Village of Diamond Village Board met Oct. 26.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Proceedings, transactions, and resolutions made and order of said record of said Board in the Village of Diamond, IL on the 26th day of October 2021.
The scheduled meeting of the Diamond Village Board was held at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Teresa “Terry” Kernc presiding. Upon roll call Commissioner’s present were Dean Johnson, Jeff Kasher and Dave Warner. Absent was Mark Adair. Face masks along with social distancing was required.
Approval of 10-12-2021 Minutes
MOTION was made by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher to approve the 10/12/2021 regular meeting minutes and place on file. All Ayes: Motion Carried.
Approval of October 26, 2021 Bill List
MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Johnson to accept the bill list and place on file. All Ayes: Motion Carried.
Public Comment
None
New Business
Property Owner Fred Price
Fred Price, owner of 2 properties located on Division Street, stated he and his wife have owned the properties for 6 years and are facing financial difficulties due to some of their tenants moving out, the inability to get new tenants and COVID. He said the large 7700 square foot building has been vacant for a year and hoped the Board might consider relief from the water/sewer bill until he can secure a tenant. The Board discussed the current ordinance which requires that a minimum bill be collected. Furthermore, the Village has been transferring funds from the general reserve fund to the water/sewer fund to cover the annual bond payment. Unfortunately, the water/sewer fund will still be upside due to unanticipated expenses at the water/sewer plants and infrastructure improvements. Village Attorney John Gallo explained that the Village pledged revenues from the water and sewer source and the annual 5% increase. Mayor Kernc added that the Village also has to consider other property owners in the same situation and setting precedent. Commissioner Warner added that, if the property owner opted to turn the water off to ensure there is no water use, the $50 turn on/off fee could only be waived. The Board agreed that the Village would not be able to waive payment of the bi-monthly water/sewer bill for lack of tenant due to its bond obligations.
STP3 Phase 2 Engineering
Mayor Kernc stated that the Village STP3 Will Road received approval for $340,000 Phase 2 Engineering and the work can begin January 1, 2022. She said that due to CRRSAA money, the Village qualifies for no local match and would not have to spend 20% to receive the $340,000. She said she plans to budget $60,000 for the negotiator and appraiser which is not covered by the grant. Furthermore, Mayor Kernc said the Village did make the STP contingency program for the complete reconstruction of Will Road.
Approve IMLRMA invoice in the amount of $47,488.85
MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Warner to approve the IMLRMA invoice in the amount of $47,488.85. All Ayes: Motion Carried.
Discuss/Approve Surf Broadband Solutions
Mayor Kernc said she met with Cesare Bratta with Surf Broadband, who would like to provide fiber optic services to Diamond. They have already partnered with Morris and Coal City. They would underground bore in the right of way as other utilities. Some concern was expressed regarding overcrowding the right of way and Attorney Gallo said the Village has previously adopted an ordinance regarding construction in the Village’s right of way. Mayor Kernc said she provided Attorney Gallo with a sample agreement for review; however, at this time it is unclear whether a franchise agreement would be permitted. Mayor Kernc added they would provide as-builts for the Village’s GIS. The Board agreed it is a great opportunity for the Village and Cesare can provide additional information at the next board meeting.
Old Business
Grundy and Will County Sheriff’s Monthly Update
No Report
Legal Counsel
No Report
Engineer Updates
No Report
Public Works Supervisor Report
Acting Public Works Supervisor Jim Dunning said he received the salt contract in the amount of $66.58 per ton. He noted there were a few issues at the lift station over the past weekend due to all the rain but managed to get it under control after pulling 2 pumps. Dunning stated he is working with Tonka to investigate the issues with the media filters. The new pump will be installed in Diamond Estates on Wednesday, October 27. Lastly, he has scheduled a webinar with IDOT for winter weather training. Village Engineer complimented public works on recognizing the problem with the pumps on McGinty and getting them repaired before they both failed. Mayor Kernc agreed and said that Jim and Larry both went out during the night to ensure things were working properly.
Clerk Updates
No Report
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Johnson
No Report
Commissioner Kasher
Commissioner Kasher stated that following the last Board Meeting he and Dunning went to the plant to inspect the entry doors which are to be replaced. He realized that, despite the highly corrosive environment, he feels they could have been repaired. Commissioner Kasher said he called Wunderlich Doors to try and cancel the contact but was unable to do so. He requested in the future he have the opportunity to review these situations to perhaps come up with alternate solutions.
Commissioner Adair
Absent
Commissioner Warner
No Report
Mayor Kernc
Mayor Kernc stated that she and Attorney Gallo met with Acciona regarding extending the Village’s enterprise zone to utilize it for a new solar farm project. The are leasing property in Will County that abuts the Village’s enterprise zone where it was previously expanded. She said they will be working with Attorney Gallo and still have to go before the Will County Board. Mayor Kernc added it is very similar to the Blue Sky solar project. They hope to be selling energy by 2025, will create 400 and 600 construction jobs and, once on-line, will have 10 employees, and the project consists of approximately 3000 acres.
Adjournment to Closed Session (Employee Issues)
MOTION was made by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Johnson to enter closed session at 6:51 p.m. for employee issues. All Ayes: Motion Carried.
MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Warner to enter open session with no action taken at 7:42 p.m. All Ayes: Motion Carried.
Adjournment
MOTION was made to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher. All Ayes: Motion Carried.
https://www.villageofdiamond.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/10-26-21-Board-Minutes.pdf
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