VILLAGE OF SCALES MOUND
Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Stone House
April 25, 2022
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 25, 2022 by President Davis. Members present were Nicole Busch, John Duerr, Ruth Foley, Daniel Wenzel, Janet Werner and Nathan Wills. Also present were Steve Stadel, Village Treasurer, Margaret Townsend, Village Clerk, Ron Duerr and Susan Ertmer.
Duerr moved, Busch seconded that the Minutes of the March 28, 2022 Regular Meeting be approved as read. All voted aye.
The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Steve Stadel reported that the $15,000 allotment from the CURES fund has been received. He also stated that April 30 is the end of the Fiscal Year and he is working to zero out the water and sewer accounts and transferring the funds back to the Corporate Account as suggested by the Auditors. He is also cleaning up various other accounts per previous instructions from the Auditors. Werner moved, Foley seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented and to place it on file. All voted aye.
The April bills were reviewed. Foley moved, Wenzel seconded that the April bills, including one to Nicole Busch for $536.89 for expenses for the Easter Party be approved for payment. On roll call vote, all voted aye.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/CORRESPONDENCE
A) M. Chamber – No Report
B) Mediacom Letter – Program Offers for Qualifying Residents – Clerk Townsend read a letter from Mediacom regarding their participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program. The ACP was launched by the FCC on December 31, 2021 and provides a discount on an eligible customer’s internet bill. They also have launched their Connect2Compete+ program for those who qualify. Those participating in government programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC or others may qualify. More information is available on both programs at mediacomcable.com/acp.
C) Montgomery Trucking Letter – Rate Increase to Village for Residential Service – A letter was received from the General Manager which informed the Board that effective May 1, 2022 the rate for residential service for the Village of Scales Mound will increase by CPI of 8.6%. The new rate to the Village will be $16.29 per home. At this time, enough revenue is being brought in that rates to the residents will not have to be raised. The Board will continue to watch to make sure the revenues cover the expenses and will look at rates at Tax Levy time in the fall.
D) Letter are out from Dynegy Energy Services – The letters from Dynegy Energy Services explaining the new electric rate for those included in the plan have been mailed. If you, as a resident, have been included in the plan and want to stay included, you don’t have to do anything and the information received from Dynegy can be discarded.
E) Other – Susan Ertmer visited the meeting to tell the Board that she and several other community residents have planned a Music Festival for June 11, 2022. It will be held at the Village Park and will run from noon to 10 p.m. They want to keep it as simple as possible. They will have local and other
Minutes – Regular Meeting, April 25, 2022 – Page 2
musical talent performances, a car Cruise In and food. It was agreed that this will be covered by the Village insurance as the one time event of the year.
PUBLIC WORKS
A) Monthly Report – Ron Duerr: 1) presented a daily report form he uses to record the pumping at the Lift Station. It shows total daily pumping hours and the number of gallons pumped. The numbers are way up right now because of infiltration. Duerr and Davis explained that approximately 7 years ago, they went around and got pictures of the manholes where there are some big problems with the pipes and sidewalls. At that time, some of the pipes were relined. The other part of the problem is in resident’s homes where water is being pumped into the wastewater system instead of outside. Davis stated some of the problem can be alleviated now by working on manholes and pipes and asked the Board for volunteer help to inspect and do the repairs. He said ideally the pumps should be pumping at 50% or less. The rate is much higher than that. Once again it was agreed we need to get started on the home inspections. 2) Duerr stated the wastewater pumps ran 18.3 hours a day recently so he set up the portable pump before the recent heavy rains. Fortunately, he did not have to use it. 3) After further discussion, it was agreed that Ron should order a gas detector. He does have a tripod to use.
B) Operation/Maintenance/Streets Committee Report – No Report
C) Sewer & Water Operations Committee – No Report
ZONING – No Report
ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS – No Report
OLD BUSINESS
A) Any Results from Letter Regarding Trees – To date, 10 people have expressed an interest in having a tree planted near their property. These sites, and any additional ones, need to be looked at to see if they would be eligible for a planting.
B) Update on SCADA – Nothing new.
C) Park Benches are here – The three park benches are here and need to be assembled. The plaques will come later. The placement of the benches needs to be determined.
D) Other – Nothing
OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
A) Finance – No Report
B) Park & Special Projects – Discussion was held on the condition of the electricity in the Park. Davis agreed to contact PCI, Inc. to check into it. It was agreed that the Committee will look over things in the Park before the June music event. Items on the list were sidewalks, the basketball court – reseal the court, upgrade the hoops and backboards; stain the wooden toys and look at the “old jail” building.
C) Public Events & Safety – 1) Report on Easter Party – The Easter Party was a huge success with almost 70 children in attendance. A special Thank You goes out to Easter Bunny Leslie and also to anyone who provided cookies. 2) Report from 170th Celebration Meeting – Janet Werner reported that the preliminary celebration meeting went well. It appears people are interested in helping. The next meeting is planned for Wednesday, May 18th at the Stone House.
D) Trees & Sidewalks – No Report
E) Ordinance/Policy – No Report
Minutes – Regular Meeting, April 25, 2022 – Page 3
NEW BUSINESS
A) Approval of Annual Liquor License Renewals – Foley moved, Duerr seconded to approve renewal of all liquor licenses and to issue them upon receipt of the appropriate fees. All voted aye.
B) Annual Appointments, Set Meeting Place, Dates & Time, Designate Depository – President Davis will prepare for approval at the May Regular Board Meeting.
C) Reminder – May Regular Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 due to the Memorial Day Holiday.
D) Reminder to file Statement of Economic Interest before May 1, 2022 Deadline – Clerk Townsend informed Board Members that a few changes have been made to the Statement of Economic Interest form and they should be filed before the May 1 deadline to avoid a penalty.
E) Other – Nothing
BRAINSTORMING – Nothing
CLOSED SESSION – None
ADJOURNMENT – Duerr moved, Wills seconded that the Meeting be adjourned at 8:30 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