Village of Ladd Village Board met Aug. 10.
Here is the agenda provided by the board:
The Ladd Village Board met in regular session in the Village Hall. President Frank Cattani called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and led the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
Roll Call: Present: Trustees Jim Manning, Dave Margherio, Jan Martin, Dan Nelson, Molly Thrasher, Mike Urbanowski (6)
In attendance: Attorney Pat Barry, Clerk Bezely, Engineer Adam Ossola, Police Chief Bill Gaefcke, Superintendent, Doug Englehaupt, Attorney Colin Barry
Margherio Motion/Martin Second to accept the July 27, 2021 meeting minutes as presented. Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Urbanowski Motion/Nelson Second to authorize payment of the bills in the amount of $49,522.18 Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Correspondence: None
Public Comment: None
Committee Reports: None
Engineer’s Report: Ossola told the board that they recently wrapped up the investigation on the Western Avenue survey. Ossola will review with Atty. Barry to discuss the findings and this will be placed on the agenda for the August 24, 2021 meeting. Engineering Agreement: Ossola explained to the board that the engineering agreement for the alley water main project they did a couple years ago covered the design phase of the project to make the plans and do some of the loan and grant applications. We showed line items for construction engineering and grant applications but we never did make an Engineering Agreement to cover the construction phase; which would include an inspector present fulltime during construction, doing all the layout staking and the pay estimates and that sort of thing. The EPA is asking for an actual agreement so they can include the cost in the loan and possibly get the principal forgivemeness to cover half of that. They worked up an agreement using hourly basis at the standard rate. Most of the cost is having the inspector out there during construction and its hard to estimate how long that will take. It also depends on the contractor chosen whether the inspector will need to be out there full time or part time.
Manning Motion/Martin Second to approve the Amendment to the 2019 Engineering Agreement for the Main Street Alley Water Main Replacement Project.
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Manning asked Ossola if next MFT project we could cut down on the dust from the roads that were tar and chipped. He asked if they should have added an additive to keep the dust down. Ossola said maybe they could spray it afterward next time. Manning said there is so much extra gravel that it has found its way to the curb pan and its obstructing water flow. It was decided we will see how it is after they sweep the roads and remove the excess pea gravel. It was determined the dust is better than tar on peoples cars.
Superintendent’s Report: Hydaker-Wheatlake Electric Distribution Upgrades: Englehaupt told the board that he has not received any cost estimates yet. This will be placed on the next agenda.
Police Chief: Gaefcke told the board he had nothing to report on the Police Department. Gaefcke told the board he submitted his letter of resignation to Mayor Cattani on Saturday, August 7th. His 2-week notice will end on 8/22/2021. He has taken a job at the Illinois Veteran’s Home in LaSalle. He will be 2nd in charge as Adjutant. Gaefcke stated he is trying to recruit part time officers for Ladd. Finding officers to bring to Ladd is challenging. We will have to look to our Western counties because the Counties to the East are being paid a much higher wage. The trustees wished Gaefcke good luck.
Inspector’s Report: None
Village Attorney: Attorney Barry presented the Ordinance for the American Rescue Plan Act. They suggested we pass this and have it on the books to be a step ahead of the game. The Illinois Municipal League provided a model ordinance.
Manning Motion/Thrasher Second to Pass Ordinance Pertaining to the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for the Village of Ladd, Bureau County, IL
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski, Mayor Cattani - Motion carried 7-0
Margherio asked Atty. Barry where we stand on the residence across from the Fire Station. It has been vacant and someone is interested in purchasing it. Barry stated that if has not been a residence for 1 year then it reverts back to its zoning which is B2-Business District. Bezely stated it is vacant but they have been paying their bill every month. She stated that water is disconnected and only electric, storm sewer debt and garbage are being billed monthly. Bezely wondered if it is still considered vacant. Margherio stated someone is interested in buying the property for business. Margherio asked if the owner of the house is aware that they can no longer use it as a residence. Bezely felt they wouldn’t be aware of our ordinance.
New Business:
Julie Ajster, the attorney representing Lyle Kirkman, regarding an issue on Western Avenue in Ladd. Attorney Ajster has been in discussion with Attorney Barry. The area in question is the 2 blocks south of Pine Street on Western Avenue as to where the right of way is located. Mr. Kirkman had it surveyed earlier this year. His survey showed the property to be his right up to the road. Additionally, Atty. Barry provided a plat that the engineers are using that shows the right of way continuing down. The plat that is on record at the courthouse shows a right of way up until you get to Pine Street and then no right of way is indicated on the last two blocks south of Pine Street. The issue in question is who has ownership of the property from Pine Street to the south to West Cleveland Street. Ajster stated that the problem occurred when Mr. Coutts who lives on Pine Street placed gravel in the ditch. There is a question of whether he had permission or not or if he just placed the gravel on his own. Mr. Kirkman states that he can’t get his equipment back to his farm when Mr. Coutts parks his service truck on this gravel. Atty. Ajster states that this is the issue because it takes Mr. Kirkman another 20-30 minutes to get home if he has to go up and around. Regardless of who owns the ditch, a resident of Ladd should not be allowed to just dump gravel in a ditch to make their own parking spot. This would allow everyone in town to be able to do this. Atty. Ajster said the reason she is here is to ask the board to do something regarding that gravel. She is asking who permitted this. If it was placed there without permission it needs to be removed and he needs to be sent noticed to get it removed because it is blocking Mr. Kirkman’s access to his farm with his equipment. Atty. Ajster stated that we can later determine who owns this property. Atty. Barry told Atty. Ajster that Mr. Coutts was given permission to place the gravel by the Mayor and the Clerk. The Village would not stand for someone doing this without permission. Atty. Ajster questioned why the permission was not directed to the board. Atty. Barry stated this would be a good habit in the future but in this particular case, he did receive permission to put the gravel in. The previous board discussed this at length and it was determined that Mr. Coutts could leave the gravel in place. Atty. Ajster questioned the policy going forward for anyone asking to put gravel in a ditch. Atty. Barry’s recommendation to the board is that if any resident wants to alter the Village’s right of way in any way they will need to get permission from the board. Atty. Ajster stated we are changing the policy after Mr. Coutts placed the gravel. Atty. Barry stated there is no policy. He stated it is not being changed we just never had a policy before. In Atty. Barry’s 35 years with the Village of Ladd this has never come up before. Atty. Colin Barry asked what the Village’s ordinances say about parking on the Village right of way. Atty. Pat Barry stated that he believes the ordinance allows parking on any village right of way unless it is posted as no parking. Atty. Ajster asked if there was currently an ordinance stating no parking on the west side of Western Avenue. Atty. Barry indicated none. Atty. Ajster asked if Mr. Kirkman can ask the board to consider an ordinance prohibiting parking on the Village’s right of way on the western side of Western Avenue. He can make this request via email to Attorney Pat Barry. Atty. Ajster reiterated that if anyone wants to put gravel in the ditch they would need to submit a request to the board. Atty. Ajster asked if there was a determination made regarding Western Avenue. Atty. Barry stated the Engineer from Chamlin’s just returned from vacation and is preparing a plat. Atty. Barry will share that with Atty. Ajster once he and Adam Ossola have had a chance to discuss the findings.
Music in the Park: Heidi Templeton has been going to the concerts in Centennial Park in Peru and finds them delightful. She is requesting to hold the concert in War Memorial Park from 6-9 pm in September & October 2021 and then next year in May, June, July, August, September, and October of 2022. They would be under the shelter and people can bring lawn chairs and coolers of drinks. Templeton suggested selling hot dogs, chips, popcorn, and drinks; along with possibly a bake sale and 50/50 or a 3 digit lotto in the future to help raise money to be self-sufficient eventually. There would also be a donation jar at every concert. Manning stated that at most concerts there is a food truck there so Templeton thought we could make the money by doing this ourselves. Darryl Data and Joe Figgiani have been contacted and their prices are very reasonable and they have openings in their schedule. We will try to avoid the same dates as Peru. They suggested planning 1 on a Friday night and 1 on a Sunday afternoon.
Manning Motion/Martin Second to allow Heidi Templeton and friends to hold a concert in September and a concert in October 2021 not to exceed $1,000.00 which would include food and/or fundraising efforts also. Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Support Changing Creek Name: Urbanowksi read a letter from his daughter Amy Urbanowski which asked the Village Board to support the change of the name of the creek west of Ladd from Negro Creek to Adams Creek. This letter is on file in the Clerk’s office. Mayor Cattani stated that the creek was initially renamed in 1965 to Negro Creek. Discussion continued and it was determined to take a vote.
Urbanowski Motion/Thrasher Second to support the change of the name of Negro Creek to Adams Creek.
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 5-1
Nayes: Nelson
Announcements: Bezely informed the board that when the Sewerage EPA CD was renewed for 1 year at North Central Bank, they gave us a rate of .3% instead of the .2% we were quoted which was greatly appreciated. Bezely reminded the board that checks passed out tonight are dated August 13th. Bezely mentioned the possibility of the lot South of North Central Bank being a possible option for a future Village Hall. This would possibly allow the drive-up lane to be shared. Also mentioned was this lot would be a great location for permanent tables and benches, a stage, a pergola for the possibility of events in the Village. The board felt this may be something to consider after selling other Village property. Manning asked how many lots the Village owns. We own one on each side of the Verizon building and 336 S. Main Ave. and the Community Center. Bezely told the board that the Vaccination Clinic held yesterday was a big success. 16 vaccinations were given. The State of Illinois Outreach team told Bezely this was an excellent clinic and it was 200% higher than any other clinic they have done. They’ll be back again on August 30th for their 2ndshot but 1st shots can also be given with their help setting up the 2nd shot 3 weeks later. Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson are being offered. We received our 1st installment of Property Tax money today. Bezely reported that D&M Landscaping will be completing the park project by November 11th. They are planning to complete it before Veteran’s Day. Bezely told the board a sympathy card was sent to past Trustee, Don Bergandi for the passing of his wife. Mr. Bergandi came in and thanked us for the card and asked me to pass along to the police officer on duty that night a sincere thank you for his help and kindness with his wife. Thrasher asked if the Village was being reimbursed for each shot given. Martin will send Bezely information on how to get this reimbursement from the State of Illinois for each shot.
Manning Motion/Nelson Second to adjourn regular session and move into executive session in accordance with 5ILCS 120/2 (c) (11) meetings to consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees at 8:19 pm
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
After returning to regular session a Roll Call was taken: Present: Trustees Jim Manning, Dave Margherio, Jan Martin, Dan Nelson, Molly Thrasher, Mike Urbanowski. (6)
Thrasher Motion/Martin Second to adjourn.
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm
http://www.villageofladd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-08-10-MINUTES-1.pdf
Alerts Sign-up