Village of Ladd Village Board met Aug. 8.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Ladd Village Board met in regular session on Tuesday, August 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, Andy Ruggerio, and Molly Thrasher
In attendance: Village Clerk Rhonda Bezely, Deputy Clerk Julie Koch, Engineer Adam Ossola, Superintendent Doug Englehaupt, Police Chief Jacob Frund, Building Inspector Barry Flanagan
Thrasher motioned/Margherio second to accept July 25, 2023, regular meeting minutes as presented.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0
Martin motioned/Nicholson second to authorize payment of the bills in the amount of $68,316.39.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0
Correspondence: None
Public Comment: None
New Business: Jake Merkel Variance Recommendation from Zoning Board: Flanagan told the council that the zoning board had no issues with the variance application and recommend allowing a 4’ Black Ornamental Aluminum fence in the front yard at 332 S Central Avenue. A motion was made by Trustee Martin to approve the variance. Trustee Ruggerio made a motion to do away with the $300 fee for the variance or reduce it to half. Bezely addressed the council and asked if they remembered in 2019 changing the fencing ordinance to no longer allow any fence in the front yard in an R1 district. Bezely stated that because of the way Merkel’s house sits on the lot, fencing is needed in the front yard. Flanagan followed up by telling the board that this information is accurate. Flanagan stated that this ordinance can be changed if the board would like to do so. Englehaupt asked Bezely in regards to the cost if there is a publication fee for a variance. Bezely stated yes, and also payment to the zoning board members of $25 each, along with additional office work that must be completed. The board decided to leave the fee collected and not refund or partially refund the fee.
Martin motioned/Ruggerio second to Approve the Variance for Jake Merkel to erect a 4’ Black Ornamental Aluminum fence in his front yard.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Ruggerio, Thrasher, Nicholson - Motion carried 6-0
Committee Reports: Margherio & Nelson reported on the trees. 109 S Central Avenue tree should be taken down. 115 N Peru Avenue has a small tree that is dead and should be removed along with a large tree with a large dead limb. Margherio & Nelson stated that the large dead limb needs to be removed. 203 S Peru Ave will also be taken down. 201 N Chicago Ave will not be removed even though it was reported to have ants. It is alive and the Village will not remove it at this time. If the tree becomes concerning the resident is encouraged to call the Village Clerk again.
Engineer’s Report: New Business: Water Rate Study: Ossola provided a detailed handout explaining his study results. He took all the information and condensed it to 1 page of information explaining all findings. This information was discussed in detail and explained to the council. It was decided to keep everything the same at this time due to the 2037 projection being a surplus of $1,000,000.00 in the water fund. Bezely discussed renaming the water debt service. The board requested revisiting this in October 2025 and perhaps at that time, it could be renamed due to the $10.00 debt fee going towards infrastructure improvements.
Ruggerio asked when the Tar & Chip is expected to begin and Ossola stated he will rattle their cages. Superintendent’s Report: No Business to Discuss
Police Chief: Chief Frund updated the board on the stop signs. People are getting used to them. Ordinance violations are being discussed with residents. Chief Frund is working on investigations. The camera grant is still being pursued. Frund asked the board for any input regarding the property line between Ajsters and their neighbor to the north. A fence has been erected without a permit. There is no knowledge of where the property line is. Neither of them is cutting a small section of grass adjacent to the neighbor to the north’s driveway. Englehaupt has tried to locate pins without any success. After discussion, Frund will speak with the neighbor to the north about removing this fencing that is not permitted. All fences must be 2 feet in from the property line. It is the resident's responsibility to know where their property lines are before putting up any fencing.
Building Inspector: Flanagan explained to the board that his neighbor has not been good about trimming on Flanagan’s side of the fence. There is another home at 233 N Central Ave that has been fined due to not cleaning up their yard in the timeframe given. Fines have been placed on their utility bills after they have not been paid on time. Flanagan stated there are lots of properties in Ladd that have junk, building material, etc. in their yards that need to be cleaned up. Chief Frund is aware and working to clean up these issues. Flanagan asked Englehaupt about the electric easement out in the Granfield addition. Flanagan asked who governs the covenants. It was noted whoever created them. Flanagan stated that they are deceased. Then upholding laws transfer over to the Village Ordinances governing these subdivisions. The easement noted on the covenants still stands. It states in the covenants it is 25 north and 20 feet south but it also states that gardens, small shrubs, and small flowers can be planted on the easement. We had an issue with trees on the easement on Spring Creek Drive. The Atty had told Englehaupt that trees are also allowed on an easement. If anyone plants anything on the easement a JULIE must be called in and Englehaupt will address any issues at that time.
Village Attorney: Not in attendance
Unfinished Business: Garbage Rates starting 10/1/2023: The council reviewed the spreadsheets that Bezely prepared that show the balance in the garbage fund with many scenarios for garbage rates and cost from Repulic Service in addition, property tax revenue. After discussion of the revenue plus the property taxes received the council decided to leave the garbage rate at $12.00 per resident per month.
Margherio motioned/Thrasher second to leave the Garage Rates at $12.00 per month for 1 Year then readdress the Garbage Fund balance.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Ruggerio, Thrasher, Nicholson - Motion carried 6-0
Safe Routes to School 2023 applications will be due in October and this year there is no match. Bezely is working with NCICG to make an excellent application with the help of Frund, Koch & Sarosinski. The application will include a sidewalk from Eastern Ave to Peru Ave on the North Side of East Cleveland Street. This will provide a sidewalk where many kids have to walk on the road. It was mentioned that walkers are on the road also due to no sidewalks in this area. There is a Village right-of-way to allow for sidewalks to be added. It will have to be engineered to see how much right-of-way there is to add a sidewalk. Chamlin will handle all engineering. Also discussed were permanent speed limit signs with “Your Speed Is” registering people driving on Main Ave/Route 89 speed limit. The 2021 Safe Routes to School has still not been approved by IDOT. They are making changes they are requiring. This will likely change the number of blocks we expect to complete. This block could be added to the 2023 Safe Routes to School application. We will plan to submit an excellent application. Trustee Ruggerio reminded Englehaupt we need to get the sidewalk on the South side of War Memorial Park replaced once we get SRTS 2021 sidewalks going. It will be cheaper to ask a contractor to do this area as an extra at that time. It’s looking like SRTS 2021 will not be started until 2024. Bid letting may be planned for January or February 2024.
Compliance Review: IDOT performed a Compliance Review of The Motor Fuel Fund for May 1, 2020, thru April 30, 2022. The report was requested to be presented to the President and Board of Trustees and then filed as a permanent record in the Clerk’s Office.
Martin motioned/Nicholson second to Accept Compliance Review #67 from May 1, 2020, to April 30, 2022, for the Motor Fuel Fund.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0
TO GO Parking Only for Charro Taco’s & Bakery: Nelson requested with tenants parking on the street by Charro Tacos it would be nice to have a TO GO Parking Only sign put out in front of the restaurant to allow for take-out customers to have a parking spot.
Thrasher motioned/Nelson second putting up (1) TO GO Parking Only Parking Spot in front of Charro Tacos & Bakery.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0
President Cattani told the board he has been trying to get a trailer for our new Christmas Ornaments to be kept in when storing. Englehaupt asked how much C vans are running these days. Englehaupt will speak with Mario and Phil Hocking who both have C vans.
Rediscuss 2018 Backhoe vs 2023 Backhoe due to error by Martin Equipment: Cattani explained there was an error in the quotes that Martin Equipment provided for the 4-25-23 meeting on the cost to Lease a new 2023 and trade in the 2018 backhoe. The balloon payment was not considered in the numbers provided to the council. Information was provided to the council detailing the cost to continue the lease on the 2018 with John Deere, and the costs to finance the 2018 with North Central Bank for 36 months or 60 months. Detailed information was also provided on Leasing 2023 with John Deere or getting a loan at North Central Bank on the 2023 for 60 months. The council asked how many hours were on the 2018 Backhoe. He also asked about the life expectancy of a backhoe. Englehaupt told the board that with the lease they are always promised a working backhoe. Englehaupt understands the board's obligation to keep costs down. Cattani mentioned that we can rent one if need be or if it won’t start sometime. After discussion by the council and input from Englehaupt, a decision was made.
Ruggerio motioned/Nicholson second to purchase the existing 2018 John Deere Backhoe for $49,972.58 with a loan from North Central Bank for 60 months at 5.30% with a payment of $950.00 monthly.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0
Area Wide Football Ad: No action was taken
Announcements: OSLAD grant was not pursued due to a $200,000.00 minimum application with a 50% match. A Thank You card was sent to Phil & Mary Ann Hocking for the Big Truck Show and all the people it brought to the Village Businesses. Building at 218 N Main & 220 N Main Avenue have 2 Property Identification Numbers, as they are being split to allow for the sale of the south building by Todd & Lester Schmollinger. The board decided to waive the water tap and water meter fee since this is for a new business – Ladd Convenience. Martin motioned/Nelson second to Waive the $560.00 Water Tap & Water Meter Fee in Appreciation for the Ladd Convenience locating at 218 N. Main Avenue.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0
Hocus Pocus Hags have been booked for Sunday, 10/29/23 @ 1 pm Halloween Parade & Party. Christmas Walk 2023 is set for 12/9/23 from 2-5 pm. The council was asked to be available to help with putting out signs and picking them up along with other things that day. It was noted that Bezely & Koch donated their time popping popcorn at Music in the Park on 8-4-2023. The ribbon cutting for the Players Club Gaming has been tentatively set for Monday, August 14th at 4 pm unless the last owner to send his confirmation cannot make it. Bezely is still waiting to hear from him.
Margherio mentioned a horrible blind spot on Main Ave by the park. It is very hard to see to turn left or go straight. Thrasher agreed this is very dangerous.
Nicholson spoke about tree planting. He noticed the trees Morgan Wilson listed for the Village get between 45 & 55 feet tall. It was mentioned they would have a warranty. The quote states the trees will not be warrantied. What if we try to work out an agreement with a local landscaper to purchase 100 trees and plant 100 bare root trees or trees like you get at Menards, leaning towards the dogwoods, crabapples, Japanese lilac, or serviceberry? They usually come with a 1-year warranty. For payment we could offer the landscape company the lot at 124 N Hennepin Ave. Nicholson has not reached out to anyone yet but feels this would be a good deal for both the landscaper and the Village. A couple of landscapers were mentioned and the tree committee should reach out. The Village has received approximately 7 people interested in knowing more about how getting a tree planted on the berm will work. A Hot wings maple tree was mentioned to be a beautiful tree that gets 25 feet tall.
Martin asked if there was an update on the status of the Stalk Market. Cattani stated he’s been told there are still plans to open. It was decided by the council that as long as no one is living in the front that is fine.
The new owners of the old furniture store need to remove the truck on Main Ave, it is an eyesore. They need to get the area in front, back, and side cleaned up.
Thrasher brought up Halloween Hours. It was decided Trick or Treat will be on Tuesday, October 31st from 5-7 pm. Margherio questioned if people are home to get kids ready by 5 pm. Nelson would like to see it later. Residents need to be home to hand out candy.
Martin motioned/Margherio second to enter executive session 5ILCS 120/2 (c)(2) Deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of municipal employees at 7:57 pm.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher – motioned carried 6-0
8:24 pm After leaving Executive Session – Back in Regular Session:
Roll Call: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher
Thrasher motioned/Martin second to adjourn.
Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm
https://www.villageofladd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-08-08-MINUTES.pdf
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