Village of Ladd Village Board met April 25
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Ladd Village Board met in regular session on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in the Village Hall. Village 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, and Mike Urbanowski
In attendance: Clerk Bezely, Police Chief Frund, Village Treasurer Koch, Atty. Pat Barry, Engineer Adam Ossola
Thrasher motioned/Margherio second to accept April 11, 2023, regular meeting minutes as presented.
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Urbanowski motioned/Manning second to authorize payment of the bills in the amount of $120,702.23
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Bezely mentioned to the board that the water debt service fund has a negative balance. Bezely realized that there is a 2nd CD that matures in 2025. Bezely spoke with Hopkins & Associates about this situation and they assured Bezely saving the $5,000.00 was fine and that once the CD matures the fund will be a positive balance.
Nelson motioned/ Martin second to accept the Treasurer's Report for March 2023.
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Correspondence: A note of thanks from William & Marilyn Haas was read and distributed to the council. Public Comment: None
Committee Reports: Trustees Nelson & Margherio spoke regarding a request for the removal of trees on the berm on W Locust, S Selby, and N Peru Ave. It was decided the trees on W Locust and S Selby were leafing out therefore the Village will not remove them. The N Peru Ave tree remains will be removed by the Streets Department. Margherio brought up that he and Nelson look at trees quite a bit and people want them removed. Margherio asked if we have any ordinance in place that requires trees planted on the berm to be approved by the council. This will help in where they are located and how many are placed on the berm. Manning said he thought most of the trees we look at are all old trees. It was mentioned that maybe we should look at putting an ordinance in place that requires permission from the Village in order to plant a tree on the berm. Atty. Pat Barry will look into this.
Engineer’s Report: Ossola reported they will return this week to finish paving the alley. The entire project should be complete in a week or two and then Superior Excavating will be leaving town. Manning asked about the manhole in the 100 block of South Main and Ossola stated that Englehaupt felt he could switch a cover with holes in it to be placed in the alley. Nelson asked about the drain up by the new Mexican Restaurant so that the sewer smell could be minimized. Nelson feels switching the cover with the holes by the new Mexican Restaurant with the one in the alley makes the most sense and no cost will be necessary.
Superintendent’s Report: Not in Attendance
Police Chief: Frund asked if the board read the information he distributed. The police committee had a meeting and all items listed on the handout had been discussed. Frund asked the board to allow Adam Conness to work more than 1,000 hours annually which would require him to be signed up for IMRF. Frund stated that Conness likes Ladd and is willing to work these hours.
Margherio motioned/Manning second to Allow Adam Conness to work over 1,000 annually for the Village of Ladd.
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Frund has been here for one year as of April 1, 2023. He is asking for a raise. Cattani feels that inflation is 6% and he would suggest at least 4%.
Manning motioned/Thrasher second to give Police Chief Jacob Frund a 4% Raise. Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Atty. Pat Barry will prepare a new Ordinance with all the other benefits remaining the same after verifying this information with the council.
Frund discussed the clothing allowance for the Police Chief being $400.00 which has been this amount for a long time. He stated that boots and equipment are quite costly and requested an increase in his allowance.
Thrasher motioned/Urbanowski second to Increase the Clothing Allowance for the Police Chief to $800.00 annually.
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Frund told the council there is a tactical team (SRT) in our region. Frund was on it when he worked at Putnam County. Officers have retired and they are trying to put together a strong team. This team gets called when there are hostage situations or school shootings, drug warrants, etc. It is very important and they have asked him to be on the team. Frund is asking if he can take home the Ladd Squad to be ready to go whenever called. By taking home the squad all his equipment would be in the car ready for Frund to respond. The council feels there is no problem taking home the squad to be prepared in case of a call out of the SRT team. Frund stated he would not take home the old squad if the Village’s other squad was in the shop.
Margherio stated there have been a lot of complaints about 2 kids on motorized bicycles. Frund will look into this. The speed they travel is very concerning.
Frund stated he is on the ordinance violations. RV’s are out. Frund will double-check the ordinance to see what he needs to make sure happens. He is watching these. He encouraged the council to text, call or stop in anytime between meetings. He’s always available to go over concerns. Martin told Frund kids are sitting up on top of those little shelters. Frund yelled at the kids and will continue to watch.
Building Inspector: Not in attendance
Village Attorney: Attorney Barry stated he and Frund have spoken about the furniture store. We have given her the required notice as the ordinance states. Frund can now issue tickets for violations of the ordinance. They can be a daily ticket between $50-$500. Atty. Barry stated this is one option. The next option would be to file a lawsuit in court to order her to have the building demolished. This will be rather expensive and will take time but the court would eventually order it to be demolished. We will need Chamlin’s structural engineer to look at it and be able to testify. Then it will be taken down at the Village’s expense then we could put a lien on the real estate. Ultimately if she doesn’t cooperate it’s going to fall back on the Village. The question is whether you want to try to penalize her into cooperating or file the lawsuit and just bring the building down. We have not heard from the interested party that was mentioned several months ago. Atty. Barry will work with Chief Frund to get this accomplished. Barry recommended sending her 1 violation and then re-discuss it in 2 weeks at the next meeting. If we send the first citation and she doesn’t respond in the next 2 weeks then we will need to get harder with her. Atty. Barry states he knows that the Village does not want the building but it’s going to end up in our lap. Atty. Barry stated he thought the Village should start at $50 fine then goes to $100 then $200, etc. Discussion ensued about possible scenarios. A fine will be issued and this will be discussed again on May 9, 2023.
Unfinished Business: Summer Help for Public Works Dept: Manning felt that the superintendent should have interviewed and spoken with these kids to give the council some insight. Discussion ensued. Bezely contacted the applicants to see who is still interested or not so the board had some information. The two kids that worked last year did a good job. It was felt that they would hire 3 people. The two kids from last year, Aidan Jones, and Luis Reyes along with the new applicant Kameryn Gambiani.
Margherio motioned/Urbanowski second to offer the job to Kam Gambiani and Garrett Weathersby, the 2 Ladd applicants.
Manning was upset that we don’t have the department head at the meeting to answer the council’s questions. Martin agreed that Englehaupt needs to attend the meetings.
Ayes: Margherio, Urbanowski
Nays: Manning, Martin, Nelson, and Thrasher Motion did not pass 2-4
Nelson motioned – died due to lack of a second
Thrasher motioned/Manning second to Hire back Aidan Jones and Luis Reyes, and also hire Kameryn Gambiani for 2023 Summer Help.
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski. Motion carried 6-0
Tree Removal in Electric Lines: Cattani told the council we were only able to get 1 quote so this is it. Cattani stated that Feeder 2 is the worst and he suggests we move forward with getting this done. Thrasher motioned/Martin second to Accept Shearer Tree Services Quote for $90,000.00 to have tree branches in the electric lines cleared out in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Cattani stated that the price given would be held.
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Discuss Backhoe: Cattani stated that the 2018 Backhoe only has 1000 hours on it. If we purchase the 2018 backhoe we lose the warranty on it. They have added a maintenance contract if we decide to re lease the 2018 backhoe. Maintenance does not include greasing or the finer points being cared for. Cattani feels this is very important and it is not being done. The better deal is to lease a 2023 Backhoe. Nelson asked if we can make sure that this new 2023 Backhoe gets the attention it needs. The service contract will perform maintenance annually. Greasing is not included. The public works department will be responsible for greasing this new backhoe.
Manning motioned/Nelson second to Enter into a 5-year 1500 hour Lease option for a 2023 John Deere Backhoe for 60 months at $1,067.00 with a Balloon of $63,292.00.
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Thrasher motioned/Nelson second to Adjourn Sine Die from the meeting at 7:25 pm.
Ayes: Manning, Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Thrasher, Urbanowski - Motion carried 6-0
Attorney Patrick Barry Administered the Oath of Office to newly seated trustees Jan Martin, Brad Nicholson, and Andy Ruggerio. They were signed, notarized, and placed on file.
Roll Call at 7:29 pm: Present: Trustees Dave Margherio, Jan Martin, Dan Nelson, Brad Nicholson, Andy Ruggerio, and Molly Thrasher.
New Business: Resolution to Outgoing Trustees:
Andy motioned/Martin second to Pass and Present a Resolution to Recognize Jim Manning and Mike Urbanowski for their years of service.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, and Thrasher - Motioned carried 6-0
Atty. Patrick Barry read the resolution to everyone. Warm applause erupted. Pictures were taken. Committees and Appointments: Thrasher motioned/Margherio second the 2023-2025 Committees and Appointments.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, and Thrasher - Motioned carried 6-0
Meetings: Nelson motioned/Ruggerio second to Retain the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6:30 pm for regular board meetings.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, and Thrasher - Motioned carried 6-0
Policies & Procedures: Nicholson motioned/Martin second to retain the same policies and procedures.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, and Thrasher - Motioned carried 6-0 Working Cash: Nelson motioned/Thrasher second to Abolish Working Cash of $7,476.78 and re-establish Working Cash at 0.
Ruggerio asked if we can allocate this money to the recreation fund for repairs to the baseball diamond. Atty. Barry stated this must go into the General Fund but this money can be used for baseball diamond repairs. We can place this on the next agenda if that is desired.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, and Thrasher - Motioned carried 6-0
Request for Donation to the University of Illinois Extension: No action was taken. Award Seal Coat Bid for 2023 Motor Fuel Program: Ossola explained there were 3 bids. A document outlining all of this information was provided to the council. All three bidders were very close. They were all under the engineer's estimate.
Martin motioned/Nelson second to Accept the Bid from Pavement Maintenance for the Seal Coat Bid for the 2023 Motor Fuel Program.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, and Thrasher - Motioned carried 6-0
News Tribune Ads: Bezely verified with everyone the Summer Fun Information. We placed a color ad in 2022 and it was very nice. Bezely will update all events.
Thrasher motioned/Martin second to Place a Color ¼ Page Ad in the Summer Fun Magazine showcasing Ladd’s Summer Activities for $581.00.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nicholson, and Thrasher - Motioned carried 4-2
Nays: Nelson, Ruggerio
Cattani brought up an issue he received from Brandner Farms regarding a storm sewer lid on our easement. They are asking to lower it 18” below the surface so they can farm over it. Ossola stated that Englehaupt has reached out to Ossola regarding this. It is felt that Brandners must be responsible for all costs. They must use our engineer which is Chamlin. There is another lid that is only 10” deep behind Richard Fiocchi’s house. There is a sign already in place. If Brandner chooses to do this they will need to place a sign at the storm sewer lid they are lowering. Atty. Barry stated that the Village has the easement to put it in and any changes will be at their cost along with paying for our Engineer who will make sure everything is correct.
Nicholson asked a couple of questions. He wondered if since we are hiring 3 summer help can they clean the Park restrooms and the Community Center while they are working. Cattani stated we don’t want to lose our cleaning person. Nicholson stated that we need to check on our FCC License. He read some information that showed we’re delinquent. This will be looked into. Nicholson asked if with the cost to cut the trees out of the electric lines if we might be better off licensing an employee to do live line work. Cattani stated that Englehaupt is licensed to do this but he is unable to due to his 50# weight restriction. Cattani has someone in mind to help the Village in the future. We have the equipment so plans need to include certified employees in the future. Discussion ensued regarding this issue.
Margherio asked about the house at 234 S Lincoln Ave. He stated that the grass is long and it looks terrible. Bezely told him she contacted the bank in Ottawa which is currently the mortgage holder. They will get someone to cut the grass.
Announcements: Bezely called attention to the pledge that the Illinois Municipal League just created about respect. Sam Sarosinski cut out the pledge and hung it in the council chambers. Martin stated she loved it. Bezely asked if any of the council members looked at the streets and how the LED street lights appear on the roadways due to a resident’s concern. She asked if it seems darker which makes it less secure. Council members will make a point to look at this before the next meeting. Phil Hocking asked Bezely to relay to the council that he feels they need to be more active in the community, perhaps reaching out to the residents about any concerns they might have or want to discuss. The council feels that we allow anyone to come to meetings and voices their concerns. Bezely met with Steve Peterson and Dan Kasperski at the Community Center to look at the floors. They suggested starting with a PH Neutralizer floor cleaner to see if that will clean and shine the floors better than what we’ve been using. Once this floor cleaner is used we will re-assess buffing them. Bezely told Nicholson and Ruggerio payment for the 2nd ½ of this meeting will be on their May check. Mr. Hocking was also concerned about the garbage trucks being on our new asphalt in the Main Avenue alley. The council didn’t feel there would be any damage because the trucks just drive straight down the alley. Ossola stated that Mr. Hocking did talk with him and he explained this is an improvement as to what was there. Deputy Clerk Koch took a phone call today from IVAC, Bill Zens, and she is having a ribbon-cutting ceremony in May.
Martin motioned/Thrasher second to adjourn.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0
The meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm
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