Village of Hennepin President and Board of Trustees Met Jan. 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The Village Board of the Village of Hennepin met in Regular Session Remotely. Village Clerk, Diana Brandstatter, was present at the Village Hall, 627 E. High St. Hennepin, IL during the Zoom Video Conference Call.
President Coleman called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
Present: President Kevin Coleman
Diana Brandstatter, Village Clerk
Jill Kuhne, Treasurer
Trustees: Bickerman Clausen
Goetz Haage
Buffington
Absent: Trustee Mennie
Also Present: Village Engineers, Bill Shafer and Ken Giordano
Village Attorney, Sheryl Churney
MOTION: Buffington Second: Bickerman
To Approve December 2020 financial report as presented.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Bickerman, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Haage, Coleman
Nays-none, Absent-Mennie, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION: Haage Second: Clausen
To Approve minutes and warrants paid for December 2020.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Bickerman, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Haage, Coleman
Nays-none, Absent-Mennie, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION: Buffington Second: Haage
To Approve Bills to be Paid.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Bickerman, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Haage, Coleman
Nays-none, Absent-Mennie, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION: Buffington Second: Clausen
To Approve donation to American Red Cross for $100.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Bickerman, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Haage, Coleman
Nays-none, Absent-Mennie, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
Village Attorney, Sheryl Churney brought before the Board a potential ordinance to amend the Village Code concerning hardship for exemption from the garbage service. President Coleman and other Board members had received calls from residents who have not had garbage service previously and do not want it. Churney indicated that she did not recommend amending the ordinance. Both Trustees Haage and Buffington agreed that hardship was too unclear of an exemption to accept. Buffington did question whether a seasonal resident could obtain an exemption if they’re only at the residence for a small period of time annually. Churney suggested making a seasonal exemption not to exceed 6 months out of the year. Churney noted that she would like to speak to Republic Services to see if they would consider the seasonal exemption. President Coleman stated that he felt that since the Village doesn’t do the billing for Republic, we shouldn’t be in charge of giving exemptions. If residents have issues concerning billing, they will have to contact Republic Services to air their grievance.
Attorney Churney began a discussion concerning allowing a Village Trustee to plow snow for the Village. Churney stated that this would have to be done properly to avoid legal consequences that are significant. The correct disclosures required by Section 3.1-55-10(b)(2) of the Illinois Municipal Code must be followed, including the decision be recorded in the Village minutes and the amount paid does not exceed $4000 in a fiscal year.
MOTION: Haage Second: Buffington
To Approve allowing a Village Trustee to plow snow for the Village of Hennepin, if needed, with Disclosures required per Section 3.1-55-10(b)(2) and payment to Trustee not to exceed $4000 in Any given Fiscal year.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Bickerman, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Haage, Coleman
Nays-none, Absent-Mennie, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
An update was provided by Churney concerning the 728 E. High St. property. Churney informed the Board of conversations with Smith, the property owner. Churney recommends the Board proceed in the same manner as the Sycamore St. property by way of a Quit Claim deed, avoiding possible legal action and other more complicated proceedings. After a conversation with Smith earlier today, Churney recommends the Board pass the resolution to take title of the property by Quit Claim deed in the event that Smith agrees.
RES. #21-01
MOTION: Buffington Second: Clausen
To Pass Resolution #21-01 Approving a Real Estate Contract with Tami Smith to Take Title by Quit Claim Deed to the Property known as 728 E. High Street, Hennepin, IL.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Bickerman, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Haage, Coleman
Nays-none, Absent-Mennie, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
Trustee Haage reported that a man had asked whether he could get a permit to bring a food truck to town during the lunch hour. Churney questioned whether the Village had an ordinance covering food trucks. President Coleman stated that he did not think there was any such ordinance on the books.
Churney recommends the man be told that the Village doesn’t have a process for him to bring his truck to town and not to set up at this time. After more brief discussion, it was determined to look into the possibility of passing an ordinance pertaining to food trucks. Churney agreed to provide some sample ordinances. She noted that some controversy can arise due to the local businesses who already serve lunches. The food truck item will be placed on February’s agenda for any action that may be taken.
Attorney Churney left the meeting.
Village Engineers, Bill Shafer and Ken Giordano were given the floor for discussion. Shafer stated that the roof replacement for the Street Department is out for bids and has been published. Bids will be received on Tuesday the 16th of February at 10:00. Shafer continued by saying they’ve put together some recommendations for the street program for this year and hopefully will be able to meet with the Street Committee before the next meeting. Shafer said they’re working on a couple of the issues on the streets to be in this year’s program, including the drainage issue at the corner of Third and Sycamore Sts. One option would be a dry well, similar to the one done on Eleventh St. Drainage by the grade school is another issue that is being discussed. Trustee Buffington stated that the Street Committee would have a report at next month’s meeting.
Ken Giordano brought up for discussion another option for access to the Wetlands. Giordano will send the Board a file to look at to understand better the alternative plan for access to the Wetlands, which will be a lot less expensive than a bridge. The alternative to a bridge is called a low water crossing. The Board viewed the file that Giordano sent. Basically, you put culverts over the existing creek and pour concrete over the top. Normally the water would flow through the culverts but in high water situations, the water would flow over the top. Giordano stated that he had gotten a figure for the cost from a local contractor who estimated the price at around $80-$100,000. Besides the cost savings, there would be very little maintenance needed for the crossing. Bollards would be installed so no one could drive across.
There are two possible snags to this option including getting permission from Paul Botts of the Wetlands Initiative and whether the IDNR would allow it. Giordano stated that he had been getting tentative feedback that IDNR would allow it. Shafer pointed out that there’s a low water crossing about 5 miles southeast of Magnolia on Big Sandy Creek that’s been there for around 40 years. The low water crossing would not have any weight restrictions so a larger emergency vehicle could cross if needed. Trustee Buffington stated that he feels like this alternative saves the project. The Board agreed the idea of a low water crossing should be pursued.
The Parks Committee will bring a plan for the Fourth St. property park to February’s meeting.
Clerk Brandstatter updated the Board on the CURES program and reimbursement for purchased computers and police protection costs, stating that all documentation and receipts have been submitted. Trustee Buffington is waiting for a ship date from Mac Business Solutions. Trustee Haage questioned whether everyone would have training on the Macbooks. Buffington assured her that everyone will be trained.
Trustee Goetz requested the February meeting be changed. The Board agreed to change it to Thursday the 18th.
MOTION: Buffington Second: Haage
To Approve changing February’s Board meeting from Wednesday the 17th to Thursday the 18th, At 5:30 p.m. The change will be published in the Putnam County Record.
Roll call vote: Ayes-Bickerman, Goetz, Buffington, Clausen, Haage, Coleman
Nays-none, Absent-Mennie, Abstain-none
Motion carried unanimously.
Trustee Buffington questioned whether we had been reimbursed by the WDB Trust for expenses for the Bridge project. Brandstatter will get the totals for next month’s meeting. Buffington questioned about whether the wildflower program could still go forward. He will call the seed company for guidance. Buffington also asked everyone to let him know if a street light goes out so he can contact the correct person at Ameren so the right bulbs are installed.
MOTION: Bickerman Second: Goetz
To Adjourn.
Motion carried unanimously.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gyZKlWFTFczNykr0kDIDk6yek88eG5d0/view
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