Clerk
The board appointed Dave Folser and Zach Winter as Co-Zoning Administrators, Hailey Wills as Attorney, then
set committees to have each board member the chair of at least one committee. President Winter brought
forward Tami Koons as a candidate for Village Clerk. Werner moved; Altfillisch seconded to appoint Tami
Koons as Clerk. All voted aye. Tami Koons was sworn in as Village Clerk by Nicole Winter.
CITIZENS COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS
A) Citizens Comments – 1) Dave Hoftender – Funds Request for School Parking Lot – Dave Hoftender
discussed the plans for the parking lot for the school. Dave Hoftender stated that he is still negotiating quotes
for this project. Susie and Chuck Davis are not currently willing to sign a joint permit for this project. The school
cannot move forward at the current size without their signature unless a variance is completed. Dave stated
that he would like to have this project completed by the end of summer 2025. Dave verified that this parking
lot would have 25 parking spaces. 2) Steve Stadel – Village Park/Town Hall Public Bathrooms – Steve Stadel
stated that the public bathrooms are in bad shape and could use some attention. Steve Stadel proposed that
the Village and Township split the cost 50/50 for materials and repairs, along with the janitorial duties. The
toilets are the main items that need to be replaced. A written agreement was suggested to have in place
moving forward regarding the janitorial duties. Steve Stadel also inquired about tents being put up in the park.
It was mentioned that the Village of Scales Mound does not permit any stakes or nails to be placed into the
ground at the park. Any inquiries about this should be directed to the board for review. The Pavillion at the
park historically has not been available for rent as it has always been first come first serve. 4) FOIA Requests –
1) FOIA request received from Melissa Soppe requesting TIF applications, TIF funds awarded, information on
what proposed business or operations are going to be receiving TIF funds, the current annual salary of the
Maintenance Specialist and the job description. The Village of Scales Mound responded with the
documentation. 2) FOIA request received from a researcher from Yale University, Tran Nien, about the
Cannabis ordinance. The Village of Scales Mound responded with the documentation.
B) Scales Mound Chamber – None.
C) Contact Us Submissions – None.
D) Other – 1) Jerry Edwards asked if there is a designated person to lower Flags to half-mast and raise them
back up again. It was stated by the board that John Rudd would be this person, and the board would sign up
for notifications when this is required. The board thanked Jerry for bringing this topic forward.
ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS/ADMINISTRATIVE LAW REPORT
Lawn care requirements were reviewed for the length of grass which should not be longer than 8 inches. If
grass is reported to be longer than 8 inches, the resident would be issued a mow order. John will be mowing
public areas at least once a week or more if weather conditions create growth of grass.
PUBLIC WORKS
A) Monthly Report – 1) John Rudd reported that he had obtained quotes for the maintenance building
repairs for concrete, plumbing, and doors. The repairs would be completed in phases. Phase 1 would
include replacing the concrete, adding a drain, and replacing the main door due to it not sealing. Phase
2 would include insulation for the walls and roof, bridge cap, drop ceiling, and lumber for support. The
maintenance building will eventually need to be heated if the Village is expecting John Rudd to provide
maintenance on all the equipment. This project will be tabled until Altfillisch has a chance to inspect
the post in the maintenance building to determine the integrity of the structure. 2) Two (2) Tree
Removals John received several quotes – first quote is from Coles Tree Service for 8 hours at $2,600 or
$325 per hour if less than the 8 hours and includes stump grinding. The second quote is from Soppe at
$2,580flat rate including stump grinding. The other quotes were significantly higher. Foley moved;
Altfillisch seconded for Coles Tree Service for this project. Roll call all voted aye. 3) John Rudd ordered
brushes for the street sweeper for $586.24 for replacement parts.
ZONING
A) Monthly Report – 1) Co-Zoning Administrator, Zach Winter reported that there were two (2) permits
issued to Deven Morgensen and Tron Solar.
B) Environmental Performance Bond Update – The board discussed reevaluating when the environmental
performance bond would be necessary.
C) Roofing Policy – Winter provided a draft of a roofing policy which consisted of the current process but
documents the standards and would need to be added to the policy book. Werner moved; Foley seconded
to accept the roofing policy as presented. All voted aye.
D) Portable Building Policy – Winter provided a draft of the portable building policy which consisted of the
current process, to recommend a permit for any project over 120sq feet, side, front or back yards, and
construction must be similar materials to the area. Add to the policy book. Werner moved; Foley
seconded. To approve the updates to the Portable Building Policy. All voted aye.
OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
A) Street/Maintenance – None.
B) Sewer/Water – None.
C) Finance – None.
D) Park & Special Projects – None.
E) Public Events & Safety – None.
F) Trees & Sidewalks – None.
G) Ordinance/Policy – None.
H) Development – None.
NEW BUSINESS
A) Cement Block Removal – Corner of Franklin St and Provost Ave – The board discussed to put the pump
back on and to paint it white or with reflector paint on the bottom of the pump due to reports of cars hitting
the raised concrete.
B) Water Tower Repair – Winter reported that water was gushing out of the side of the Water Tower, and it
did not alert to over water usage due to an internet outage. The root cause of the water gushing was due to a
broken back pipe. This will be added to the list of things to check to make sure it is working properly.
C) Village Truck Repair – John Rudd took truck into Barkau for repairs under warranty, and it is running well.
D) Stone House Printer Replacement – Morgensen and Marquith reported that the printer shuts down
approximately every 10 minutes and then needs a factory reset to work each time. During a recent storm,
there was an internet outage, and we noticed it has not been plugged into a surge protector. Jesse Ertmer
attempted to fix the printer but recommended a new one. Hillary mentioned that the life span of printers is
only a few years. Werner moved; Altfillisch seconded to purchase a new printer. Roll call voted aye.
E) Community Garage Sales – Morgensen reported that flyers were placed in Scales Mound and Shullsburg
and that there are nine (9) garage sales which is three (3) more sales compared to last year.
F) Approval of Ordinance Drafts for Publication – The topic was discussed and tabled until next meeting.
G) Other – None.
BRAINSTORMING
Altfillisch proposed that we get three (3) contractor estimates to have one file in the prevailing wage to
expedite projects. The estimates would include contract pricing for projects of less than $25,000 on different
types of equipment usage such as but not limited to Skid Loader, Excavator, Bulldozer, etc. The estimates
would need to be obtained annually and adjusted based on prevailing wage. Having this in place would allow
the board to know when initially discussing the project if it will breach the $25,000 limit.
CLOSED SESSION – Morgensen moved; Wener seconded to go into closed session the Village President
vacancy at 8:39 PM. Werner moved; Altfillisch seconded to come out of closed session at 9:00.
ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION – Discuss potential candidates and posting Village Present vacancy on social
media. Hesselbacher moved; Foley seconded to have Trustee Morgensen post the President vacancy on
Facebook to locate a resident to fill the Village President vacancy.
ADJOURNMENT – Foley moved; Hesselbacher seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 9:02 PM. All voted
aye.
These Minutes were prepared by Village Clerk, Tami Koons.
These Minutes are subject to approval at the next Regular Board Meeting. Minutes are also available online at
www.scalesmound.com.
Appendix A: Board Accomplishments
Administrative & Financial Improvements
Audit Completion: Successfully completed financial audits for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Meetings: Held and completed TIF meetings for 2021-2024.
Separation of Duties: Implemented measures to improve financial oversight and accountability.
Increased Interest Income: Village interest income increased from $11,000 in 2023 to over $36,000 in
2024 by utilizing money market funds and CDs.
Renegotiated Revenue Sharing Contract: Increased monthly income from US Cellular by $1,500.
Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Audit: Completed the first IDOT MFT audit since 2012.
Converted Accounts to Money Market Funds: Maximized village funds by transitioning to higher-yield
accounts.
Infrastructure & Public Services
Water, Sewer, and Garbage Rate Review: Increased rates to $50 in June 2024 after more than sixteen
years without adjustments.
Utility Online Payment System: Introduced an online payment option for utilities.
Hired CFPS for Water/Sewer Five-Year Plan: Engaged CFPS to develop a comprehensive plan for grant
funding opportunities.
Source Water Protection Plan: Implemented per EPA requirements to ensure safe water quality.
EPA Lead Service Line Compliance: Completed necessary assessments and actions.
Purchased 17 Acres of Land: Acquired property for economic development initiatives.
Garbage Totes Distribution: Provided standardized garbage totes to all residents (March 2024).
ComEd Collaboration: Partnered with ComEd to upgrade equipment and reduce power outages.
Street Lighting Improvements: Installed additional street lighting for safety and visibility.
Street Mirrors: Installed mirrors at key intersections to improve traffic safety.
Community Engagement & Public Relations
Facebook: Improved communication via Facebook.
TIF Application Implementation: Established a streamlined process for TIF applications.
Community Garage Sales: Partnered with Shullsburg for a joint event in May 2024 and again May 2025.
Upgraded Christmas Light Bulbs: Purchased improved quality Christmas light bulbs for improved
holiday decorations and installation.
Electronic Recycling Days: Organized two village-wide electronics recycling events.
Glass Recycling Program: Introduced a dedicated glass recycling initiative.
SHARPS Container Program: Provided a safe disposal option for medical sharps.
UTV Support: Worked to promote business growth by supporting UTV-friendly policies.
Contact Us Form Submission: Improved communication by allowing residents to fill out a contact us
form online for questions, comments, concerns.
Regulatory & Compliance Enhancements
Updated Emergency Plan: Revised and implemented an emergency response plan, addressing a gap of
several years.
Updated Zoning Forms &Website Integration: Modernized and digitized zoning documents.
Implemented FOIA Request Form: Streamlined the process for public record requests.
DACRA Enforcement System: Implemented DACRA to enforce ordinance compliance.
Agreement with Resident for Property Improvement: Negotiated an agreement requiring property
maintenance by May 1, 2025, with financial consequences for non-compliance.
Personnel & Operational Improvements
• Hired Key Staff:
o Hired a new maintenance employee.
o Contracted new employee for water/sewer operations.
• Engineering & Development: Hired ORIGIN to assist with subdivision planning and development.
• Maintenance Checklists: Implemented structured checklists for park and equipment maintenance.
• Shop Clean-Up & Repairs: Initiated major clean-up efforts at the Village shop with plans for further
improvements.
Asset Management & Cost-Saving Initiatives
• Sold Old Police Vehicle: Generated $2,000 in revenue.
• New Plow Truck Acquisition: Secured a replacement plow truck to enhance snow removal capabilities.
• Street Sign Pole Maintenance: Conducted painting and upkeep of street sign infrastructure.