Village of Ladd Village Board met May 9.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Ladd Village Board met in regular session on Tuesday, May 8, 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 Dave Margherio, Jan Martin, Dan Nelson, Brad Nicholson, Any Ruggerio, Molly Thrasher (6)
In Attendance: Clerk Bezely, Atty. Pat Barry, Building Inspector Barry Flanagan, Police Chief Jacob Frund & Engineer Adam Ossola
Margherio motioned/Thrasher seconded to accept April 25, 2023, regular meeting minutes. Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher – Motioned carried 6-0
Nelson motioned/Martin seconded to authorize payment of the bills in the amount of $68,108.34 Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher – Motioned carried 6-0
Correspondence: None
Public Comment: Tim VanFleet of Chicago Avenue addressed the board out of concern for children, pets, and walkers on Pine Street and Chicago Avenue. He feels a stop sign on Pine Street and Chicago Avenue would help slow down the traffic on Pine Street. He even wondered if another stop sign at Central Ave might help. Otherwise, he suggested a lower speed limit of 15 mph in Ladd. The board will discuss this with the police after they have time to observe this area.
New Business: Plan Commission Decision on 602 E. Cleveland St. Village President Cattani told the council that the Plan Commission recommends approval of this variance.
Martin motioned/Nelson seconded Approval of Variance for 602 E Cleveland Allowing a 6-foot Fence in a Front Yard. It is felt that there will be no obstruction in the line of sight for cars pulling out on Cleveland St. Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher – Motioned carried 6-0
Committee Reports: Nelson had pictures of a tree that Ruggerio reported is split. It is on the berm south of Ruggerio’s house. The tree is alive. The village streets department will look at this tree to determine if the split portion can be and will be removed. Ruggerio stated for safety removal of this portion would be requested. Nelson spoke about 4 drains covered up with gravel and debris. Nelson said there is very limited drain capability. This is the corner of Lincoln Ave and Locust Street. Nelson stated that he was approached by Rick Naumann about a sidewalk that he got replaced about 3 years ago getting destroyed when the Village took down a tree on his berm. Martin asked about plastic fencing around the front of a house on E Cleveland Street. Flanagan stated that the homeowner is protecting his grass and landscaping from students walking in it while on their way to school. Ruggerio mentioned that he thinks the street sweeper needs to be run from Frank’s house to the Railroad tracks on both sides of the street to clean up the curb and gutter. President Cattani will review all these items with Englehaupt tomorrow.
Engineer’s Report: Ossola spoke about the Alley Water Main Project being done. Ossola and Englehaupt will walk thru and be discussing any final items that need to be addressed tomorrow. Cattani stated that the contractor did an excellent job. Bezely mentioned the seeding, leveling, and straw over on Cedar Street near Ajster Signs has been rutted up. This will be addressed. Ossola stated we can get this project completed. The Safe Routes to School Project bid letting is looking to happen around August 2023. Main Avenue Sidewalk Grant is still awaiting a Grant Agreement.
Superintendent’s Report: Not in attendance
Police Chief: Chief Frund stated that an ordinance violation was sent to the owner of 109 N Main Avenue last week for $100.00. He will wait 2 weeks due to the mailing of the ticket through USPS. Frund will keep an eye on the Pine Street speeders and also Chicago Avenue. Frund reminded the council the speed limit is 25 mph in town and it does look fast but when you use the radar gun many times it isn’t over the speed limit. Nelson asked if we might be able to borrow that speed indicator again. Frund will check into it. Frund said all is going great in the department. Police coverage is good. Atty. Barry reminded the board to legally enforce stop signs an ordinance must be put in place. Discussion about lowering the speed limit ensued. Signs would have to be posted/changed if a decision was made to lower the speed limit. Nelson asked if slow children playing signs could be erected. The council will discuss and decide as more information is brought forth after patrolling this area. Martin asked if the motorized bikes are actually speeding. Frund is handling these two bike owners and speaking with their parents. They were told the seriousness of the situation. Margherio spoke about the young kids that live across from the free library across from War Memorial Park They are running back and forth to the park and residents complain of almost hitting these little ones. Frund is aware of this he will address it. Frund is in favor of stop signs where ever the board requests they be placed. Frund is talking to Cherry regarding their crossing lights since they no longer have a school. Ossola did look into this and the Village is responsible for the Crossing lights. If any changes are made – IDOT has to be contacted.
Building Inspector: Flanagan said everything is going fine. Bezely told the board that Flanagan has been excellent in getting people called and looking into building permits promptly. She thanked him for being so conscientious with the residents’ time and her time.
Village Attorney: Old Business 109 N Main Avenue Building: Atty. Barry emailed the owner of 109 N. Main Avenue the day after the meeting explaining the council authorized fines regarding the condition of her building, Bezely sent pictures of the roof that she received. It is shot. Again, the options are to continue to fine her and see if she responds (Bezely asked if she can put the unpaid fines on the utility bill and Barry said yes) or gets the building sold. 2. File a demolition suit against her and if she doesn’t do it we will have to do it anyway. Nelson asked if we can ask her to pay us to take it off her hands. 3. Take over the property. Possibly asking her to pay $40,000.00 to the Village for us to take it over.
Old Business: Police Chief Salary Ordinance: There is a 4% increase in his salary all other benefits remain the same with the clothing allowance being increased from $400.00 annually to $800.00 annually. Martin motioned/Nelson seconded Adopt Ordinance Revising Compensation and Benefits for Jacob Frund the Police Chief of Ladd.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher, Cattani – Motioned carried 7-0 Nicholson mentioned looking behind the building at 109 N Main Ave and would like to fine her for litter and a public nuisance if possible. The alley is a mess. Atty. Barry told the council that we can absolutely fine her for these things also. Atty. Barry put in his last email to the owner that at the very least she could come down and pick up the mess her building has created. We have heard no response. Margherio asked if we can request her appearance at a council meeting. Atty. Barry said we can. Atty. Barry read his last email to the owner. Village President Cattani feels that the Village needs to make a move on this dangerous building. Discussion ensued on the legality of this dilapidated building. All costs to pursue any avenues fall to the Village.
New Business: Net Metering Policy 2023: Atty. Barry heard from IMEA that there was a typo referring people to section 12 when it should have been section 10. Barry corrected and Bezely will get the updated information on the website.
Martin motioned/Nicholson seconded Adoption of the New Net Metering Policy for 2023 for the Village of Ladd. Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher, Cattani – Motioned carried 7-0
New Business: Special Event Liquor License: Margherio motioned/Thrasher seconded Approval of a Special Event Liquor License for the Greg Colmone Scholarship Fund Trivia Night to be held at War Memorial Park on the tennis courts or if inclement weather at the Ladd Community Center.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher – Motioned carried 6-0
New Business: Non-Union Health, Dental, Vision Insurance Renewal: Renewal information and a spreadsheet to show the cost to the Village along with costs to the employees for the non-union employees were provided. Options were given but the 3 employees feel the best option is renewing the Gold Plan due to the lower deductible. The other plans have so much higher deductibles.
Ruggerio motioned/Nelson seconded Renewing BCBS Gold Plan, Dental, and Vision Benefits for Non-Union Employees.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher – Motioned carried 6-0
New Business: Garbage Contract: Atty. Barry spoke on some concerns about the Garbage Contract from Republic Services. It is a 5-year contract. Rates start at $19, then increase 5% annually to $19.95, $20.95, and $22.00, 5th year would be $23.10. It states many concerning ways that the costs can potentially be increased. It also mentioned fuel charge increase and that the Village is responsible for all of their equipment which points to the trash carts which Pozzi stated they would replace when broken as many times as necessary. This is concerning. Atty. Barry will respond to Jim Pozzi regarding these additional highlighted concerns and we will see if they will remove/change these parts in the contract. Margherio stated that he is not happy we did not go out for bid. Atty. Barry stated that we don’t have to sign the contract. It was decided that if Republic will change the contract to remove these sections we will move forward with signing the contract.
Residential rates beginning October 1, 2023, will be determined by the council after Atty. Barry contacts Jim Pozzi and gets questions on the new contract addressed. The possibility of going out for bid is still doable if Republic doesn’t respond the way the Village is comfortable.
Margherio asked if we might possibly use the garbage fund to demolish the building at 109 N Main Ave. Atty. Barry said we would need to reach out to the auditor and see if she feels this is acceptable.
New Business: E-Billing for Village Residents: Bezely provided a list explaining the pros of offering e-billing. The only con was the cost increase of $100.00. It would save time for anyone that opts in because we wouldn’t have to print, fold, count, and weigh each of these bills. The Village will do a big push to advertise the new option as soon as it is in place. We will still be allowed to keep our permit (it requires 200 pieces mailed monthly). I don’t see us going below the monthly mailing of 400 pieces.
Nicholson motioned/Nelson Seconded Approval to Provide Residents with the Option of E-Billing through Payment Service Network.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher – Motioned carried 6-0
Announcements: Village President Cattani reminded the council about the ribbon cutting at Illinois Valley Therapeutic Massage and Yoga. Steve & Amy Bosi are running the concession stand at Kennedy Park and will deposit any profit into the Ladd Sports Savings account. May 1st there was the annual 5% increase in electric rates per ordinance. Ax Church is unable to be here for Hope Week due to moving their church to another building. If they have members looking for opportunities to help communities they will have them contact me.
There is a security awareness packet in your documents. Please read it and sign the last page to acknowledge the reading of this new statute. Todd Schmollinger contacted Bezely about a potential buyer for the south building he owns. Schmollinger is looking to divide the properties to have their own Parcel ID Numbers and addresses, along with getting a water tap, water meter, and sewer tap since these buildings have always been handled as one. The board waived the electric upgrade cost to bring separate power to the south building back in 12/2021. Schmollinger is now in the process of getting this completed. The board feels that they would like to refund Schmollinger the $640.00 tap fees if a business is opened in the building he is potentially selling. The council stated that they would like to see a propane rack in the alley rather than on Main Avenue. There was a question about a ramp being installed on the sidewalk. This will be the owner's responsibility and permission will be obtained from the council after drawings and ideas are presented by the owner. The owner is welcome to apply for a Façade grant to help with the cost of this. A quick document was typed up at Englehaupts suggestion to note the separation of these two properties. The Recreation Special Account that was set up for Fall Protection by Andy Ruggerio has a balance of $633.57. Now that the water project is complete can we get pricing for the sidewalk on the south side of War Memorial Park alongside Cleveland Street to be replaced? We could use the rest of this money toward the sidewalk and this account could be closed out. Ossola was asked to explain the Lead Line situation. The current requirement was ONLY to find out if anyone has a lead line or a possible lead line (can’t tell unless excavation is done). Once the state gets all this information then I’m sure another requirement will be issued. At that point, many Villages/Towns are hoping there will be grant opportunities to pay for this work. We have to wait and see. Rich Corsolini from Ladd American Legion is requesting permission to have Poppy Day on Saturday, May 27, 2023. He would like to collect at the Post Office, Casey’s, and at Route 6 & 89. The Village council has no problem with this. Ruggerio stated that 6 & 89 is Spring Valley’s jurisdiction. The E-Recycling event went very well. 9 people paid the extra $10 fee for having more than 3 items.
Thrasher motioned/Margherio second to adjourn.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher – Motioned carried 6-0 The meeting adjourned at 7:54 pm
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