Village of Ladd Village Board met July 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Ladd Village Board met in regular session on Tuesday, July 11, 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, Andy Ruggerio, and Molly Thrasher
In attendance: Village Clerk Bezely, Attys. Pat & Colin Barry, Engineer Adam Ossola, Superintendent Englehaupt
Thrasher motioned/Martin second to accept June 27, 2023, regular meeting minutes as presented.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0
Nelson motioned/Margherio second to authorize payment of the bills in the amount of $332,594.23
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0
Correspondence: 2 thank you cards were read from Bill Haas and Allison Faber & Family
Public Comment: None
Committee Reports: Unfinished Business: Tree Planting Ordinance: Margherio continued the discussion on the tree-planting ordinance. Discussion ensued. The council is unsure who should be paying for the trees, planting the trees, and watering the trees. They asked if a survey could be sent with the next utility bills asking residents interested in getting a tree on the berm to let the clerk know. This will indicate to the board the amount of interest our residents have. Margherio feels that trees on the berm cost the Village a lot of money so the council needs to control what types of trees are being planted. Atty Barry reminded the council the ordinance currently being discussed only regulates the type of trees allowed to be planted on the berm. Margherio asked if we had a tree program before. Englehaupt explained the previous program. The Village paid for the trees in the previous tree program. The council is trying to make sure the trees that get planted on the berm are not going to grow into the electric lines. They feel discussing the best type of trees to plant with a professional makes the most sense. This will be discussed after survey results are in.
Engineer’s Report: Margherio asked Ossola for an update on the Main Avenue sidewalks & Safe Routes to School. Ossola stated he’s heard nothing on the Main Avenue sidewalks. On the Safe Routes to School, the IDOT engineer feels there need to be some changes to the plan for SRTS. He and Ossola are discussing and updating costs to determine what will be done and what the cost will be with the additional work. Nelson asked about the tables in front of Charro Tacos and the entrance to the building where the convenience store is going. Ossola did not speak to anyone regarding this. Cattani stated that he has spoken to Schollinger regarding the entrance. Nelson asked why we have a Do Not Enter sign at the south end of the alley by War Memorial Park behind Main on Locust. Englehaupt stated this was done back when the taste freeze was open for 1-way traffic.
Superintendent’s Report: New Business: Asphalt vs Seal/Chip behind Village Hall & at Electric Shop: Englehaupt explained that at Chicago Ave the parking lot by the electric shop was chip sealed many years ago and needed to be done again quite a while ago. This entire area would cost approximately $7,000.00 according to Ossola’s estimate. This would include 3 layers. The parking lot behind Village Hall asphalt vs chip seal was discussed in detail. Nicholson mentioned using asphalt grinding. Cattani was concerned about the uniformity of the grindings and how it is rolled and whether it will be smooth or not. After a discussion of all options, it was determined not to do anything at the Village Hall. There was a discussion about repairing the Village Hall vs selling it as is. It was decided to sell the building as it is and look into engineering drawing up a plan and pricing to move the Village Hall into the Community Center with an addition added for the Police Department and Community Room/Council Chambers. Ossola will bring the last information he put together when the Village was asking for a cost estimate to submit a grant. Martin motioned/Margherio second to Chip Seal the Electric Shop Area at 412 N Chicago Ave with 3 Layers Not to Exceed $7,000.00
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0
Water Tower Painting & Leg Repair: Englehaupt informed the board that the water tower on LaSalle Ave will be painted this year. We will drain it on Monday. While it is empty it was decided quite a while ago that we could get the concrete base repaired while the tower is empty. Englehaupt spoke with Don Baxter of Starline Construction. Starline will contact Cruz Concrete and work with them. This will have to be on a Time & Material basis due to many unknowns.
Nicholson asked to address the superintendent. He questioned if our new bucket truck is a Freightliner. Englehaupt responded yes. Nicholson stated there is no authorized Freightliner repair in this area. You have to travel to have a Freightliner repaired or maintained. Nicholson was concerned this would be a problem in the future. The Freightliner purchase is a done deal. We have purchased this bucket truck. Englehaupt stated that many parts and repairs are not obtainable locally. Martin mentioned a truck repair that is excellent with their repairs at the Food Pantry, JayZ out of Spring Valley, IL
Police Chief: Not in attendance
Building Inspector: Not in attendance
Village Attorney: Unfinished Business: New Ordinance to Remove Yield Signs and Erect Stop Signs: Atty Barry explained the detailed ordinance.
Martin motioned/Thrasher second to Pass an Ordinance Authorizing and Directing the Removal of Yield Signs in Both the Northerly and Southerly Directions of Central Ave at its Intersection with Elm St, in Both the Northerly and Southerly Directions of Chicago Ave at its Intersection with Pine St, and Both the Northerly and Southerly Directions of Central Ave at its Intersection with Locust St and Further Authorizing the Erection of Stop Signs in Both the Northerly and Southerly Directions of Central Ave at its Intersection with Elm St, in Both the Easterly and Westerly Directions of Pine St at its Intersection with Chicago Ave, in Both the Northerly and Southerly Directions of Chicago Ave at its Intersection with Pine St, in Both the Northerly and Southerly Directions of Central Ave at its Intersection with Locust St, and in Both the Easterly and Westerly Directions of Locust St at its Intersection with Central Ave all in the Village of Ladd, Bureau County, Illinois.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher, Cattani - Motion carried 7-0
Ordinance Establishing Deputy Clerk/Utility Billing Clerk Wage: Atty Barry reminded the council that at the last meeting, they agreed to give Julie Koch, Deputy Clerk/Utility Billing Clerk a 4% raise which would take her from $18.56 to $19.30. Atty Barry prepared the ordinance.
Nicholson motioned/Ruggerio second to Pass Ordinance Amending the Wage of the Deputy Clerk/Utility Biller of the Village of Ladd, Bureau County, IL as of 7/1/2023.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher, Cattani - Motion carried 7-0
Announcements: Cancun is possibly being sold. The current liquor license holder spoke with Bezely about being allowed to pay a few days after the due date if a sale is in the works. Bezely told Ceballos she would ask the council. The council felt this would be okay.
The owner of the old pharmacy was called on 7/6/23 and reminded that all of the previous owner’s appliances must be removed from the building and the hole between the buildings must be closed up by 7/25/23. She was having her husband contact Mr Andana. She stated there is no longer a renter in back. The Big Truck Show is this weekend from 10 am – 3 pm along with the Car Cruise at A&B Garage.
Appropriations Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 2 pm. The Council is invited to attend. A text alert reminding people to complete the Cross Connection Survey by 7/15/23 or be fined $50 was sent today. There were tons of calls and texts after this message went out. The ordinance was reviewed before sending the text alert. First is a $50 fine then disconnection of service because this is mandatory. The Foreclosure on Lincoln Ave was sold and the Village of Ladd recovered the $3,807.75 owed. Red Cross Bloodmobile on August 25, 2023, from 1 pm – 6 pm at Ladd Community Center.
Margherio spoke to the council regarding the Herlien Trust. Margherio spoke in depth with Englehaupt regarding attracting development to this area. Most development is looking to buy property that is “ready” meaning, all utilities are “there”. Would the Village of Ladd consider moving the utilities out that way via the Central Street extension? This could be done over time. The sewer will be the most costly to bring out to this area. A letter of intent from a company looking to locate in this area would hopefully bring the council to an agreement to install the necessary lift station for the sewer. Discussion ensued regarding residential lots being developed or commercial property locations being considered so when companies want to move forward with their project we are understanding and developing this area to allow for future sale. The Village would have to obtain land from the Herlein Trust in order to bring sewer out to this property. Englehaupt wondered if the property was in the Enterprise Zone. Atty Colin Barry stated he didn’t think it was in the current enterprise zone but it could be added. Bezely asked if the Herlien Trust would annex into the Village of Ladd and if we could rebate any additional taxes until the property sells but Atty Barry stated they are not willing to do this until the property is sold.
Happy Birthday was sung to Trustee Andy Ruggerio!
Martin motioned/Nicholson second to adjourn.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerion, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0 The meeting adjourned at 7:53 pm
https://www.villageofladd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-07-11-MINUTES.pdf
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