Illinois Valley Times

Village of Ladd Village Board met Nov. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Ladd Village Board met in regular session on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the Ladd Community Center, 303 S. Central Avenue. 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, Brad Nicholson, Andy Ruggerio, Molly Thrasher, Dan Nelson (6)

In attendance: Village Clerk Rhonda Bezely, Deputy Clerk/Village Treasurer Julie Koch, Police Chief Jacob Frund, Engineer Adam Ossola, Superintendent Doug Englehaupt, Atty. Pat Barry

Thrasher motioned/Margherio second to accept the October 24, 2023, regular meeting minutes as presented.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

Nicholson motioned/Ruggerio second to authorize payment of the bills in the amount of $108,136.82. Ruggerio questioned the check to CCMSI for CPR training. Bezely explained that 4 union employees along with Bezely and Koch obtained training in CPR and this cost was for the Training Instructor and 2-year certification. Ruggerio asked if we wanted to pay off the 2020 Ford SUV Police Cruiser. The loan rate is 3.25% which is lower than the rate on a CD. We will continue to pay this monthly. Ruggerio also asked if another company could have hauled the sand. Cattani felt that since he is no longer associated with Starline Construction he wanted to offer this work to them. Cattani explained he would price the other companies in Ladd also.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

Correspondence: Thank you, cards were received from Project Success for the Holiday Donation, and from The Ladd Christmas Walk Committee for the donation.

Public Comment: Mario Data spoke about his plans to put up a 40x60 building on his lot at 201 S. Main Avenue. Drawings and details were displayed to the trustees. He will obtain a building permit and this will be placed on the next agenda (11/28/2023) for review, discussion, and possible approval by the Council.

Committee Reports: None

Engineer’s Report: None

Superintendent’s Report: New Business - WWTP Pump: Englehaupt discussed the quotes he obtained from Electric Pump for the repair and replacement of the pump at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Trustees asked Englehaupt several questions. This pump will be a backup and placed into our inventory. A decision was made to purchase new. Englehaupt will check into the freight on the quote, inquire about core credit from the pump that is not usable, and secure the quoted cost.

Ruggerio motioned/Margherio second to Purchase a New Pump not to exceed $16,264.25 Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

Police Chief: Chief Frund reported things are going well. Frund mentioned some staffing issues have come about due to Bureau County being short-handed; therefore, mandatory shifts have pulled our scheduled part-time police into Bureau County. Frund told the council he would keep an eye on this.

He will address this in the future if need be. Margherio asked if Frund was aware of the anonymous letter that was received regarding dogs off-leash in Kennedy Park and residents not picking up after their dogs. Frund was aware but without more information, it is not possible to watch the park all the time. If someone wants to send a picture of the dog and its owner then it can be addressed. Frund also stated that there would be no action on item B under new business.

Building Inspector: Not in attendance

Village Attorney: Atty. Barry asked if we had received information from the IMEA regarding the Regional Meeting in early December. Barry will forward this information to Bezely. Barry also mentioned our contract with the IMEA is to expire in 2035. They will be looking to get Municipalities signed up to extend their contracts so they can be assured they have enough towns to go out for bids on power.

Margherio asked about starting negotiations on the union contract. Atty. Barry stated he thought we were going to wait until the 1st of 2024. Margherio wondered if we should start thinking about who will be negotiating this. Atty. Barry feels the union usually reaches out to the Village first. Cattani feels we should form a committee with a couple of councilmen. We will probably need to have an agenda and minutes and the negotiations will be open meetings. Englehaupt feels there are rules on how early this can begin. Margherio felt that Jed suggested starting earlier so the council could discuss their thoughts before negotiations begin.

Unfinished Business – Discuss New Village Hall: After discussion, it was determined that Frund & Bezely will meet with Ossola to determine what they need in their offices. Margherio feels that we need to figure out what we want first. Maybe we can get a contractor from town to give us an idea of the cost. Prevailing wages will be mandatory. The Village needs to come up with a drawing to show a contractor what we want to get an approximate cost. Ossola suggested coming up with what the Village is willing to afford then we can back into what the scope of the project might be. The council agreed that $500,000.00 was a good place to start.

Unfinished Business – 2 Additional Flag Poles at Monument: Ruggerio requested adding 2 more flag poles to the monument. One for the State of Illinois Flag and one for the Space Command Branch of Service. Discussion ensued. It was determined that we would not add any flag poles to the monument, we would just have them straightened. Ruggerio contacted P&D sign and they will provide a quote to add 2 flag poles near the Tank where a light exists. These 2 new poles will have the State of Illinois flag and the POW/MIA flag. This will open a flag pole on the monument where the Space Command Flag will be placed.

New Business – Future of Community Garden for 2024: Nelson asked why this was being discussed in November. Bezely stated that Ruggerio requested this agenda item discussion in case we need to get the grass cut if the garden does not happen in 2024. It is felt there is substantial interest in the Community Garden therefore we will plan to have it in 2024.

New Business – Handrail at Post Office: Ruggerio wanted this discussed because people are having a hard time getting up the ramp into the Post Office. Discussion ensued. It was decided no action would be taken at this time. This is State right of way.

Announcements: 2nd Property Tax Payment Received: Bezely provided a copy of the 2nd installment of property taxes received. Hocus Pocus Hags: Requested $200 donation be given to the Ladd Public Library. Holiday Parties with Village of Cherry: Cherry residents reached out via Facebook & Messenger and requested that Cherry and Ladd combine their holiday parties and celebrations. This would combine money and helpers and still be in the Village of Ladd. Thrasher will investigate this since she is on the recreation committee. 207 N Main Avenue: Property for sale, an interested party requests a liquor license if purchases the building to open a gaming parlor. Must have a liquor license to have video gaming machines. The interested person will call after she tours the property. Nicholson also heard from a guy from Senica who has a restaurant called Social Garage. This gentleman is considering a gaming café. The asking price for the building is $35,000.00. Sleigh for Council Members  Float: Matt Peters has offered his sleigh to the Village. The trustees would like to ride on the sleigh in the lighted parade. A trailer will need to carry the sleigh. The Trustees will figure out how to decorate it and have lights and a snowman. It was mentioned that we could ask our 100-year-old resident Mae Piacenti. Julie will investigate this. Thank you: Englehaupt set up all tables and chairs for tonight's meeting. Fillable Forms on Website: Bezely spoke with someone qualified and willing to convert our Word documents to fillable forms and place them on our website to be emailed to the clerk. An approximate cost of $750.00 was discussed to get all forms converted to fillable and emailable. The council feels this is not necessary currently. We will continue to provide forms as we currently do. Raffle License: A Raffle License application was received from Softails. After discussion, it was determined that Softails is not a non-profit and therefore cannot hold a raffle license. The application was denied. The fire department felt that our ordinance and requirements were not fair. Social Security Number (last 4 digits), manager’s bond or minutes showing a unanimous vote waiving the manager's bond requirement, receipts for the cost of prizes, etc. are all application requirements. Atty. Barry stated this is all in the State statute. Ruggerio asked if this Ordinance could be rescinded. According to Atty. Barry if we allow raffles, we must have this ordinance. Any business that has video gaming cannot hold a Raffle License. Nicholson asked if the Village could sponsor a raffle and Atty. Barry stated not. Nicholson wondered how a raffle application would be done for the Christmas Walk. Atty. Barry stated that a Ladd Christmas Walk Committee member would need to complete the Raffle Application. Anyone wanting a Raffle License MUST be a not-for-profit.

Nicholson asked what our status is with bringing fiberoptic to the Village of Ladd. Stratus will not return calls or emails since we did not get a 30% survey response from our residents. Surf Internet is who is doing the City of Oglesby. They are very happy with the speed and cost.

Martin motioned/Thrasher second to adjourn.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

The meeting adjourned at 8:02 pm

https://www.villageofladd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-11-14-MINUTES.pdf