Village of Hennepin Village Board met March 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
President Coleman called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Present: President Kevin Coleman
Diana Brandstatter, Clerk
Diana Gibson, Treasurer
Trustees: Karyn Christiansen Quentin Buffington
Scott Mennie Teresa Clausen
Paul Goetz
Absent: Trustee Lynn Haage
Also Present: Village Engineer, Bill Shafer
Street Supervisor, Tim Rylko
Village Attorney, Sheryl Churney
Putnam County Record reporter, Dave Cook
News Tribune reporter, Craig Sterrett
Sandy Hrasch, Hennepin Park District Manager
O.J. Stoutner, Legislative Aide to Senator Sue Rezin
Steve & Mary Malavolti
Bev Eden
Jennifer Spratt
Motion: Christiansen Second: Clausen
To Approve February 2018 financial report as presented.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Christiansen, Mennie, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Coleman Nays-none, Absent-Haage, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion: Buffington Second: Mennie
To Approve minutes and warrants paid for February 2018.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Christiansen, Mennie, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Coleman Nays-none, Absent-Haage, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion: Buffington Second: Christiansen
To Approve Bills to be Paid excluding Aptean Asyst full maintenance fee, with a possible smaller prorated fee to be determined later, due to switching to QuickBooks. In addition, mileage reimbursement for President Coleman is approved for 110 miles at.545 per mile.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Christiansen, Mennie, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Coleman Nays-none, Absent-Haage, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion: Clausen Second: Goetz
To Approve donation requests to: Voluntary Action Center-$100, Special Olympics-$100,
Roll call vote: Ayes-Christiansen, Mennie, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Coleman Nays-none, Absent-Haage, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
President Coleman introduced OJ Stoutner, Senator Rezin’s legislative aide, and welcomed him to the Village. Stoutner stated that Ms Rezin sends her greetings.
Sheryl Churney spoke about the concerns of run down, dilapidated and abandoned properties within the Village. She brought up the possibility of adopting a criminal nuisance ordinance, noting that the City of Streator had one in place. The Village could adopt a plan to implement the ordinance, which could allow for possible acquisition of nuisance properties to then be demolished. President Coleman spoke of condemning the dilapidated properties, demolishing the structures and then reselling the lot. Trustee Buffington brought up concerns about the purchase and demolition of the properties being more expensive than the resale value of the lot. Churney stated that in some cases, if the property is in foreclosure, the bank or owner would just turn the property over to the Village. Trustee Goetz mentioned that in a nearby community, vacant or neglected properties had become infested with rats. Goetz also suggested getting a low-cost demolition price before acquiring the property and stated that he likes Coleman’s plan. The discussion ended and Attorney Churney left the meeting.
Resident Jennifer Spratt was present and voiced her dissatisfaction with the Village’s garbage collection company, Republic Services. Spratt stated that they had missed picking up the garbage at her business, Spratt’s Tap, several times and added that their service is just not good.
Village Engineer, Bill Shafer, spoke about the residents who have begun restoring their own landscaping along High Street, noting that work on the road is still in progress. Restoration of landscape, noted Shafer, is in the contract and will be done when the final coat is put on the road, probably late May. Shafer also stated that residents will not be reimbursed for their expenses.
Shafer then discussed the Hazel Marie Boyle Fountain, stating that there are concrete sections at the base of the fountain that are cracked. The Fountain was built in 1995. Shafer has spoken to a contractor who said no coating would fix it. Some of the options discussed were jack hammering out the bad sections and adding new concrete, possibly colored. Shafer noted that it would have to be done in multiple pours and would not match. Sealing the fountain was also discussed.
Shafer also provided a contract for President Coleman to sign to move forward on the environmental work to be done in preparation for the foot bridge across Coffee Creek.
Trustee Buffington suggested having Illinois Valley Surveying & Consultants examine the three sets of steps along the riverbank to come up with options for their replacement. Shafer stated that he would come back with proposals at April’s meeting.
Joni Hunt, Executive Director of IVAC, was present and reported on IVAC’s growth during 2017, stating that with their digital presence growing by over 113%, there were now over 81,000 users. Hunt added that there were 35 ribbon cuttings in the past year. IVAC’s goal is to help businesses and create jobs, using their multi-faceted approach. In addition, Hunt stated, they have invested $10,000 with EDNCI, to help build businesses.
Sandy Hrasch was present and provided the Board with the Hennepin Park District’s 2018 Recreation Budget. In addition, Hrasch had the actual figures of the 2017 expenditures, stating that the total expenses for the year were down substantially due to the Park District being closed for one month for renovations. President Coleman questioned whether the Park District had ever approached Hennepin Township to ask for funding. Hrasch stated that they had not. Coleman also questioned whether the Park District is considering adding a pickle ball court to the tennis court area. Hrasch stated that it is being considered by the Park District and would be discussed at the upcoming April 11th meeting.
Motion: Buffington Christiansen
To Approve the expenditure of $5469.53 to be paid to Hennepin Park District for the actual cost of the 2017 Recreation Program.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Christiansen, Mennie, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Coleman Nays-none, Absent-Haage, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
Mary Malavolti was present and brought to the attention of the Board trapping that has been taking place near and around south Third St. Malavolti stated that she had found a cat in a body gripping trap on January 19th. She received help to remove the animal from the trap and it was able to run away. Malavolti questioned whether the Board could make up an ordinance prohibiting these traps within the Village limits because of the possibility of domestic animals or small children getting hurt from stepping into the traps. President Coleman stated that trapping season would be ending at end of the month. It was agreed that the Board would look into an ordinance concerning trapping.
President Coleman began a discussion about replacing some of the street signs that are fading, stating that they would cost $44.50 each. Hennepin Business Association has agreed to help fund replacement signs for High and Fourth Streets. Trustee Buffington questioned whether it would be possible to recoat the existing signs. Coleman provided a sample of a sign provided by Frank Boggio with the Village’s logo on the top of the sign. A discussion was held where 4 of the 5 trustees Present, preferred the logo being atop the sign.
Buffington recommended taking all the banner mounts off the poles on Fourth St. Trustee Mennie questioned whether it would be a safety issue for the Street Department to remove the mounts, with Coleman stating that Judd’s would be contacted to help with the project.
Motion: Christiansen Second: Buffington
To Approve Top Notch services to do the Village property’s lawn rolling for 2018 at a cost of $1010.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Christiansen, Mennie, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Coleman Nays-none, Absent-Haage, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
Everyone was reminded of clean up day being May 4th. There will be a notice on the Village’s website.
Trustee Buffington discussed briefly the problem of stray cats around town, noting that their numbers seem to be increasing. He also stated that people need to start picking up after their pets.
Buffington questioned whether the Board would like to consider adding a planter with stone sides and iron scroll work to the welcome sign at the east end of High St. It was agreed more discussion would be held next month.
Buffington also informed the Board of solicitors in town that had not gotten the required permission from the courthouse.
Trustee Mennie questioned whether the Village had received the flagpole from the Fire Department. Buffington said that it was still behind the fire department building.
Motion: Christiansen
To Adjourn.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t_JHshghreevZnxxEStcqaITTCfuMoWX/view
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